Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-08-28

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader on the Cyprus problem at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

[02] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader to Ada TV and Kanal 24 TV

[03] Ercakica alleged that the Russian officials should be ready to change their point of view to the Cyprus problem

[04] Ertugruloglu alleged that Mr Talat and the UBP gave up occupied Morfou

[05] Ferryboat trips from occupied Cyprus to Lattakia have been resumed

[06] The Russian Ambassador to Turkey reaffirms Moscows stance on the recognition of the pseudo-state

[07] The Turkish Cypriot National Council argued that united Cyprus will have no other result than abandoning the people to the Greek-Greek Cypriot colonialism

[08] Protest in occupied Morfou against unemployment

[09] The Turkish embassy to the occupied part of Nicosia is reportedly behind the religious classes of 400 children from the occupied areas in Turkey

[10] «European University of Lefka» to host the 16th International INFORUM Conference

[11] Turkish Foreign Ministry releases statements on the importance of territorial integrity of Georgia

[12] Gul on the developments in Caucasus and Cyprus

[13] Ankara keeps a low profile in its reactions to the recent developments in Caucasus

[14] Turkey to drop the new from its banknotes as of 2009. The new notes to circulate in occupied Cyprus as well

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader on the Cyprus problem at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

Mr Talat expressed his satisfaction for being at the ITO and noted that ITO is one of the rare organizations which could contribute to the economic development of the TRNC. Reminding that a new process will start soon in Cyprus, Mr Talat added:

We hope that this process will end with an agreement. This is a difficult process, because unfortunately a plan, which was formed with the accumulated experience of 40 years, has been rejected earlier by the Greek Cypriots and collapsed. Now we are starting a process from the beginning. And the same conditions do not exist in this process. No solution plan has been or is being prepared in order to be put onto the table. We are going to prepare it. It is really difficult to reach to an agreement which both sides will accept and sign. From this point of view, difficult days are in store for us. Of course, an agreement that will be eliminating the rights gained by the Turkish Cypriots is inconceivable for us. We will work for reaching an agreement which protects our rights and will be providing for the Turkish Cypriots to live in security in Cyprus in the future as well and live a prosperous life. We shall be acting with good will. We are expecting the same good will from the opposite side as well.

Mr Talat said that this process is being carried out together with the Republic of Turkey and added that he is sure that the support of Turkey will continue. When the journalists reminded Mr Talat of statements made by President Christofias who has reportedly said that no solution could be achieved without the return of Morfou, the Turkish Cypriot leader replied:

These issues are discussed at the table. I am not in favor of discussing the elements of bargaining outside the table. At least for the time being. If the Greek Cypriot side continues this stance, of course the spell will be spoiled. However, for the time being I am determined not to discuss the issues of the bargaining outside the table.

Replying to a question, Mr Talat said that the meeting on 3 September will be of ceremonial and procedural character, because President Christofias will travel abroad in the afternoon of the same day. He noted that they will discuss the method of the negotiations on 3 September and added that the actual and speedy negotiations will start on 11 September.

Asked about the recent incidents in Pyla village, Mr Talat said that more similar incidents were happening in the past. He argued that these incidents were caused by fanatic elements in south Cyprus and noted that the aim of the perpetrators was to provoke. He said: Such incidents will be also happening after the solution of the Cyprus problem. This is certain, but we have to be able to manage it. Unfortunately, fanaticism exists and will exist in Cyprus as well, as in many places of the world. It will take time to eliminate it.

When he was asked about his opinion on the issue of Russia recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the changes which this development will cause in the area, Mr Talat replied:

Our view on this issue is the following: Absolutely no people can be forced violently to live under the yoke of another country. This should be known very openly and clearly. Therefore, we respect the will of the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. As Turkish Cypriots we also lived similar events. Turkey was the one that extended its helping hand to us and recognized us. The Turkish Cypriots have many times expressed their determination not to live under the yoke of the Greek Cypriots who have attacked them. Therefore, we understand very well and respect the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Mr Talat said that it is not easy to say now how this proclamation of independence will influence the area. Asked whether after the proclamation of this independence he will be making a call for the recognition of the independence of the TRNC, as they describe the breakaway regime, Mr Talat answered the following: We are now in a solution process. Our target in the solution process is the creation of a bi-zonal federal structure based on the political equality and two founding states. Therefore, our target is to create a federal Cyprus unified with the world with the solution. This is our policy at the moment.

