Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-09-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The breakaway regime did not permit the Greek Cypriots from Pyrgos to cross over to the occupied areas through occupied Limnitis area in order to attend the service at the Agios Mamas Church in Morfou

[02] Talat and Davutoglu held a joint press conference during the latters illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

[03] Davutoglu held meetings with Eroglu and Ozgurgun. He also visited the Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot Press covered the illegal visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[05] The Turkish Foreign Minister stated in an interview at NTV that no one should expect that the Cyprus negotiations would continue in an open-ended way indefinitely

[06] Talat evaluates today the developments on the Cyprus problem with the Turkish Cypriots political parties

[07] Eroglu met with the former Bavarian Prime Minister Gunther Beckstein

[08] The self-styled Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture stated that the opening of a consulate and a tourist office of the TRNC in Germany is very important for the promotion of the occupation regime and for its tourism

[09] Operation to save our future platform reestablished in order to provide support to the efforts undertaken for a solution to the Cyprus problem

[10] The full text of the protocol on development of relations between Turkey and Armenia

[11] Turkey eyes new investment opportunities in Uighur region

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 01 September 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The breakaway regime did not permit the Greek Cypriots from Pyrgos to cross over to the occupied areas through occupied Limnitis area in order to attend the service at the Agios Mamas Church in Morfou

The correspondent of Bayrak said that until that hour no bus had crossed over into occupied Limnitis area. The journalist said that a problem was created when the Greek Cypriots did not want to show their identity cards.

She added: This morning around 06.00 hours, 645 persons, who had been registered from before, were expected to cross over from Yesilirmak [Tr. Note: occupied Limnitis] gate. Around 07.30-08.00 two minibuses with totally 40 persons came to the Yesilirmak gate and showed identity card here. Of course we were not able to enter into the area because it is a military zone and we tried to acquire information from official sources. According to the information we acquired, persons the names of whose were not in the lists were established during the controls and they were not allowed to cross over. And they were asked to return back. The other Greek Cypriots reacted to this and returned back without crossing over from the Yesilirmak gate. .

The correspondent said further that other minibuses came afterwards, but they returned back as well because the authorities of the breakaway regime wanted to control their identity.

Until now no crossing was made from Yesilirmak gate, she said adding that in any case the service at Agios Mamas church has already ended.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat and Davutoglu held a joint press conference during the latters illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu called on Greek Cypriots not to reject and delay peace any longer. Davutoglu, who is currently paying an official visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), held a joint news conference with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat.

"We held a productive meeting prior to the second round of Cyprus negotiations. Our aim is to ensure peace and prosperity not only in Cyprus, but in the whole eastern Mediterranean region," he said.

Davutoglu called on Turkish Cypriots to extend support to the ongoing negotiation process, and said, "Turkish Cypriots proved that they wanted peace during the referendum in 2004. Turkey will always support Turkish Cypriots." Calling on Greek Cypriots not to reject and delay peace any longer, Davutoglu said, "If Greek Cypriots think that they could put into practice their project after gaining some concessions by putting pressure on Turkey through the EU, they are totally wrong. Let's create a peaceful environment on the island all together. Let's turn the eastern Mediterranean into a basin of peace, security and freedom." Davutoglu said that the EU should assume a fair and unbiased attitude towards the parties. "Although it was the Turkish Cypriot party which voted for the Annan Plan, it is also the Turkish Cypriot party which has still been isolated. Neither the promises were kept nor the most fundamental human rights were protected. The EU should not allow the Cyprus issue to damage its long-term strategic interests any more," he said.

Davutoglu said that the United Nations should display a more powerful will and create a more reliable mechanism to finalize the Cyprus negotiation process as soon as possible. "We will not allow the status quo to continue. Because it means that the Turkish Cypriots cannot benefit from the fundamental rights," he added.

Later, Davutoglu partook in a fast-breaking dinner hosted in his honor by President Talat. Davutoglu and the accompanying delegation will depart from the TRNC later in the day.

President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said, "efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue through negotiations cannot continue forever. We need to prepare our people for solution while making efforts for the solution." In the joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, President Talat said, "Turkish Cypriot party is determined to maintain the negotiation process with the same determination to find a solution under the United Nations parameters."

