Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-10-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Charter flights will be launched between Italy and the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[02] Talats speeches at Galatasaray University and at the Business Class meeting He insists on a new state

[03] Turkish State Ministers contacts during his illegal visit in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[04] Namis statement after the meeting with Iacovou

[05] The self-styled ministry of health of the occupation regime signed a protocol with the Turkish Baskent University in the oncology field

[06] Turkish Cypriot Platform reacted against the bi-communal activities

[07] Cakici on FIFAs proposal: Decision will be political

[08] Illegal GAU university to cooperate with the American University NAU

[09] Ministers of Finance of OIC countries to meet in Istanbul

[10] Turkey donated military equipment to FYROM

[11] Erdogan received FIBA President

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 16 October 2008

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Charter flights will be launched between Italy and the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

The so-called minister Sanlidag, speaking at the signing ceremony, described the protocol as an important development. He also added that these flights between Italy and the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus is an additional destination to the existing ones Turkey, Britain and Germany. The director of My Sun Sea, Astorre Legnani said that North Cyprus is a good opportunity to present to their clients because of the beautiful beaches, the wealth of history and the happy people. Replying to the questions of the illegal Turkish Cypriot news agency (TAK), Legnani explained that they sent last year to northern Cyprus 300 Italian tourists within the framework of their cooperation with the Northern Travel company. He added that this played an important role to their decision because their clients were satisfied with the destination of north Cyprus.

One of the directors of Northern Travel, Ozbek Dedekorkut said to illegal TAK that the incentives given by the so-called tourism ministry 50 euro for every tourist and 5000 euro for every charter flight will also be applied to the My Sun Sea tourist agency.

(DPs)

[02] Talats speeches at Galatasaray University and at the Business Class meeting He insists on a new state

Our objective is to become the equal partner of Cyprus, declared Mr Talat, and added that in the technical committees 22 decisions have been taken and at the working groups the positions of the sides were defined.

He went on and said that during the direct talks which started on 3rd September, governance and power sharing was discussed and on some aspects agreement were reached. This process will continue Mr. Talat said.

Our basic principle in the solution process is safeguarding absolutely the political equality. Political equality means: Taking effective part in the decision making, having an effective representation. Another thing is that these two founding states will have equal status. The emerging of the new state will be secured from two separately and simultaneously held referenda. The continuation of the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance has vital importance for the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriots do not trust to the guarantees to be provided by the EU and other international institutions. Turkeys guarantorship is extremely important to the Turkish Cypriots. The derogations which will appear in the agreement that we will conclude should become primary law in the EU. The EU will adopt itself to the solution agreement that we will reach. Otherwise, neither current talks nor in the past the negotiations could have started, Mr. Talat concluded.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (17.10.08) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who is in Istanbul as the guest of the Galatasaray University, continues his contacts. Talat yesterday night attended the meetings the Business Class and met with some businessmen at the Marmara Hotel. During the meeting, Talat answered questions regarding the ongoing negotiation process. Mr Talat returned to the occupied areas. He will meet today with a group of journalists to inform them on the Cyprus problem and the process for the Cyprus settlement.

Moreover, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (17.10.08) publishes statements made by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, in the speech he delivered at the Business Class Meetings, which was organized in Istanbul under Milliyet newspaper. The Turkish Cypriot leader referred to the global financial market crisis and said that the financial crisis is indirectly effecting the economy of the occupied part of Cyprus in spite of their so-called isolation. He then said that the biggest income source they have, is tourists coming from Turkey and added that since Turkey is effected from the crisis, this indirectly effects us as well Regarding the Cyprus problem, Talat said that the property issue is the most crucial matter of the negotiation. Eighty percent of the land in the north belongs to the Greek Cypriots and twenty percent of the land in the south to the Turkish Cypriots. This is an issue that could block the negotiations. This part of the negotiations will be very painful, but we have to confront with this Talat declared.

(MHY/ AC)

[03] Turkish State Ministers contacts during his illegal visit in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Kibris reports that the Turkish Minister Cicek also met with the so-called deputy prime minister and foreign minister Turgay Avci at the reception room of the so-called assembly. Avci said that the Turkish Ministers visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus gives strength to the Turkish Cypriots. Avci said that the Turkish Cypriots have difficulties due to the isolations, but Turkeys delegations are always support them to all their openings. Noting that the Turkish Cypriots want a lasting settlement based on political equality, two constituent states and the guarantorship of Turkey, Avci alleged that it is the Greek Cypriot side that prevents the solution.

