Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-09-04

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] Message by Talat to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the first meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader

[03] How the Turkish Press covers the launching of the negotiations.

[04] Soyer on the starting of the negotiations for Cyprus

[05] Cakici: If a price for peace is to be paid, we shall not leave Talat and Christofias pay it alone

[06] Former so-called ambassador argued that the search for reconciliation in the new process does not coincide with the national policy of the Turkish side for Cyprus

[07] The Cyprus Turkish Cultural Association called on Mr Mehmet Ali Talat to withdraw from the negotiations

[08] Zeki Sezer said it is important for the Turkish Cypriot leader to be careful in a period when the international equilibrium started to change

[09] Former ambassador Ulucevik argued that great differences exist between the solution voiced by Turkey and the form of the solution the framework of which the leaders in Cyprus have agreed

[10] President's office announces Gul's decision to visit Armenia on 6 September

[11] Turkish Minister Addresses the Turkey-Czech Republic joint economic commission meeting

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Ankaras desire on the solution of the Cyprus problem is contrary to Talat and Christofiass basis of negotiation

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Message by Talat to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots

Following are excerpts of Mr Talats address to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as broadcast live by Illegal BRT television on 03.09.08:

We want to find a solution for the Cyprus problem and we will work for it. However, this solution should be a solution which will be able to safeguard the vested rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. During this new process I will work to produce a good settlement plan which will help us safeguard and further develop our rights and interests.

It has already been established that a solution that is to be found for the Cyprus problem will be submitted to the vote of the Turkish Cypriot people and Greek Cypriot people via simultaneous and separate referenda. Therefore, it will be my primary aim to come before my people with an optimum agreement they will approve with satisfaction.

We are all aware of the issues that will be undertaken during this new process we have launched today as well as the whole world. There is no issue that is not negotiated in detail during the negotiations that have been continuing for forty years. Therefore, our approach regarding the issues is well known by everyone.

So as to reach a positive result by the end of this newly commencing process, we need to work with a constructive spirit respecting the rights of the two peoples.

It should be well known by everyone that the Turkish Cypriot people have no intention of giving up their rights over the island of Cyprus. We know that these rights of ours can be safeguarded by the political equality of the two peoples and the equal status of the two constituent states.

Political equality and the equal status of Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and Greek Cypriot Constituent State will be the concrete reflection of our right to self determination which we have achieved as a result of the struggle that has been maintained since 1950s.

Being aware of the significance of the support of the Republic of Turkey, we have worked and cooperated in harmony with Turkey during the whole preparatory period. We will maintain the same cooperation and solidarity during the negotiation process as well.

Our relations with Turkey will also be maintained as closely as possible after a solution. We have already reiterated many times that the guarantee of the Republic of Turkey is one of the fundamental principles of a solution.

Turkeys support in political and economic fields will also be maintained.

A solution that will be found for the Cyprus problem must be lasting and functional.

All the measures required to prevent a new conflict between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples should be adopted and shed a light to the future for long years.

The basic condition for this is a solution which will grant the possibility of self determination to both peoples and establish the necessary conditions for making the island of Cyprus a common home of these two peoples.

I will give all my attention and spend all my efforts for these conditions to be established.

All the problems regarding the Cyprus problem should be settled in a way facilitating the implementation of a solution that will be reached. For the solution to have a humanitarian character and to be approved by the two peoples in separate referenda willingly it should not only propose concrete solutions for concrete problems but it should also suggest applicable solutions.

It will be our primary duty during this process to reach at applicable, practical and realistic solutions.

It is acknowledged that Cyprus will be in the EU as a whole after a settlement. Since this is our objective, not all the rules of the EU but the fundamental principles, one of which is to be able to survive in a competitive economic environment, should be acknowledged. We should prepare ourselves to exist within a competitive order.

I would like you to be confident that the steps that will be taken to that end will increase our power in the negotiation process.

You are all aware that the power of people who are capable of supporting themselves and can take steps to that direction, and the power of people who are in need of foreign aid to survive is not equal. It is not even necessary to reiterate that an agreement that is to be reached concerning the Cyprus problem will be closely related with our power.

