Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-01-13

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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 describes the issue of Governance and Power Sharing as the reason and the basis of the Cyprus problem

[02] Ercakica says that the intensified negotiations could not be described as a process of give and take, but the effort of the two sides to come closer includes a give and take

[03] Reference to Cyprus by Erdogan at a meeting of the parliamentary group of the AKP

[04] Davutoglu and Milibant agreed that we have now reached to a critical turning point in the Cyprus problem

[05] Statements by Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem on his way to London: There is a golden opportunity in Cyprus and everybody should evaluate it

[06] Bagis says Turkey expects the European Council to implement its own decisions and start direct trade with the occupied part of Cyprus

[07] The vice president of PASDE alleges that the Cyprus problem is used by those who are not positive towards the accession of Turkey to the EU

[08] Rauf Denktas argues that it is essential for the Turkish Cypriots to defend their state and increase their population in a programmed manner

[09] Cakici points out that the proposals submitted by Talat are dealing a blow to the negotiating process

[10] The self-styled assembly approved the draft bill for a Supervisory Committee within the prime ministry

[11] The occupation regime to be taken to US court

[12] Illegal YDUs air ambulance has been landed in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[13] EUs newly appointed Commissioner expressed his support to Turkeys EU bid and stated that it would remind Turkey its obligation to implement Ankara protocol

[14] Turkey gives Israel a protest note

[15] Israeli Defense Minister to visit Turkey for official contacts

[16] Two deputies from DSP party of Turkey resigned from their seats

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[17] From the Turkish Press of 12 January 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat describes the issue of Governance and Power Sharing as the reason and the basis of the Cyprus problem

In statements at his office after the meeting, Mr Talat said they continued to discuss the issue of Governance and Power Sharing, which he described as the reason and the basis of the Cyprus problem. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side submitted a document on this issue and added that they took up this document together with the paper submitted by the Turkish side on the same issue. Mr Talat described the meeting they held yesterday as good and added that today they will continue the discussion of the same issue.

When asked to say to which extent common stance is shown in the documents, Mr Talat said he did not want to make a statement on this issue yesterday, adding that perhaps today might be possible to make such a statement.

Mr Talat noted that the principle of nothing is agreed before everything is agreed is valid and added that this is the reason for which a statement on this issue might not be possible today as well, in spite of the fact that he wishes to do so. He said that they reached to a good point in the negotiations.

Responding to another question, Mr Talat said that the document submitted by the Greek Cypriot side is not the response to the views of the Turkish side on the issue of Governance and Power Sharing and noted that it includes the views of the Greek Cypriots on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ercakica says that the intensified negotiations could not be described as a process of give and take, but the effort of the two sides to come closer includes a give and take

Mr Ercakica alleged that the intensified negotiations started in the shadow of the efforts to ward off the views submitted by the Turkish side and added that these proposals were first leaked to the Greek Cypriot press and then they were described as unacceptable by the Greek Cypriot political party leaders.

Replying to a question, Mr Ercakica said there is no new element in the proposals submitted by the Turkish side and added that the views included in their set of ideas are views expressed before either by the Turkish Cypriot or the Greek Cypriot side.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (12.01.10) broadcast the following:

Presidential Spokesperson has voiced the Turkish Sides disappointment over Greeces attitude towards the Cyprus negotiation process. Instead of contributing positively to the process, it adopted an attitude which created disappointment, Hasan Ercakica said at his weekly press briefing today. The spokesperson called on Greece to adopt a more flexible approach and to work on ways of increasing the support of the Greek Cypriot People to Christofias.

Referring to the launch of the intensive talks, Mr Ercakica expressed the Turkish Sides discontentment over attempts to render its proposals ineffective.

Noting that the proposals were prepared at the end of two-month long consultations with Ankara, he said that the reactions brought by the Greek Cypriot Side against the proposals are not sustainable.

