Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-05-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica stated that initiatives were launched with Turkey to minimize the negative effects of the Orams case judgment

[02] Message of thanks from Eroglu to Erdogan and Cicek: The solution to be found should be a new partnership with two founding states with equal status and it is essential to reflect the political will of the two people

[03] Bagis delivered a speech at LSE evaluating the Cyprus problem and Turkeys EU accession process

[04] Bagis in statements to KIBRIS newspaper said that they hope for a solution based on two founding states

[05] Talat accused the Republic of Cyprus of preventing the restoration of occupied Apostolos Andreas monastery and stated that the restoration will be implemented with pseudo-state funds

[06] Talat to give a conference on Cyprus talks in Istanbul within the celebrations of Europe day

[07] The illegal Turkish ambassador in occupied Cyprus reaffirms Turkeys support to the illegal regime

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry optimistic that UN report on the status of Kirkuk might help solve the problem

[09] Swedish officials call on Turkey to rapidly implement the Ankara Protocol and proceed to a solution in Cyprus

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Todays Zaman: Cypruss last and best chance

[11] Columnist in Havadis called on Turkey to open the fenced city of Varosha

[12] From the Turkish Press of 07 May 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica stated that initiatives were launched with Turkey to minimize the negative effects of the Orams case judgment

The Turkish Cypriot side has announced that it has launched a series of initiatives aimed at minimizing the negative affects of the Orams judgment on the negotiations process.

The Presidential spokesman Hasan Ercakica said that it was necessary, as agreed by the two leaders, to intensify the negotiations process in order to achieve progress.

He said otherwise, possible negative developments could make it harder to reach a solution.

Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing, the Presidential Spokesman reminded the President had met with the US and British Ambassadors to discuss the, European Court of Justices (ECJ) judgment on the Orams case.

Ercakica pointed out that it has been a busy past week for the Turkish Cypriots side with the discussions on the Orams case judgment, the formation of the new government, the new Turkish Foreign Ministers visit to the TRNC as well as the Tuesdays meeting between the two leaders.

Reminding that the two leaders had decided at the end of this weeks meeting to intensify their efforts in line with a statement made by the UN Security Council calling on the leaders to increase momentum, the Presidential Spokesman said this was important.

Within this framework, the special aides to the two leaders have agreed in principle to meet three times a week, he added. We particularly would like to stress that, intensifying the process so as to achieve decisive progress in the process, is important. Otherwise, possible developments that will have negative effects over the process will hamper the prospects of attaining the desired result.Ercakica said that the European Court of Justices judgment on the Orams case was the most important recent of such possible developments that negatively affected the talks.

The Turkish Cypriot side has taken a series of steps to make sure that the judgment does not have a negative affect on the process and will continue to do so, he added.

The Presidential Spokesman also said that they were pleased to see that the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias had finally started to acknowledge that natural timetables were required to find an urgent solution to the Cyprus Problem.He however stated that repeated statements by the Greek Cypriot leader that they are not obliged to assist Turkey in its upcoming EU progress report was perceived as the continuation of the Greek Cypriot sides efforts to manipulate Turkeys EU membership process for its own interests.

Also touching upon the Turkish Foreign Ministers visit to the TRNC, Ercakica said that had found the chance to share the Turkish sides perspective with regard to the Cyprus problem and to reaffirm their joint objectives with Turkey.

Responding to a question regarding a visit by the UN Special Advisor to China and Russia, the Presidential Spokesman said it was natural for the special advisor to brief permanent members of the UN Security Council on the process.He also said that Mr Downer will be visiting Athens and Ankara on the 18th of May.

[02] Message of thanks from Eroglu to Erdogan and Cicek: The solution to be found should be a new partnership with two founding states with equal status and it is essential to reflect the political will of the two people

In his message, Mr. Dervis Eroglu underlined that the solution of the Cyprus problem constitutes their common wish and goal and added that the solution to be found should be a new partnership with two founding states with equal status and it is essential to reflect the political will of the two people if it is to be lasting. Mr. Eroglu continued and said the following: As government, we shall continue supporting with the same zeal the efforts for finding a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem which will be based on the realities in Cyprus.

