Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-09-16

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Letter composed by the Turkish Foreign Minister is expected to be sent to the U.N. Secretary-General aiming to push UN to speed up Cyprus talks.

[02] Ercakica says that consultations with Turkey are held on the proposals submitted to the negotiating table by the Turkish Cypriot side

[03] Cakici announced his partys proposals for governance and power sharing

[04] Erdogan claimed that Turkey will continue its attitude towards a solution in Cyprus and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to prevent a solution on the island

[05] Statements by Deniz Baykal on the Cyprus problem.

[06] Egemen Bagis: We achieved to change the international balances without the withdrawal of a single soldier and without an inch of land to be given

[07] Former director of the Evkaf Foundation sent a letter to UN Secretary General on the issue of the closed city of Varosha

[08] Eroglu met with representatives of Russian media which hold contacts in occupied Cyprus

[09] Civil Resistance Platform organized a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkey in the occupied areas

[10] TMT Association called Talat to resign

[11] Turkish Cypriots have celebrated the religious Night of Power at the Hala Sultan Mosque

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 15 September 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Letter composed by the Turkish Foreign Minister is expected to be sent to the U.N. Secretary-General aiming to push UN to speed up Cyprus talks.

Amid ongoing talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, Turkey is planning to push the United Nations for more involvement in the process, diplomatic sources said.

A letter composed by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutolu is expected to be sent to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon within the next few days.

Sources say that if a lasting settlement on Cyprus is the goal; all international actors should support the process and push Greek Cypriots for sincere negotiations. The second round of talks between the leaders of both sides resumed in early September but the parties are far from a settlement.

The message to be conveyed to Ban will outline Turkeys approach to the problem and its sincerity in reaching a just and lasting solution. However, it will likely urge the U.N. to take on a more significant role in the process in order to speed up the talks.

According to Turkish diplomats, the Greek Cypriots have already proven their unwillingness to move forward in line with their strategy of waiting until the European Union Council meeting in December. Greek Cypriots have slowed the talks because the EU is set to review Turkeys membership negotiations; Turkey has so far has not opened its sea and airports to Greek Cypriot vessels and planes.

Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat also urged the EU on Monday to exert more pressure on Greek Cypriots if they want the unification of the island to happen. According to diplomats, Turkish diplomacy will continue to focus on the issue during the U.N. General Assembly meetings that are set to begin next week in New York. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan is scheduled to meet with Ban in order to discuss the matter.

The southern part of Cyprus continues its efforts to hinder and slow down the process. But we are in favour of a solution, Erdoan said late Monday at an address to the ambassadors. ´I believe the Greek Cypriots negative stance toward a solution does not escape from your notice´.

[02] Ercakica says that consultations with Turkey are held on the proposals submitted to the negotiating table by the Turkish Cypriot side

In statements yesterday during his weekly press briefing, Mr Ercakica referred to the strong reactions by the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Unity Party (UBP) to the proposal submitted by Mr Talat on the issue of Governance and Power Sharing. He argued that this proposal is not worse than the Annan Plan or the election system provided in the 1960 agreements.

Mr Ercakica said the allegations that the Turkish member of the presidency will be determined with the Greek Cypriot votes and that the existence of two separate democracies in Cyprus will be eliminated are not true.

He said: Our proposal prevents the marginal elements in both communities and especially those in the Greek Cypriot community, from being elected to the post of Member of the Presidency. In the light of the past experiences, it is evident that this is an important necessity.

Mr Ercakica said that at various stages consultations are held with Turkey on everything taken to the negotiating table. He pointed out that the proposal regarding a common list is not a new one and reminded that in the Annan Plan, the members of the Presidential Council would be elected with a common list.

Referring to the allegation that the Turkish members of the presidency will be determined by the Greek votes, Mr Ercakica noted that this is not true and added: First in order for the candidate of a Turkish Cypriot party to be able to be elected as Member of the Presidency, this party should secure important support from the Turkish Cypriot people and a sufficient number seats in the Senate. Therefore, the main determining element on the issue of who will become Member of the Presidency will be the result of the elections for the Senate with the separate will of the Turkish Cypriot people. For this reason, it is not possible for the candidate of the party which has not secured the strong support of the Turkish Cypriot people to be elected as Member of the PresidencyThe fact that the elections to be conducted for the determination of the members of the Senate will be on a communal basis and that the Turkish and Greek Cypriots will be represented in equal number in the Senate, is showing the reality of not only two democracies, but of two equal democracies.

Responding to a question regarding the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side on the same issue, Mr Ercakica alleged that this proposal is very complicated and eliminates the political equality.

Meanwhile, Mr Ercakica announced that Mr Talat will visit New York between 22 and 28 of September and added that he does not think that a three-party meeting will be held between the UN Secretary-General, President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader in New York. He said the Turkish side is ready for such a meeting, but the Greek Cypriot side is not looking positively to such a development.

