Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-11-18

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Talat meet for the 52nd time

[02] Ozdil Nami evaluates the latest developments of the negotiation process in Cyprus

[03] Erdogan met with the UN Secretary-General in Rome; He repeated his proposal for a five-party summit on the Cyprus problem

[04] Talat rejects that the recent voting in the occupied areas reversed the political will for a solution expressed during the referendum

[05] Talat is going to Istanbul this morning

[06] Eroglu reprimanded Rasbash and demanded EU Commission to recognise the TRNC

[07] Ozgurgun and Eroglu censure the stance of the Greek Cypriots towards the Turks of Cyprus

[08] The chairman of the Board of Net Holding Company in Turkey stated that in case of a solution to the Cyprus problem the value of land in Cyprus will triple

[09] The Turkish Cypriot lawyer who represents the Orams couple at the British Appeal Court stated that they have little chances to win the case

[10] The illegal Keryneia American University signed a cooperation protocol with the Iranian Azad University

[11] Research of the Bosphorus University shows culture as influential factor in EU perceptions towards Turks

[12] CD reveals Turkish Armed Forces secret activities; The Turkish invasion of Cyprus is used as a strategy game for children

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish columnist describes the breakaway regime as monstrosity; Afrika says mainland Turkish media started to discuss the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army from Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Talat meet for the 52nd time

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that most critical aspect of the property issue was formulating solutions for various categories of property on which convergence has been reached. The Presidents words came at the end todays meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias which focused on the property issue.

President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias met again today to resume talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem. The two leaders continued discussions on the property issue.

Speaking upon his return to the Presidential Palace, President Mehmet Ali Talat said that most critical aspect of the property issue were formulating solutions for various categories of property on which convergence has been reached. He described the continuation of the talks, despite existing differences on the principles of the property issue, as a positive development.

The President also said that they had instructed their special representatives, Ozdil Nami and Giorgo Iacovou to meet again on Thursday to resume discussions on the property issue, including the categories. They will finalize the process of categorizing the properties in question and will work on formulating solutions for each category, he added.

President Talat also said that organization matters will be dominating the agenda of this weeks second meeting scheduled for Friday, the 20th of November. We shall be reviewing the process as well determining the timetable for future meetings, he added.

Pointing out that they will moving on to the issues of aliens, migration and citizenship when they meet next week on Tuesday the 24th of November, Talat said these were very important issues as the Greek Cypriot side was trying to make an issue out of Turkish origin TRNC citizens. He also said that there were a number of details under these issues, such as internal citizenship, which needed to be worked out.

[02] Ozdil Nami evaluates the latest developments of the negotiation process in Cyprus

As the two leaders are continuing their discussions aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem the TRNC Presidents Special Representative for talks with the UN and the EU, Ozdil Nami has evaluated the property issue to the BRT.

Mr Nami said the next stage in the process will be to determine by which method of settlement will be used in settling the various categorized properties and expressed the hope that the problems will be overcome by the will of the two leaders. He also added that they will work to finalize the convergence paper on the categorization of properties in question. Stating that there is no common decision about the next step and that the Turkish side will put forward solution proposals for each category, he said we will see how the Greek side will respond this. If they have constructive proposals we would evaluate them, Nami added.

Pointing out that during the beginning of the discussions on the property issue the two sides had differences on principles, he said despite of these differences, the two leaders had decided to intensify on designating different property categories in order to achieve progress on the property discussions while keeping their principles. There were similar approaches in the Annan Plan. This is a paper which involves approaches as to whether there are any developments on the property or not, whether this property is being used by another proprietor, or whether the return of the property is possible or not, or could it be classified in another category, he said.

Noting that the Turkish side is attending the peace talks with a positive manner, he accused the Greek Cypriot press of showing an attitude which is against a solution in Cyprus. Now it is time to find a solution in Cyprus and no one can tolerate the delaying tactics anymore, Mr Nami said.

[03] Erdogan met with the UN Secretary-General in Rome; He repeated his proposal for a five-party summit on the Cyprus problem

Replying to the question of a reporter after his meeting with his Italian Counterpart Silvio Berlusconi, How would you evaluate your todays contacts?, Mr Erdogan said the following: We had the opportunity (with the UN Secretary-General) to discuss the negotiations on the Cyprus problem. I conveyed to UN Secretary-General that at this point of the ongoing negotiations it would be beneficial for Mr Downer to continue and intensify the process, and if it is necessary the efforts to be continued in New York. I expressed to him the view that just like the period of the Annan plan, the guarantor countries together with the sides to gather up and exert an effort regarding the process.

