Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-08-28

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

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat announces the illegal visit of Davutoglu to the occupied areas of Cyprus; Statements on the Cyprus problem and the issue of the

[02] Davutoglu is visiting the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to clarify the Turkish position on the negotiations

[03] Turkish Parliamentary speaker said that Ankara would always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots with the capacity of a guarantor power

[04] Eroglu said that an official from the self-styled foreign ministry will be included in the negotiating team of Talat at the Cyprus talks

[05] Ozgurgun commented on the works for the opening of Limnitis crossing-point

[06] The DP sends a letter to the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the EU regarding the Cyprus problem

[07] Self-styled minister will meet with twelve ministers during the International Fair of Izmir

[08] The first trip between occupied Famagusta, Latakia and Tripoli was carried out

[09] Former prime minister of Bavaria will visit the occupied areas of Cyprus

[10] Ankara to propose joint NATO-OIC conference in talks with Rasmussen

[11] Erdogan emphasized the one nation, one country, one flag and one state in his address to the nation

[12] Davutoglu met with U.S. Congressman Wexler

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish paper commented on Rasmussen latest statements

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat announces the illegal visit of Davutoglu to the occupied areas of Cyprus; Statements on the Cyprus problem and the issue of the missing persons

Referring to the developments in the negotiations, Mr Talat said: At this stage we have achieved a certain progress, but at the same time we established the matters of disagreement. We have created a great difference in these negotiations. For the first time we have prepared working documents. We prepared 30 documents, which include the issues on which we agree and the issues we have not been able to agree. Now we will discuss easily every issue and we will overcome our differences.

He said they separated the issues into six main chapters, the longest of which is the Governance and Power Sharing, because the essence of the Cyprus problem is the governance and power sharing. This is the reason for which the conflicts between the communities started, he added.

Mr Talat noted that progress has been achieved on three issues: the governance and power sharing, economy and the EU affairs. He said that very serious deadlocks are experienced on the property issue, that they left the issue of the territory (the map) for later and decided to discuss the map if it is seen that agreement could be reached on every issue. He noted that they will discuss the issue of the security and guarantees later.

Mr Talat said that they will start with the issues of disagreement in the second round and reiterated the proposal of the Turkish side that the important issues should be discussed by the leaders and the other issues by their representatives and experts. He said they do not know the stance of the Greek Cypriot side on this proposal yet.

Mr Talat noted that on Thursday they will discuss the executive power and how the President of the Republic and the Vice President will be elected. He said serious disagreements exist on this issue with the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to the property issue, Mr Talat pointed out that they said that the compensations and exchange of property could be used, but the Greek Cypriot side sees the former owner as the only person who is entitled to decide on the issue and wants arrangements according to the latters wishes. He said the proposals of the Turkish side on the issue are close to the Annan Plan.

He noted that the basic principal is that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed and added that in his view the convergence achieved is serious, while President Christofias thinks that it is not.

Mr Talat argued that there are two important stalemates. He said that the Greek Cypriot side does not accept a time table and the further involvement of the international community.

Mr Talat alleged that the proposals of the Turkish side are within the parameters of the UN. He added that the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the election of the Turkish Cypriot leader by the entire population of the island, including the Greek Cypriots, has not been submitted by any other Greek Cypriot leader in the past. He argued that when the proposals of the Greek side are outside the UN parameters, they reject them and added: The foreigners observe this as well. While, our proposals are within the UN parameters, the Greek Cypriots run away from this.

Moreover, Mr Talat discussed the issue of the missing persons with the inhabitants of Vouno, who used to live in Tohni village in the free areas of Cyprus, before the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island. He said that the excavation of the places where these persons are buried takes time because these places are in the government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus. He alleged that the government of the Republic promised that these procedures would be carried out speedily, but it did not keep its promise.