He then said that continuation of the effective and active guarantees of motherland Turkey in the solution is a matter which for them can not be discussed. Mr. Eroglu stated also that their government is determined to continue the cooperation with motherland Turkey in order to exert efforts for the development of the TRNC and the handling of the national cause of Cyprus.

(AK)

[03] Bagis delivered a speech at LSE evaluating the Cyprus problem and Turkeys EU accession process

On the Cyprus issue, Mr Bagis, citing the example of Taiwan, said: Many countries do not recognize Taiwan, but they continue to trade with it and added that the isolations are still imposed on the occupation regime. Noting that the Turkish President, the Prime Minister and the government have given a great support to the ongoing negotiations by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Mr Bagis said that they support a solution that will be obtained by both sides and will maintain the justice and balance in the island. Mr Bagis also added that the Turkish Cypriots will gain a lot from such a kind of solution and the Greek Cypriots should be convinced on this issue. Moreover, Mr Bagis reiterated that the EU should keep its promise to put an end to the isolations impose on the occupation regime.

Noting that the sun rises every day above two different communities, two different presidents and two different democracies, Mr Bagis said: Assistance should be provided to the agreement of these countries and added that Turkey does whatever it can on this issue and gives its full support to the negotiations in Cyprus.

On Turkeys EU accession process, Mr Bagis said that Turkey needs Europe and Europe needs Turkey. Mr Bagis said: Turkeys integration with the EU is a necessity. Turkey cannot become a member until 2014. We must evaluate very well this process. However, the time is operating against us. Turkey is a very important place for the world today.

Referring to the "privileged partnership" brought forward by certain EU members as an alternative to Turkey's membership to the EU, Mr Bagis said there was no such concept in the EU Acquis and it had no legal foundation. He said Turkey would not accept any alternative to full membership.

(DPs)

[04] Bagis in statements to KIBRIS newspaper said that they hope for a solution based on two founding states

Mr Bagis, inter alia, said: During the last seven years with the Justice Development Partys foreign policy, we have changed the view of the world on Cyprus without even conceding an inch of land and without the withdrawal of any of our soldiers. No country in the world today or political leader sees the Republic of Turkey and the occupation regime as responsible for the reason of the non-solution in Cyprus. They convey to us in every meeting that the obstacle of the non-solution is Papadopoulos mentality, the Greek Cypriot sector and the passive stance of the Greek government.

Mr Bagis reiterated Turkeys trust to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and inter alia, said: We consider very important that Mr Talat will continue this negotiation. For this reason, I went to Cyprus before the elections and I noted that we had considered very important that the negotiations should be continued whatever the result was. In fact, the new government leader esteemed Eroglu expressed the desire that the president continues the negotiations. We hope that at the end of the negotiations the approach for a just, two founding states solution will be accepted. We support a lasting solution that will be accepted by the TRNC citizens. On this issue we support the methods of president Talat and we trust him. We do whatever we can for the continuation of this process.

(DPs)

[05] Talat accused the Republic of Cyprus of preventing the restoration of occupied Apostolos Andreas monastery and stated that the restoration will be implemented with pseudo-state funds

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the Greek Cypriot Administration was trying to prevent the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery.He said that the Turkish Cypriot side was doing all it could for the restoration of the Monastery.

President Talat spoke to the TAK news agency on recent reports in the Greek Cypriot accusing the Turkish Cypriot side of preventing the restoration of the building.Responding to reports in the Greek Cypriot press that the Turkish Cypriot side was preventing the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery located at Cape Zafer (occupied cape of Apostolos Andreas) on the Karpas Peninsula, President Talat condemned those who were trying to label the Turkish Cypriot side as uncooperative.

The smart thief is trying to overcome the landlord. This is really unmannerly. I am deeply disappointed with these claims, he added.