He stated that it was understood during yesterdays meeting between the two leaders that the Greek Cypriot Sides approach to the proposals is not sustainable.

It is a necessity to act in a constructive manner at the process, he noted.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reference to Cyprus by Erdogan at a meeting of the parliamentary group of the AKP

(I/Ts.)

[04] Davutoglu and Milibant agreed that we have now reached to a critical turning point in the Cyprus problem

The paper writes that the two ministers broadly discussed the Cyprus problem in their meeting with the participation of diplomats in London.

Mr Miliband said the future of the Island is very important for Europe, the international community and the region. He noted that the United Kingdom will continue to support Turkeys accession to the EU. Referring to the intensified negotiations in Cyprus, Mr Miliband said they bear extremely great importance and added that every idea which brings solution will be welcome.

Meanwhile, in his statements Mr Davutoglu alleged that an opportunity was missed in 2004 for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and described the point we have reached now as very historic and critical turning point. He reiterated the Turkish allegation that the EU has not fulfilled the promises it gave to the Turkish Cypriots for lifting the so-called embargoes on them. He described as constructive the package of proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriot leader in the negotiations, and expressed the hope for a solution to be achieved soon on the island.

Mr Davutoglu added: The issue has an international dimension as well. Just like it concerns the three guarantor powers, it has an international aspect. Moreover, it also concerns the UN. It is the time for all the international actors to support both Talat and Christofias in the direction of having a result.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Statements by Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem on his way to London: There is a golden opportunity in Cyprus and everybody should evaluate it

Stating that no one should expect unilateral concessions, Foreign Minister Davutoglu indicated that there are golden opportunities in Cyprus and called on everybody to evaluate these opportunities.

Replying to a question on the timing the Turkish side has presented its proposals over Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots, Mr. Davutoglu stated that the timing, the method and the content of the package is important and added that we have reached to a stage where the sides should exert efforts for the solution of the problem with lull and skills.

Called to answer a question on what the solution method will be, Mr. Davutoglu said that the leaders of the sides should close the gaps existing between the sides with constructive views and indicated that the proposal package Turkey has submitted contains constructive views and unique elements for this gap to be closed.

Commenting whether the UN Secretary General will take a role over Cyprus, the Turkish Foreign Minister noted that the Turkish side considers the participation of Mr. Moon to the negotiations as being beneficial and described the Turkish package of proposals over Cyprus as a golden opportunity which should be evaluated.

Responding to a question on the issue whether the contribution of the international community to the solution is satisfactory, Mr. Davutoglu said that support should be given to a solution which will bring stability and peace in Eastern Mediterranean and alleged that the isolation of the TRNC, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, is something which he cannot understand.

(ML)

[06] Bagis says Turkey expects the European Council to implement its own decisions and start direct trade with the occupied part of Cyprus

In statements at Kultur University in Istanbul, Mr Bagis said that a difficult year passed regarding Turkeys EU accession process. Referring to the Cyprus problem he alleged that direct trade should start with the occupied areas of Cyprus and claimed the following:

Direct trade does not mean recognition. Countries which do not recognize Taiwan are trading today with it. We, as Turkey, will also open our ports simultaneously in case this trade begins. Both of them do not mean recognition. Moreover, just like the Cyprus problem did not constitute a problem for the candidacy and the accession of south Cyprus, it should not constitute a problem for Turkey as well. Two sides are needed for tango in the Island. We are on the floor and wait for the south sector for tangoing. We cannot abandon Cyprus only for becoming a member of the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The vice president of PASDE alleges that the Cyprus problem is used by those who are not positive towards the accession of Turkey to the EU

Referring to the reaction of the Greek Cypriot side to the proposals submitted by the Turkish side in the negotiations, Mr Swoboda claimed: The Greek Cypriots expect everything from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots for the solution. I cannot understand how a solution will be achieved in this manner.

