Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-10-13

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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 claimed that President Christofias does not want a solution for the Cyprus problem

[02] Eroglu accuses the Greek Cypriot side of not showing consideration and determination for the solution

[03] KTOS was prevented from organizing a protest in front of the assembly and the embassy of Turkey

[04] Izcan says the Cyprus problem and Turkeys EU accession course are two issues related with each other

[05] MPs from the occupation regime participate in the EPs meetings

[06] Officer of the Turkish army who lead Turkeys struggle to partition Cyprus between 1962-1967 was commemorated in the occupied areas

[07] The second part of a public opinion poll conducted by the Redborder Research Company on behalf of Havadis

[08] The self-styled Ombudsman attended an extraordinary general assembly of the European Ombudsman Institute in Italy

[09] Turkish Eurasia Radio Television discontinues its transmission from Ankara but it will continue it broadcasts from occupied Lefkosia

[10] Turkish Cypriots urged by the Embargoed to lobby UEFA and FIFA against APOEL

[11] Turkish Foreign Ministry on the cancellation of the multi-national Anatolian Eagle air defense exercise

[12] Bagis held contacts with PACE President

[13] Turkey's National Security Council to meet next week

[14] Erdogan to visit Iraq on October 15

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] From the Turkish Press of 12 October 2009 a) The Kurdish problem b) Turkey and Armenia Protocol

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat claimed that President Christofias does not want a solution for the Cyprus problem

Mr Talat, who referred to the Cyprus problem during his speech stated: We will continue to do everything possible for the solution of this problem. However, it must be known that the negotiations have a time limit. The people cannot be held inside an endless negotiation and it cannot be condemned in an unbalanced and uncertain environment, by saying either today or tomorrow (as regards the time of the solution).

Commenting on the statements made by the President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias, that we are not close to the solution, we are far off, Mr Talat used the proverb Whatever the thoughts of the dervish, so are his formulas, (Tr. Note: meaning that a man's thoughts are revealed in his speech) and said that Christofias is expressing with various ways that, at least for the time being, he does not want a solution.

Mr Talat went on and stated that the Mr Christofias in his speeches is trying with every occasion to create the impression that the sole reason of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is Turkey and added that the Greek Cypriot side has exerted efforts until today in order to prevent Turkeys EU process. He also said that the Cyprus problem is an obstacle in front of Turkeys EU bit and added that from Turkeys point of view the problem is difficult to be solved because it is a national cause. Mr Talat said that it is not easy to have the responsibility for the solution of such a problem but added that they have decided to shoulder this problem and they did.

Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (13.10.09) refers to Talats statements under the title The new claims of Talat: Christofias does not want a solution and writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader, who has been saying on every opportunity that he is expecting a solution by the end of 2009, came up with a new claim now and stated that for the time being Christofias does not want a solution.

(CS)

[02] Eroglu accuses the Greek Cypriot side of not showing consideration and determination for the solution

Mr Eroglu stated that because this determination was not shown until now by the Greek Cypriot side, the reaching of an agreement is far off. He went on and added that he is not the only one who is saying this, but this is said both in the north and the south of Cyprus.

In addition, Illegal Bayrak television (12.10.09) broadcast the following: In a message marking the UBPs anniversary, Prime Minister Dervi Erolu said: Our people s devotion to our statehood, sovereignty and democracy is providing the basis for our success. Our people is the source of our strength and because of this, our success belongs to our people .

He said: The UBP is an important value created by the Cyprus Turkish People and is the guarantee of the prosperity of the TRNC and a cornerstone of democracy . Mr Erolu stated that the UBP s biggest objective was to make it possible for the Turks of Cyprus to live in peace and prosperity by protecting its identity and values on the island.

He said that his party was determined to protect the state, which was established by the Cyprus Turkish People who used their right to self-determination, and to maintain the rule of law state, the unity of the people and the country.

(CS)

[03] KTOS was prevented from organizing a protest in front of the assembly and the embassy of Turkey

Meanwhile, the students and the teachers of the 19 May TMK school in the occupied areas held a protest act outside the self-styled ministry of education yesterday, because they do not have teachers for six subjects and therefore they are experiencing various problems.

In statements in front of the ministry, the chairman of KTOS, Guven Varoglu criticized the fact that the police closed the roads towards the assembly and added: They are trying to prevent our voice from being heard, but they should know that we shall make our voice heard wherever we are.

