Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-07-20

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus

[02] The Turkish Stars to perform over occupied Cyprus on the celebrations of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus

[03] State Minister Cicek expresses Turkeys continued support to the occupation regime

[04] Messages from Talat, Eroglu, Erdogan and Saygin regarding the anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974

[05] The Turkish Parliament Speaker stated that the solution is possible only if the realities of the island are taken into consideration

[06] Statements by foreign high level officials who are currently in the occupied part of Cyprus to attend the 35th anniversary celebrations from the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by the Turkish troops

[07] Talat met with Turkish First Army Commander

[08] Meeting with Foreign parliamentarians by Eroglu

[09] The 37th meeting between Christofias-Talat. Statements by Talat after the meeting

[10] Davutoglu comments on the fight against PKK, Nabucco and Cyprus. Last chance for Cyprus

[11] A Turkish Cypriot athlete to represent the occupation regime in a Kart Grand Prix to take place in the UK

[12] The so-called agriculture and natural resources minister is flying to the USA for a series of inspections

[13] Turkish Minister in Brazil seeking free trade with Mercosur countries

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] From the Turkish Press of 17, 18 and 19 July 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus

Under the title TRNC will live, Volkan reports on its first page that the Turkish Cypriot people who is getting ready for one more time to celebrate with excitement and enthusiasm the 20 July Peace and Freedom National Holiday are shouting to the world that the TRNC will live.

On its part Afrika under the title The 35th year of a half country, reports the following: We are still celebrating the day that thousands of people died, many were murdered or were thrown in dry wells, or they were buried in dozens in mass graves, women were raped, one fourth of the population became refugee and the island was separated into two. As regards the Greek Cypriots they are mourning.

Under the title Two separate states Kibris writes that On the 35th anniversary of the Peace Operation the conditions of a permanent solution are declared to the world. The paper reports that the Turk Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs, Cemil Cicek who is paying an illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus for the celebrations, stated, inter alia, that any settlement to be reached must acknowledge the reality that there are two states, two democracies and two peoples in Cyprus. The paper also publishes the statements of the Turkish Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan, for the anniversary of the invasion and notes that he stated, inter alia, that the occupation regime which has completed its economic development will become the safeguard of a lasting solution in Cyprus. On his part, the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, stated, inter alia, that no discussion will be made on the issue of Turkeys guarantees in Cyprus.

Vatan reports on the issue under the title Two separate states and writes the following: The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic and the State Minister noted for one more time in their 20 July messages the realities of the Cyprus history and the road for the solution.

Yeni Duzen reports on the issue under the title Talat: The aim is the solution and the security.

Under the title Talat: 20 July is an opening out to the solution, Halkin Sesi reports on the speech that the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat made on illegal Bayrak television on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus. Mr Talat stated: 20 July should not be perceived as a symbol of the nonsolution of the Cyprus problem but as an opening towards reaching a lasting settlement on the island.

Under the title Now arm in arm friendship in the place of death, Star Kibris publishes in its front page a report of a Turkish journalist and a Greek Cypriot doctor who met after 35 years at the Ledra Place crossing point. The latter saved the journalists life in 1974 after he was wounded during the Turkish invasion.

Kibrisli reports on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion under the title We are all 35 years old!.

Bakis also reports on the issue under the title: 35 years of peace and freedom.

Under the title Two separate people, democracies and states, Ortam publishes the statements of the Turk Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs, Cemil Cicek upon his arrival to the occupied areas of Cyprus for the 20 July celebrations.

Under the title Eroglu: We are in tranquility, Gunes writes that the self-styled prime minister, Dervis Eroglu told the Turk Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs, Cemil Cicek who is paying an illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus for the 20 July celebrations, that the Turkish Cypriots feel secure and calm because of his visit to the occupied areas for the celebrations.

(CS)

[02] The Turkish Stars to perform over occupied Cyprus on the celebrations of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus

(EA)

[03] State Minister Cicek expresses Turkeys continued support to the occupation regime

The Turk Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Cemil Cicek who will be attending the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day celebrations arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus this afternoon.

The Turkish Minister of State was greeted by Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu as well as the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosia Sakir Fakili at Ercan Airport [occupied airport of Tymbou].

