Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-05-22

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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 on Cyprus by Davutoglu and Ozgurgun during a joint press conference in Ankara

[02] President Christofias meets with Mehmet Ali Talat for the 29th time. Statements by Talat on occupied Limnitis issue

[03] The ferry boat services between Lattakia and occupied Famagusta will start on June 14 under the Turkish flag

[04] Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Mehmet Caglar to represent the Turkish Cypriot community in PACE

[05] An MP and Deputy Chairman of the ruling AKP stated that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be based on two separate states

[06] The participation of the Turkish Cypriot firms in the Cyprus International Fair is reduced every year

[07] Turkish Cypriot NGOs form platform to deal with immovable property cases

[08] Turkey hopes to discuss Environment Chapter with EU during Swedens Presidency

[09] The backstage prior to PM Erdogans recent visit to Azerbaijan

[10] Gul to visit Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan next week in order to discuss economic issues

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 21 May 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements on Cyprus by Davutoglu and Ozgurgun during a joint press conference in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Thursday, at a time when promises made by the international community, UN and EU to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have not been fulfilled, placing pressure on Turkey can not be judged as an act based on good will.

Davutoglu and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Huseyin Ozgurgun held a joint press conference following their tête-à-tête meeting in Ankara on Thursday.

We discussed with Ozgurgun on the need to continue the traditional cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC and to show common stance, Davutoglu said. It is a priority for Turkey to see the international promotion of the TRNC by opening offices in all corners of the world and by being represented in international organizations, Davutoglu said.

Ozgurgun's visit to Turkey is the first official trip he has made since assuming the position of the TRNC foreign minister and he will proceed to Damascus to attend the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Davutoglu said.

The upcoming term is highly important for the TRNC. The TRNC has completed elections successfully and showed to the whole world that it is a democratic country. The welfare, well-being and security of the Turkish Cypriots is a priority for us, Davutoglu said.

Turkish position on the Cyprus negotiations is clear. We wish for a just, permanent and comprehensive peace in Cyprus. This peace will bring welfare and security to the island and Eastern Mediterranean. In order to reach such a peace, a new understanding of partnership has to be based on a bi-zonal structure formed by two founding states, Davutoglu said.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.05.09) reported the following from Ankara:

The Turkish Cypriot foreign minister said on Thursday that he was not sure whether Greek Cypriots saw Turkish Cypriots as an equal party.

Huseyin Ozgurgun, the foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that he was not yet sure whether the Greek Cypriots regarded Turkish Cypriots as an equal party and were willing to reach an agreement in the island.

We have seen in our talks and joint platforms that the Greek Cypriot administration cannot give up 'the Republic of Cyprus', which is unacceptable, Ozgurgun told a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara.

TRNC Foreign Minister Ozgurgun is actually paying a formal visit to Turkey.

Ozgurgun said that Turkish Cypriots were an equal partner in the island, and expressed his wish that TRNC president and Greek Cypriot leader would go on their negotiations as two equal and founder partners and come to a result that way.

The government is supporting (TRNC President Mehmet Ali) Talat and the negotiation process, carried out together with motherland Turkey, Ozgurgun also said.

The Turkish Cypriot minister said that he was pleased to see that Turkish Cypriot and Turkish people were thinking the same about the Cyprus negotiation process.

Ozgurgun enumerated bi-zonal structure, political equality of two nations, equal status of two founder states, and de facto and effective guarantee of Turkey as TRNC's sine qua non conditions which could not be a matter of discussion.

The Turkish Cypriot minister said territory and property issues could only be solved through negotiations.

Ozgurgun also said that the Greek Cypriot administration could reach nowhere by putting Cyprus problem as an obstacle before Turkey on its road to European Union (EU) membership.

Turkish Armed Forces is ensuring peace in Cyprus, but what is lacking is an agreement which can be made by Turkish and Greek Cypriots on the table, he said.

