Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-09-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat evaluates his contacts in Brussels and underlines the need for the illegal regime to increase its international contacts

[02] Ozgurgun alleges that occupied Varosha is a part of the illegal regime and urges that the issue can only be resolved within talks

[03] The building contractors association hosted a reception for Russian journalists in occupied Cyprus. New markets are sought after the ECJ ruling on the Orams case

[04] This years last ferry trip to Syria on 26 September. Statements by the so-called head of the occupied Famagusta port authority

[05] YKP supports the horizontal voting for the election of the president of the federal state

[06] A very serious increase is observed in the number of cases filed at the courts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[07] KTOEOS backs Talat and argues that the proposals put forward during the talks in Cyprus are the proposals of Turkey

[08] The Turkish Foreign Minister announced that visa implementation between Turkey and Syria is lifted

[09] The Head of the French Senate backs Turkey on the initiatives launched by the Turkish government on Armenian and Kurdish issue

[10] Philippines lobbies for OIC status in Turkey

[11] Now approach to the appointment of Turkish ambassadors by Davutoglu

[12] Taraf journalist under investigation for insulting the military

[13] Turkish prosecutors opened more than 80 cases against Taraf newspaper

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat evaluates his contacts in Brussels and underlines the need for the illegal regime to increase its international contacts

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mehmet Ali Talat, has underlined the importance of carrying on with the negotiations within the framework of UN parameters. He also stressed the need for the European Union to do more to encourage the Greek Cypriot Side to work for a solution.

Evaluating his recent visit to Brussels during a visit paid to him today, President Mehmet Ali Talat underlined the need for increasing international contacts, not only at the high level, but at all levels including that of civil society organizations.

He pointed out that the Greek Cypriot Administration maintained an active lobby in all key positions within the EU. 'We should therefore try to increase our contacts with international representatives at all levels', he added.

Stating that conducting such visits on a periodic basis was not enough, the President said 'if youre not around, international officials will only hear one side of the story'.

Reminding that even the Greek Cypriot Orthodox Church had opened a representation office in Brussels, he said that the current TRNC office in Brussels needs to be reinforced.

President Mehmet Ali Talat had met with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn and the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margot Wallstrom, during his recent visit to the EU capital.

The latest developments on the Cyprus Problem were high on the Presidents agenda.

As part of his other contacts President Talat had also come together with the Vice President of the European Commissions, Gunter Verheugen, at a dinner.

[02] Ozgurgun alleges that occupied Varosha is a part of the illegal regime and urges that the issue can only be resolved within talks

Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has said that the Greek Cypriot side -which had prevented the solution of the Cyprus problem by repeatedly rejecting the UN solution plans- is now delaying the realization of the same objective by slowing down the Cyprus negotiation process.

In a statement today, the Foreign Minister criticized the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias for his recent statements, in which he claimed that the city of Maras [occupied Varosha] was under occupation and promised to settle the issue with initiatives to be launched away from the negotiation table.

Stressing that the Greek Cypriot leaders initiatives would end in failure, he said that 'if one is to speak about an occupation in Cyprus, it is the occupation of the 1960 partnership state by the Greek Cypriot side through the force of arms'.

On the issue of Maras, the Foreign Minister stressed that the city is within the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and that it falls under the sovereign authority of the TRNC. He reminded that the issue of Maras is a component of the Cyprus question which can only be solved through negotiations between the two sides at the table.

The Minister complained that the Greek Cypriot side has been using its international recognition and unilateral EU membership against the TRNC and Turkey to bring solutions to issues -which are components of the Cyprus problem- away from the negotiation table.

'The Greek Cypriot Administration are making demands that will lower the status of the Cyprus Turkish people to that of a minority in their own state, will lead to the displacement of many people and will inhumanely force some of our citizens who have been living with us for the past 30 year and become part of our people to leave the island', he said.

The Minister noted that the unacceptable demands being raised by the Greek Cypriot leader will make it impossible to reach an agreement.

He repeated that the Turkish side is still committed to the objecting of finding a settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of an undiluted bi-zonal order, political equality of the two peoples, equal status of founding states and the continuation of Turkeys position as a guarantor power.

[03] The building contractors association hosted a reception for Russian journalists in occupied Cyprus. New markets are sought after the ECJ ruling on the Orams case

The Russian delegation, which is in the Republic as a guest of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association, is continuing its contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The executive committee of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association organized a reception last night in Girne [occupied Keryneia] in honor of the group.