Speaking upon his arrival at Ercan, the Turkish Minister said that the 20th of July Peace Operation was an important day in the history of the Turks of Cyprus. He said that Turkey, as in the case of the 1974 Peace operation, will always be by the side of the people of the TRNC.

Touching upon the ongoing negotiations, Cicek, in line with earlier statements made by the Turkish government, expressed hope that a lasting settlement will be found in Cyprus. Pointing out that Ankara fully supported the full-fledged talks in Cyprus, the Turkish Minister of State stressed that any settlement to be reached must acknowledge the reality that there are two states, two democracies and two peoples in Cyprus.

Following his arrival in the TRNC this afternoon, the Turkish Minister of State paid visits to President Mehmet Ali Talat, the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Hasan Bozer and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu. Receiving the Turkish Minister, President Mehmet Ali Talat said Turkey has always been by the side of the Turks of Cyprus, through better or for worse.

Explaining that a new period had begun for the Turks of Cyprus with the 20th of July Peace Operation, one of peace and security, the President said that the Cyprus Problem too gained a new dimension with Turkeys timely intervention. The 20th of July Peace Operation has ultimately created new conditions for a settlement, said Talat, adding that intensive and serious work was needed in order to achieve a just and lasting peace on the island.

Reminding that Turkey and the TRNC had approved the Annan Plan in the 2004 referendum, the President said that the Greek Cypriot Sides rejection of the plan had led to a positive change in the international communitys perception of the TRNC.

President Talat also pointed out that the Turkish Side continued to support a settlement despite the rejection of the UN-sponsored plan.

Explaining that the Turkish Side is doing all it can to reach a settlement by the end of 2009, the President complained that the Greek Cypriot Side strongly opposed the idea of setting time tables or having the UN take on a more active role in the process.

Criticizing the Greek Cypriot Administration for lacking the necessary motivation towards a solution, the President said that the Turkish Sides stance in support of a solution continued and that no concessions had been made on the fundamental rights of the Turks of Cyprus.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris and other Turkish Cypriot newspapers report today (20.07.09) about the contacts of the Turk Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Cemil Cicek who is visiting the occupied areas of Cyprus attending the 20 July celebrations.

Mr Cicek held meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the self-styled speaker of the assembly Hasan Bozer and the self-styled prime-minister Dervis Eroglu.

During the meeting, Mr Talat stated, inter alia, that Turkey has always been by the side of the Turkish Cypriots and added that the Cyprus problem gained a new dimension with Turkeys timely intervention. Mr Talat also accused the Republic of Cyprus of not showing the necessary motivation towards a solution, and added that the Turkish sides stance in support of a solution continued and that no concessions had been made on the fundamental rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

On his part, Mr Cicek stated that he will continue to support the cause of the Turkish Cypriots.

Kibris also reports that during his meeting with Mr Cicek, Mr Eroglu stated that the visit of the Turk Minister of State is a way of expressing that the Turkish government and the Turkish people will always be next to the Turkish Cypriots. He also thanked Mr Cicek, the Turkish Prime-Minister Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government who did not leave alone the Turkish Cypriots on such an important day. On his part Mr Cicek stated that Turkey will continue to be next to the Turkish Cypriots in the future as it did in the past.

(CS)

[04] Messages from Talat, Eroglu, Erdogan and Saygin regarding the anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974

Official celebrations for the 20 July Peace and Freedom Day have begun with a 21 gun-salute and a speech to the nation by President Mehmet Ali Talat, which was broadcasted on Bayrak Radio Television.

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat has said the 20th of July should not be perceived as a symbol of the non solution of the Cyprus Problem but as an opening towards reaching a lasting settlement on the island.

In his address to the nation marking the beginning of official 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day, President called on all political parties, irrelevant of their ideologies, to support the current foreign policy formulated and carried out jointly with Turkey.

He pointed out that the 20th of July should not be perceived as the symbol of a non-solution of the Cyprus Problem but as an opportunity towards reaching a lasting settlement.

It is important that we should no longer look at the events of 1974 through a perspective of war and conflict but from which lessons of peace and friendship can be drawn he added.