Drawing attention to the fact that the monastery was located within and under the responsibility of the TRNC, Talat said that attempts to create the image that the Greek Cypriot side showed more attention to this religiously significant shrine was a waste of time.

Just as we have overcome all the obstacles they have put before us in the past we shall overcome the present obstacles and complete the restoration of the monastery, he said.

Pointing out that restoration work had not started yet because of the sales stands and tents set up within buildings courtyard, the President said that restoration work could not start before measures are taken to relocate the stall owners.He said that Apostolos Andreas was part of the islands cultural heritage and that the Turkish Cypriot side has not only be respectful of this heritage site from the very beginning but has taken all measures to ensure that the monastery was protected and preserved.

Talat also reminded that a restoration project for the Monastery prepared by UNDP-UNOPs and funded by US Aid had failed to go through after it had been rejected by the Greek Cypriot Administration and Church in 1996.

He said that the US government had later put aside 6 million dollars for the restoration of the Hala Sultan Tekke in south Cyprus and Apostolos Andreas Monastery, 5 million of which had been allocated for the Monastery.

But the Greek Cypriot government once again turned down the offer and the fund lapsed. However the money put aside for the restoration of the Hala Sultan Tekke was used and the building was repaired despite all the faulty work, he added.The President said that a comprehensive restoration project, through an initiative launched by the Turkish Cypriot side, had been prepared by the Greek Patras University in 2007 which had once again been turned down by the former Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos.

Explaining that the project had been brought back to life with the positive atmosphere that prevailed after the technical committees and working groups started work, President Talat said that restoration project now in its implementation phase will take two years to complete.

He said that the project which is estimated to cost 5 million Euros to complete is being funded by the TRNC Department of Antiquities and Museums as well as smaller donations from various other local and international organizations.

The Turkish Cypriot side has announced that it has launched a series of initiatives aimed at minimizing the negative affects of the Orams judgment on the negotiations process.

[06] Talat to give a conference on Cyprus talks in Istanbul within the celebrations of Europe day

President Mehmet Ali Talat has briefed a group of Turkish Cypriot civil society organizations on course of the Cyprus negotiation process and the recent developments concerning the Orams case.

Last nights meeting is the first of a series of briefings to be given by President Talat to the organizations.

According to the information provided by the Presidential Palace, the European Court of Justices decision on the Orams Case topped the agenda of the meeting attended by representatives of various NGOs.

The briefings will continue until the 15th of May.

Meanwhile, the President is also going to give a conference on the Cyprus issue in Turkey tomorrow. Mr Talat is leaving the Republic tonight for the conference in Istanbul titled Inter-communal Negotiations in Cyprus and the TRNC-EU Relations.

The Conference is being held as part of events marking the 9th of May- the Europe Day.

President Talat is expected to return to the TRNC tomorrow night.

[07] The illegal Turkish ambassador in occupied Cyprus reaffirms Turkeys support to the illegal regime

Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosia Sakir Fakili has started his celebratory visits to newly appointed ministers of the new TRNC government.

The Ambassador was firstly received by the Minister of Finance, Ersin Tatar, today. Mr Tatar told the Turkish Ambassador that he strongly believes in Turkeys continuous support to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Ambassador Sakir Fakili, in return, stated that Turkey is always by the side of Turkish Cypriots to contribute to the development of the TRNC as a state.He promised on the continuation of Turkeys support.

The next leg of the Turkish Ambassadors visits was a meeting with Foreign Minister, Huseyin Ozgurgun.

During the visit, Mr Ozgurgun said his Ministry will work in full cooperation with the Turkish Embassy as before.

For his turn, Sakir Fakili also reiterated the strong harmony and co-operation between Turkey and the TRNC.

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry optimistic that UN report on the status of Kirkuk might help solve the problem

A prospective report by the United Nations on Kirkuk may help find a settlement for the long-debated status of the oil-rich city, said a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

"The UN report, in its current shape, is largely compatible with our views on Kirkuk and other contested regions in Iraq. And if all goes well, we hope that the report would made a contribution to the settlement of the issue," Burak Ozugergin told a weekly press conference in Ankara on Thursday.