Meanwhile, in his statements the chairman of ITO, Murat Yalcintas said they are watching with appreciation the political and economic openings of Mr Talat and argued that during the last period developments which will contribute positively to the just cause of the TRNC happened in the world.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader to Ada TV and Kanal 24 TV

Mr Talat said that in spite of everything, he still maintains his optimism for the process. Mr Talat referred also to the issue of single citizenship and single sovereignty and said that the fact that they have reached an agreement in principle is not narrowing the scope of movement of the Turkish side. On the contrary, it makes it wider, he argued.

Mr Talat said that their aim is to discuss the issue of the administration first and if agreement is reached to pass to other issues. He noted that the guarantees and the territory are difficult issues. He noted that when territorial adjustments are made 55-60 thousand Turkish Cypriots will be affected negatively. He pointed out that the important thing in the negotiations is the sharing of power and underlined the importance of the political equality. He noted that they want political equality in the upper chamber of the parliament which will have two chambers. He noted that in parallel to the rotating presidency of the republic, they also want rotation in the High Court, in the appointment of ambassadors to important countries and on other issues.

Mr Talat said that taking into consideration the fact that the agreement will affect the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots as individuals, efforts should be exerted for influencing positively as many people as possible, especially on the issue of the properties.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ercakica alleged that the Russian officials should be ready to change their point of view to the Cyprus problem

Kibris, under the title The preparations for 3 September have been intensified, reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader will meet on Monday with the officials of the political parties represented in the assembly and evaluate with them the latest developments. Meanwhile, the evaluation meetings of the working groups and the technical committees, which started last Monday at the self-styled presidency, are continuing.

In statements during his weekly briefing to the press, Hasan Ercakica, spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader, said that the Turkish side continues its understanding for the beginning of the negotiations with the issue of administration and separation of power.

Mr Ercakica noted that during his contacts in Ankara today, Mr Talat will hold meetings with President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan and other Turkish officials and evaluate the Cyprus problem with them. Responding to a question on possible reactions by the Greek Cypriots to the contacts of Mr Talat in Ankara, Mr Ercakica said that the diplomatic support of Turkey is the main strength of the TRNC and added that there could be no secret about it and no one has the right to underestimate it. He argued that no one has the right to react to the fact that Mr Talat is holding contacts in Turkey.

Mr Ercakica alleged that the evaluation that the negotiations are conducted with the directives of Ankara is not correct and argued that the Turkish Cypriot people is at least as democratic as the Greek Cypriots and it has proved this. He alleged that the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side is not created with the direction of Ankara.

Asked for the reaction of the Turkish Cypriot side to the fact that the special advisor of the UN Secretary-General, Alexander Downer has a Greek Cypriot partner in his lobby company, Mr Ercakica said that they have learned this in a research they conducted before the appointment of Mr Downer to this post, but they were positive for his appointment because Mr Downer was successful in his previous duties.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (28.08.08), under the title Serious warning from Ercakica to the Greek Cypriots: Take a lesson, reports that Mr Ercakica said that they understand and respect the wish of the people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia to live under the roof of their own independent state. The paper writes that Mr Ercakica alleged that the Greek Cypriots should take a lesson from the events in Kosovo, Ossetia and Abkhazia. Ercakica alleged that the Russian officials should be ready to change their point of view to the Cyprus problem and the behavior of acting like a Greek Cypriot militant.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ertugruloglu alleged that Mr Talat and the UBP gave up occupied Morfou