Stressing that a settlement, peace and friendship in Cyprus cannot be possible by ignoring the political equality and fundamental rights of the Turks of Cyprus, President Talat said that the political parameters which changed with the 20th of July Peace Operation has provided concrete proof of this to both the Greek Cypriot Side as well as the international community.

He said that the TRNC, formed on a strong foundation, allowed them to negotiate more confidently in the current negotiations process.

Underlining the need to form a new partnership state, where the Turks of Cyprus will be politically equal with Greek Cypriots, Talat said that a settlement needed to be reached as soon as possible so that Turks of Cyprus could be represented within the international community.

The President also said that the majority of TRNC citizens were critical or sceptical of the Greek Cypriot Sides stance adopted at the talks, mainly because they witnessed time and time again the Greek Cypriot Administrations unjust, ill intended and aggressive actions within the international community.

The international recognition they enjoy as representatives of the so-called Cyprus Republic and their unjust membership to the EU, which they regularly use against the TRNC and Turkey, is just one of many sources of this distrust the President said.

In a message issued on the occasion of the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day celebrations, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu reminded that the Turks of Cyprus lived a free, prosperous and happy life today thanks to their Turkish brothers who unselfishly gave their lives to protect them.

Turkey which used its rights stemming from international agreements and timely intervened brought peace to this island said Eroglu, adding that it was the very same guarantees, which the Greek Cypriots are trying to remove at the current talks, which saved the island from the brink of a great tragedy.

Issuing a message on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the Turkish Peace Operation, the Turkish Prime Minister said he shared the pride and happiness of the people of the TRNC who were celebrating the 35th anniversary of their freedom.

The 20th of July Peace Operation which we carried out in line with our rights stemming from international agreements not only brought freedom to the Turks of Cyprus and freed them from oppression, but has also strengthened peace and stability in the region he said.

He said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, founded on democratic values, had succeeded in becoming a modern state.

Pointing out that the TRNC economy has steadily grown over the years; the Turkish Premier said that their biggest goal was to ensure that this development becomes sustainable.

A TRNC which has completed its economic development will become the safeguard of a lasting solution in Cyprus. The Turkish Side has demonstrated its good will, has done all it can and will continue to do so in the future the Turkish premier added.

The Turkish Prime Minister also said that Turkey will never allow a repetition of the events prior to 1974.

The Commander of the Turkish First Army, General Ergin Saygun who is in the Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus representing the Turkish Armed Forces at the 20th of July celebrations was received yesterday by President Mehmet Ali Talat, Speaker of the Republics Assembly Hasan Bozer as well as Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

The message he conveyed during his visits was that the Turkish Peace Forces would always stand by the Turks of Cyprus and are determined to safeguard them.

Receiving General Saygun, President Mehmet Ali Talat said the 20th July Peace Operation was carried out with the aim of preventing the Greek Junta and their plans of achieving ENOSIS in Cyprus.

Turkey fulfilled its obligations stemming from its rights from the treaty of guarantees and protected the Turks of Cyprus and from that day forward we have never felt fear again, said President Talat.

Noting that they have been acting with the realization that the 20th of July Turkish Peace Operation had liberated the Turks of Cyprus who had been suffering for many years, the President said we have sacrificed many things and given many martyrs to come to this day.

Noting that there were no security problems currently on the island, the President of the Republic said the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces are a part of the Turkish Armed Forces and play an important part in the peace atmosphere that is on the island.

During the visit, General Saygun handed over the Turkish Chief of Staff General Ilker Basbugs message to President Talat. In response President Talat handed over a message to be given to Staff General Basbug.

Later, the General paid a visit to Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

Speaking here the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the 20th July Peace Operation and added that Turkey had rescued the Turks in Cyprus from genocide and with the geographical changes a Turkish State had been created.

For his part General Ergin Saygun said the Turkish Armed Forces will always be by the side of the Turks of Cyprus and would never allow for the repetition of the past.

[05] The Turkish Parliament Speaker stated that the solution is possible only if the realities of the island are taken into consideration

Mr Toptan stated, inter alia, that Turkey established with the peace operation, as he called the Turkish invasion, a peaceful and secure environment for the Turkish Cypriot people and said the following: Today the will of the Turkish Cypriot people to live independent, the contribution made for the peace and the stability in Cyprus and the region and the efforts made towards this direction, are even more understood. In Cyprus there are two separate people, two separate democracies and two separate states. The solution is going to be possible only if the realities of the island are been taken into consideration.