(AK)

[04] Talat rejects that the recent voting in the occupied areas reversed the political will for a solution expressed during the referendum

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the international community had an improved perception of the Turks of Cyprus, which was primarily due to the political will demonstrated in 2004 referendum. Touching upon the Cyprus Problem at a reception he attended, the President Mehmet Ali Talat underlined the importance of avoiding statements or actions in support of a non-solution of the Cyprus Problem.

Speaking at a reception held on the occasion of the anniversary of KTAMS, the Cyprus Turkish Public Sector Employees Union, President Mehmet Ali Talat said that it was important to keep in perspective the current point reached in the Cyprus Problem. Pointing out that the international community had an improved perception of the Turks of Cyprus, the President described this as a positive development and said that the political will put forward by the Cyprus Turkish people during the 24th of April 2004 referendum was of great historical significance. Explaining that the outcome of the referendum had first shocked but was then welcomed by the international community, Talat said that the yes vote had proven the Turkish sides strategic goal for a settlement in Cyprus. He said that through the 24th of April political will, the Turks of Cyprus had not only acquired an advantage in the negotiations processes to follow, but had also shown the world that was a peace abiding people suffering under unjust international isolations. This political will is to our advantage. It is to the benefit of everyone, including those who have doubts regarding a settlement. It has formed an important basis for us, he added.

The President also criticized those who claimed that the 19th of April political will had replaced the 24th of April political will, claiming that attempts to foster anti-settlement support could damage the esteem of the Turks of Cyprus. To refrain from such actions would be best, he added. President Talat also reiterated his view that a solution will be to the benefit of everyone.

[05] Talat is going to Istanbul this morning

(CS)

[06] Eroglu reprimanded Rasbash and demanded EU Commission to recognise the TRNC

The issue occurred when Mr Rasbash sent a letter to Mr Eroglu, criticizing his governments decision not to give permission to 15, out of 21 persons for participating in an EU funded project about the environment. The paper, which describes Mr Rasbashs letter as interference for the governments decision, writes that Mr Eroglu reacted because Mr Rasbash addressed him in the letter as Dear Dr Eroglu, instead of Prime Minister Eroglu. In addition, he used the phrase esteemed, instead of prime minister. According to the paper, the self-styled prime minister, called on Mr Rasbash to his office and issued a warning that he should treat with respect the TRNC and the TRNC authorities.

The paper also writes that commenting on the issue, the MP of the National Unity Party (UBP), Ali Cetin Amcaoglu, stated: The EU must accept that there is a government and an authority in the TRNC, it must inform the government about its decisions and events. He went on and added that there is no problem regarding the EU, stating that no problem will occur, as long as the procedure is implemented and the government is not ignored.

(CS)

[07] Ozgurgun and Eroglu censure the stance of the Greek Cypriots towards the Turks of Cyprus

Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriot sides condemnation of the TRNCs 26th Anniversary of its declaration was proof of the intolerance it had against the existence of the Turks of Cyprus. The Foreign Ministers words came during an interview with the BBC reporter Chris Summers.

Evaluating the latest stage reached in the ongoing negotiations, the TRNC Foreign Minister said that the Greek Cypriot Sides hatred and animosity towards the Turks of Cyprus was clearly visible in its statements. Ozgurgun drew attention to the fact that the Turks of Cyprus have been successfully administering themselves for the past 26 years and have continued to work strenuously to improve their state despite all the obstructive efforts of the Greek Cypriot side.

He also pointed out that a solution to the Cyprus Problem was highly unlikely as long as the Greek Cypriot side continued to pursue such a mentality.

The TRNC Foreign Minister also told the BBC reporter that constant attempts by the Greek Cypriot side to label Turkey as defiant and intransigent was proof that the Greek Cypriots did not really aim for a peaceful settlement.

It is clearly evident that the Greek Cypriot side is only working for settlement, by exerting pressure on Turkey, that will only serve their interests and which will transform the Turks of Cyprus into a minority within a Greek Cypriot State, he added.