In a written statement issued yesterday, Mr Ertugruloglu alleged that in every new negotiating process President Christofias brings onto the agenda land of the TRNC, as he described the occupied part of Cyprus, such as Morfou, Karpass and Varosha. He claimed that Mr Talat and the self-styled government refrain from giving the necessary reply to President Christofias for the sake of not harming the climate of the negotiations. Mr Ertugruloglu alleged that Mr Talat is acting with the mentality of let a solution be reached and let it be any solution.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ferryboat trips from occupied Cyprus to Lattakia have been resumed

The paper goes on that the self-styled foreign minister, Mr Turgay Avci, states from Damascus that the ferryboat trips that were stopped for a while, resumed yesterday at 10:30 am after the ships went under the Turkish flag. Mr Avci added: The Lattakia trip left from Keryneia because the boat was there. However, from now on the trips will be made as before, between Famagusta and Lattakia.

The self-styled president Mehmet Ali Talat, who is in Turkey for contacts, referred to the issue and stated during his visit to the Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO): In our opinion, the issue can be solved in a few months. There is no ready solution plan. Of course we will try to sign an agreement that will protect our people. If the Greek Cypriot side continues to have this behaviour, the magic spells will be broken.

(EA)

[06] The Russian Ambassador to Turkey reaffirms Moscows stance on the recognition of the pseudo-state

Moscow had long and insistently warned the international community over the probable consequences of recognizing Kosovo's February declaration of independence, Russia's top diplomat in Ankara said yesterday, suggesting that the Kosovo case has set international case law for similar cases, including South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Vladimir Ivanovskiy held a press conference yesterday one day after Moscow announced its decision to recognize the Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, thus increasing existing tensions in the Caucasus. The move, called an annexation of Georgian territory by Moscow, has been sharply condemned by the West.

Kosovo's declaration of independence was backed by the US and much of Europe, but it was firmly opposed by Russia as an illegal affront to Serbia, its ally. In strongly-worded remarks, Ivanovskiy blamed Georgian leadership for the recent developments in the Caucasus, where a regional crisis erupted following a Georgian military offensive in South Ossetia on August 7.

Russia has recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, mindful of its responsibility for ensuring the survival of their fraternal peoples in the face of an aggressive, chauvinistic policy pursued by Tbilisi, Ivanovskiy told reporters, quoting an earlier statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry. When invited to comment on Ankara's policy on this issue, Ivanovskiy referred reporters to a written statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday evening.

Turkey attaches importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and is highly concerned about the recent developments. Turkey is of the opinion that this conflict should be resolved through peaceful means, the Foreign Ministry said in its brief statement. The Russian diplomat said his country also wanted peace in the region and that they didn't want to harm Georgia's sovereignty.

The ambassador was also asked whether Russia's decision concerning South Ossetia and Abkhazia constitutes a contradiction for Russian foreign policy since Moscow has been firmly opposed to recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC). The Greek Cypriot administration claims to represent the entire island, but the northern part of Cyprus is administered by a separate entity, the KKTC, which is recognized only by Turkey. Not just Russia, but the entire world is refusing to recognize the KKTC in line with the relevant UN resolutions, Ivanovskiy said, adding that he didn't want to elaborate on the extremely sensitive Cyprus issue, particularly at a time when Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are scheduled to meet on September 3 for the start of direct negotiations.

When another correspondent asked why Russia refused to recognize the wills of the people of Kosovo and the KKTC, Ivanovskiy said two fundamental principles of international law had been protected in Europe for six decades: the right of nations to self-determination and national sovereignty. However, he said, the principle of national sovereignty was violated in the Kosovo case. Unfortunately, our warnings concerning Kosovo's independence were ignored and an international case law has emerged, he said, adding that he didn't expect many countries to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

However, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will continue living with their current statuses, he said. Although he had previously said that Kosovo was a special case and that it should not be compared with the situation in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also cited the Kosovo case as a justification for his country's latest move.

In an article published in the Financial Times, the Russian president made a link between his decision and the West's recognition of Kosovo. In international relations, you cannot have one rule for some and another rule for others, he wrote.