Mr Toptan went on and added that the Turkish Parliament will continue its efforts for the political equality of the TRNC and the reaching of a comprehensive, just and permanent solution of the Cyprus problem under which the Turkish Cypriots will live in prosperity and in security.

(CS)

[06] Statements by foreign high level officials who are currently in the occupied part of Cyprus to attend the 35th anniversary celebrations from the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by the Turkish troops

Speaking during the meeting, the self-styled speaker said that Kosovo is the most recent state in the world that won its official independence. Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Bozer stated that the world exerted efforts to bring together the Turkish Cypriots with the Greek Cypriots. Saying that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots tried to live together in the past but they could not succeed and they were separated, Mr Bozer stated that if the conditions are appropriate, an agreement will be possible to be reached. He also asked for Kosovos support and expressed his heartfelt wish for strengthening the love bonds between Kosovo and the Turkish Cypriot people.

On his part, the Minister of Kosovo after stating that they are trying to follow up the developments in Cyprus and that they will continue to do so, he recalled that they attended last years celebrations as well. Mr Yagcilar stated that Kosovo carries an exceptional importance for the Turkish world and that their aim is to accede to the EU as a complete state.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that Hasan Bozer held also a meeting with the Irish MP, Sean Power. During the meeting, Mr Bozer stated that Ireland is one of the countries that can understand the most the Turkish Cypriot people and said that when we look to the past of Ireland and the Turkish Cypriot history we will see similar struggles. On his part, Mr Power stated that in order to reach to the current situation in Ireland they passed through complicated and mournful roads, and added that while exerting efforts to resolve the problem, they concentrated on the similarities rather than on differences.

On the visit of the foreign delegations in occupied Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (19.07.09) reports that delegations of deputies from the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Gagauzia, Kyrgyzstan and Italy who are in the occupied areas of Cyprus for the 35th anniversary celebrations from the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island, have paid separate visits to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the self-styled prime minister, Dervis Eroglu and self-styled speaker of the illegal assembly, Hasan Bozer.

In the framework of the celebrations, the delegates held a meeting with Hasan Bozer, who, in statements, expressed his happiness for the delegations presence in the celebrations.

The paper reports in detail the names of the delegates who held a visit with Hasan Bozer as follows: Humair H.K. Rohri, deputy from Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Sabir Rustemhamli, Nizami Iskenderov, Jale Aliyeva, Ganire Pasayeva and Aynur Camalkizi, deputies from Azerbaijan, the speaker of the Gagauz Assembly, Mrs. Anna Harlaminko and the Gagauz MPs Sidon Uzun and Vasili Neykovcen, the former Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Askan Aymatov, the Italian deputies Maurizo Turco and Maria Antoniettams Farina and the British Westminster Conservative Party Member Councillor and judge of the British High Court, Dr. Harvey Marshall.

Speaking during the meeting, the Pakistani MP, Humair H.K. Rohri has stated, inter alia, that Pakistan, Turkey and the TRNC are brother countries along history and added that Pakistan will be always on the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

Moreover, Prof. Dr. Sabir Rustemhanli from Azerbaijan has stated that the TRNC is a daughter country for Azerbaijan and added that they consider the 20th of July a feast.

On her part, the speaker of the Gagauz Assembly, Anna Harlaminko stated that Gagauzia wants to cooperate with the illegal regime in several fields.

Moreover, the former Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Aymatov, has expressed his wish for his country and the occupation regime to develop more close relations. He, then, added that Kyrgyzstan will continue to support Turkish Cypriots on the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Bozer met also the Italian deputies, Maurizo Turco and Maria Antoniettams Farina and according to the paper, Mr. Maurizo Turco submitted to Hasan Bozer a package of proposals he prepared on the issue of giving the opportunity to the Turkish Cypriot citizens who live abroad to vote in the representation office of the TRNC abroad.

Further, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.07.09) reports that the British Westminster Conservative Party Member Councillor and judge of the British High Court, Dr. Harvey Marshall, who is currently in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to attend the 35th anniversary celebrations from the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, has expressed his partys everytime support to the EU membership of Turkey and the illegal regime.