Speaking to the BRT, the Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association, Soner Yetkili, pointed out that the current economic and political crises faced in the country and the ECJs latest judgment on the Orams has created distress in the TRNC, particularly in the construction and property sector and said that the Association was seeking a new market in order to ease the situation.

Reminding that the EU, and the UK is the most important market for property in the TRNC, Yetkili said that demand for homes had fallen following the ECJ ruling on the Orams case. Therefore, there are currently ten thousand completed homes waiting for buyers, he added.

For his part, the chairman of the Russian Intermedia News Agency, Eugeniy Safrorov, expressed their happiness for being in the Republic as quest of the association.

Underlining the importance of their visit, he said that it was the first time such a large delegation from Russia held such extensive contacts.

[04] This years last ferry trip to Syria on 26 September. Statements by the so-called head of the occupied Famagusta port authority

Ferry services between Gazimagusa [occupied Famagusta] and Latakiya which were launched last year after a break of 28 years continued uninterrupted during the summer season.

The acting head of the Gazimagusa port authority, Ahmet Dokmecioglu, said that the regular ferry services currently carried out twice a week will continue next year.

The acting head of the Gazimagusa port authority Ahmet Dokmecioglu spoke to the BRT about this years ferry services between Gazimagusa and Latakiya before the end of summer.

Reminding that this years ferry services had kicked off on the 3rd of June this year, he said that services had been carried out with a sea bus belonging to the Akgunler Maritime Company.

Explaining that a total of 10 journeys were made this summer, Mr. Dokmecioglu said the services had carried 702 passengers to and 874 passengers from the Gazimagusa port.

Pointing out that there is a growing interest towards ferry services between the TRNC and Syria, he said in addition to the TRNC citizens, Syrian citizens living and studying in the TRNC, were among passengers benefiting from the services.

Noting that the last two services of the year will be carried out on the 22nd and 26th of September, he said there were plans for putting additional services due to the Ramadan Bayram.

[05] YKP supports the horizontal voting for the election of the president of the federal state

(AK)

[06] A very serious increase is observed in the number of cases filed at the courts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The 2009-2010 Judicial Year has begun with a special ceremony held at the Lefkosa Ataturk Cultural Centre. The ceremony started with the observance of a minutes silence and the singing of the national anthem. This was followed by a piano recital performed by Gozdem Ilkay.

Delivering an opening speech at the ceremony, the President of High Court Nevvar Nolan gave information about the work being carried out to speed up lawsuits. The Freedom of Judiciary is the guarantee of the state respecting the rule of law, he said.

Also addressing the ceremony, President Mehmet Ali Talat pointed to the difficulties being experienced in the legal system and underlined the need for amendments to the Constitution.

The President said that it was not possible to change the Constitution since it was first prepared and that this was a problem faced by all governments serving the country. However, we need to change it and to make it easier to change the President said, adding that necessary amendments should be made in the constitution to meet the changing demands.

During the ceremony, speeches were also delivered by the Chairman of the Bar Council Hasan Sozmener, Attorney General Askan Ilgen and a member of the Turkish Constitutional Court Cafer Sat.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (17.09.09) reports that the president of the high court, Mr Nevvar Nolan stated yesterday during the ceremony held in occupied Lefkosia for the start of the new judicial year that there was a very significant increase in the number of civil and criminal cases filed during the 2008-2009 judicial year. Complaining about the small number of judges, Mr Nolan noted that the district courts completed 17.340 civil cases and 22.420 criminal cases last year, while the family court completed 10.016 civil cases during the same period.

Mr Nolan compared the cases filed in 1998 with those filed in 2008 and said that 7.530 civil cases were filed in 1998, while this number increased to 16.665 in 2008. The number of the criminal cases filed by the district courts increased from 2.372 in 1998 to 24.746 in 2008. He noted that the courts completed 6.680 civil cases and 19.103 criminal cases in 1998. These numbers increased to 16.106 and 25.373 in 2008.

Moreover, Halkin Sesi reports that the self-styled attorney general Mr Askan Ilgen said that the number of the criminal acts committed in the occupied areas of Cyprus are very high in comparison with the population living there. He noted that arrangements which provide for dissuasive and reformative punishments should be made.

(I/Ts)

[07] KTOEOS backs Talat and argues that the proposals put forward during the talks in Cyprus are the proposals of Turkey

The Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers Union (KTOEOS) has pointed to the increase in reactions against the TRNC President, Mehmet Ali Talat, regarding the Cyprus negotiations process and expressed the view that this is all about misleading the target.

In a written statement, the Union called on the TRNC people not to assume a prim for it called the wrong-created agenda.