"It is our most important priority to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. The agreement will be put into referendum. Therefore, we need to prepare our people for solution while making efforts for the solution. We expect the same attitude from the Greek Cypriot administration," he said.

President Talat said, "I believe that both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are ready for a solution. The most important thing at this point that politicians should act correctly at the right time and create the necessary dynamics for a solution." President Talat also highlighted importance of Turkey's support to the Turkish Cypriots.

[03] Davutoglu held meetings with Eroglu and Ozgurgun. He also visited the Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has met with Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and his TRNC counterpart Huseyin Ozgurgun. Speaking during the visits, the Turkish Foreign Minister said Ankaras policy on the Cyprus Problem remained the same and that support to the Cyprus Turkish people will continue. For his part, Prime Minister Eroglu said that a joint cause was being defended together with Turkey.

As part of his busy schedule in the Republic, Turkish Foreign Minister met with Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and his TRNC counterpart Huseyin Ozgurgun. Receiving the Turkish Foreign Minister, Prime Minister Eroglu thanked him for sparing time from his busy schedule to visit the TRNC ahead of the second round of the talks.

For his part, Mr Davutoglu repeated that the Cyprus issue was always a priority for Ankara. Explaining that the aim of his visit to the TRNC was to hold consultations with President Mehmet Ali Talat ahead of the second round of talks, he expressed the hope that the negotiations will be successful and that a comprehensive settlement will be found to the Cyprus Problem.

Later, the Turkish Foreign Minister met with his TRNC counterpart Hüseyin Ozgurgun.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Ozgurgun said that the visit had given strength to the Turkish Side ahead of the second round of the talks. Describing Turkey as a regional superpower, he praised Ankara for its policies on the Cyprus Problem and its performance in the field of foreign relations.

Expressing gratitude for Turkeys support to the Cyprus Turkish people, he expressed the hope that the existing cooperation between the two countries will continue in the future.

For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister repeated that his contacts in the TRNC were focused on developing a joint strategy ahead of the second round of the full-fledged talks.

Pointing out that his visit to the TRNC had coincided with an important stage in the talks, Davutoglu said we are holding extensive consultations ahead of the 2nd round of talks. My contacts here will focus on which strategies can be adopted at this historical turning point

He said that Turkeys support to the people of the TRNC was a fundamental and unchangeable principle for his countrys foreign policy.

As part of his contacts in the Republic, Mr Davutoglu also paid a visit to the headquarters of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus.

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot Press covered the illegal visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

KIBRIS: The negotiations are not open-ended. The paper writes that the Turkish Foreign Minister came to the TRNC after the historic step he took to Armenia in order to evaluate the situation regarding the Cyprus problem. Mr. Davutoglu reiterated Turkeys will for a lasting peace in Cyprus and he warned that the negotiation process could not last forever.

HALKIN SESI: We cannot permit the continuation of the status-quo

YENI DUZEN: Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu: Keep alive your desire for peace.

HAVADIS: Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu: The Turkish Cypriot people should support Talat.

GUNES: Emphasis on the TRNC. The paper writes that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu stressed Turkeys support to the existence of the TRNC without mentioning the single sovereignty and with a light tune he presented the positions of the Turkish government on the Cyprus problem.

ORTAM: Davutoglu: Alternatives are the solution and things except the status-quo.

KIBRISLI: The alternative of the solution would not be the status-quo.

BAKIS: Talat and Davutoglu made joint statements.

VOLKAN: What did Davutoglu want to say?. The paper writes that Foreign Minister Davutoglu, who held important contacts in the TRNC yesterday, made worrying statements after his meeting with Talat. The paper reports on the following statement made Mr. Davutoglu: The Guarantorship Agreements constitute one of the agreements for the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. If the Guarantorship Agreements are ignored, we are obligated to ignore the non-existance of the Republic of Cyprus. The paper wonders what Mr. Davutoglu wanted to say with this statement.

VATAN: Important messages from Davutoglu. The paper writes that the Turkish Foreign Minister, who paid an official one-day visit to the TRNC, gave important messages regarding the second round of the negotiations and left at late hours.

AFRIKA: Either way a status-quo. The paper reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu made the finishing touches on the eve of the second round of the negotiations, he gave the final directions and the final point.