From a legal perspective the Cyprus situation is very complex, Dr. Marshall said during a meeting he held with the self styled speaker of assembly of the pseudostate, Hasan Bozer, and added that the EU membership is the only way of progress in terms of Turkey and North Cyprus.

Turkey holds an important location among the EU, Russia and the Middle East, Turkeys EU membership, therefore, is of a great importance, Dr. Marshall stated and concluded by saying that Turkish Cypriots have experienced difficult times during these 35 years and that the world should see that the problem should be resolved in a form that will satisfy all sides, the paper writes.

(EA/AC/ML)

[07] Talat met with Turkish First Army Commander

President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received Turkish First Army Commander Gen. Ergin Saygun in Lefkosia on Saturday.

Commander of Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Gen. Hilmi Akin Zorlu also attended the meeting which took place on the occasion of July 20th Peace and Freedom Day.

Gen. Saygun said that he arrived in the island to represent Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in the 35th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation. Gen. Saygun added that there had been peace and tranquility in the island for 35 years.

Talat thanked TSK for bringing security to TRNC with July 20 Peace Operation.

Talat said that Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces, as a part of TSK, was working to maintain the peace atmosphere in the island.

Turkish Cypriot president also said that they aimed to conclude the negotiations (with Greek Cypriot administration) for solution of Cyprus problem by the end of 2009, and hold a referendum in the beginning of 2010.

Talat said that completing the negotiations would ease Turkey's EU process, lift isolations over Turkish Cypriots and bring stability and peace to the region.

[08] Meeting with Foreign parliamentarians by Eroglu

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu evaluated the ongoing negotiations process during a visit paid to him by foreign parliamentarians on the island.

We must act with the knowledge that the statehood of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is strengthening the hand of the Turks of Cyprus at the negotiating table otherwise we will find ourselves in the times before 1974. If we hadnt paid the price we paid for the establishment of our state, the existence of the Turks on the island would cease to have existed, said Mr. Eroglu.

He added that it was there duty to support President Mehmet Ali Talat who is representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the Cyprus negotiations process.

Here Mr. Eroglu said that the world had mobilized to get rid of the state that had been set up and the United Nations Security council had given out orders for world states not to accept the existence of this state.

Also speaking during the visit the Azeri MP Mr. Sabir Rustemhanli said that they always visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with great excitement and always hope that a solution will be found to the Cyprus problem.

Noting that new problems always emerged in the Turkic world Mr. Rustemhanli gave the example of the problems being lived by the Uygur Turks.

As we continue to remain silent the world will force us to do what they want.

Pointing to the fact that new states were being formed with the breaking up of the Soviet Union, the Azeri MP said although the world is staying impartial to this fact, they are pressurizing for a solution to be found in Cyprus to unite the two sides.

He said with this pressure, world countries are ignoring the fact that with the island being united it will pave the way for a new genocide to be started and with the annihilation of the Turks of Cyprus the island will be handed over to the Greek Cypriot side.

[09] The 37th meeting between Christofias-Talat. Statements by Talat after the meeting

Following the meeting which lasted for two and a half hours, Alexander Downer, special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Cyprus said Talat and Christofias discussed the topic of "Security and Guarantees". The leaders will continue discussing the same topic and also citizenship and migration issues next week, Downer said. The two leaders will meet again on July 23.

Talat and Christofias completed to assess the "territory" issue in their last meeting, and also set the negotiation timetable for the period until October. Accordingly they will meet on July 23, July 30, August 6, September 3, September 10, September 17 and October 2.

So far, the two leaders completed preliminary revision of "management and share of power", "property", "relations with the EU", "economy" and "territory" issues during their negotiations which had started on September 11, 2008.

Moreover Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.07.09) reported that Mr Mehmet Ali Talat said that the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance could be changed by the approval of all concerned parties.

"Turkish Cypriots want maintenance of the current guarantees, but the Greek Cypriot administration wants a change," Talat told reporters.

Talat said the Greek Cypriot administration had to convince Turkish Cypriots for a change in the treaties, otherwise there would be no change. "We will also discuss migration, citizenship, and right to asylum topics under the 'management and share of power' chapter in our next meeting," Talat also said.