The member of the KTOEOS Executive Board, Emin Ozkal, said that President Mehmet Ali Talat has been given the duty to sit at the negotiations table with the aim of achieving lasting peace in Cyprus; and that duty is given by the Cyprus Turks. Mr Ozkal pointed out that the proposals put forward by the President during the talks are proposals that arose as a result of the consultation with Turkey.

It has been made clear several times that the international community, including Turkey, establishes it as a fact that the current situation on the island cannot be maintained, Ozkal went on saying.

Emin Ozkal stressed that its a very wrong stance to focus on blackmailing the President and thus leaving him in trouble at the negotiations table.

[08] The Turkish Foreign Minister announced that visa implementation between Turkey and Syria is lifted

Following the inter-delegational talks that took place with the participation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian Head of State Bashar al-Assad, a 'High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Agreement' was signed by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallim.

Following the meeting between the delegations of the two countries, Davutoglu and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallim held a joint press conference.

Davutoglu announced that, in the meeting, the visa implementation between Turkey and Syria had been reciprocally eliminated.

'Turkish People Has Opened its Embrace'

Foreign Minister Davutoglu said: 'I want to appeal from here to the brotherly Syrian people; Turkey is your second homeland, and the Turkish people are opening its embrace to you in a manner without visas'.

Davutoglu, asserting that Turkey and Syria are two friendly and neighboring countries, said that, at the end of the discussions that they had held under the auspices of Syrian Head of State Al-Assad and Prime Minister Erdogan, they had decided to eliminate completely the visas between the two countries. Davutoglu indicated that citizens of Turkey and Syria will henceforth be able to travel between the two countries without any need for visas.

Stressing that the ties between Turkey and Syria have turned into a model relationship of neighborliness for the region and in the international sphere, Davutoglu said that the decision made is an indication of the relationship of mutual trust between the parties. Noting that the second important historic step had been the taking of a decision for the establishment of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries, Davutoglu explained that, with this mechanism, joint cabinet meetings will be held each year in which the most important ministers of both governments will participate, under the co-chairmanship of the two countries' prime ministers.

'Council of Ministers Will Convene'

Indicating that, prior to this joint cabinet meeting, the Council of Ministers will convene at least once [as published] per year, Davutoglu said: 'The Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Transportation are included in this Council of Ministers. These ministers in question will convene at least twice [as published] a year and draw up a joint action plan. After this joint action plan has been discussed in the Council of Ministers and put into a comprehensive framework, it will be put into implementation in the meeting that will be held under the co-chairmanship of the two prime ministers.

'This level that we have attained in our bilateral relationship reflects a true neighborliness, a model neighborly relationship. I offer my thanks to my esteemed brother, Foreign Minister Muallim, on account of the understanding and the cooperation he has displayed on both topics. Additionally, our cooperation in the regional sphere as well will continue in the broadest form possible'.

Iraqi-Syrian Relations

Davutoglu, noting that they want the concept of cooperation between Turkey and Syria to take root and become prevalent in the region as well, said: 'Within this framework, we hope that the relations between the two brotherly and neighborly countries of Iraq and Syria, to which we ascribe great value, will develop at the highest level, and that the problems that emerge will be eliminated. We will continue to exert every sort of effort in this regard. Additionally, comprehensive consultations were also held inside regarding topics like the Middle East peace process and Lebanon'."

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.09.09) reported the following from Istanbul:

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid said Wednesday Turkey and Syria to lift taxes on trailer trucks operating in transportation between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul, Mualem said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan hald a very fruitful meeting, adding that the two leaders have agreed to establish a strategic cooperation assembly between two countries.

This is the biggest demonstration of cooperation, solidarity and mutual trust, Mualem told reporters.

[09] The Head of the French Senate backs Turkey on the initiatives launched by the Turkish government on Armenian and Kurdish issue

Turkey's foreign minister and the head of the French senate met in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Wednesday. During his meeting with the president of the French Senate Gerard Larcher at Ankara's Hilton Hotel, Turkish Foreign Minister said that Turkey appreciated the recent measures taken by French authorities against terrorist organization PKK.

Commenting on relations with Armenia, Davutoglu said that Turkey expected the normalization of its relations with Armenia as well as the termination of the invasion in the Azerbaijani territory.

Davutoglu said France could have a remarkable contribution to both issues.During the gathering, Davutoglu also briefed Larcher on his recent talks in Iran and the latest developments in Syrian-Iraqi relations. Regarding Turkey's EU membership process, the Turkish foreign minister said that there were many cooperation opportunities between Turkey and the union. Davutoglu said that Turkey was a part of Europe and this situation was a historical reality that would never change.