Head of the UN mission in Iraq, Staffan de Mistura, presented in April the report to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, and Massoud Barzani, head of the regional administration in Iraq's north.

Kirkuk region is the home to several ethnic groups including Turkmens, and it sits on as much as 4 percent of the world's oil supply.

[09] Swedish officials call on Turkey to rapidly implement the Ankara Protocol and proceed to a solution in Cyprus

Sweden, which will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) from Czech Republic as of July 1, is extending full support for Turkey's EU bid.

Sweden's Prime Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a group of Turkish journalists in Stockholm prior to the country's upcoming term presidency.

Swedish academicians, politicians and NGO representatives informed the guest journalists on Sweden's experiences as an EU-member state as well as the issues that would be of high priority for the country during its upcoming term of office.

During a meeting with Turkish journalists, Maria Asenius, State Secretary for the European Union at the Swedish Prime Ministers Office, said that her country supported the expansion of EU.

Commenting on Turkey's EU membership process, Asenius said that Turkey was a strategically important country for the union, however, it should carry on with implementing reforms.

Moreover, a high-level official from the Swedish Foreign Ministry also said that Turkey should rapidly implement the Ankara Protocol and various reforms.

The Swedish official said that solution of the Cyprus issue would also be a remarkable progress in Turkey's ongoing negotiation process with EU.

EU's upcoming rotating president Sweden is getting prepared to hold a Turkish-themed cultural activity between August 12-14 as well, Swedish officials said. Within this framework, Turkish band Athena and clarinetist Selim Sesler will give concerts in Sweden.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Todays Zaman: Cypruss last and best chance

It is tempting to see the results of the recent parliamentary elections in northern Cyprus as a blow for the peace process. Voters in the Turkish Cypriot north rejected the party of their leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, who has been meeting almost weekly for eight months with his Greek Cypriot counterpart, Demetris Christofias, to work out the terms of a settlement to reunify the island.

But the election result has more to do with the dire state of the economy than it does with the peace process. Voters are feeling the pain of economic isolation, made worse by the global downturn. While he has lost his parliamentary majority, Talat is still head of the Turkish Cypriot administration and will continue to lead negotiations on behalf of the north. Both he and Christofias remain committed to finding a solution, despite the difficulties they face.

The election result nonetheless underscores the fact that time is running out to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. Talat has set the presidential election in early 2010 as a deadline for agreement, while Christofias is not without political challenges within his own coalition.

Cyprus presents visitors with a deceptive image. The sunny climate of the eastern Mediterranean draws a steady stream of tourists, and European Union membership in the south has pushed income levels for Greek Cypriots higher than the EU average. The island might be divided, but life for many is comfortable. However, Cyprus remains a conflict zone: There are still fortified streets in Nicosia, a United Nations peacekeeping operation patrols the buffer zone and there is a substantial Turkish military force in the north.

This is all the more reason to make sure that the energy and courage of Talat and Christofias are not squandered. These two leaders have limited political capital, and they need more than their own goodwill to succeed.

First, they need their own people to join them in the peace process. An overwhelming majority of Cypriots are unhappy with the status quo, believe a settlement is possible and reject any return to violence, but are deeply distrustful of each other and of the peace process. They have seen too many previous efforts fail. A culture of cynicism and complacency seems to be the default position, especially among politicians and the media.

Opening up the debate about what peace could look like would help. When we visited Cyprus late last year, we noticed how few women and young people were engaged in politics. Old men (like us) dominate public debate, and we strongly urge Cypruss leaders to make more space for those whose voices are not so readily heard.

Second, strengthening links between the two communities is essential. The island has been split for so long that generations have grown up with no idea of life on the other side. It is very difficult for schools, law enforcement agencies, soccer clubs and telephone, electricity and water companies to cooperate across the Green Line. Teenagers cant even send text messages across the divide. Trade between the communities is limited.