Talat said the first phase of talks would be over after they completed their negotiations on those topics. "Then, we will launch the second phase of the management and share of power chapter," he said.

[10] Davutoglu comments on the fight against PKK, Nabucco and Cyprus. Last chance for Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkey had relations with all ethnical, religious and sectarian groups in Iraq. The only country which has close and friendly relations with all groups (in Iraq) is Turkey, said Davutoglu in a TV program he attended in state-run TRT channel on Friday.

Noting that there was an improvement in security in Iraq in recent years but ethnical and sectarian-based conflicts increased in recent period, Davutoglu said that Iraqis should unite on a joint value.

Regarding the fight against PKK terrorist organization, Davutoglu said that Turkey would exert serious efforts till the general elections which would take place in Iraq in January, 2010.

Davutoglu said that PKK was isolated in Iraq, adding that PKK's target was to make contradiction between Turkey and the north of Iraq. Noting that there could not be any problem with Kurdish people, Davutoglu said that it was impossible for Turkey to consider the unity of the north of Iraq as a threat; and added that Turkey considered the terrorist organization in the north of Iraq as a threat.

Regarding the Nabucco Project, Davutoglu said that Nabucco had a central importance in Eurasia, adding that Nabucco was a connection line between the regions.Noting that Turkey had become the center of natural gas transfer in the east-west line, Davutoglu said that there could not be a competition between Turkey and Russia in natural gas issue. He added that there was a multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries.

Davutoglu also said that Turkey had relations with all ethnical groups in Caucasus, and added that Turkey did not support any ethnical or sectarian conflict.Noting that Armenian occupation in Upper Karabagh had been continuing for 17 years, Davutoglu said that this status quo was not beneficial for Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations.

Turkey's foreign minister has made a warning over the fate of peace talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders, saying negotiations would either end the division of the island or "we would all have to consider alternative ways.""Everyone should fully understand that the negotiations offer the last chance. We do not want the status quo to linger on the island. Turkish Cypriots can live no more under economic isolations. There is an expression in English: 'Enough is enough.' The European Union needs to see Turkey's efforts and international actors must weigh in the next few months," Ahmet Davutoglu told Friday a televised interview on Turkey's state-run broadcaster, TRT.

Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias re-launched peace talks in September 2008, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the division.

Any agreement between the Cyprus leaders to reunify the island would be submitted to vote in Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. In 2004, a UN-sponsored peace plan was turned down by the Greek Cypriots in a double referendum which was accepted by Turkish Cypriots. The promise made by EU foreign ministers before the referendums to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and establish direct trade with northern Cyprus still remains unfulfilled."Unfair embargoes on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cannot continue. Either the status quo changes at the end of the talks and we build a peace and a security zone in the eastern Mediterranean or we would all have to consider alternative ways," Davutoglu said.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (18.07.09) broadcast the following:

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that the Turkish government does not want the status-quo that exists in Cyprus to continue in this manner. Evaluating the current outlook of the Cyprus negotiations process in Cyprus Mr. Davutoglu said the efforts that Turkey has made on the Cyprus issue are very clear. We have tried to protect our interests and taken a universal approach to reach a compromise, he said and added that Turkey has also kept its promises.

Noting that it wasnt clear whether or not the Greek Cypriot side wanted a solution on the island or was just maneuvering to get what it wants during the negotiations process, Mr. Davutoglu said from now on Turkey will be in close contact with President Mehmet Ali Talat.

We support a solution being found based on the parameters that were drawn up in the Annan plan, two founding states based on political equality and with Turkeys active guarantees, said the Turkish Foreign Minister.

Pointing to the fact that the Turks of Cyprus couldnt continue to live with unjust isolations as though it had committed a crime against humanity, Mr. Davutoglu said it is not possible to continue in this way.

[11] A Turkish Cypriot athlete to represent the occupation regime in a Kart Grand Prix to take place in the UK

As the paper writes, Zeka Ozteknik who represented the occupation regime in the World Easykart Championship which took place in Italy last year, presented yesterday (18 of July, Saturday) the special suit which he will wear during the Grand Prix. According to the paper, the emblem of the TRNC will be written on his suit.