Afterwards, he noted, one of the two places where these persons are buried was excavated. He said the Greek Cypriots stated that they would not politicize the issue of the missing persons, but from time to time they did this. He noted that they warned the Greek Cypriots many times and thus the Greek side remained faithful to its promises and prevented the politicization of the issue.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (28.08.09) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat is meeting with the Turkish Cypriot political parties today in order to evaluate the developments regarding the Cyprus problem before the second round of the talks. Representatives from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the National Unity Party (UBP), the Democratic Party (DP), the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) and the Social Democracy Party (TDP) are expected to participate in the meeting.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Davutoglu is visiting the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to clarify the Turkish position on the negotiations

The Turkish side is clarifying its position ahead of the second round on Cyprus talks which is to start on the 3rd of September. While local and foreign evaluations continue on the Turkish stance in Cyprus, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is arriving in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the beginning of next week.

This was announced by the Presidential Spokesperson Hasan Ercakica who was speaking on BRT this morning. Ercakica said Mr Davutoglu and his delegation will hold discussions regarding the second round on comprehensive negotiations, being held between the two sides in Cyprus, with the aim of reaching a political settlement.

The Spokesperson also informed that meetings will be organized with political parties. Previous meetings with the parties were rather about providing information about the process, but this time, well mainly focus on hearing their views, he said. Mr Ercakica noted that there are no deep differences among the views of political parties in the TRNC regarding the Cyprus negotiations process.

Moreover, referring to the illegal visit of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.08.09) reports that Mr Davutoglu will arrive to the occupied areas of Cyprus on Sunday night and meet with Mr Talat on Monday.

[03] Turkish Parliamentary speaker said that Ankara would always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots with the capacity of a guarantor power

The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Ali ^ahin has said that Ankara would always be by the side of the Cyprus Turkish people with the capacity of a guarantor power to protect the rights, freedom and security of the TRNC.

Mr Sahin who arrived in the TRNC this morning was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat soon after his arrival.

Speaking at Ercan Airport [occupied airport of Tymbou], Mr Sahin repeated that Turkey was in favour of a just and lasting solution in Cyprus. Pointing to the fact that the TRNC people were suffering under an unjust isolation despite being in favour of an agreement and solution, Mr Sahin referred to the isolation as a shame on humanity.

The Turkish Parliamentary Speaker called on the international community to honour the promises it gave to the Cyprus Turkish people and to lift the isolation. The Turkish Parliamentary Speaker embarked on his contacts in the TRNC with visits to the tomb of Dr. Fazil Kucuk and the Ataturk Monument in Lefkosa.

Later, Mr Sahin was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat. Welcoming Mr Sahin at the Presidential Palace, President Talat said the Cyprus Turkish People has no doubt that Turkey would continue to support them under all conditions. We would not undertake joint economic and political action, if we had little doubt on this, Mr Talat added.

He said that the Greek Cypriot Side which is recognized as the `Republic of Cyprus was enjoying the support of the European Union and the whole world while the TRNC is supported only by Turkey, in the continuing peace negotiations. The President said that an important step was taken and the negotiation process was launched keeping this reality in mind.

Later, Mr Sahin held discussions with Speaker of the Republics Assembly Hasan Bozer and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu respectively.

Welcoming the visiting speaker, Mr Bozer said that the national struggle that has been continuing in Cyprus for many years has been conducted together with Motherland Turkey.

Stressing that Turkey is the reason behind the existence of the TRNC, Mr Bozer underlined the need to continue these friendly, close relations between the two countries.

For his part, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said he felt very comfortable knowing that Turkey was by the side of the TRNC with its government and parliament.

Noting that the TRNC was facing economic problems, Mr Eroglu said these problems would only be overcome with the support of Turkey.

Within the framework of his contacts in the Republic, Mr Sahin also held discussions with Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Sakir Fakili.

In the afternoon, he visited founding President Rauf Denktas, the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant General Akin Zorlu and the Bogaz Martyrdom.

Mr. Sahin is now attending a fast-breaking dinner given in his honour by the Speaker of the Parliament Hasan Bozer at Girne Mercure Hotel.