Ozgurgun said that Turkey was supporting the negotiation process and efforts to find a comprehensive solution to Cyprus problem, and reiterated that Turkey's EU membership bid should not be associated with Cyprus problem.

TRNC Foreign Minister Ozgurgun will meet Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek, and be received by Turkish President Abdullah Gul later on Thursday.

[02] President Christofias meets with Mehmet Ali Talat for the 29th time. Statements by Talat on occupied Limnitis issue

The two leaders in Cyprus held another meeting today within the framework of the full-fledged negotiations launched last year with the aim of bringing about a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

The meeting which took place at the building allocated for the talks in the UN-controlled buffer zone, lasted for a little over two hours. The United Nations Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer was also present at todays meeting.

Speaking to reporters upon his return to the Presidential Palace, President Talat said that they had agreed to meet next Thursday to continue talks on the economy chapter.

Talat pointed out that today s meeting had focused solely on the opening of the Yesil1rmak crossing point, an issue where problems still existed.

We were therefore unable to review the convergence papers prepared by our special representatives, the President added.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot side desired free passage or access to the Erenkoy [occupied Kokkina] enclave, the President said that the Greek Cypriot side insisted on conditions that would restrict free passage to the enclave.

Responding to questions on the issue, the President said that there were no plans to hold a joint meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader and the muhtars of Pyrgo and Yesilirmak [occupied Limnitis] villages.

Asked to clarify what he meant by free passage, the President said that the term included a wide array of components.

The meeting of President Christofias with Mehmet Ali Talat is covered by todays Turkish Cypriot dailies (22.05.09) as well. Following are the front page headlines of the papers:

KIBRIS: Limnitis puzzle. Subtitle: Different approaches from the two sides. The paper writes that the two leaders accused each other of not managing to reach to an agreement as regards the issue of the opening of the Limnitis crossing point.

HALKIN SESI: Limnitis tension. Subtitle Yesterdays meeting between President Talat and the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Christofias was under tension. The paper reports that the Limnitis crossing point was the most important issue during the meeting of the leaders yesterday. The paper writes that, however, the two leaders abandoned the negotiating table without reaching to an agreement since the difficulties on the issue continue. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Talat stated that the Greek Cypriot side is responsible for not opening the Limnitis crossing point, whereas Mr. Christofias accused Talat of trying to dynamite the whole effort and evaluated Talat´s terms as greedy.

STAR KIBRIS: Limnitis caused crisis. The paper reports that Talat demanded free access and Christofias accused him for greed.

HAVADIS: Duel. The paper writes that the issue of the opening of the Limnitis crossing point turned into a battle of words among the two leaders. The paper published also the statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Talat who has said that Christofias talks a lot and thus developments are hit. Talat stated also that Christofias is the reason for not opening the Limnitis crossing point and added the following: We have some problems regarding Erenkoy [Kokkina]. The existing problems do not allow us to decide about Erenkoy. These problems must be overcome.

VATAN: President Talat: Difficulties on the Limnitis issue continue.

KIBRISLI: Deadlock for Limnitis.

VOLKAN: Talat: Christofias did not accept the free access.

ORTAM: ´Ohi´ [No] from Talat. The paper writes that Talat who insisted on the terms for transferring fuel to Kokkina as regards the issue of the opening of Limnitis gate, rejected the demand for a four-party meeting with Christofias and the muhktars of the area.

BAKIS: Strong quarrel.

(AK)

[03] The ferry boat services between Lattakia and occupied Famagusta will start on June 14 under the Turkish flag

Mrs. Kavuklu reminded also that during the previous year the ferry boat trips were taking place for two months, six times per month, adding that a total number of 1200 passengers were transferred from Syria to the occupied areas.

Mrs. Kavuklu stated also that the ferry boat trips will start on 14 June and she added that they are in full cooperation with Syria for the launching of the ferry boat services and for their promotion by radio, TV and through the Press.