In the meantime, illegal Bayrak television (17.11.09) broadcast the following:

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has said that the Greek Cypriot side is disturbed by the very existence of the Turks of Cyprus on the island. The Prime Ministers remarks came during a visit paid to him by representatives of the Turkish Disabled War Veterans, Martyrs Widows and Orphans Association.

Welcoming the group, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu stated that he always thought Turkey and the TRNC as a whole and expressed the need for claiming the state in order not to suffer a repetition of the same bitter experiences of the past. Noting that the negotiations aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem are still continuing, Eroglu said that the intention of both sides was necessary for a solution. However, Greek Cypriot side is even disturbed by the existence of the Turks of Cyprus on the island. They are not accepting the equal partnership, he added. Accusing the international community of acting unjustly, Mr Eroglu reminded that although it was the Greek Cypriots who had massacred the Turks of Cyprus and who had unilaterally joined the European Union, it was the Turks of Cyprus who continued to suffer under embargoes despite voting in favour of a solution.

[08] The chairman of the Board of Net Holding Company in Turkey stated that in case of a solution to the Cyprus problem the value of land in Cyprus will triple

(AK)

[09] The Turkish Cypriot lawyer who represents the Orams couple at the British Appeal Court stated that they have little chances to win the case

Noting that the Orams have little chances to win the case and that it could not be said that the appeal process goes very well, Mr Dervis said: It cannot be said that there is no chance, however, it appears that the process is against us. Mr Dervis said that it was not correct that the case was given first to the law firm Vahib and Co because that law firm did not have any specialty in the international law. Mr Dervis also added: This case should have been given to a stronger law firm with specialists in the international and EU law.

Commenting on last Aprils ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Mr Dervis said that the decision was entirely a political one and added: The decision has no aspect that anyone can lean on it legally. Because the article in Protocol 10 is putting very clear that while the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU, it has no control or authority in the territory in the north.

(DPs)

[10] The illegal Keryneia American University signed a cooperation protocol with the Iranian Azad University

The protocol was signed on behalf of GAU by the chairman of the Administration Committee of the illegal university, Asim Vehbi and by Dr Muhammad Mahdi Mazahery (TR. Note: His title is not mentioned in the paper) on behalf of the Azad University.

(CS)

[11] Research of the Bosphorus University shows culture as influential factor in EU perceptions towards Turks

Cultural factors are among the main elements influencing European perceptions of Turks, according a recent study conducted by a prominent Turkish university. The research, made public Monday night by the European Studies Centre of Bosphorus University, also showed that younger generations in Europe are more supportive of Turkey's entry to the European Union (EU) than are older generations. The study was based on a poll conducted among 5,000 people in Germany, France, Britain, Spain and Poland between August and September 2009.The poll's most striking discovery is the contrast in Europeans' outlooks toward Turkey as opposed to other candidate countries. Democracy, human rights, economic development and welfare are the main criteria the five EU countries identify with. The participants also believe the two most important criteria for a candidate country to become an EU member should be its performance on democracy and human rights and its contribution to Europe's overall welfare. Yet when it comes to the respondents' outlook on Turkey's membership in the EU, only 26.8 percent of those polled said economic factors are important, while 40.4 percent said cultural factors are the main element influencing their opinion.France comes first among the five countries in judging Turkey's entry to the EU based on cultural factors.

Islamic culture

More people said they believe that Turkey's Islamic culture would be an asset to the European Union than did not share this view, with 59 percent saying they believe that Turkey's membership would increase the EU's influence in the Islamic world. However, 54 percent said they do not believe that Turkey's Islamic culture would contribute to preventing a clash of civilizations.

When it comes to the principle of "pacta sund servanda," which can be translated in English as "promises must be kept," a majority of those polled said it would be unfair to avoid following through on promises made to Turkey.

Based on these findings, Professor Hakan Yilmaz, the coordinator of the project, suggested that instead of using religious or cultural arguments, Turkey should use the principle of upholding the law to make its case to the European public. Some journalists and academics at the press conference objected to this, saying that few in Europe know that Turkey has been promised membership by the EU since the 1960s.

Younger generations are more supportive of Turkey's entry into the group of EU member states, with 57 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 24 and 51 percent of those between 25 and 39 expressing a positive outlook about Turkey's EU bid. This support decreases to 35.2 percent for those ages 65 and above.When it comes to knowledge about Turkey, Istanbul is the most commonly known name, with 91 percent of respondents recognizing it. The archaeological site of Troy in Turkey's northwest city of Canakkale follows Istanbul with 70 percent recognition. A full 50 percent of respondents said they know the Turkish football team Galatasaray, while 48.3 percent know the Mediterranean city of Antalya in the country's southwest.