Mr Swoboda alleged that President Christofias is not helping the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and accused him of carrying to power in the occupied areas of Cyprus those who do not want the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Rauf Denktas argues that it is essential for the Turkish Cypriots to defend their state and increase their population in a programmed manner

Mr Denktas alleged that the person, who will sign an agreement which will be providing for the Turkish settlers to abandon the island, should pack his belongings and abandon the country as well. Mr Denktas argued that the population might be increased to the extent this increase is balanced and contributes to the growth of the economy. Drawing the attention to the crimes and the offenses in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Denktas wondered what the Turkish Cypriots will do with the Gypsies who will come from the EU after the solution. He added: The rich persons will buy you off four times. Then you will have to go away. It is essential for you to defend your state and increase your population in a programmed manner. ....

(I/Ts.)

[09] Cakici points out that the proposals submitted by Talat are dealing a blow to the negotiating process

Noting that the proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat are dealing a blow to the negotiations, Mr Cakici stated: The duty of the leaders is not to bring proposals which will create problems to the negotiations. They must bring proposals which will pave the way of an early solution.

(CS)

[10] The self-styled assembly approved the draft bill for a Supervisory Committee within the prime ministry

The TRNC Parliament has again approved the draft bill concerning the creation of a supervisory committee within the Prime Ministers office. The bill had been previously sent back to the parliament by President Mehmet Ali Talat to be re-debated.The Republican Assembly finalized its discussions on the draft bill concerning the creation of a supervisory committee within the Prime Ministers office and approved it with a majority vote. The draft bill which had been initially approved by the Committee on the 15th of July 2009, had been sent back to the parliament by President Talat to be re-debated following an assessment by the TRNC Supreme Court. All 5 members of the Supreme Court had ruled that the bill was not in violation of the TRNC constitution. Only article 4 of the law concerning appointments made from outside the public service was found to be in violation of the Constitution.

[11] The occupation regime to be taken to US court

Three housewives are taking Turkey and the TRNC to a US Federal Court because they were left £150,000 out of pocket after buying villas in North Cyprus from rogue builder Gary Robb.

Members of the Aga Buyers Action Group (Abag) Sandra Kocinski, Pat Clarke and Suz Latchford have now accepted an offer to join forces with a US law firm, which in October last year launched a $400 billion lawsuit on behalf of 200,000 Greek Cypriots with properties in the North. The three women say the crime against them is non-delivery of properties paid for on Robbs Aga developments.

Two villas bought in 2004 were only partly built on the Amaranta Valley site in Arapkoy and one was double-sold on the Hz Omer site in Catalkoy.

The woman are being represented by the Washington based Tsimpedes law firm, which filed its initial action against Turkey and the TRNC under the name of US citizens Michael Toumazos, Nicolas Kancilaris and Marula Tumazos, who live in the South. The action is on behalf of some 180,000 Greek Cypriots who left the South in the wake of the Turkish intervention in 1974.

The firm says authorities in North Cyprus are required to respond to this lawsuit next month after a failed attempt to delay legal proceedings.

The lawyers say they will also represent Abag for compensation based on the fraudulent property scheme that has taken all of your savings. Abag members say they have been left with no alternative but to join forces with the American firm after failing to recoup their money through the TRNC legal system.

Buyers hoping for title deeds to be issued for Aga homes, and others trying to clear up land issues left by Robbs deportation, face a further delay.

Robb was deported a year ago and remains in custody as he is facing serious drugs charges in the UK.

A statement released by the three women said: Abag has, as advised by the British High Commission, followed the legal route in North Cyprus as regards a solution to the crime that was committed upon them regarding the non deliverance of properties paid for. It has become more and more apparent as time goes on that there is no enforceable legal system in North Cyprus.

Therefore, after gathering a huge amount of evidence and also exhausting every single avenue in their search for a solution, Abag will join the USA in legal action against Turkey and the TRNC.