The general secretary of KTOS, Sener Elcil stated that the UBP self-styled government, which does not know the number of the population living in the occupied areas of Cyprus and is not exerting efforts to prevent the flow of population from Turkey, is contributing to the continuation of the problems in the fields of education, health and the society, at large.

Afrika covers the issue under the front-page title This is what the governor ordered and reports that the police increased the security measures for the embassy of Turkey and not for the assembly. The paper wonders since when and by whom the protests in front of the assembly have been forbidden and writes that KTOS which organized an activity yesterday in Lekosia bumped into the wall of the police in front of the assembly and the embassy.

The paper reports that Mr Elcil said that the measures of the police were taken for the embassy of Turkey and not for the assembly. Addressing the police Mr Elcil asked whether there is a written decision for banning such protest activities. He noted that this ban came from the embassy and wondered: Is this what the governor asked?

(ITs)

[04] Izcan says the Cyprus problem and Turkeys EU accession course are two issues related with each other

Mr Izcan expressed the view that while Turkey fulfills its obligations deriving from the Customs Union, it is necessary for its stance to be constructive and helpful to the two leaders in the direction of the solution in Cyprus.

(ITs)

[05] MPs from the occupation regime participate in the EPs meetings

[06] Officer of the Turkish army who lead Turkeys struggle to partition Cyprus between 1962-1967 was commemorated in the occupied areas

Coygun took his reputable position in the history of the Turks of Cyprus with his contributions to the Cyprus Turkish struggle for existence.

A commemoration ceremony was held at the Kirikkale Veterans House for Kenan Coygun, who was also known as `Kenan Pasa or Bozkurt` who served in Cyprus as the Head of the TMT between 1962 and 1967, upon his appointment by the Turkish Armed Forces.

In a speech at the ceremony, Vice-President of the TMT Society Celal Bayar said Coyguns appointment was a turning point in the Cyprus Turkish history.

Also speaking, President of the Cyprus Turkish Fighters Association Vural Turkmen said that Kenan Coygun devoted himself to the Turkish nation and that he had important contribution to the freedom struggle waged by the Turks of Cyprus.

The final speech was delivered by the TMT Societys President Yilmaz Bora who said that Kenan Coygun was the strongest guarantee of the people and the TMT members during the existence struggle waged by the Cyprus Turkish People.

Stressing that the bitter experiences of the past were not forgotten, he said they expected the European Union to honor the promises it made to the Cyprus Turks soon after the 2004 referendum.

[07] The second part of a public opinion poll conducted by the Redborder Research Company on behalf of Havadis

According to the opinion poll, 67% of the persons asked find the performance of the self-styled government positive.

In addition, prime minister Dervis Eroglu is the most popular member of the council of ministers with 72.1%, following the minister of education, youth and sports, Kemal Durust with 70.2%. The least favorite is the minister of interior Ilkay Kamil with 40.3%.

The 79.20% of the persons who participated in the survey neither support nor like the politics that the government follows as regards the private sector.

The results of the poll on the Cyprus problem, announced by the paper to be published today, were not reported in todays edition in Havadis.

(CS)

[08] The self-styled Ombudsman attended an extraordinary general assembly of the European Ombudsman Institute in Italy

(EA)

[09] Turkish Eurasia Radio Television discontinues its transmission from Ankara but it will continue its broadcasts from occupied Lefkosia

The majority of ARTs broadcasts were transmitted from Ankara and the news was spreading to the world though satellite, the paper writes and adds that the owner of the ART is the chairman of the Turkish Metal Workers Union (Metal-Sen), Mustafa Ozbek, one of the key figures in the Ergenekon case.

ART is also known for its harsh stance against the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan and it ended its broadcast from Ankara due to financial difficulties, the paper notes. Sources on the other hand, stress on the fact that no change will be made on ARTs policy and that it will continue its opposition against the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

On the same issue and under the title "ART is also closing down", Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (12.10.2009) reports that the neo-nationalist TV channel ART is ending its broadcast life. ART channel, which after KanalBis drew the attention of the public with its radical nationalist broadcasts, is ending its broadcasting life. According to information obtained from Turkish Metal Union, which is the owner of ART, the channel will close down its switchbox at approximately 1800.

(ML)

[10] Turkish Cypriots urged by the Embargoed to lobby UEFA and FIFA against APOEL

A protest is raging after banners proclaiming 'Cyprus is Greek' were displayed during a globally-televised football match.