On the meeting between the Turkish Parliament Speaker, Mr Mehmet Ali Sahin, and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Ankara Anatolia news agency reported from occupied Lefkosia, inter alias, the following:

Speaking at his meeting with Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin said that his visit aimed at emphasizing Turkey's support to TRNC. Turkey has always supported TRNC on its efforts for freedom, equality, peace, prosperity and development. It will continue to extend the same support under every circumstance, Sahin said.

Delivering a speech during the gathering, Turkish Cypriot President Talat also underscored the importance of Turkey's support to TRNC. We would have been alone in this world if the Turkish state had not supported us. We take this fact into account while we are taking our steps, Talat said.

Commenting on the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus as well, Talat said TRNC displayed the maximum flexibility in the talks and carried out a great fight for the lifting of the isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.08.09) reports that the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Mehmet Ali Sahin met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and other officials in the occupied areas of Cyprus. During their meeting, Mr Talat argued that Turkey did more than it could for the overcoming of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. He said: If there was not for Turkey, we could not have established telephone connection with other countries. We could not have sent letters and have correspondence. We could not fly and go to no other countries in the world. We can travel everywhere in the world through Turkey.

[04] Eroglu said that an official from the self-styled foreign ministry will be included in the negotiating team of Talat at the Cyprus talks

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has said that an official from the Foreign Ministry representing his government will be included in the negotiating team accompanying President Mehmet Ali Talat in the second round of the talks, which are to be resumed on the 3rd of September. But, the Premier stopped short to give any names.

Speaking on BRTs first channel last night, Mr Eroglu said he reached agreement with President Talat on the inclusion of a representative of the government into the negotiating team.

Explaining his concerns about the peace process, he said the government does not want to face a surprise plan, like the Annan Plan which was prepared by the United Nations.

Mr Eroglu said such plans which have a content pleasing the Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias would not be beneficial for the Cyprus Turkish People, adding that he would explain his concerns on the issue to President Talat.

Calling unacceptable the `view of the international community` that the Cyprus Turkish people is in desperate need of a solution, he said `an agreement in favour of us will not emerge as long as this view maintained`.

On alternatives to a solution, he said `first of all, we should claim our state. We should strike an agreement by taking the existence of two separate states into consideration` he added.

The first round of the talks was completed on the 6th of August but Mr Eroglu said agreement was not reached on any issues, except on the issue of judiciary, in the first round. `Because of this, the second round will be very difficult`, he noted.

The Prime Minister said that the issues of property, territory and guarantees were very difficult problems to be solved, stressing that a bi-zonal order should not be diluted.

`You cannot displace our people after 34 years. Such a move will create uneasiness. We want a formula which will not force the people to leave their places`, he said, adding that he did not believe that it would be possible for the two sides to reach an agreement on the issue of guarantees.

He stated that federations could only be established between two equal partners but said that the two states in Cyprus were not equals in the aspects of economy and population. `This inequality should be removed if an agreement is to be reached` he noted, warning that a settlement to be found in the current circumstances could lead to the repetition of the bitter events of 1963.

Asked whether he would stand as a candidate in next years Presidential elections, Mr Eroglu said that his UBP party hasnt discussed the issue yet but added that the party would name its own candidate.

[05] Ozgurgun commented on the works for the opening of Limnitis crossing-point

Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has warned that any regional and international organization which wants to voluntarily contribute to feasibility work for the opening of the Yesilirmak [Limnitis] crossing point cannot do so if it ignores relevant authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus while working in the territory of the Republic.

Mr Ozgurgun issued a written statement on the issue after the United Nations Development Programme UNDP launched a bid for road repair works in the TRNC territory and the buffer zone.

Foreign Minister warned that third parties cannot join the bid on feasibility works unless they cooperate and coordinate with the TRNC authorities while working in areas which are under the TRNC sovereignty. They need the approval of our ministries, he said.