Lowering these barriers with respect and sensitivity would help to heal the wounds of the past and, importantly, to build trust. Researchers already estimate that reunification could raise annual incomes by about 1.8 billion euros -- more than 5,500 euros per household. Everyone needs to see that there are benefits to reunification that will simplify life, strengthen the economy and outweigh the compromises that any settlement will require.

Third, the major regional powers, whose presence hangs heavily over the island, need to play their part. Greece is urgently called upon to play a more constructive role in the peace process by explaining the benefits of its own normalization of relations with Turkey and its support for that countrys EU membership. And Turkey could give a tremendous boost to confidence in the peace process by announcing a symbolic withdrawal of some troops from northern Cyprus as a goodwill gesture -- a move that would also greatly assist Turkeys convergence with Europe.

Finally, explicit international expressions of support for a settlement would help to persuade the leaders of both communities that success would bring proper recognition and reward. It would certainly help if the EU promised substantial development funds, including for resolution of property issues, once an agreement is in place.

This is the best chance in 30 years for a federal settlement in Cyprus, and it may be the last. If these talks fail, partition will probably be permanent, and, no matter how benign the environment today, geopolitics will catch up with the island over time.

Failure to resolve the Cyprus problem is a potentially serious threat to good relations between NATO, Turkey and the EU. Cypriots must seize this chance to build a healthy, reunited country that can make the most of its economic potential in the region, and play its part in world affairs with confidence and security. Archbishop Tutu is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Jimmy Carter is a former president of the United States; Lakhdar Brahimi is a former foreign minister of Algeria and United Nations special envoy.

[11] Columnist in Havadis called on Turkey to open the fenced city of Varosha

In his commentary, Basaran Duzgun refers to the efforts being exerted by the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Armenia during their meeting in Prague to find a solution to the problems of the two countries through dialogue and he underlines the stance of Turkey in these efforts.

Basaran Duzgun writes that Turkey was the side which made the first step for the solution of the chronic dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The columnist continues and supports that Turkey should adopt a similar attitude towards the Cyprus problem. Duzgun writes also the following: Putting into effect a proactive policy which proved beneficial during the Annan Plan period and providing encouragement at the negotiating table in a way that will bring the solution, is a precondition.

First of all, the issue of Maras [occupied fenced city of Varosha] should be put again into the agenda.

The opening of Maras today for settlement means the creation of a great economic driving force, a source of billion of dollars but it will also pave the way for solution enthusiasm both in the North and the South.

The [Turkish] Foreign Minister, known as the architect of the behind the scenes reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia, could work on this matter, adds the columnist.

(AK)

[12] From the Turkish Press of 07 May 2009

a) Foreign policy under Davutoglu viewed:

Cuneyit Ulsever focuses on the appointment of Ahmet Davutoglu as Turkey's new Foreign Minister in a column in Istanbul Hurriyet, entitled "New era and EU." He argues that Turkey's accession to the EU will depend on the decision that will be made in foreign policy to open the country's ports to Cyprus. Drawing attention to the importance of the implementation of the agreements Turkey has reached with the EU in its bid to join the Union, he says: Whether or not the talks with the EU will be maintained will depend on the opening of Turkey's ports to south Cyprus by the end of 2009. I believe that the question as to whether or not Turkey will open its ports by the end of the year will bring to light the direction Turkey's foreign policy will take under Davutoglu.