It warned that the case would mean painful revelations for North Cyprus lawyers, estate agents, developers and the Turkish Cypriot government.

Chairman of the HomeBuyers Pressure Group (HBPG) Marian Stokes, who is working with other Aga victims, said: These women want revenge. They have turned against North Cyprus and it is the wrong way to go about it. They are not the only Aga buyers who want their money back.

I do wish them the best of luck; if they succeed then other people will win as well. It is the system here which is the problem, but I would say dont try to ruin the TRNC. North Cyprus relies on property and tourism trade. It is the British government which should be warning people about buying property; 95 per cent of buyers here are British and it is only recently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has put up a warning on its website.

[12] Illegal YDUs air ambulance has been landed in the occupied areas of Cyprus

(EA)

[13] EUs newly appointed Commissioner expressed his support to Turkeys EU bid and stated that it would remind Turkey its obligation to implement Ankara protocol

European Union's newly appointed commissioner for enlargement has pledged to move Turkey's accession negotiations forward.

I respect Turkey's progress in EU reforms which brings the country closer to the Union, and I respect the commitment of Turkish officials for EU membership. I will exert effort to make progress in Turkey's accession negotiations, Stefan Fule, who awaits approval from the European Parliament to officially resume his post, told Tuesday EP's foreign relations committee in an interview.

Fule said he would remind Turkish officials that the country should open its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels in line with the Ankara Protocol.

The commissioner said EU-inspired reforms had brought change in many areas in Turkey, adding that issues which were once considered as taboo have begun to be debated openly.

Fule ruled out any form of EU status short of full membership for Turkey, urging EU members to live up to their promises they had made when they agreed opening accession talks with Turkey.

I can imagine an EU that has Turkey in it. Turkey's membership is of particular concern to EU's credibility. But first Turkey has to meet all the criteria. I am confident that at the end the membership of Turkey will serve in the interests of both sides, Fule said.

[14] Turkey gives Israel a protest note

Turkey conveyed its protest note to Israeli ambassador regarding Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon's attitude at a meeting with Turkish Ambassador in Tel Aviv Oguz Celikkol.

A statement by Turkish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Gabby was given a note of protest. Gabby was told that Turkey expects an explanation and apology on the matter, it said.

We hope that Israeli Foreign Ministry which assumed undiplomatic attitude with its statements will comply with diplomatic courtesy rules, the statement said.The statement added that Turkey expected Israel to take compensatory steps regarding attitude toward Celikkol.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed uneasiness over a popular Turkish TV series, Kurtlar Vadisi (The Valley of The Wolves), through diplomatic channels. Turkish Ambassador in Tel Aviv Oguz Celikkol was summoned to Israeli Foreign Ministry. Israeli diplomats said the TV drama had contained anti-Israel messages.

At a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri the same day in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel for its offensive against Gaza and for violating UN resolutions. He said Israel never denied that it possessed nuclear weapons, calling on the five permanent members of the UN security Council to be fair, and follow up on nuclear weapons of Israel, just like they did with Iran.

In response to Erdogan's remarks, Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel respected Turkey and was interested in continued normal relations between the two states, but expected the Turkish side to reciprocate with a similar approach towards Israel.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry for an explanation over Israel's recent statements criticizing Turkey.

At a meeting with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu, Israeli envoy Gabby Levy was asked about recent statement issued by Israeli Foreign Ministry that strongly criticized Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his remarks over Israeli offensive against Gaza.

Turkish diplomats also expressed uneasiness over media reports after Turkish Ambassador in Tel Aviv Oguz Celikkol's meeting with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and also the statement made by Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Yossi Levy.

Also, the Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement earlier on Tuesday in which it strongly condemned the statements of the Israeli Foreign Ministry.The Turkish ministry defined Israeli Foreign Ministry's statements as remarks that were made for domestic political concerns and that went far beyond the limits.Turks have extended a helping hand to the Jews whenever they faced trouble throughout the history, and the long history of co-existence of Turks and Jews is a history of mutual respect and tolerance, the statement said.