STAR KIBRIS: The status-quo cannot continue. Davutoglu: We will not permit the continuation of the status-quo. The continuation of the status-quo would mean that Turkish Cypriots will benefit from their basic rights like the whole humanity. Talat: Turkish Cypriots are ready for the peace. I believe that Greek Cypriot people are also ready. However, the important thing for us as politicians is to make the right move at the right time in order to bring the peace.

Writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper under the title He came, spoke and went away, Tumay Tugyan refers to the illegal visit of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu to the occupied areas of Cyprus and the policy followed by Turkey on issues such as its relations with Armenia and the so-called Kurdish opening. Noting that Mr Davutoglu is one of the brains of the AKPs foreign policy, Mrs Tugyan argues that Turkey gained prestige internationally because of these policies.

Pointing out that the Cyprus problem will be the first issue on the agenda of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs during his visits to New York for this years session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, which is currently holding the EU term presidency.

She concludes her column arguing the following: Even if the Greek Cypriot leadership and politicians escalated for good their criticism against Turkey by putting forward the EU negotiating process, even if they intensify their stance on the issue of the ports in the period before the announcement of the progress report for Turkey, it seems that the process followed will operate in favor of Turkey.

(AK/ITs)

[05] The Turkish Foreign Minister stated in an interview at NTV that no one should expect that the Cyprus negotiations would continue in an open-ended way indefinitely

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Davutoglu, commenting that everyone ought by now to understand clearly the general principles of Turkish diplomacy, said: "Now, rather than policies based on crises and on the psychological barriers that these crises bring, it is important to develop a foreign policy that is based upon long-term visions. In other words, not to go from crises into deadlock, but by approaching the crises with vision, to work actively to resolve the crises."

Declaring that the policy of "zero problems" with neighboring countries is also based on this, Davutoglu pointed out that Turkey is much larger geographically, militarily, and economically than almost all of its neighbors. Stating that "consequently, the mission of establishing the order belongs to us," Davutoglu noted that, in establishing an order, if sound relations are not promoted with the neighbors, the most important element of seeking an order will be lacking.

Declaring that Turkey's view toward the Caucasus, the Middle East, and the Balkans is also within this framework, Davutoglu said: "Crises in the deepfreeze, and borders in the deepfreeze, are like grenades ready to explode in our hands."

Davutoglu asserted that Turkey needs to demonstrate the foresight to resolve the deep frozen crises by changing the existing situation with its own will, and declared that the international community as well needs to see this step and show a will for the resolution of all the various problems in order for a lasting peace to be established in the Caucasus.

Davutoglu declared that they want the status quo on Cyprus to finally turn into a lasting peace, and that peace requires mutual will. He said: "One side expressed will in 2004 [in the UN-sponsored referendum] and said 'we want peace.'"

Saying that "the other side said 'we do not want this peace,'" Davutoglu noted that, prior to beginning a second round of negotiations, they would engage in comprehensive consultations with KKTC President Mehmet Ali Talat. Davutoglu, stressing that no one should any longer expect that these negotiations would continue in an open-ended way indefinitely, said: "We are determined in this regard. We consider that there needs to come about a solution that in one way or another guarantees the interests and the future of the Turkish people of Cyprus, takes into account Turkey's interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, takes into account the interests of the Greek Cypriot administration and people of Southern Cyprus, and promotes their future as well within peace."

Saying that if it is a matter of peace, even one day's delay was excessive, Davutoglu asserted that for the Cyprus issue to be seen by the Greek Cypriot administration as a trump card against Turkey on EU platforms does not comport with an understanding of peace.

Davutoglu, noting that it is no longer possible for the peace process on this path to be delayed, and that in the event of no solution, then there would be a necessity to consider other alternatives, continued as follows:

"To seek to keep Turkey under pressure in this way means not to understand Turkey's strength. However strong Turkey's will for peace is, Turkey's will to defend its own interests, and the interests of the Turkish people on Cyprus, is just as strong. For the Turkish people of Cyprus to be kept in isolation in this way is in and of itself a crime against humanity."