The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, follows Antalya with 40 percent name recognition; Turkish pop singer Tarkan was recognized by 23 percent of respondents, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan by 22 percent, author and Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk by 11.5 percent and finally communist poet Nazim Hikmet Ran by 8.2 percent.

[12] CD reveals Turkish Armed Forces secret activities; The Turkish invasion of Cyprus is used as a strategy game for children

A CD recently sent by an anonymous military officer to prosecutors conducting a probe into a criminal organization has revealed that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) was responsible for establishing and operating 24 radio stations in various Turkish provinces and abroad to support its psychological warfare against civilian groups it deemed dangerous.

The CD contained a document titled Psychological Warfare Institutions which read that the radio stations should establish a warm dialogue with the public and grow popular in a short time through their broadcasts. The broadcasts should feature interviews, chat shows, scientific debates, entertainment shows and music broadcasts, read the document. The stations were to become popular, similar to the Security General Directorates radio stations, and convey necessary messages to the public.

Among these radio stations are TSK Disaster Briefing FM (Ankara); Guven FM (Sirnak, Siirt, Mardin, northern Iraq); Diyar FM (Diyarbakir); Sumbul FM (Hakkari); Dost FM (Tunceli); Turkiyem FM (Bingol); Sancak FM (Bingol); Lale FM (Mus); Gol FM (Bitlis); Suphan FM (Van); Agri Dagi FM (Agri-Igdir); Kardelen FM (Van-Caldiran); Nevruz FM (Van-Ercis); Fistik FM (Siirt); Poyraz FM (Kocaeli); Leventler FM (Izmir Foca); Aksaz FM (Mugla); Yore FM (Tokat, Amasya, Sivas, Ordu); Tunc FM (Tunceli); Sinir FM (Hakkari Yuksekova); Coast Guard FM (Izmir, Aydin, Manisa); Radyo Turkiyem (Afghanistan); and Mehmetcik FM (Kosovo).

Twelve of the radio stations are part of the Land Forces Command, while five belong to the General Staff, three to the Naval Forces Command, three to the Gendarmerie General Command and one belongs to the Coast Guard Command.

In addition, the following is being reported in the same newspaper (18.11.09):

A document found on a CD mailed to civilian prosecutors on Sunday by an anonymous military officer revealed that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) was planning to create strategy games inspired by Turkish history for young children.

The games would be based mostly on battles, including the War of Independence, the Gallipoli battle and Turkeys military intervention in Cyprus. The armed forces wanted to boost young childrens love and respect for Turkey through such strategy games. The TSK allocated a budget of TL 1.4 million for the preparation of the games.

All games would be based on a main character, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Republic of Turkey. The game on the Independence War, for example, would start with the arrival of Ataturk in the northern province of Samsun, where he started the resistance of Turkish forces against occupying powers. The game would be divided up into 20 levels, and each level would focus on a part of the war. The game would finish with the completion of the war and the occupying powers leaving Turkey.

The strategy games would also try to condition young children against the threat of reactionaryism. Prominent historians, such as Ilber Ortayli, Yilmaz Oztuna and Ergun Aybars, would be consulted for the game.

The revenue earned through the marketing of the games would be donated to the Mehmetcik Foundation and the Association of Social Solidarity for Families of Martyrs and Victims of Terror.

Furthermore, Todays Zaman newspaper (18.11.09) reports the following:

A CD attached to a letter sent to civilian prosecutors, the president, the prime minister and leaders of opposition parties by an unnamed military officer has shown that the General Staff used a number of ultranationalist TV stations and newspapers to back its black propaganda against the government and reshape the national agenda.

A document on the CD alleges that the militarys propaganda activities started in 2007 and continued through 2008. As part of the campaign, posters, statements, newspaper advertisements, brochures, CDs, DVDs and radio and television programs were prepared and distributed to certain TV stations and newspapers.

Among the propaganda pieces were 210,000 news reports in six different ultranationalist newspapers; 231,326 copies of 54 different posters; 46 newspaper advertisements; over 1.4 million copies of 16 different military statements; 3,055 copies of three different brochures; 3,502 copies of five different calendars; and 486 copies of 393 photos.