Addressing the Greek Cypriots Mr Talat said:

Esteemed Greek Cypriot people,

Turkish Cypriot people have proven before that they want a solution to be reached. We want a solution.

However, the Turkish Cypriots do not want to live under your administration. Even though you have been spending efforts to introduce the Cyprus problem to the world as a problem which originated in 1974, at least you, yourselves, know the truth.

The Cyprus problem originated and has been continuing since you, as the Greek Cypriots, did not want to accept the political identity of the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot people would like to be their own masters.

We can discuss many issues regarding the Cyprus problem with you. The only and most important thing we cannot discuss is the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self determination and their struggle to that end.

You have to accept this fact.

In spite of all the problems the Turkish Cypriots experience, even if the others are not, you are aware that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept the rule of other people. So as to make Cyprus our common home, you must be ready to share the sovereignty of this island with us.

The world has been going through quite eventful days. I am aware that the recent developments in the Balkans and the Caucasus are causing concern on your part. You perceive these examples as bad examples. Unless we reach a just, viable and comprehensive solution for the Cyprus problem, you will continue to observe these bad examples with concern.

Instead of dreading the bad examples, let us be good examples for other peoples.

Setting a good example of being able to live together despite our different cultures, let us take our positive position in history This is the objective we spend efforts for. Instead of being frightened of us, be ready to live and work with us to achieve this objective.

I also would like to call upon the leading countries of the world and the leaders of the international institutions. Support our efforts in search of a solution. What the world needs is a stable, untroubled and peaceful Cyprus. Support us to make the island of Cyprus a heaven of peace.

The Turkish Cypriot people are working for settlement and peace. Do not allow the efforts to isolate these people who have been spending efforts to integrate into the world. You should know that the support you provide for the isolations imposed by the Greek Cypriot side are being exploited to eliminate the hopes for peace and settlement.

Various factors in the Greek Cypriot side have been consoling themselves with the delusion that the Turkish Cypriot people who have been forced to survive under the isolations imposed may accept the rule of the Greek Cypriot side and they strive to render the efforts for a settlement futile. Stop encouraging them.

The Turkish Cypriot people have proved that they will not give up their right to self determination even if they suffer under the heaviest isolations. Respect the Turkish Cypriots right to determine their fate. Feel confident that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of this right of theirs in favor of a settlement that will contribute to the world peace. My fellow compatriots, we have stepped into a new period. We will start working to find a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus problem. We want settlement. We have started to work for an agreement which will stabilize our rights in Cyprus. Our preparation is complete. During this process, we will make use of all the contributions that will be provided in accordance with the vision of a settlement.

Our objective is to reach an agreement that will bear beneficial results for us and the whole world. We will maintain our efforts to that end.

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the first meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat

Kibris, under the title They are starting with hope and faith, reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and President Demetris Christofias met yesterday in the presence of the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advisor for Cyprus, Alexander Downer with the aim of determining the procedure of the full fledged negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. The paper reports that the negotiations will start on 11 September and points out that President Christofias for the first time referred to a solution until the end of the year. According to the paper, Mr Talat gave positive messages.

In its inside pages Kibris covers the statements made by the leaders under the title The red lines were put forward.

On its front page, Kibris publishes also the message sent by the UN Secretary-General who supported and encouraged the two sides in this historic step. The paper publishes also on its front page statements regarding the commencement of the negotiations in Cyprus issued by the Spokesman of the US State Department, Sean McCormack, the vice president of the European Parliament, Mechtild Rothe, the Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyiannis, the British Minister for European Affairs, Jim Murphy, the British Special Envoy for Cyprus, Mrs Joan Ryan and the Spanish Foreign Ministry.

Afrika refers to the issue under the title That is all from Christofias. There is no other concession and reports that President Christofias spoke in a bitter manner and said that Archbishop Makarios has made a great concession to the Turkish side in 1977 by accepting the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. The paper notes that President Christofias underlined: I want to be clear in the beginning of this process. With this concession the Greek Cypriots have exhausted their limits and can go no further. Neither the confederation, nor a new partnership of two states through parthenogenesis can be accepted. The federal solution will be a partnership of the two communities.