(AK)

[12] The so-called agriculture and natural resources minister is flying to the USA for a series of inspections

The TRNC minister of agriculture and natural resources Nazim Cavusoglu is flying to the United States today for a series of inspections.

The minister and his accompanying delegation of forestry experts, who have been invited by the US Valent Biosciences Corporation, will be holding on-the-spot inspections on biological methods and warfare used to fight forest pests and other tree diseases.

[13] Turkish Minister in Brazil seeking free trade with Mercosur countries

Turkish State Minister for foreign trade Zafer Caglayan said Turkey and Brazil were two countries that could complete each other and cooperate on many areas.

At the "Turkey-Brazil Business Forum" meeting in Brazil, Caglayan said Turkey wanted to sign free trade deal with Mercosur zone which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Caglayan and a large group of Turkish businessmen are on a tour to Latin America covering Chile and Brazil. Caglayan said Turkish government aims to increase the trade volume with Brazil to 5 billion USD in the next three years, adding that Turkish and Brazilian economies were very similar to each other and sharing the same destiny. He said the two countries could work together on several industries, especially on aviation, construction, iron and steel and mining.

Caglayan also called on Brazilian businessmen to invest in Turkey, saying "you are good at soccer. You have 40 players in Turkey. It is impossible for a team to be successful if they go back to defense. Stop playing defense. Instead you should step forward and play offense."

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] From the Turkish Press of 17, 18 and 19 July 2009

a) Kurdish Problem:

In a column in Istanbul Vatan (17.07.09) Rusen Cakir argues that Prime Minister Erdogan is waiting for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to disclose the road map he said he will draw up for that purpose in mid-August and notes: However, the government is uneasy. It fears that Ocalan might take the initiative. What is even worse is its fear that it might create the impression that it is talking with the leader of the terrorist PKK. Cakir claims that the government agreeing to all the demands of the Kurds is impossible but says that an opportunity still exists for it to solve the problem. Lamenting the tension between the government and the military forces, he argues: General Basbug is in a position to contribute to the government's strategy on the Kurds. However, considering the differences between the administration and the military forces, the new initiative we expect on the Kurdish problem might be defective if not stillborn.

In an article in Hurriyet (18.07.09), Ertugrul Ozkok relates a conversation he had with Abdullah Ocalan's lawyers who gave some background information on the four-section "road map" Ocalan is currently preparing for the solution of the Kurdish problem. According to the lawyers, the road map Ocalan will be announcing in August will have a great impact, writes Ozkok, adding that the lawyers have also requested to meet with officials from the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association, TUSIAD, who have not yet responded to the lawyers' request. In conclusion, Ozkok addresses Ocalan asking whether the PKK will lay down its arms, since he is the one to make such a decision.

Also relating a meeting with Ocalan's lawyers in an article in Sabah (18.07.09), Erdal Safak details his own proposals to the lawyers regarding the solution of the Kurdish problem. According to Safak, the PKK has to lay down its arms if the foundation for a dialogue is to be established. Only then can the status of the leading cadres of the PKK be discussed, says Safak, adding that in the short run nothing should be expected with regards to Ocalan other than putting an end to his isolation. The writer further proposes the recognition of the Kurdish identity and freedom for the Kurdish language.

A report entitled "Temizoz's underground torture chambers" in Yeni Safak (18.07.09) highlights a statement made by Mehmet Nuri Binzet, a witness who informed judicial authorities that PKK militants captured by pro-government Kurdish militia in the 1990s were questioned and tortured in a house owned by his brother who, he said, used to regularly meet with Cemal Temizoz, then Commander of Gendarmerie Company in Cizre, who is now facing accusations that he was responsible for some roadside executions in the southeastern part of Turkey.

A report entitled "Executioners collected dead people's IDs" in Zaman (18.07.09) highlights an indictment issued against Colonel Temizoz which says that the IDs of pro-PKK people executed by death squads in southeastern cities in the 1990s were later handed over to Temizoz as a proof that they had been murdered.