Stating that for the Turkish Cypriot people to be unable to get passports, engage in [international] sports, or engage in [international] cultural activities is a crime against humanity, and that they will not allow this crime against humanity to continue any longer, Davutoglu said that they are not seeking partial solutions, and that the point at which peace is at its most fragile is the moment when thought is given to bringing it about in small parts. Davutoglu, asserting that a comprehensive peace is a point at which everyone would come together in a "win-win" equation, and that they look at the peace process on Cyprus with this perspective, indicated that they do not, however, have strong indications that the Greek Cypriot administration looks at things with this perspective.

Indicating that if the Greek Cypriot administration should show a strong will for peace, it would be the Greek Cypriots themselves who would benefit the most from this, Davutoglu said: "Because to be in peace with an economic giant and a great political force like Turkey would give strength to the Greek Cypriot people.

To live in close involvement, in brotherly, peaceful, and neighborly relations, with a people like the Turkish Cypriot people, who have maintained their will for peace despite remaining in isolation for years, would also give strength to the Greek Cypriot administration."

Davutoglu said that to keep the Turks of Cyprus under isolation and also to keep a great power like Turkey under pressure with the EU process is not a feasible policy. Responding to a question, Davutoglu, commenting that they are going to intensify their international efforts on this issue in the period ahead, indicated that, henceforth, Cyprus will be one of the main topics in all bilateral discussions.

Davutoglu noted that they expect this year's EU progress report as well will be a report that notes important progress in Turkey in the latest period, and one which seats Turkey's EU integration within a stronger vision.

To a question regarding whether or not the issue of ports will give rise to a freeze in EU-Turkey relations, he stated that to put pressure on Turkey over ports while negotiations are underway on Cyprus would be contrary to the nature of the negotiations. Indicating that they had opposed the [David and Linda] Orams suit for this reason, because it was a decision that could impact the substance of the negotiations in terms of property rights, Davutoglu added that they feel great trust in the [EU] term presidency of Sweden, and that he does not expect any impasse or great crisis on this issue.

[06] Talat evaluates today the developments on the Cyprus problem with the Turkish Cypriots political parties

(ML)

[07] Eroglu met with the former Bavarian Prime Minister Gunther Beckstein

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has said it was the Greek Cypriot Side which has been displaying an intransigent attitude at the negotiation table.

The Premiers words came during a visit paid to him by the TRNCs Honorary Cultural Attache to Bavaria and the former Bavarian Prime Minister Gunther Beckstein.

During the visit, Prime Minister Eroglu informed Mr Beckstein on the Cyprus issue. Prime Minister Eroglu said that his government was in favor of an agreement which would make it possible for the two peoples to live in peace. Stressing that it was the Greek Cypriot Side which did not want the settlement of the Cyprus question, he said the fact that the Greek Cypriots adopted an intransigent attitude and rejected the Annan Plan was forgotten very quickly. He noted important responsibilities fell on the European Union and Germany on this issue.

Former Bavarian Prime Minister and a leading politician in Germany Gunther Beckstein said that the rejected of the Annan Plan had created disappointment in his country but expressed the hope to see the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process bringing better results.

The recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and its international relations have long been on the agenda, he said, expressing the belief that the Greek Cypriot Side which rejected the UN peace plan has important responsibility on this.

Mr Beckstein is in the TRNC to witness Carl Orffs Carmina Burana which will be performed at the Girne Amphitheatre tomorrow and Thursday.

Some 150 musicians, choristers and soloists from Germany, Turkey and the TRNC will perform the popular piece, which immediately established the reputation of its Bavarian composer as one of the most important of his generation, when first performed in Frankfurt in 1937.

Funds to be raised by the concerts will be donated to the Special Education Foundation, the Cyprus Turkish Orthopedic Disability Foundation and the Cyprus Turkish Womens Solidarity Council.

The concerts will be given under the auspices of the Chairwoman of the Council - First Lady Oya Talat with contributions of Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosia Sakir Fakili.

The concerts were organized by the TRNCs Honorary Cultural Attache to Bavaria artist Turgay Hilmi in cooperation with German politician Marga Beckstein.