The paper writes that President Christofias said that the developments regarding the mass at occupied Saint Mamas church have poisoned the climate of good will and added that some differences exist in the technical committees and the working groups and some issues are still pending.

Mr Talat argued that the continuation of the Treaty of Alliance and Guarantee of the 1960 is a necessary element of an agreement. He said he was optimistic and noted that a possible agreement will be submitted for the approval of the two peoples in separate simultaneous referendums.

Halkin Sesi refers to the meeting between the leaders of the two communities under the title Difference of opinions between the leaders and reports that the statements made by the leaders after the meeting have created an agenda.

The leaders left some doubts in the minds with their statements which were different from each other, argues the paper and adds: Talat and Christofias gave positive poses to the media after the summit, but the Turkish side was not informed about Christofias written statement. The paper reports that Mr Talat was not late in replying to the statements made by President Christofias. After the meeting, Mr Talat addressed the nation and said that everybody should know that the Turkish Cypriot people have no intention of abandoning its rights over the Island of Cyprus and added that these rights could be protected with the political equality of the two peoples and the equal status of the two founding states.

The paper notes that Mr Talat addressed also the Greek Cypriots and said that the Turkish Cypriot people want to be a master of themselves. He alleged: Even if the others do not know it, you should know that the Turkish Cypriot people will not accept the administration of another people whatever problems it experiences.

Yeni Duzen refers to the meeting between the two leaders under the title Now is the time and reports that the negotiations will start on 11 September with the discussion of the administration and the sharing of power.

Star Kibris, under the title They will not last long, reports that Mr Talat reminded that the negotiations have not started from scratch. The paper notes that the message of the leaders was that the negotiations will last for a short period.

Kibrisli refers to the issue under the title Gunaydin, Kalimera!, which means good morning in the Turkish and Greek language respectively, and reports that the leaders said good morning to the representatives of the press in both languages.

Cyprus Times covers the issue under the title Leaders hope solution soonest!

Bakis refers to the issue under the title New hopes.

Gunes covers the meeting between the leaders and the statements made by President Christofias under the title Threat from the Greek Cypriots! The paper argues that contrary to Mr Talat, President Christofias has put forward his red lines very clearly and stressed that the Republic of Cyprus will continue and that they want an agreement where the Turkish Cypriots will not be sovereign, otherwise there will be no result.

Yeni Volkan reports that the negotiations started and publishes the statements made by the leaders under the banner front-page title Comrade Christofias is more behind even than Makarios.

Ortam covers the issue under the title The 11th of September is OK!

Vatan reports that the ceremony for the new negotiating process was conducted but even before the beginning, Greek Cypriot leader Christofias stated that they will not accept the new partnership of the two states and the virgin birth.

Sozcu does not refer to the meeting between the leaders. The paper publishes on its front page a statement made by Turgay Avci, self-styled minister of foreign affairs and leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), who alleged that there is peace in Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974. In a statement yesterday at occupied Lefka village, he claimed that there is peace in Cyprus, what we need now is solution.

(I/Ts.)

[03] How the Turkish Press covers the launching of the negotiations

Following are the titles of the newspapers:

HURRIYET: «The new negotiation procedure started in Cyprus». Subtitle « The two sides supported their red-lines».

MILLIYET: « The goal is the solution of the Cyprus problem before the end of the year».

CUMHURIYET: « The negotiations started: Good news from Cyprus».

SABAH: «The schedule for the negotiations in Cyprus has been determined».

BUGUN: «Negotiations will not last long».

(A.K.).

[04] Soyer on the starting of the negotiations for Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[05] Cakici: If a price for peace is to be paid, we shall not leave Talat and Christofias pay it alone

(I/Ts.)

[06] Former so-called ambassador argued that the search for reconciliation in the new process does not coincide with the national policy of the Turkish side for Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[07] The Cyprus Turkish Cultural Association called on Mr Mehmet Ali Talat to withdraw from the negotiations

(I/Ts.)

[08] Zeki Sezer said it is important for the Turkish Cypriot leader to be careful in a period when the international equilibrium started to change

(I/Ts.)