In a column in Istanbul Hurriyet Daily News in English, Cengiz Candar views the impact of Davutoglu's views on Turkey's foreign policy in the past and says: As a mastermind of politics, Foreign Minister Davutoglu will be quite successful. I have no doubts about that.

b) Initiatives to improve relations in the Caucasus:

Commenting on the situation in the Caucasus, Semih Idiz argues that many stones have been moved by the process Turkey and Armenia initiated to mend their relations in the area. In a column in Istanbul Milliyet, entitled "The Turkey-Armenia process moved many stones in the Caucasus," he welcomes the meeting the presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia will have in Prague today. However, he notes: Armenia must not be expected to pull away from Russia to approach NATO and the United States. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan will find it difficult to weaken its relations with the Western countries to approach Russia. Asserting that Prime Minister Erdogan's visit to Baku and Moscow after the meeting in Prague shows that Turkey is now more involved in the developments in the southern part of the Caucasus, Idiz says: The result the multisided developments will yield cannot be predicted. However, it is quite clear that the situation that existed in the area for a long time will change.

In an article entitled "Three regions, three dangers, three choices", Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul calls attention to possible fallout for Turkey from impending developments in three potential "zones of conflict," namely "the Middle East-Africa region, where an "economic" and "geopolitical" confrontation is brewing between Western and Asian powers, the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, where tensions are growing because of the increasing destabilization of Pakistan owing to the prospect of a military campaign against this country as well as because of NATO operations in Afghanistan that are causing extensive civilian casualties "every day," and the Caucasus, where disagreements between the United States and Russia and between NATO and Russia are threatening to destabilize regional countries. He argues that Turkey's choices regarding these regions will either enable it to negotiate obstacles on its foreign policy path or cause it to pay a major price.

According to a report in Istanbul Sabah, entitled "Two states one stock market with Azerbaijan," the Turkish Capital Markets Board [SPK] and other establishments have reached an agreement with Baku to set up a joint quota system to increase the volume of the stock market in Azerbaijan. The report quotes Turkish SPK sources as saying that they are convinced that the project will be realized in a short period.

c) Kurdish problem:

Hasan Cemal, in a column in Milliyet , entitled "Erdogan does not read the EU well," focuses on the views Murat Karayilan outlined when he interviewed him on the PKK and Kurdish demands. He says that Karayilan argued that France and Germany oppose the solution of the Kurdish problem by standing against Turkey's accession to the EU. Cemal claims that Karayilan wants to establish the approach the United States will adopt and quotes him as saying: Will Obama act like Bush? In other words, will he prefer the problem to remain unsolved? I do not know. I wish that he would sincerely want a political solution to be found... The United States can make a significant contribution.

In a column in Istanbul Hurriyet Daily News in English, entitled "Qandil is also aware," Mehmet Ali Birand assesses the views Murat Karayilan conveyed to Hasan Cemal on the Qandil Mountain in connection with the solution of the Kurdish problem. Birand says that Karayilan is an important PKK member and what he says gives clues to how they want to end the fighting.

In an article entitled "Let this fight between brothers end", Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay interprets some of the messages given by Murat Karayilan, "who has been the true leader of the PKK in the past 20 years" in a recent interview with Milliyet columnist Hasan Cemal as meaning that the PKK has finally realized that it cannot achieve its purposes through armed struggle. Alpay asserts that the onus is on the ruling AKP and the top command of the Turkish military if they want to go down in history or are sincerely committed to Turkey's territorial integrity to use the "opportunity" provided by Karayilan's disclosures to do what they can to end the conflict between Turkey and the PKK by changing laws so as to make it possible for all views other than those that endorse violence to be expressed freely, enabling citizens of Kurdish origin to openly voice their grievances and expectations, and passing a general amnesty for all militants willing to lay down arms.

Finally, in an article entitled "The MHP's Kurdish policy", Zaman columnist Mumtazer Turkone criticizes the Nationalist Action Party, MHP, leadership for "representing the politicization of the PKK as a major threat" to Turkey and accusing the Erdogan government of maintaining an "indecisive" and "helpless" stance vis-à-vis the PKK's campaign of "political separatism." Turkone urges the MHP to develop a "Kurdish policy" characterized by a "constructive language" instead of insisting on "tried" methods of dealing with this issue, asserting that Turkey has entered a new phase in the process of solving the Kurdish question where it has become increasingly clear that it is not possible to "wash off blood with blood."

EG/

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