Pro-TRNC lobby group Embargoed! Is urging people to contact Fifa, world football's governing body, and Uefa, which regulates the sport in Europe, to complain about the banners that carried the slogan in six languages during the Apoel-Chelsea Champions League match is South Nicosia on Wednesday, September 30.

Fevzi Hussein, chairman of Embargoed!, which has around 2,500 members worldwide, said: 'We are leading a co-ordinated effort to lobby Fifa and Uefa over racist events at the match.

'I can confirm that non-governmental organisations in the UK and the TRNC are uniting as one voice on this issue and we would like to encourage our people to also individually register their protests'.

'Talks between the two sides in Cyprus are at a critical stage and this type of behaviour is not only racist, it is also counter-productive to reaching a settlement', added Mr Hussein, who lives in Maldon, Surrey.

'We are in the process of engaging with our members and supporters to launch a vigorous protest campaign to stop this type of activity ever occurring again'.

It is not the first time the Champions League has been used as a platform to make a political point about Cyprus.

Last year's group stage match between Anorthosis FC and Werder Bremen was used by fans to call for Mara, [Varosha] the 'ghost' suburb of Gazi Magusa, [occupied Famagusta] to be returned to its Greek Cypriot former inhabitants.

The club produced 2,000 posters stating 'Maras's lost home' and a 50-metre-long banner bearing the word 'Famagusta'.

After last week's incident, Ozankoy homeowner Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, who sits in the UK House of Lords, has waded into the argument.

He has tabled a written question in the House of Lords asking the UK government for its response to the Greek Cypriot approach to the current peace talks and to the display of 'Cyprus is Greek' banners at the Apoel match.

Lord Maginnis said 'The Greek Cypriot Akritas and Iphestos 1974 plans were based on the ethnic cleansing of Turkish Cypriots. The world needs to be reminded that the Turkish army came to Cyprus in 1974 to prevent that and the institutional oppression by Greek Cypriots'.

A spokesman for Uefa in Switzerland told Cyprus Today yesterday: 'We had delegates attending this game and they have lodged two disciplinary reports against the Cyprus Football Federation but neither related to the display of banners. If we see photographic evidence we will investigate the issue'.

The pictures have now been sent to Uefa, but Embargoed! Chairman Fevzi Hussein said: 'I'm staggered that Uefa delegates failed to notice five-foot-high letters spelling out a racist and political message on banners'.

The website http://www.embargoed.org contains a draft letter to Fifa and Uefa, to which anyone can add their contact details and send to the two governing bodies via info@uefa.com and at http://www.fifa.com/contact/form.html.

[11] Turkish Foreign Ministry on the cancellation of the multi-national Anatolian Eagle air defense exercise

The ministry told a statement on Monday, The Anatolian Eagle is one of the concerted drills of the Turkish Air Forces which has been held regularly since 2001 with the international participation.

The first two stages of this year's exercises were conducted successfully. But international part of the third stage which was earlier scheduled to be carried out on October 12 and 23 was cancelled in consultation with the other participating countries. But, the exercise is continuing as a national event. Therefore, it is not correct to impose political meanings to Turkey's decision to cancel international part of the multi-national Anatolian Eagle air defense exercise, it said.

To this end, it is also impossible to accept assessments and comments published in media organs in reference to Israeli authorities. We call on Israeli officials to act with common-sense in their statements and attitudes, the ministry added.

[12] Bagis held contacts with PACE President

Puig is in Ankara as the Turkish capital won the "2009 European Prize", a distinction that is bestowed each year on a European town for its actions in the European domain.

At the meeting with Bagis, Puig said he was in favor of Turkey's integration to EU and added that majority of parliamentarians in PACE were thinking the same way. He said it was an indisputable fact that Turkey was a European country.

On his part, Bagis said that Turkey was a member of the Council since the beginning, stating that the future of Europe, just as the history of the continent, could not be explained without Turkey.

Bagis described Turkey's EU bid as a peace project and said the project could not be completed without Turkey's accession to EU.

Reiterating Turkey's commitment to become a part of the Union, Bagis said Turkey was determined to overcome challenges on this path.

Following his meeting with Bagis, Puig paid a visit to Turkish Parliament and met Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin. Their meeting was closed to press.

Meanwhile, before his meeting with Puig, Bagis had another meeting with Senator Rosanna Boldi, chairman of the European policy commission in Italian Senat.