A report in Sabah (19.07.09) recounts that "in line with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture recommendations, the number of inmates to be transferred to the new rooms built in Imrali has been determined. The identities of the inmates will be decided upon later. While there is eager anticipation for the 'solution plan' to be announced by terrorist organization leader Abdullah Ocalan on 15 August, the number of inmates to be transferred to Imrali will be nine."

A report entitled "Meat Smuggling is the PKK's new Source of Income" in Sunday's Zaman (19.07.09) highlights the findings of an investigation jointly conducted by the Agricultural Association of Turkey and the Turkish Union of Dairy, Meat, and Food Producers which showed that the PKK is believed to control over 70 percent of the meat and animal smuggling business in the country.

b) Nabucco Project

The first test of the Nabucco pipeline project will be during Russian President Putin's visit to Turkey on 6 August, writes Meliha Okur in an article in Sabah (18.07.09), adding that Turkey will, on one hand, try not to offend Russia and, on the other, avoid signing a "binding goodwill agreement" over which Russia will be insistent. Foreseeing the pressure Russia will be putting on Turkey to support the Blue Stream-2 project and to abandon Nabucco given the fact that it is a pipeline that has no gas, Okur declares that another issue to be discussed is the renewal of the contract regarding the Western Line, which supplies 8 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Turkey and which expires on 2011.

Referring to the signing of the Nabucco intergovernmental agreement in an article in Hurriyet Daily News (18.07.09), Gila Benmayor points out that the question of who will feed the pipeline remains unanswered. Describing Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iraq as the key supplier countries, Benmayor argues that, however, Iraq has yet to begin gas production in gas fields in the north of the country. Asserting that securing Azeri gas is a pre-condition in order to realize Nabucco, Benmayor wonders how Turkey will convince Azerbaijan on the issue.

Energy will be the major issue on Putin's agenda during his visit to Turkey on 6 August, writes on Radikal (18.07.09) communist Murat Yetkin in his article. Quoting a Russian source on Moscow's disinterest in supplying gas for the Nabucco project in response to Prime Minister' Erdogan's claims that Russian gas can be procured for the pipeline, Yetkin underlines that partnership in Nabucco is not on Russia's agenda during Putin's visit and that Russia is aiming for partnership in the second Blue Stream project. Viewing the Nabucco project as one that will change the energy balances in the region, Yetkin recalls that Russia in the past belittled the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project until an agreement was signed on the issue which later forced him to partnership in the project.

Viewing the Nabucco project from the PKK perspective in an article in Taraf (18.07.09), Emre Uslu details past PKK attacks directed against the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, adding that the one launched prior to the war in Georgia was probably orchestrated by Russia. Within this context, the PKK will want to be an actor in the Nabucco project as well, claims Uslu, reminding a recent warning issued by Russian experts to the effect that "the Nabucco line might be the target of PKK attacks." Expressing his suspicions that Russia might be using the PKK to prevent the realization of the project, Uslu reports on a statement PKK's Murat Karayilan made to the Voice of Russia referring to close relations between the Kurds and Russia and asking Russia not to hand to Turkey weapons it will use in the massacre of Kurds. Uslu concludes: "There isn't a large-scale weapons agreement between Turkey and Russia. Then, can the message Karayilan conveyed via the Voice of Russia be related to Nabucco?"

c) Davutoglu and the importance of 2009

In a commentary entitled "Davutoglu, status quo, and change" in Radikal (19.07.09), Murat Yetkin recounts the chat he had with Davutoglu on the importance of 2009. Yetkin writes: "Ahmet Davutoglu explains the importance of 2009. He says that there will be elections in Iraq at beginning of 2010, elections in Cyprus, and Turkey will be under the influence of election atmosphere in 2011." Referring to Davutoglu's interview to a TV channel, Yetkin writes about the comments of Davutoglu with regard to the continuation of the "status quo" in Cyprus and the Caucasus. Yetkin continues: In the event that the status quo continues in Cyprus, Davutoglu said that everybody will have to accept the existence of two separate states in Cyprus. Let alone in Cyprus, Davutoglu also seeks to change the "status quo" in the Armenian-Azeri conflict and the Kurdish issue. Davutoglu explains that in the same way that the "isolation" of the Cypriot people cannot continue forever, the embargo imposed on Armenia can also not continue forever.

EG/

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