[08] The self-styled Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture stated that the opening of a consulate and a tourist office of the TRNC in Germany is very important for the promotion of the occupation regime and for its tourism

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Hamza Ersan Saner stated, inter alia, that the opening of a consulate and a tourist office of the TRNC in Germany is very important for the promotion of the occupation regime and for its tourism as well. Mr. Saner stated also that the occupation regime needs this kind of lobby activities and he added that the ministry will continue its constant efforts towards this issue. Mr. Saner thanked also Dr. Kandemir Ozdemir, honorary consul of the TRNC for his contribution. The paper writes also that after the inauguration ceremony, minister Saner met with German businessmen with whom he discussed environmental issues and matters regarding football, the eco-agro tourism as well as other topics.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (02.09.09) reports that the self-styled minister, Hamza Ersan Saner stated that all Turkish Cypriots in Germany or in Europe as well as all the European citizens can visit the website of the TRNC consulate in the following address: www. hcwerl-trnc.org in order receive detailed information.

(AK)

[09] Operation to save our future platform reestablished in order to provide support to the efforts undertaken for a solution to the Cyprus problem

The Operation to save our future platform was initially established seven years ago, yet, its action discontinued. The decision for re-establishing the platform was taken by the Mediterranean Youth Centre, the Independent Young Cypriots, the Feminist Atelier, the Youth Centre, the Cyprus Youth Platform and the Youth Organization of the Republican Turkish Party and it was announced during a joint press conference held in the quarters of the Cyprus Youth Platform yesterday.

(ML)

[10] The full text of the protocol on development of relations between Turkey and Armenia

The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia,

Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia signed on the same day, Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations, based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,

Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, technical, cultural issues and other fields, based on common interests of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries in the international and regional organizations, especially within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring the democratic and sustainable development of the region,

Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the international community in addressing common security threats to the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism, transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,

1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after the entry into force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries; implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations; make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries, and to undertake measures in this regard; develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation between the two countries; cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between the appropriate institutions as well as promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and act with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common cultural projects; establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance and protection to the citizens of the two countries; take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries; engage in a dialogue and reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.

3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operational paragraph 2 above in this Protocol. To prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions, a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day following the entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry into force of this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at ministerial level. The intergovernmental commission shall meet for the first time immediately after the adoption of the said modalities. The sub-commissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month thereafter and they shall work continuously until the completion of their mandates. Where appropriate, international experts shall take part in the sub-commissions. The timetable and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is an integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of ratification.

Signed in (date, place) in Turkish, Armenian and English authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

[11] Turkey eyes new investment opportunities in Uighur region

Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan has said Turkey expects to make new investments in China's Uighur Autonomous Region's (Xinjiang) capital, Urumqi, densely populated by Muslim Uighur Turks, as part of efforts to improve economic relations with China.

Speaking Tuesday following a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in Beijing, Çaglayan said Turkey expected to improve relations with China and that mutual investments played a critical role to this end. We have discussed issues including trade between the two countries with the prime minister. Turkey is pleased to learn that more Chinese firms have expressed interest in investing in our country, the minister said. Underlining that Turkey's exports to China are far below its imports from the country, he said they expected to establish a balance in mutual trade and encourage Turkish exporters to enter the Chinese market. The minister said the government sought China's support on this, with further incentives for Turkish entrepreneurs who are willing to do business in China.

Noting that the mutual trade volume between Turkey and Xinjiang is currently around $20 million, Caglayan said the government expects to boost trade with the area in the coming years. Caglayan said his visit was important for increasing the morale of Turkish entrepreneurs who were negatively affected by the recent clashes in Urumqi. Over 140 people were killed and 800 others were injured following violence in Urumqi in early July. Noting that he voiced Turkey's concerns about the recent events in Urumqi during his meeting with the Chinese prime minister, Caglayan said he observed that both countries were determined to further improve relations despite the incidents.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 01 September 2009

a) Turkish-Armenian relations

According to a report in Milliyet, the first concrete step has been taken toward reestablishing diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia. The report adds that the two countries, through Swiss mediation, have agreed to begin political consultations on the issue and that these consultations are to be concluded within six weeks. A press release issued simultaneously by Ankara, Yerevan, and Bern notes that two protocols have been signed on the issue. The six-week time span given for the consultations is significant in that it ends on 14 October, the day in which the Turkish and Armenian presidents might be attending a football match to be held in Bursa within the framework of the World Cup games, adds the report.