[13] Turkey's National Security Council to meet next week

[14] Erdogan to visit Iraq on October 15

Erdogan will meet Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Iraqi vice presidents and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The Turkish prime minister will hold a press conference after his talks in Iraq.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] From the Turkish Press of 12 October 2009

a) The Kurdish problem

In her column entitled "PKK will lay down arms in six months" in Taraf, Nese Duzel recounts her interview with Cevat Ones, former National Intelligence Organization, MIT, undersecretary. Cevat Ones says in the interview that "MIT conducts the meetings with PKK," that "PKK will be made to lay down arms in six months," and that "the interior minister will go to Syria, prime minister to Iraq, and the laying down of arms of the PKK will crystallize after these meetings."

b) Turkey and Armenia Protocol

An editorial in Hurriyet Daily News.com congratulates all the countries involved in the signing of the "historic accord" between Turkey and Armenia for the establishment of diplomatic relations, and continues by reminding that "yet these protocols are to be ratified at Parliament. This time, the responsibility to change the course of history lies on the shoulders of the lawmakers of the two countries. We sincerely hope that the lawmakers will vote in favor of a new peaceful beginning between the two countries, in order to not miss this historic opportunity not only for Turks and Armenians but also for all Caucasus' people." We, as the Daily News, congratulate those who contributed to the realization of the signing of the historic protocols between Turkey and Armenia, meaning a new beginning for the people of the neighboring countries following decades of animosity.

In her commentary entitled "Understanding Azerbaijan" in Hurriyet, Ferai Tinc writes about her e-mail exchange with Azeri political columnist Vusal Tagibeyli, who said in his communication that " the Turkish government may be informing the [Azeri] government on the protocols, but the people do not have any information whatsoever. President Gul, Prime Minister Erdogan, and Foreign Minister Davutoglu are saying all the time that they will make any decision to upset Baku, and we also expect the same from our brothers. From time to time, however, the problems between Ankara and Yerevan are worrying. It could be that they are informing the government, but they should also inform the people." Tinc, in turn, concludes: "Despite all the concerns, however, if the two protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia can be facilitated by obtaining approval of the [Turkish and Armenian] parliaments, a new era will be opened for the Caucasus. Even Azerbaijan shares this hope. It is important to realize, not diminish this hope."

Writing from Washington for Sabah, Omer Taspinar says that "the last-minute crisis in Zurich shows how difficult this peace process will be for Armenia. Turkey is approaching this process with more confidence than Armenia. Armenia, on the other hand, seems to be writhing with pain as though it is under torture during each phase of the process" in his commentary entitled "Why did Yerevan not leave the table?" Taspinar continues by explaining to the "Turkish public" the reasons for "Sarkisyan's difficulties." "Before that," however, he notes that Turkey had two main factors for the "peace process" with Armenia: One of them is the "zero problems" politics, and the second and more important factor is the "foreign dynamics" such as Obama's presidency. As to Sarkisyan, Taspinar gives two answers to the question: "Why did Yerevan opt for embarking on the peace process just when Obama came to power?" "One of them is because Sarkisyan is from Nagorno-Karabakh," writes Taspinar and continues: "The second reason is distrust of Russia. Armenia felt real concern from what Putin did in Georgia in 2008."

Writing in Hurriyet Daily News.com, Yusuf Kanli welcomes the signing of the protocols, but notes that "the Turkish government will not submit the protocols to parliamentary approval" and "they will not enter into force" unless "Armenia takes some concrete moves towards bringing an end to the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave and the regions around it" in his commentary entitled "A new era in Armenia ties."

Tufan Turenc, in turn, asks in his commentary entitled "Charles Aznavour at the Zurich evening" in Hurriyet the following questions: "How will the initiatives stipulated in the protocols be realized?," "What is the 'reasonable timeframe' for Turkey to open up its borders with Armenia?," and "When will Armenia withdraw from the territories it has occupied so that it contributes to a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue?"

Writing in Milliyet, Semih Idiz refers to the "birth pangs" during the signing ceremony, which was resolved by canceling the two speeches planned to be delivered by the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers after the signing of the protocols in his commentary. Explaining that Nalbandian's "behavior has strengthened the hardliners in both countries," Idiz notes that the "concern is that the crisis in Zurich might negatively affect the process of approval of the protocols in the parliaments of the two countries. For this reason, it would be sensible to wait for the atmosphere to settle down and submit the protocols to the parliaments after a certain time. During this period, there may also be positive developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh talks. Even if Azerbaijan President Aliyev upholds the opposite, it is obvious that the Turkish-Armenian process has the attributes to speed up a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem."