On the same issue, Kibris reports that Turkish Minister Cicek met also yesterday with the so-called speaker of the TRNC Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu. Mrs Ekenoglu said that they expect positive developments from the negotiations, adding that this can be achieved with the contribution and the will of both sides. She also noted that the Turkish Cypriots struggle for a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution based on the political equality of the two sides as well as Turkeys guarantorship.

Referring to the global financial crisis, Ekenoglu said that it is also being felt in the occupied areas of Cyprus and added that both the so-called government and the opposition must come together, join their knowledge and skills to overcome the effects of the crisis in a lighter way as possible. The Turkish Minister Cicek said that Turkey and the occupation regime will be affected by the global financial crisis but what the important thing is in what extent they will be affected.

(DPs)

[04] Namis statement after the meeting with Iacovou

(DPs)

[05] The self-styled ministry of health of the occupation regime signed a protocol with the Turkish Baskent University in the oncology field

According to the paper, the protocol was signed by Esref Vaiz the minister of health and by the general director Ismet Salihoglu, on behalf of the self-styled ministry, and by the Rector of the University, Dr Mehmet Haberal on behalf of the Baskent University.

(CS)

[06] Turkish Cypriot Platform reacted against the bi-communal activities

(DPs)

[07] Cakici on FIFAs proposal: Decision will be political

In his turn Mr. Cakici said that their views regarding the issue are known and that they support the establishment of a bi-communal commission. He said that at the end of the day the decision to be taken by the so-called Turkish Football Federation will be political and, as the case is, he considers positive the attempt by Mr. Adal to have the views of the political parties on the issue.

Mr. Cakici went on and claimed that Cyprus Football Association (KOP) is not legitimate because as he claimed, under the 1960 Cyprus Constitution the seats belonging to the Turkish Cypriots in KOP were usurped by the Greek Cypriots. He said that it is a logical idea to establish a structure until a solution is reached where the Turkish and Greek Cypriots will take part.

(MHY)

[08] Illegal GAU university to cooperate with the American University NAU

New students in the Faculty of Business and Management of Girne-American University (GAU) were offered the grand opportunity to pioneer the Best of Both Worlds program BBW. The program is a joint venture between Girne American University GAU and National University (NAU) which has been on its conceptive stage for a long time now.

At the presentation which took place at the Vision Centre in Rectorate building of the GAU, Dr. Jeffrey Baillie of the National American University held the new business students spell bound for good one hour as he introduced the BBW package to the excited students.

He gave a brief introduction and general information about the NAU which was founded in 1941 and has its main campus in, South Dakota, USA, 16 further campuses in America and several affiliations similar to the with GAU around the globe.

Its distance learning campus has grown to be the largest in terms of student population and conducts its activities over the worldwide web and prides itself as one of the first fully accredited online degree awarders in the United States.

Dr Jeffrey Bailie went on to explain the details of the Best of Both Worlds program. According to him, the whole package is a very exciting opportunity for new students in the faculty of Business and Management of Girne American University to earn a dual degree after their graduation from the university, one from GAU and another from NAU, all at the cost of one. During the one hour presentation, Dr Jeffrey Bailie clearly explained to the students how they can gain in this partnership between both great institutions of learning. He said that a close review had revealed that both universities had similar curricula for their business programs and as a result this joint program was shown to be feasible.

The BBW program will see students taking 14 courses with NAU and the rest with GAU. At the end of his program, a student would have taken enough courses from both schools which would be transferable within both universities. This joint venture will entitle a student to qualify for the two degrees one each from both universities. Dr Jeffrey Bailie went on to explain that the NAU courses will be available via blended learning which combines online learning with the class room support of a local professor.

At the end of the presentation an interview with Saskia Yorucu, the BBW Project Coordinator, also head of the Multicultural Centre, told us that this dramatic advance in education had been achieved by great deal of hard work, intelligent negotiations and cordial relationship between the two participating universities.

[09] Ministers of Finance of OIC countries to meet in Istanbul

A standing committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) will convene in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 20.

The OIC Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) will hold its 24th meeting in Istanbul from October 20 to 24.

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul is expected to chair the opening session of the meeting on October 23, as the chairman of COMCEC.

Ministers for economy from OIC member and observer states were invited to the meeting. Turkey is expected to attend the meeting with a delegation comprised of State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Nazim Ekren, and state ministers Kursad Tuzmen and Mehmet Simsek.

The 12th International Business Forum will take place on the sidelines of the COMCEC meeting in Istanbul between October 22 and 25.