Larcher said in his part that the French senate supported the opening of new chapters in Turkeys EU negotiation process. Larcher also said that his country expected Turkey to carry on with reforms.

On the same issue, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News Parliament Bureau (16.09.09) reported the following:

Gerard Larcher, the head of the French Senate, expressed on Wednesday his full support for Turkeys recently launched Kurdish move and Armenia reconciliation process, saluting the countrys improvements in the field of democratization.

'The normalization of relations between Turkey and France is important for us. We want to establish the future. The dialogue between the two people should be revived. The task of examining history should be left to historians', Larcher told reporters at a joint press conference with Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin.

Ties between France and Turkey were strained when France recognized the 1915 events between Turks and Armenians as genocide in 2000. The French Parliament went further by trying to impose a law that prohibits the denial of the 'genocide' in 2005 but the Senate blocked the process. Larcher became the first French Senate chairman to visit Turkey since 1958.

Larcher and Sahin signed a protocol to improve cooperation between the two parliaments.

Emphasizing the reforms Turkey has made in the last seven years, Larcher said: 'Important steps have been taken for the EU. We are in a position to help you on this issue. We are aware of how sensitive you are about your citizens of Kurdish origin and religious freedoms. We do sincerely salute your efforts'.

When asked about the disagreements between him and French President Nicolas Sarkozy about Turkey, the French senator pointed out that he was representing the legislature.

'The legislative and executive branches are separate in our country', he said. 'We may not be of the same opinion as the president all the time. The executive is responsible for today, but we try to shape the future. We dont rule out the difficulties'.

Sahin said he informed his counterpart about the recently launched initiatives. 'The decision about Turkeys EU membership will be made by the relevant institutions after lengthy negotiations', he said. 'I have conveyed to him that efforts to obstruct the process at this moment were wrong'.

The French delegation will also hold meetings in Istanbul on Thursday and will meet with Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos as well as representatives of the cultural and academic worlds.

[10] Philippines lobbies for OIC status in Turkey

The request was made by Filipino President Gloria Arroyo, who was paying a two-day visit to Turkey upon President Abdullah Guls invitation.

The Philippine government has been trying to gain observer status in the OIC because of its decades-long problem with the Moro insurgency and Islamic fundamentalism in Mindanao. Peace talks between Manila and Muslim separatists in Mindanao have been stalled since August last year. Clashes frequently broke out, and more than three scores of soldiers and Muslim guerrillas were believed to have been killed since the peace negotiation collapsed.

Arroyo is scheduled to meet with OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu during her trip.

The Anatolia news agency said the two presidents exchanged views on boosting friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Arroyo's working visit was significant because it took place on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines.

[11] Now approach to the appointment of Turkish ambassadors by Davutoglu

Turkey has appointed a philosophy professor as the countrys ambassador to the Vatican, a rare appointment for Turkish diplomacy which does not often involve non-career envoys.

The decree of Professor Kenan Gursoy, head of the Arts and Science Faculty at Galatasaray University, was published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday along with 43 other appointments.

The appointment came after Ahmet Davutoglu, an international relations professor, became the foreign minister of the country. Davutoglu has made substantial changes among the top executives of the ministry and prefers to work with younger diplomats. Gursoys appointment is seen as a direct influence of Davutoglu in the ministry.

Gursoy will replace Ambassador Muammer Akdur who will return to Ankara. Gursoy arrived in Ankara on Tuesday and is scheduled to hold talks and receive briefings until Friday.

Gursoy was born in Ankara and studied at St. Benoit High School in Istanbul. Receiving a scholarship from the French government, Gursoy went on to complete his higher education at Rennes and Sorbonne universities. A veteran academic with five books published on philosophy, Gursoy has been employed at Galatasaray University since 1997.

Other appointments

According to the decree published at the Official Gazette, other important appointments are as follows:

'Mehmet Hayri Erol to Oman; deputy undersecretary Zegun Koruturk to Sweden; Vural Altay to the United Arab Emirates; Basat Ozturk to Afghanistan; Ambassador to Greece Oguz Celikkol to Israel; Hasan Gogus to Greece; Ecvet Tezcan to Austria; Oguz Ozge to Australia; Secretariat General for EU Affairs Secretary General Oguz Demiralp to Switzerland; Selim Kuneralp to Brussels as Turkeys special representative for the EU; government special envoy to Iraq Murat Ozcelik to Iraq as Turkeys ambassador; and Ali Yakital to Italy'.