Mr Ercakica noted that the discussions on the proposals submitted last week will continue during the next meeting of the two leaders within the framework of the Cyprus talks on Thursday.

Responding to another question, he said that the self-styled government has not yet determined the person who will be representing it in the negotiating team of the Turkish Cypriot side.

(I/Ts)

[03] Cakici announced his partys proposals for governance and power sharing

Noting that the TDP has conciliatory proposals which satisfy the demands of both sides regarding the governance and power sharing, which bring the equality in the foreground, which necessitate the development of cooperation and joint action and which reduce to the minimum the possibility of any conflict, Mr Cakici said that they submitted to Mr Talat these proposals.

TDP is in favour of the participation of a Turkish Cypriot and a Greek Cypriot candidate in a common ballot for the Presidential Election. At the first round the list which will exceed the majority of 50% from both communities will win the election. If there is no one in the first round, then the two lists which have the most votes will compete in the second round. The list that will be elected should take the 25% of each community and 50% of both communities together. If no list can obtain the necessary majority in the second round then a government will be established appointing as members the leaders of the two parties which took the majority of the votes within their community. This government will be the election government and after a year there will be early elections. In this way the deadlock will be prevented.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (16.09.09) under the title Cakici is more Greek Cypriot than the Greek Cypriots, reports that the Social Democracy Party (TDP) accepted all the Greek Cypriot demands going Talats way.

(DPs)

[04] Erdogan claimed that Turkey will continue its attitude towards a solution in Cyprus and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to prevent a solution on the island

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has explained Turkeys position on the Cyprus issue to the Ambassadors of foreign countries at a fast-breaking dinner hosted by his ruling Justice and Development Party in Ankara last night. He said Turkeys attitude towards a solution in Cyprus is continuing.

Noting that his government made historical reforms, Mr. Erdogan said in the last seven years they took serious steps which changed Turkeys face, image and perception. Also touching upon the Cyprus issue, he said Turkeys attitude towards a solution on the island is continuing.

Evaluating the Greek Cypriot Administrations attitude towards a solution in Cyprus, Mr. Erdogan said South Cyprus is trying hard to prevent a solution on the island. ´However, we are in favour of a solution and I believe both TRNCs and Turkeys attitude towards a solution and Greek sides attitude towards a non-solution is being observed by the international community´ he added. Reminding that Turkey was elected as a temporary member to the United Nations Security Council for 2009-2010 years, the Turkish Premier said they are continuing the alliance of civilization project which they started with Spain with determination.

[05] Statements by Deniz Baykal on the Cyprus problem.

Speaking in a press conference after a meeting he held with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu at the headquarter of his party, Mr. Baykal stated that during his meeting with Davutoglu, they evaluated the developments on the Cyprus problem. Mr. Baykal stated the following: We are worried that we will again enter into a difficult position regarding the solution in Cyprus. Christofias stated that he will certainly not accept the Annan Plan. If Turkey is dragged to a solution worse than that the very serious results of this will come to the surface. Mr. Baykal stated also that the concept of equal sovereignty has been removed from the agenda and in parallel with this, negative signals started coming from the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus. He also said that he has the impression that they are going far from a solution which is based on the two separate people and on the concepts of single sovereignty and single citizenship.

Mr. Baykal alleged also that there is no consensus between the Government and the president in occupied Cyprus as well as the opposition and the government.

(AK)

[06] Egemen Bagis: We achieved to change the international balances without the withdrawal of a single soldier and without an inch of land to be given

[07] Former director of the Evkaf Foundation sent a letter to UN Secretary General on the issue of the closed city of Varosha

The former Director of the Evkaf Foundation and the Founding President of the Association for the Study and Protection of the Property-Compensation Rights of the Cyprus Turkish People Taner Dervi has sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on the issue of the closed city of Mara. In his letter, Mr Dervi says that the Foundation has the right to take steps towards using its property rights over Mara.

In a press release concerning his letter which contains information about the property status of the closed city of Mara, Mr Dervi complained that the Greek Cypriot Administration has been pursuing an active policy for the hand over of the city to the Greek Cypriots and reminded that the Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias has recently sent a letter to the UN Chief demanding the handover of the city. He claimed that President Mehmet Ali Talat did not take a counter initiative on behalf of the Cyprus Turkish people to protect their rights.

Mr Dervi said he felt it necessary to send a letter to the UN Chief to brief him on the realities regarding the issue.

[08] Eroglu met with representatives of Russian media which hold contacts in occupied Cyprus

A delegation consisting of representatives of some Russian media organizations are holding contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The delegation was received by Prime Minister Dervi Erolu today.

The Russian delegation is in the Republic as guest of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association.