[07] The Turkish Cypriot National Council argued that united Cyprus will have no other result than and abandoning the people to the Greek-Greek Cypriot colonialism

The council argued that the united Cyprus will have no other result than the elimination of the TRNC and abandoning the people to the Greek-Greek Cypriot colonialism.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Protest in occupied Morfou against unemployment

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (28.08.08) refers to the issue and reports that the tradesmen and craftsmen of Morfou, who are drowned in the increases of the prices and the taxes, exploded. The participants in the rally yesterday in Morfou protested against unemployment, excessive price increases, the social security contributions which cannot be paid and the taxes. The police did not allow the protesters to hand over a key to the Tax Department, which was symbolizing the fact that they will close down their shops.

The protesters held placards with slogans such as If there are no investments, there are also no taxes, No to the increases, The craftsmen lost their patience and We do not want to immigrate.

The chairman of the Union of Tradesmen and Craftsmen of occupied Morfou, Ulus Ese argued that the Turkish Cypriot chamber of tradesmen was turned into an agent of the government. The person who is chairman of this organization is usurping the rights of the tradesmen and the credits, he alleged.

Replying to the accusations, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of tradesmen and craftsmen, Hurrem Tulga said that Ese was trying to discredit him and added that he will ask him to give account.

(I/Ts.)

[09] The Turkish embassy to the occupied part of Nicosia is reportedly behind the religious classes of 400 children from the occupied areas in Turkey

According to the paper, reliable official and unofficial sources noted that the children were gathered and sent to Turkey by imams who were asked by the religious affairs department of the breakaway regime and are paid by Turkey, at the instructions from the above-mentioned Councilors Office.

The paper writes that Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Trade Union (KTOS), said there are some persons who under the name of summer vacations try to lead children to the arms of tariqa (dervish fraternity) and the political reaction by exploiting the religious feelings of the people in a secular country. He noted that they will not allow these persons to achieve their goals. Meanwhile, the chairman of the trade union of religious workers (Din-Gor-Sen), Mehmet Dere said no one has the power to deprive the Turkish Cypriots of their religion.

(I/Ts.)

[10] European University of Lefka to host the 16th International INFORUM Conference

(AK)

[11] Turkish Foreign Ministry releases statements on the importance of territorial integrity of Georgia

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan held a series of talks in regard to the developments that have taken place in Georgia in the recent period, a statement by his ministry said on Thursday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement which said Babacan had phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, British Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband, German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner whose country holds EU's rotating presidency, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt of Sweden that is the chairman of the Council of Europe and chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.

Babacan underlined that Turkey attached great importance to territorial integrity of Georgia during his phone conversations with the mentioned officials.

The statement said Babacan also exchanged views on Caucasus Cooperation and Stability Platform brought up by Turkey with his foreign counterparts.

On the issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.08.08) reported the following:

Turkey has expressed its concerns about recent developments in Georgia. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday, Turkey attaches importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and is highly concerned about the recent developments.

Turkey is of the opinion that this conflict should be resolved through peaceful means, the ministry added in the statement.

[12] Gul on the developments in Caucasus and Cyprus

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has said that Turkey would contribute to efforts to safeguard stability in the region since it could not remain indifferent to recent developments in Georgia.

In a televised interview with the private NTV Channel, President Gul assessed his first year in the office after his election as the president.

Referring to recent developments in Georgia, Gul said, those problems have potentially existed in the region for a long time. Actually, I expressed my concerns about those problems during my last two meetings with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia.

We attribute great importance to stability and peace in the Caucasus since these are essential for the economic cooperation in the region. Turkey has always advocated that problems should be resolved through dialogue. After escalation of tension in the region, I held talks with both President Saakashvili and President Dmitriy Medvedev of Russia. Turkey will contribute to efforts to safeguard stability in the region since it could not remain indifferent to recent developments in Georgia. Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty is of great importance. Its borders were recognized by the United Nations, he said.