(AK)

[04] Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Mehmet Caglar to represent the Turkish Cypriot community in PACE

(ML)

[05] An MP and Deputy Chairman of the ruling AKP stated that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be based on two separate states

Mr Tanriverdi went on and said that the Turkish Cypriots determined their wish for the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that Turkey will always support the TRNC and the TRNC people.

On his part Mr Eroglu stated that the government of the occupation regime and Turkey will continue to co-operate, as they did in the years he served again in the past as prime minister.

(CS)

[06] The participation of the Turkish Cypriot firms in the Cyprus International Fair is reduced every year

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (22.05.09) publishes the statements of the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry, Ali Cirali, who explained to the paper the reasons why the Turkish Cypriot firms do not participate in the Cyprus International Fair. Mr Ciral stated, inter alia, that the main reason for the non-participation is that the Greek Cypriots see negatively the products of the Turkish Cypriots and that they make things difficult as regards the products which carry labels such as North Cyprus or TRNC.

(CS)

[07] Turkish Cypriot NGOs form platform to deal with immovable property cases

A number of various civil society organizations have formed a platform to deal with immovable property cases such as the Orams case.

Members of the platform paid a visit this morning to Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

The delegation headed by the acting President Mehmet Ezic briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments on the Orams case as well as the formation of the platform.

The European Court of Justice had recently backed a ruling by a Greek Cypriot court ordering the couple to demolish a house built on land which belonged to the plaintiff Apostolides before 1974.

The British High Court of Appeal, where the case is currently pending, is expected to declare a final ruling on the issue later this fall.

[08] Turkey hopes to discuss Environment Chapter with EU during Swedens Presidency

"Council of Ministers also agreed on the opening of this chapter in this period," Eroglu said.

Sweden will take over the rotating EU presidency from Czech Republic on July 1.

Eroglu said that environment chapter was one of the toughest chapters in negotiations, adding that the government was working on several new draft laws on environment.

[09] The backstage prior to PM Erdogans recent visit to Azerbaijan

However, before travelling to Baku, the Turkish Prime Minister held a meeting with Turkeys National Security Council (MGK), where the generals placed their clear attitude. According to information gained by Sabah, at the MGK meeting on April 28, it was said to Erdogan: We want to move on the process between Turkey and Armenia. However, we cannot lose Azerbaijan. There might be opinion differences, but for Turkey the concept of Azerbaijan being abandoned is not under consideration. This message was given to Azerbaijan during Mr Erdogans visit to Baku. Speaking to the Azerbaijani Parliament, Mr Erdogan placed it clearly.

On the other hand, according to information gathered by the Foreign Ministry, the Turkish government assesses that the withdrawal of Armenia from Karabakh Mountains can be realised in five years, at best.

(EA)

[10] Gul to visit Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan next week in order to discuss economic issues

Economic cooperation and expanding business ties are expected to be the main focus of Gul, who will be accompanied by a group of businessmen on his Central Asia trip. Reports in the Tajik media said Gul and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon will discuss ways to increase the existing trade volume between the two countries. He will also meet Turkish businessmen operating in Tajikistan.

Turkey is one of Tajikistan's major trade partners. The trade volume between the two countries stood at $500 million in 2008, nearly 11 percent of Tajikistan's total foreign trade volume. This is Gul's first visit to the two Central Asian nations since being elected president in 2007.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 21 May 2009

a) Sincan Penal Court's decision on Gul:

Drawing attention to the importance of the statement issued by President Gul to the effect that if the Supreme Court of Appeals upholds the Sincan Penal Court's decision, he will not hesitate to stand trial, Murat Yetkin in an article in Radikal says the following: "If the Supreme Court of Appeals upholds Sincan's decision and if Gul testifies, will this constitute an example in terms of Erdogan's probable presidency in the future? If it does, will this adversely affect Erdogan's plans, if any, to become president after Gul?" Recalling that it was the AKP that had demanded to lift the president's political immunity, Yetkin asks whether the question of political immunities will harm the AKP on the eve of the 2011 elections. The Sincan court's decision and the statement issued by Gul yesterday promise new activity in politics, says Yetkin and questions whether the AKP will include the political immunities in the constitutional amendment package.