Welcoming representatives of the Russian media organizations at his office, Prime Minister Erolu said that politicians love journalists too much. Reminding that journalists use their pens sometimes to write articles in support of good actions and sometimes to write critical articles, he said criticisms made by media workers are shedding light on the way to be followed by politicians. Referring the visit as a good opportunity for the Russian journalists to see and understand the realities in the TRNC, he urged them to explain their observations to the Russian people. Although not being recognized by the world, it is very pleasing for us to see Russian journalists understanding the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he said. The Premier added that it will be a positive development for the TRNC if it is chosen by the Russian Federation as a destination.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association Soner Yetkili said that the visit was organized to promote the TRNC in Russian market.

[09] Civil Resistance Platform organized a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkey in the occupied areas

(AK)

[10] TMT Association called Talat to resign

(AK)

[11] Turkish Cypriots have celebrated the religious Night of Power at the Hala Sultan Mosque

According to the paper, the police authorities of the Republic of Cyprus in the Agios Dometios crossing-point has sent back three TRNC citizens on account that neither their father, nor mother was born in Cyprus. The pilgrims crossed the Agios Dometios crossing-point with the use of two buses and a mini bus.

(ML)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 15 September 2009

a) Purchase of Patriot Missile Systems:

Criticizing the reported Turkish plans to buy Patriot missile systems from the United States to the tune of $7.8 billion in his article in Milliyet, Melih Asik recalls the lack of funds to meet the need for 140,000 additional teachers. Questioning why Turkey has to pay such a sum for missile systems while it cannot provide a decent education to its children, Asik writes: "What is the reason? The missiles are to provide security against Iran. We have no problem with Iran. The United States has a problem with Iran. Why should it fall upon us to meet the strategic needs of the United States? Why should Turkey spend funds on weapons that have nothing to do with its own strategic needs? Let us oppose this weapon purchase..."

If it is in the interests of the United States to station its Patriot missiles on Turkish territory, then why does Turkey have to pay for them, asks Derya Sazak in an article in Milliyet, suggesting that the United States donate these systems. Recalling that NATO member countries were opposed to stationing the Patriot missiles on Turkish territory during the 1990 Gulf War, Sazak draws attention to the absurdity of spending the precious few resources of the country on Patriots while the country is facing such a serious economic crisis. Questioning the reasoning behind the purchase of Patriots, Sazak writes: "When one questions how come Patriots now, one thinks of Incirlik Base, because the Patriots are not 'offensive' weapons. If one day the United States or Israel hits Iran's nuclear plant, Teheran is bound to respond. One of the inevitable targets will be Incirlik and Turkey." Recalling Turkey's policy of zero problems with its neighbors, Sazak concludes: "No to Patriots!"

Questioning against whom these Patriot missiles will be used in his article in Vatan, Can Atakli disagrees with the logic that these missiles will be purchased as a protection against Iran since he believes that Iran does not pose a threat to Turkey. Agreeing with Sazak that even if Iran poses a threat, Turkey should not be paying for the missiles since the United States is to blame for that threat, Atakli goes on to rule out Turkey's other neighbors as sources of threat: "Greece is a member of both NATO and the EU, Bulgaria is a EU member. No threat will come from that direction. One can rule out Iraq since there is no Saddam and no state left there. As for Syria, it would not dare. What is left is Russia. Why would Russia constitute a military threat since we obtain most of our natural gas from that country?" The writer concludes that the United States might be seeking Turkey's support in the new "balance of fear" it is trying to create.

In an article entitled "Some very bad things are being hatched" Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul warns of what he describes as recent international developments signalling dramatic events in the offing like a war, a major attack, a secret and extensive operation, or "something unpredictable that will jolt the world." He cites the following as being among these "bizarre" happenings in the past few months: Israel's [alleged] hijacking of a Russian ship carrying S-300 missiles to Iran, the outbreak of a "serious crisis" between Israel and Sweden over this event, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "disappearance" on 7 September and the consequent allegations that he had paid a secret visit to Russia to prevent the sale of S-300 missiles to Iran. He also links recent reports on Turkey's decision to buy Patriot missiles from the United States to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's earlier remarks saying that a US security umbrella will be set up in this region if Iran does not stop its nuclear program.

b) Turkish-Armenian Relations

According to a report by Bahar Bakir in Milliyet, the protocols initiated between Turkey and Armenia will be signed on 13 October, a day before the soccer match to be played between the two countries within the framework of the 2010 World Cup in Bursa on 14 October. The fundamental concern of the Foreign Ministry is to disperse the fears of the opposition parties that the protocols will adversely affect Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, adds the report.

Assessing the protocols initialled between Turkey and Armenia in an article in Cumhuriyet, Ali Sirmen says that the condition that Armenia withdraw from the Azeri territories it occupies for opening the border and establishing diplomatic relations is not mentioned in the protocols. Noting that there is no mention of the 1921 Kars Agreement that determines the borders between the two countries, Sirmen maintains that Armenians of Armenia as well as those of the Diaspora will continue to insist that their genocide claims be accepted. Referring to the meeting to be held between Erdogan and CHP leader Deniz Baykal today, Sirmen doubts that the CHP will support the content of these protocols signed through US pressure.

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