[06] The DP sends a letter to the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the EU regarding the Cyprus problem

According to a statement issued yesterday by the party, the first letter was handed over yesterday by the chairman of the DP, Serdar Denktas and its foreign affairs secretary, Bengu Sonya to the ambassador of the Russian Federation to Lefkosia, Vyacheslav Scumskiy. The delegation of the DP held a 45-minute meeting with the Russian ambassador during which it handed over the letter to Mr Scumsciy.

The letter evaluates the first round of the negotiations between the two leaders in the light of the information given to the political parties. The paper reports that the DP officials had the opportunity to find out the views of the Russian Federation on the Cyprus problem at first hand, while they have also expressed their own views, concerns and expectations regarding the negotiations and the Cyprus problem in general.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Self-styled minister will meet with twelve ministers during the International Fair of Izmir

(I/Ts.)

[08] The first trip between occupied Famagusta, Latakia and Tripoli was carried out

The ferryboat of Akgunler Company arrived to the occupied port of Famagusta yesterday after following the line Beirut-Latakia-Famagusta. Travel agents from Syria and Lebanon arrived at the occupied port of Famagusta after a six-hour trip. The passengers were received at the port by a delegation from the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs. The Lebanese travel agents, who will depart on Monday from the occupied areas of Cyprus, stated that when they return they will say that the occupied part of Cyprus is a proper place for vacations.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Former prime minister of Bavaria will visit the occupied areas of Cyprus

(EA)

[10] Ankara to propose joint NATO-OIC conference in talks with Rasmussen

The Turkish capital will encourage NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who previously drew harsh criticism surrounding the publication of cartoons insulting the Prophet Muhammad in his home country of Denmark, to engage in institutional relations with Muslim countries for better dialogue with the Muslim world.

After wrapping up talks in Athens, Rasmussen arrived in Ankara on Thursday and attended an iftar (fast-breaking dinner) on Thursday along with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan that was hosted by the Ankara branch of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Today, Rasmussen is scheduled to have talks with President Abdullah Gül, Prime Minister Erdoan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutolu, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Chief of General Staff Gen. 0lker Babu.

During today's talks, Erdoan and Davutolu will encourage that Rasmussen establish close contacts with the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Today's Zaman learned from reliable sources.

Ankara will also suggest that Rasmussen organize a joint conference by NATO and the OIC in order to discuss misunderstandings between the Western and Muslim worlds. The Turkish capital is also working on a proposal to establish an institutional communication mechanism between the two organizations. One option for such a mechanism is to appoint special representatives for dialogue between the two organizations, the sources said.

Turkish officials expect Rasmussen to use his visit to Ankara as an opportunity to deliver messages displaying his attention to religious sensitivities and his willingness to seek reconciliation with the Muslim world.

During a NATO summit held in Brussels in early April, Ankara refused to give the go-ahead for Rasmussen's bid to become secretary-general until it received last-minute guarantees that he would reach out to the Muslim world, which was infuriated by the publication of the Muhammad cartoons.

Ankara had said Rasmussen would be a bad choice to replace then-NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, whose term in office expired on July 31, at a time when NATO planned to expand its operations in Afghanistan. The row over Rasmussen threatened the image of unity at NATO's 60th anniversary summit and was resolved only after President Gül received assurances from US President Barack Obama, including pledges that Turkish commanders would be present in the alliance's command and that one of Rasmussen's deputies would be a Turk.

Ahead of his arrival, Rasmussen had already annoyed Ankara with remarks suggesting that differences between Turkey and Greece have been hindering further defense cooperation between NATO and the European Union.

In Athens, Rasmussen had talks with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis.

The improvement of NATO-EU relations, the issue of the recognition of the Greek Cypriot government by Turkey, sending extra troops to Afghanistan and Kosovo, the Macedonia issue in regards to NATO's enlargement, NATO-Russia relations and Europe's new defense strategies were on the agenda of Rasmussen's talks with Greek officials, the Cihan news agency reported.