In his commentary entitled "This is the day of reason and peace" in Hurriyet, Fatih Cekirge posts the speech Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was planning to say at the end of the signing ceremony in Zurich if there would have been no crisis on the disagreement in the verbal statements both sides were supposed to make after the signatures. Explaining that Davutoglu's speech was ready and that he finished it at approximately 0530 in the morning, Cekirge posts Davutoglu's statement, in which he writes: "We as Turkey and Armenia, are here today to take a first step towards a new horizon. This is a long road. It is a road filled with difficulties. This road, however, is one worth taking. This journey can be taken with our partners here and the people of all the Caucasus together only." Noting that only those who have vision and courage can take such steps under difficult circumstances, Davutoglu adds that there is a difference of opinion about a bitter part of the joint history of our peoples and that this difference of perception should not echo in our next generations as the feelings of prejudice and revenge.

Under the headline, "Here is that speech," Yeni Safak carries an "exclusive" front-page report which provides highlights from "the speech that Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu did not deliver in Zurich, where he signed the historic protocol between Turkey and Armenia." The report quotes the following statements from "the speech that the Armenians did not want to hear:" "The documents signed here create a very important basis providing the Turkish and Armenian peoples with the understanding they need to be able to ensure that their future generations coexist and cooperate to create a common and prosperous future. ... The difference of perception between the Turkish and Armenian peoples regarding a very painful period in their common history should not cause our future generations to be dominated by prejudice and vengefulness."

In an article entitled "Zero problems", Vakit columnist Cuneyt Arvasi asserts that the policy of "zero problems with neighbours" started by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is set to entail radical changes unprecedented in the history of the Turkish Republic. He claims that the agreements signed between Turkey and Armenia signify an effort to use economic considerations as a means of solving long-standing historical and political problems between the two countries based on the understanding that these countries need to settle their differences to be able to emerge as energy and trade hubs.

In an article entitled "Peace is better", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak argues that the latest protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia amount to a major achievement regardless of how the process started by these agreements will unfold. He claims that the signing of these protocols is likely to displease the Turkish Ergenekon and the Armenian Asala organizations most, adding that an irreversible process has nevertheless begun where supporters of peace on both sides will find their hands strengthened.

Under the headline, "Let us focus on friendship not enmity," Zaman carries a front-page report which asserts that the signing of the "historic" protocols between Turkey and Armenia in Zurich has been greeted favourably by the entire world.

In an article entitled "The lessons to be drawn from the Armenian overture", Zaman columnist Mehmet Yilmaz argues that Turkey's signing of an agreement with Armenia that entails the normalization of bilateral relations with this country means that it has discovered quite early on its need to align itself with a new global trend whereby ethnic and nationalist conflicts fuelled by Cold War ideologies and theories like the "Clash of Civilizations" are giving way to dialogue and tolerance.

Under the headline, "Turkey's proposal clears last-minute snag in Zurich," Today's Zaman carries a front-page report which asserts that "the chess match between Turkey and Armenia [in Zurich] came to a head when Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu said 'check,' noting that he would 'explicitly' refer in his speech to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict if the Armenian side insisted on referring to 'negotiations without preconditions' in its text."

In an article entitled "Against the radical nationalists in Turkey and Armenia", Today's Zaman columnist Ihsan Dagi hails Turkey and Armenia's signing of protocols "envisaging the establishment of diplomatic contacts and the development of bilateral relations" as "a victory against narrow-minded nationalism both in Turkey and Armenia."

In an article entitled "Turkish-Armenian traumas", Today's Zaman columnist Omer Taspinar discusses "what drives the rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey" and "what fuels the reconciliation process despite [their] mutual traumas."

Under the banner headline, "Shame on you," Milli Gazete carries a front-page report which highlights a statement by Felicity Party, SP, leader Numan Kurtulmus saying that the Turkish-Armenian protocols signed in Zurich are a "historic mistake" rather than a historic step toward a rapprochement between the two countries and that "it is highly significant that the protocols were signed in Switzerland, which recognizes the so-called Armenian claims of genocide and is the only European country that hands out prison sentences to those who say that what is called the Armenian genocide did not take place."

/EI

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