The statement said allegations that anti-Semitism in Turkey was provoked were baseless.Our historical file and the remarks of our Prime Minister that anti-Semitism is a crime of humanity are the most clear evidence that these allegations are baseless, the statement also said.

[15] Israeli Defense Minister to visit Turkey for official contacts

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak will pay a one-day visit to Turkey on Sunday, Turkish and Israeli officials have said, a trip that could help mend frayed ties between the two regional powers.

Barak's office said on Tuesday that the visit was at the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Asked whether he would meet Barak, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan briefly said on Tuesday that he will not. Also Tuesday, Israeli media cited Israeli officials as saying that a recent crisis in ties between Israel and Turkey was designed on purpose by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who had planned details of a meeting between Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and Turkish Ambassador to Israel Oguz Celikkol, which was humiliating for the latter.

The same sources said Lieberman is now looking to heat things up before Baraks trip, so as to torpedo attempts to mend the tensions. We get the sense that Lieberman wants to heat things up before Baraks visit, a senior Foreign Ministry source told the Haaretz daily. All of the recent activities were part of Liebermans political agenda.

Haaretz highlighted that the Turkish government was expected to give a warm welcome to Barak, who alongside Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer was looking to bring the allies relations back to stability.

Last year, NATO member Turkey barred Israel from participating in a NATO war exercise, a decision criticized by Washington. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was a result of public concern about Israels military campaign in Gaza. Since the 1990s, there has been close military cooperation between Turkey and Israel, including the use of Turkish airspace by the Israeli air force for training. The two countries share intelligence and have strong trade ties, including the sale of strategic military equipment.

[16] Two deputies from DSP party of Turkey resigned from their seats

Two deputies from the Democratic Left Party (DSP) resigned from their party on Tuesday.

Harun Ozturk, a MP from Izmir province, and Huseyin Pazarci, a deputy from Balikesir province, announced that they have resigned from DSP.The number of DSP deputies dropped to six while the number of independent deputies increased to 11. The distribution of seats at Parliament after DSP deputies' resignations is as follows:

Justice and Development (AK) Party: 337

Republican People's Party (CHP): 97

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 69

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP): 20

Independent: 11

Democratic Left Party (DSP): 6

Democrat Party (DP): 1

Turkey Party: 1

Vacant: 8 Total : 550

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[17] From the Turkish Press of 12 January 2010

a) Turkeys role in the Middle East

In an article in Radikal, Cengiz Candar views the agreements signed during the Lebanese prime minister's visit and analyzes the implications of recent agreements signed with Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Candar points out that Turkey established close ties with Israel's neighboring countries except Egypt and that Turkey is planning to build a "military cooperation with these countries," as in the case of Lebanon. These recent developments have one meaning, Candar maintains, and adds: "Turkey is positioning itself as a 'power center' against Israel in the region." Candar concludes that this reflects a potential that can upset the customary and known balances and dynamics of the Middle East.

b) Cyprus Issue

Yusuf Kanli pens an article on the set of proposals that the Turkish Cypriot side conveyed to the Greek side with regard to the "governance and power sharing" issues before the two sides launched the first round of the "three-day intensified talks." Pointing out that the last paragraph of the proposal stresses that the "concurrent favorable vote of both the president and the vice president shall be required" for the cabinet to adopt a decision, Kanli maintains that "introducing a veto mechanism" has "probably" led the Greek side to reject the proposal.

Milliyet columnist Sami Kohen also details the proposal package put forward by the Turkish side in his article. Pointing out that the primary reaction of the Greek side to the proposals is negative, Kohen maintains that there is a fundamental difference between the two sides and that the Turkish side aims for a loose federation system while the Greek side is determined to have a centralized federation. He concludes that reaching a comprehensive agreement is unlikely as long as this fundamental difference continues.

EG/

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