Under the headline, "I have no personal concerns," Yeni Safak carries a front-page report which quotes President Gul as saying that he does not have the slightest concern about standing trial in the so-called missing trillion case [as demanded by a high criminal court in Ankara's Sincan district] but that he is worried that the good name of the office of the president might be damaged by the recent court ruling asking for him to be put on trial on falsification charges.

In an article entitled "The untouchability of the justice who has touched the President", Zaman columnist Mumtazer Turkone accuses Osman Kacmaz, Justice of the First Criminal Court in Sincan, of sacrificing the dignity and good name of his profession in the name of winning political renown in "going out of his way" to impeach President Gul. Turkone also calls on prosecutors to remove Kacmaz's judicial immunity so that he can be put on trial under Articles 302 through 308 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Under the banner headline, "It is the same justice," Bugun carries a front-page report which asserts that the Sincan court justice who "wants President Gul to stand trial in a way contrary to the Constitution" has turned out to be the same judge who demanded that Prime Minister Erdogan be put on trial for referring to the PKK's imprisoned leader as "Mr Ocalan."

b) Pakistan-NATO mission in Afghanistan / Turkish Azeri relations:

Referring to the report to the effect that "a new U.S. and NATO approach to Afghanistan is being formulated that aims to be more comprehensive and multilateral," the chief editorial in Hurriyet Daily News praises Foreign Minister Davutoglu's plans to visit Pakistan and says: "Turkey has a great intellectual contribution to make to NATO's mission. NATO should use this resource. And Turkey must be careful not to become ensnared on the ground in a series of conflicts that appear more hopeless by the day."

In an article entitled "It is not Ladin but his image that the US needs", Vakit columnist Mustafa Ozcan cites the appointment of Stanley McChrystal as the chief US commander in Afghanistan as further proof that President Barack Obama is "either an insincere leader or a puppet." Ozcan also discusses the motives behind the US policy on Pakistan in light of what he refers to as Seymour Hersh's statements accusing former US administrations of orchestrating the assassinations of Zia-ul-Haq and Benazir Bhutto.

In an article entitled "Turkey forced to apologize to Azerbaijan", Milli Gazete columnist Hasan Unal criticizes the ruling AKP for "alienating Azerbaijan" and placing Turkey in the position of an "untrustworthy" country through its policy of rapprochement with Armenia. Cataloguing the results of the Erdogan government's policy toward Armenia, Unal calls attention to the "absence of any signs" suggesting that Turkey has "won over" Armenia or persuaded it to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and Baku's "serious concerns" about the prospects of the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.

c) Economy:

In an article in Hurriyet, Erdal Saglam, relates to Central Bank Governor Durmus Yilmaz's statement to the effect that if an agreement is not signed with the IMF, they have a "plan B" and underlines that he believes that there is no such plan and that the governor merely wants to avoid destroying the morale of the markets. In fact, if an agreement is not reached with the IMF -- in other words, if financial discipline is not established and confidence is not given -- it will be impossible to attract foreign resources and under such circumstances there is not much anyone can do, stresses Saglam and adds: "There is no choice, other than a program that will ensure financial discipline and that will give confidence. And this will only be achieved with an agreement with the IMF. There cannot be a plan B."

Due to the shrinkage in the foreign markets Turkey will apparently have to take a break from the "growth based on exports" model that had been adopted after 1980, notes Meliha Okur in an article in Sabah and, referring to Central Bank Governor Yilmaz's statement about a Plan B, cites economist Prof Gulten Kazgan as saying that rather than signing an agreement with the IMF, Turkey is in need of receiving investment loans from investment banks such as the World Bank, the IFC, the Islamic Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank. According to Kazgan, Turkey has destroyed the internal balances so badly with the IMF program between 2002 and 2008, it real sector has gone bankrupt, its agriculture has died, and its manufacturing industry has collapsed, asserts Okur.

EG/

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