Asked whether he would go to Armenia to watch the 2010 Word Cup qualifying match between Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams upon invitation of President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia, Gul said that they could not make a decision yet.

President Gul said, I have invested my greatest time and efforts in Turkish foreign policy since I came to office. Turkey is a country dealing with regional and international issues and trying to contribute to them. We need to concentrate our energy in the international area. I believe that Turkey will become the most reliable country in its region in the next few years.

Upon a question about the Cyprus issue, President Gul said, we maintain our stance regarding the Cyprus issue and support a comprehensive solution."

[13] Ankara keeps a low profile in its reactions to the recent developments in Caucasus

The paper continues under the subtitle, Ankaras low profile, and reports that despite the harsh reaction of the West, the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed in a statement its concerns about the recent developments in Georgia. The name of Russia was not mentioned in the statement and Turkey did not condemn Russia openly. Diplomatic sources said that the Cyprus problem and the Kosovos recognition as an independent state prevented Turkey from reacting harshly.

(EA)

[14] Turkey to drop the new from its banknotes as of 2009. The new notes to circulate in occupied Cyprus as well

The Central Bank of Turkey is preparing to drop the new in New Turkish Lira (YTL) and New Turkish Kuru (YKr) and introduce a new currency by the beginning of January 2009 in a move that would restore the traditional Turkish currency based on the Turkish lira (TL), which was removed from circulation in 2005 as a temporary step when it lost six zeros as inflation lowered.

Central Bank of Turkey Governor Durmus Yilmaz publicized the latest developments in the plan for the transition period in a press conference in Ankara yesterday, also noting that brand-new TL 200 notes, a first for Turkey, would enter into circulation as well. He also tried to divert fears of the new note causing a hike in inflation rates, saying that no monetary expansion that could lead to higher inflation would occur. The release of new money will be balanced with the amount of money currently in circulation.

According to the information presented by Yilmaz, the new TL notes and Kuru coins will be different in shape, size and appearance from the current forms of currency. These innovations and novelties will not be presented to the public until September 3, as a precaution to prevent forgery. Yilmaz also said the new currency boast feature tougher security safeguards, aiming to make it extremely hard to counterfeit the money. The transition process to exchange old bills and coins with the new TL notes will be one year. Both YTL and TL notes will be valid during this time and by the end of 2009, the YTL will be removed from circulation completely.

Yilmaz also said that the central bank would produce 575 millions copies of bills and coins, a total YTL 26 billion. The total weight of the banknotes produced will be approximately 550 tons. He went on to say that there was no need for Turks to rush to change money, as the transition period will be long enough for citizens to comfortably transition to the TL. According to Yilmaz, people will be able to withdraw both TL and YTL from ATMs during the transition year, starting from the beginning of 2009. By the end of the year, bills of sale, cash items and account books will all be transacted in TL. He also noted that there would be no more paper one-lira notes, only TL coins.

The central bank will also print legends to assist the visually impaired in recognizing and distinguishing the coins and the banknotes, part of a system already present in other European countries. The new currency will feature embossment to aid the visually impaired in distinguishing them. I also have difficulty with the new currencies. I am sure this will change, but it may take some time, said Yilmaz.

Having met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday, Yilmaz said that he had introduced the new money to Erdogan. The Turkish Central Bank distributed some advertisement pamphlets to the press on which were printed some clues as to the new currencies' design. Each image on the brochure corresponds with an important Turkish figure. Some famous old Turkish poets, scientists, philosophers, and others, like poet Yunus Emre (represented by a rose) or Hazerfan Ahmet Celebi (represented by a bird) are likely to appear on the backsides of the new banknotes. Turkish daily Zaman had reported to its readers on some of these innovations months ago.

According to a recent public poll conducted by the central bank, only one-third of Turks know that redesigned currency would hit the market next year. Only 18 percent know any details about the new systems. Yilmaz said that millions of pamphlets about the new currency would be printed and distributed to inform residents of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) about the changes and the new TL.

ES/

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