[11] Erdogan emphasized the one nation, one country, one flag and one state in his address to the nation

At a critical stage before announcing its road map for the solution to the Kurdish issue, the government has once again made clear its sine qua non conditions on the issue.

Our government has always emphasized this: one nation, one country, one flag, one state, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan said in his address to the nation Thursday. Erdoan s red lines are very similar to those of the military s, which were announced Tuesday.

Everyone should know this very clearly: The purpose of this move is to establish a democratic environment where everyone living in this country can freely express himself or herself, Erdoan said. This democratic move, he said, is not limited to our people in the East or the West, the North or the South.

Recalling that the country has faced terrorist attacks for the last 25 years, Erdoan said: It s time to say stop to the bloodshed. We should heal this wound now.

Erdoan also thanked the security forces who defended the unity of the country at the cost of their lives. If we came to a point to discuss this issue [peace in the Southeast] not only as a security problem but as a matter of democracy, we should never forget their [security forces] contributions, he said.

The prime minister indirectly criticized the ultra nationalist opposition party, which described the move as a treasonous project. Those who consider this project of brotherhood to be treason are hurting Turkey. The limits our Constitution determined are clear. We would never allow any initiative or intention to harm our unity and unitary state structure. We would never take even a minor step that would damage the interest of our country, he said.

Erdoan also assured the opposition by saying that they were not imposing any pre-made plan designed by the government. We are not seeking political benefit from this process, he said.

[12] Davutoglu met with U.S. Congressman Wexler

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met on Thursday Robert Wexler, co-chairman of the Congressional Study Group on Turkey of the U.S. House of Representatives.

No statement has been released after the meeting.

Wexler earlier in the day met with Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for the EU talks Egemen Bagis.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish paper commented on Rasmussen latest statements

To steal from what we are told is a Danish expression, our reaction to the concerns of new NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen must be: Right church, Mr. Rasmussen, wrong pew.

The former Danish prime minister has certainly found the right church in his assessment of NATOs woes. If NATOs largest non-U.S. army, Turkey, is not getting along well with regard to military matters with its immediate neighbour, Greece, this is a problem. While there is a great of deal of civil and economic collaboration between Greece and Turkey, all is not quiet on the military-diplomatic front.

While Rasmussen did not exactly use the C-word in his comments we reported yesterday, everyone knows he is talking about the island of Cyprus. We welcome his interest, his concern and any shoulder he may care to put to this particular wheel. We realize that until the vexing issue of Cyprus is finally resolved, NATO will be forced everywhere to fight below its true weight. With the military and political situation in Afghanistan --- NATOs chief area of focus --- growing grimmer by the day, if not the hour, this is a major problem for all of us. We are fully in accord with these views of the Secretary-General.

But we take exception to two of his comments reported yesterday. One is that this is a bilateral issue between the two countries. The second is that this is a matter for which he will seek resolution when he visits Ankara and Athens. Mr. Rasmussen, you are wandering toward the wrong pew.

For the bizarre situation in Cyprus is, as we have argued in this space before, a problem entirely created in and by Brussels. It cannot be far from Mr Rasmussens office in Brussels to that of European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen. Please dont trust us on this, Mr. Rasmussen. Go speak directly to your colleague Mr. Verheugen, who back in 2004 was the EUs Commissioner for Enlargement. It is Mr. Verheugen who has widely criticized the (probably illegal) manipulation of the Greek Cypriot media before the EU-backed referendum on reunification.

It was the EU that, after the surprise rejection of that vote in Greek Cyprus and its embrace in Turkish Cyprus, allowed the island to join the EU despite the blocs very explicit rules on no members with border disputes.

The EU has all kinds of legal and political tools at its disposal to resolve this matter once and for all. Commission Vice President Verheugen could offer very concrete suggestions in this regard. Yes, with Turkeys EU membership pending, the easier, cheaper and more pliable leverage is that which can be deployed on this country. But this is not just. It is not right. And it is not realistic in the longer term.

The pew Rasmussen should be in is the one where Mr. Verheugen is now sitting.

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