Welcoming the "courageous step" taken by Turkey and Armenia toward the reestablishment of diplomatic relations in an article in Milliyet, Semih Idiz notes that the two protocols signed on the issue will be submitted to the respective parliaments in six weeks following consultations to be held on the issue. Given the fact that the ruling parties in both countries have a majority in parliament, the protocols are expected to be endorsed, claims Idiz, predicting that the Armenian president will be visiting Turkey to attend the football game to be held in Bursa on 14 October. The establishment of diplomatic relations might be announced during that visit, writes Idiz, adding that Armenia, through its decision to establish diplomatic relations with Ankara, will automatically be recognizing Turkey's territorial integrity. The only issue that remains is for Armenia to recognize the 1921 Kars Agreement determining the Turkish-Armenian border, maintains Idiz, concluding that this conciliation process might help solve the Karabakh dispute between Armenian and Azerbaijan.

In an article in Sabah, Erdal Safak comments on the Turkish-Armenian protocol envisaging a six-week period of political consultations. Interpreting this to mean that nothing will be done during that time, Safak points out that the six-week period will end two days prior to the date the Turkish-Armenian national football game is scheduled to be played. If Armenian President Sargsyan insists on the condition of "opening the borders" in order to visit Turkey on that date, then the Turkish-Armenian process might be frozen, claims Safak, adding that if all goes well in this six-week period then the protocol will be submitted to the parliaments of the two countries for endorsement.

b) How Turkey is evolving

In an article entitled "The new eastern frontier of the West, missile shield in Turkey", Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul comments on Polish and US press reports saying that Washington has scrapped its plans to establish a missile shield system in Poland and the Czech Republic and that it is looking into setting up this system in Turkey and Israel or "somewhere in the Balkans" instead. He cites these allegations as a confirmation of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's statement in August disclosing that Iran's neighbors will be armed and that a US defense umbrella will be created in the Middle East if Tehran does not stop its nuclear program and as proof of a recent trend toward a redefinition of the borders between the West and the East which entails the shifting of the West's "defense frontier" from Eastern Europe, the Straits, and the Suez Canal further East toward Georgia, the Eastern Black Sea region, the Turkish-Iranian border, and the Persian Gulf.

In an article entitled "Turkey's regional vision", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru argues that Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's visits to Baghdad and Damascus are a reflection of Turkey's vision of the Middle East as a region freed of disputes and a community of nations that trust and cooperate with one another. He asserts that the visits are aimed at ending the crisis of confidence between Iraq and Syria caused by the recent truck bomb attack in Baghdad. He also expresses the hope that the Iraqi and Syrian governments will see that it is in their interests to support Turkey's efforts to create a regional environment of security, peace, and welfare.

In an article entitled "Where is the island of Meis?", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak catalogues what he presents as a number of mistaken notions about some of the events that occurred before, during, or after the Turkish War of Independence such as the belief that the retreating Greek soldiers were driven into the sea in Izmir, that Ataturk ordered the Turkish army to march to the Mediterranean, that the Dardanelles Strait proved impassable to enemy vessels, etc. Dilipak asserts that "history is not a book of praise or abuse. You draw lessons from history. It is the common memory and accumulated experience of society. ... We are the children of a people whose history has been usurped." He also expresses the wish that the General Staff would disclose historical archives regarding the War of Independence rather than holding spectacular celebrations marking 30 August.

In an article entitled "A powerful army or a powerful Turkey?" Zaman columnist Mumtazer Turkone disputes the suitability of the slogan "Powerful Army, Powerful Turkey" used by the TSK for a recently launched military PR campaign. He argues that in today's world, the power of countries is a function of their economic prosperity and the state of their democracy. He claims that what Turkey needs is a military that is loyal to democratic decision-making mechanisms and the rule of law, respects human rights, and is transparent and accountable, adding that such an army would be a greater asset from the viewpoint of national security than one possessing military capabilities alone.

Finally, in an article entitled "Language of education", Milli Gazete columnist Hasan Unal accuses certain AKP ministers of trying to promote US and European efforts to create a "new nation" in Turkey in voicing demands for legislative arrangements making it possible for Kurdish to be used as a medium of education. He claims that the argument that such arrangements would not damage the unitary structure of the state is misleading because what is at stake here is Turkey's nation state structures rather than its unity, adding that allowing Kurdish to be used as a medium of education in schools would damage constitutional principles based on the concept of the singularity of the nation.

EG/

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