Also, the 12th Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) International Trade Fair will be held between October 23 and 26.

The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.

The COMCEC follows up the implementation of resolutions in the economic and trade fields, explores possible means of strengthening cooperation among the Member States, and prepares programmes and proposals capable of improving capacities in these areas. The committee is chaired by the president of Turkey.

[10] Turkey donated military equipment to FYROM

Turkey has donated various military vehicles and supplies to the Macedonian army.

The vehicles and supplies donated by Turkey were presented with a ceremony held in Skopje, Macedonia on Thursday.

Macedonia's Defence Minister Zoran Konjanovski, General Staff Chief Gen. Miroslav Stojanovski, as well as Turkish Ambassador in Skopje Hakan Arslan Okca and the embassy's military attaché Metin Alpcan attended the ceremony.

Turkey sent motor vehicles, generators and military tents to the Macedonian army, officials said.

[11] Erdogan received FIBA President

Turkey's Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Thursday International Basketball Federation's (FIBA) President Bob Elphinston.

President of Turkey's Basketball Federation Turgay Demirel was also present in the meeting where Elphinston presented Premier Erdogan a basketball symbolising the jump ball of the World Basketball Championship which will be held in Turkey in 2010.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 16 October 2008

Turkish army media relations:

In an editorial in Vatan, Gungor Mengi argues that at his news conference on 15 October, Ilker Basbug, chief of the General Staff, was excessively angry. We were eagerly waiting for the news conference, Mengi says, because the Taraf report claiming that the army had disregarded intelligence reports about an imminent attack on Aktutun had triggered doubts in many people's minds. The columnist goes on: The chief of the General Staff assuaged those fears, reiterating that thanks to the measures the army had taken, the terrorist attack in Aktutun was a "suicide attack." "But why was his tone so generally accusatory and angry?" Mengi asks. He may have been angry that classified documents were somewhat leaked to the press, Mengi notes, and "I respect his sensitivity but I object to his tone."

Sabah's Ergun Babahan views Basbug's reaction to the reports published by Taraf in a commentary, saying: "My personal opinion is that these reports are more important than the story that the Air Force commander was playing golf during the Bayram holiday. Another important issue is the fact that such reports can be leaked from the General Staff Headquarters. This may have been be a journalistic feat but the frequency of similar leaks from that Office is downright worrying. As commander-in-chief, Basbug's wish to protect his establishment is understandable, but while doing that, he must pay attention to the limits of freedom of the press."

Radikal's Murat Yetkin also finds fault with Basbug's style, stressing that by raising his voice and expressing such anger, the chief of staff "disappointed." Looking at the reasons for Basbug's loss of temper, Yetkin notes that leaks from the Turkish Armed Forces have constituted a problem ever since 2003, and particularly after 2005. He advises the army to focus on the source of the leaks and on an investigation, "rather than blame those who are not responsible for the leaks."

In an article entitled "Basbug declares war", Yeni Safak columnist Ali Bayramoglu slams Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug for what he describes as the unacceptably "authoritarian" tone of his criticisms of the press yesterday. He claims that military leaders cannot "reprimand" journalists in a democracy, as Basbug did, and that in a country based on the rule of law, they have to account for their actions to the political authority and the people rather than calling the press to account for its coverage of a terrorist attack.

In an article entitled "Is there anything right that warrants our support?", Vakit columnist Ali Ihsan Karahasanoglu calls on General Basbug to direct his "anger" at the terrorist PKK rather than at the news media. He also reminds Basbug of the "paradox" that he is calling on journalists to "align themselves with the right side" in the fight against terrorism even as he continues the General Staff's practice of denying accreditation to certain media outlets, which means that "you refuse to see them side by side with the army."

In an article entitled "Who is more heroic?", Zaman columnist Mumtazer Turkone criticizes General Basbug for his "emotional" and "tense" statement targeting the press and claims that contrary to Basbug's assertions, no other military in this world can respond to criticisms from the news media in this fashion. He also argues that while it is normal for the discussions triggered by the PKK raid on the Aktutun outpost to cause displeasure among the higher echelons of the Turkish Armed Forces, TSK, the General Staff should take note of the following: 1. All commentators who criticize the flaws in the management of the TSK denounce PKK terrorism. 2. What is being criticized is not the heroism of the military but the way the TSK is being managed. 3. It is contrary to reason to exempt the military from criticism. 4. Turkey needs to stay calm to be able to produce rational remedies for terrorism.

EG/

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