The General Staff also prepared over 750 broadcasts for radio stations and distributed 2,278 DVD copies of three different documentaries and 1,248 DVDs with 21 video clips to TV stations.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish columnist describes the breakaway regime as monstrosity; Afrika says mainland Turkish media started to discuss the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army from Cyprus

They have written it again, they write it continuously: Cyprus is being lost! You want to mess up with the government, you cannot insist on Dersim, you enter into Cyprus. They have written it very openly: We will not give Cyprus away! And we said, you should wait from Dogan Group to say they are selling out the country, they will sell Cyprus as well. It will definitely be done. Its turn will also come.

You could not insist on the headscarf, how will you tickle those who tried to carry out the coup? You cannot write openly that you will lose the villas left in your hands from the Greek Cypriots, do not sleep patriotic children of the country!

It is being lost. Because, first, it is in hand! We will not give it away. Because we have taken it!

I have many times asked the following: Did we go to Cyprus in order to protect our kinsmen or in order to take that place? Did we go there to do our job and come back or to stay? No brave man replied to this.

Just like there are some who boast saying I took it, there are also some others who are ashamed of having taken it. Or rather, some who use a pompous language saying we brought peace and manage the non-solution for 35 years.

You curse the Ottomans day and night, but in spite of this, when it suits you, you exhibit an Ottoman stance. When Foreign Minister Davutoglu intimidates Israel and opens to Syria and Iraq, you bluster saying they want to bring back the Ottomans, but if the benefit is on your side, you will rejoice and say we have taken Cyprus, we will not give it away.

The sultans who take are good, the sultans who give are bad. This is the history education and historic consciousness of the Emin Oktay way, which has been imposed to you!

Cyprus is going away. What are we going to do my brother, have Walachia and Moldavia not gone away? You have not dared to add it to your territory and furthermore you attempted to administer the situation with a monstrosity, a satellite named TRNC, which is recognized by no one in the world and accepted by no country. (During the cold war period such countries were called satellite states.) Is it legally yours and you are crying saying they are taking it away from me?

What if your kinsmen do not want you? What if they are fed up with all the motherlands illnesses you have exported to that place using pompous language such as we have rescued you, you should not speak? What if they are tired of being isolated from the world, of the passports which are not valid and of the money which is of no use? What if they are not doing all kinds of tricks, like you, for not acceding to the European Union, they are not insisting, but on the contrary they are yearning for entering? What if the people are feeling discomfort because the north has remained by far behind the south?

Why you are not saying if they want to be oppressed, let them be oppressed like in the past, let them see happy days? No, no matter how hard they try, that place is ours, we will not give it away! Let them remain hungry and feel the sense of honour!

Very well my brother, very well. Let the CHP [Republican Peoples Party] and MHP [Nationalist Action Party] make a coalition, come to power and not give it away. Do not give it away. Very well. Good luck, good fortune. In fact, you should take a step further and turn that place into a province. Go contrary to the world completely.

In the end, who cares hullo, is it the land of my father? I have never been there in my life and I will never set foot in that place.

However, first your own people must win the elections, in order for this to happen. Do not forget this. Do you believe they can win? Or will you also fill your life with that tired old refrain? In any case, the salary is running. Today from Aydin Dogan, tomorrow from whoever God wills.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (18.11.09) commends on the above article under the title They also call it colony. The paper notes, inter alia, the following on its front page and in page two in the column signed by its editor-in-chief, Sener Levent:

Turkey has started to wake up on the Cyprus issue. The withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island is being discussed in the media in the Republic of Turkey. It is asked for Turkey to remove its hands from Cyprus, which does not belong to it legally

Referring to the article of Mr Ardic, the paper notes that no political party in the assembly of the breakaway regime dares to say what the columnists in the Turkish media are saying. Pointing out to the fact that Mr Ardic described the breakaway regime as monstrosity and satellite, Mr Levent notes that everybody in the occupied areas is afraid of saying these realities. He goes on and writes:

Have you ever seen any of our political parties to issue such a message? Is there anyone who calls this ghost state monstrosity, satellite etc? Even those of us who support peace more than everybody are treating it as if it is a normal state. They are celebrating its anniversary. They are seeing its false elections as if they were democratic elections.

(I/Ts.)

EG/

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