[09] Former ambassador Ulucevik argued that great differences exist between the solution voiced by Turkey and the form of the solution the framework of which the leaders in Cyprus have agreed

(I/Ts.)

[10] President's office announces Gul's decision to visit Armenia on 6 September

A statement released by the center said Sargsyan invited President Gul to Yerevan for the World Cup qualifying match between the two countries.

Important developments which concerned especially the people in Caucasus have taken place in the recent period and opportunities which came out in this period should not be missed, the statement said.

"Such a visit can contribute to a brand new friendly atmosphere in the region," it stated.

[11] Turkish Minister Addresses the Turkey-Czech Republic joint economic commission meeting

Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Nazim Ekren, said on Wednesday that 'Turkey's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008 beyond expectations of the government.'

'We predict that Turkey would grow by the same percentage as last year,' Ekren said.

The Fourth Term Turkey-Czech Republic Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Meeting began in Ankara on Wednesday.

The Turkish delegation was led by Nazim Ekren while the Czech delegation was led by the Czech Industry and Trade Minister Martin Riman.

Speaking at the inauguration of the meeting, Ekren said that 'Turkey is Europe's sixth biggest economy. All indicators point out to the potential of the Turkish economy to grow further.'

'No doubt, the developments in world economy affected Turkey and Turkey's growth rate in 2007 was 4.5 percent after a rate of 7 percent in the past several years. Compared to many European countries, Turkey's growth rate is still very high,' Ekren said.

'Turkey's exports increased by 38 percent in 2008, when compared to last year. Turkey would exceed its predicted export volume of 135 billion USD by the end of 2008,' Ekren said.

'Turkey's relations with the European Union (EU) is a prominent part of the Turkish agenda,' Ekren said.

'Despite all difficulties and problems, membership to the EU is one of the priorities of Turkey,' Ekren noted.

'Turkey would continue to do what is required of her. We are sure that the Czech Republic would support Turkey's negotiation process and its bilateral relations with the EU once it assumes the EU rotating presidency in 2009,' Ekren stressed.

Ekren asked for the Czech Republic's support in bilateral and transit transportation as well as visa regulations.

'Turkey would like to carry its relations with the Czech Republic to higher levels and establish new areas for cooperation,' Ekren said.

Touching on commercial relations between Turkey and the Czech Republic, Ekren said that the trade volume of 470 million Euro in 2002 went up to 1.2 billion Euro in 2007.

'Trade volume between our two countries would reach 1.7 billion Euro in 2008,' Ekren noted.

'Czech companies' total investments in Turkey are around 1 billion Euro. Cooperation in automotive and defense industries carries high importance. Other areas where cooperation may take place are construction and consultation. Turkish and Czech companies can cooperate and do joint business in third countries,' Ekren added.

Reminding that the Czech Republic would assume the rotating EU presidency in the first part of 2009, Martin Riman indicated that his country supports Turkey's integration process with the EU.

'Our goal is to help Turkey accelerate its negotiation process with the EU,' Riman said.

'Among sectors where mutual cooperation can take place between Turkish and Czech businessmen are energy and construction. Turkish construction companies can overtake companies in Prague and enter the Czech market,' Riman added.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Ankaras desire on the solution of the Cyprus problem is contrary to Talat and Christofiass basis of negotiation

According to the columnist, the National Security Council of Turkey supports a solution in Cyprus based on the realities in the island. The columnist, while analyzing which the realities in the island are, examines at the same time whether the basis of the negotiations between Christofias and Talat includes elements based on the realities in Cyprus.

The columnist continues and clarifies the differences existing between the solution voiced by Turkey and the form of the solution that Talat-Christofias negotiate on. Ulucevik, writes inter alia that the concept «realities in Cyprus» and the concept of «two people» are not even included in the basis of the negotiations. Moreover, the columnist adds also that the content in the term of sovereignty is not certain. Regarding the issue of founding of a new partnership state, the columnist writes that this is also an issue which is not appearing within the framework of the basis of the negotiations among the two leaders.

The columnist concludes by noting that Turkey should insist on its positions and that the latest developments in Kosovo, S. Ossetia and Abhaiza, must be taken into consideration by everyone.

(A.K.)

ES/

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