[12] Taraf journalist under investigation for insulting the military

Journalist Mehmet Baransu from Taraf newspaper is subject of an investigation by the Kad1koy Public Prosecutor's Office because of his news item about an 'Anti-Reactionary Plan' allegedly prepared within the army. Baransu said that if the investigation should be turned into a trial, he is going to present documents to the court which will prove the allegations wrong.

The 'Anti-Reactionary Plan' lays out strategies to defame the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the religious Fethullah Gulen movement. The General Staff started an investigation on the grounds of their complaint after the journalist had published the news on 12 June this year. Baransu told bianet that he did not receive any information about his being trialed.

Brigadier General Hifzi Cubuklu, Legal Advisor of the General Staff, announced on 11 September that a court case has been opened against Baransu because of publishing the documents.

Journalist Baransu knew that he was subject of an investigation on account of 'publicly insulting the military forces'. Nevertheless he had not obtained any information about a court case being opened against him: 'The prosecutor's office carrying out the investigation may have informed the General Staff', Baransu assumed.

The journalist said that the file of the investigation conducted on the grounds of article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) was sent to the Ankara Ministry of Justice on 12 August.

Baransu explained: 'They say the document my news was based on is a fraud because the General Staff allegedly does not use terms like 'black propaganda'. I have two documents in hand which have been issued by the General Staff. They are original and it is proven from which computer they have been issued. They include terms like 'black propaganda' and 'psychological operations are done within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). If it is correct that a case has been opened, I will present these two documents to the court to my defense'.

The Military Prosecutor's Office determined that the documents were not prepared within the General Staff and declared that they have sent the file to the judicial prosecution in order to investigate who prepared the documents. The Ankara Office of the Director of Public Prosecution conducts a further investigation to find out who caused the leak regarding the documents evolving outside the General Staff.

Dursun Cicek, Colonel of the Naval Staff, filed a criminal complaint against Baransu because of the journalist's claim that Cicek's signature is on one of the documents. The criminal complaint also concerns the Vatan newspaper staff on allegations of 'forgery of the document, publishing a counterfeit document and violating a decision of confidentiality'.

Baransu is charged under article 301/2 of the TCK entitled 'Insulting the Turkish People, Republic of Turkey and Governmental Institutions and Bodies': (2) The person who publicly insults military organizations or the police organizations of state is inflicted imprisonment for between six months and two years'.

[13] Turkish prosecutors opened more than 80 cases against Taraf newspaper

The prosecutor of the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court asked for the acquittal of Adnan Demir, director of Taraf newspaper. Demir is tried for a prison sentence because he spoke of 'military neglect' when reporting about the Aktutun police station where 17 soldiers lost their lives in a raid by PKK rebels.

The prosecutor evaluated the publishing related to the raid as a part of freedom of the press. Therefore he asked for Demir not to be punished.

The journalist is trialed because of 'publishing classified documents of the General Staff'. In yesterday's (15 September) hearing the court gave Demir and his lawyer Ergin Cinmen the opportunity to speak up for the journalist's defense. The trial is to be continued on 20 October.

Fikret Secen, Istanbul Public Prosecutor, litigated Demir upon a complaint by the Genral Staff. Seçen demanded a 5 years prison sentence under article 329 of the Turkish Penalty Code (TCK). The publication ban imposed by the General Staff Military Court was related to the news of 14 October 2008 with the headline 'We told you to confess about Aktutun... Now we are talking'. In the indictment it was reminded that the publication ban was imposed one day later.

Reason for the trial were the newspaper's issues dated 14-18, 26 and 28 October, publishing news related to the attack that happened on the evening of 3 Ocotber 2008.

Currently, more than 80 cases have been opened against Taraf newspapers' officials and workers Ahmet Altan, Yasemin Congar, Nevzat Cicek, Mehmet Baransu, Bahar K1l1cgedik, Basar Arslan, Sibel Hurtas, Adnan Keskin and Adnan Demir under charges of 'violation of the secrecy of an investigation', attempting to influence a fair trial' and 'influencing a court person'. Most of the cases are part of the Ergenekon investigation.

Lawyer Ergin Cinmen has evaluated legal pressures on the newspaper for bianet before. He said: 'No decision has been taken yet. But if the courts would decide for punishment in these cases and the provisions would be approved by the Court of Appeals, these files will go to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Turkey is turning into the Turkey of 1995 again, which means that Turkey will fall back into the category of countries that are systematically neglecting human rights. The judges must respect the criteria of the ECHR. Otherwise, the judiciary's decisions will jeopardize the European Union process and Turkey will be in a very difficult situation at the European Council'.

/ES

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