Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-03-05

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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 meets with Mehmet Ali Talat for the 69th time. Statements by Talat after the meeting

[02] Talat will announce his candidature for the presidential election tomorrow

[03] Details on Eroglus contacts in Ankara with Turkish high ranking officials

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Eroglus contacts in Ankara; Press says the developments in the occupied areas are cooked in Ankara

[05] Gunes continues to publish the results of an opinion poll on the presidential elections

[06] A delegation from the occupied areas represents illegal regime in PACE meetings in Izmir

[07] Izzet Izcan was re-elected at the BKP leadership

[08] A KADEM opinion poll reveals that the majority of the Turkish Cypriots feel that their income is not enough to cover their expenses

[09] A new weekly newspaper began its circulation in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[10] Turkish Foreign Minister to attend the EU foreign ministers meeting in Spain on 5 and 6 of March

[11] The Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives approves resolution against Turkey over the Armenian genocide

[12] How Turkey reacted over the resolution approved by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US Congress over the Armenian genocide

[13] Turkish Parliament approves Nabucco Gas project

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnist in Turkish daily describes how Turkey intervenes and controls the political life in occupied Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] President Christofias meets with Mehmet Ali Talat for the 69th time. Statements by Talat after the meeting

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias have met to continue their discussions within the framework of the Cyprus negotiation process being conducted with the aim of bringing a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

The issue of economy was on the agenda of todays meeting between the two leaders who will meet again on Tuesday, the 16th of March for further talks on the same chapter.

In a short statement at the end of todays meeting which lasted about 5 hours, the United Nations Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Cyprus, Alexander Downer, told reporters that President Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Christofias continued their discussions on the chapter of economy. The UN Envoy said that senior aides of the two leaders will meet again next week to take up the issue of economy.

Besides todays meeting, Talat and Christofias are scheduled to hold two more meetings this month, the first on the 16th and the second on the 30th.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.03.10) reported the following from occupied Lefkosia:

President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that an unitary state in Cyprus was out of question.

Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias met at buffer zone in Lefkosia within the scope of talks to find a solution to the Cyprus issue.

When journalists asked to comment on the news reports which appeared in Greek Cypriot media that there was a drift towards unitary state in thesis of the Turkish party regarding economy, Talat said an unitary state was out of question.

We are after forming a federal structure. Negotiations continue within the scope of what should be done in federal structures, Talat said.

Talat said economy was assessed at the meeting, indicating that special representatives and experts tackled the issue from various aspects. Talat said economy would continue to be main topic during their scheduled meeting on March 16. He said, we will start to discuss EU issues later.

Referring to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's meeting with the Greek Cypriot journalists, Talat said the meeting was an indication of the importance Erdogan was attaching to Greek Cypriot society and support to peace process.

He said, this is the first time a Turkish prime minister makes direct statements to Greek Cypriot journalists. He wanted to relay positive messages to the Greek Cypriots. However, Greek Cypriot party assumed a negative stance against his messages. I relayed Greek Cypriot leader Christofias the uneasiness felt over the reactions, Talat noted.

Talat said Erdogan and Egemen Bagis, Chief Negotiator for the EU talks, very clearly showed their support to the negotiation process and indicated that Turkey would support a solution that would be accepted by the two parties.

Talat denied any interruption in talks, indicating that the talks would continue till March 30.

The settlement talks will be suspended for the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on April 18. Talat is seeking to be re-elected for a second term in the upcoming elections against Premier Dervis Eroglu.

[02] Talat will announce his candidature for the presidential election tomorrow Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.03.10) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, will announce his candidature for the presidential election tomorrow. According to a statement issued by Mehmet Ali Talats Election Committee Press Bureau, Mr Talat will make the announcement at 18.00 hours at the Ataturk Sport Center. Talats declaration will be open to the people and the press, writes the paper.

[03] Details on Eroglus contacts in Ankara with Turkish high ranking officials

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The Cyprus issue and the general situation in the TRNC were the two main topics of the discussions between the two Premiers.

The Premier - who flew to the Turkish capital this morning met with Minister of State also in charge of Cyprus Affairs deputy-Prime Minister Cemil Cicek at a working lunch. Later, Mr Eroglu held discussions with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Prime Minister will hold separate meetings with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Minister of State Chief Negotiator for talks with the EU Egemen Bagis later today. Tomorrow, he will meet with President Abdullah Gul.

During his stay in Ankara, Mr Eroglu will also deliver a speech at the National Institute for Strategic Studies.

Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun and a technical delegation from the Foreign Ministry are accompanying Prime Minister Eroglu during the visit.

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Eroglus contacts in Ankara; Press says the developments in the occupied areas are cooked in Ankara

Gunes newspaper, mouthpiece of the UBP, covers the issue under the title It was very warm and reports that Mr Eroglu, responding to a question regarding his meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan said the meeting was very warm and added that he is very satisfied. Mr Eroglu stated that he told Mr Erdogan that the negotiations on the Cyprus problem will continue, that he will behave in a constructive manner, that he will exert efforts for reaching an agreement, that he has the necessary experience for this and that he is following the negotiations closely for 32 years. The paper reports also that Mr Eroglu said to Mr Erdogan that if he is elected, he will work in harmony with Ankara during his term of presidency and he will exert efforts so that the Turkish Cypriots to have a secure, prosperous and peaceful future. Asked to comment on the news in the press regarding Tahsin Ertugruloglu and his possible candidature, Mr Eroglu said that Mr Ertuguloglu is an MP of the UBP, that as chairman of the UBP he would not speak about an MP of the party and that nothing has been discussed within the party on this issue.

Star Kibris newspaper reports that the meeting between President Gul and Mr Eroglu was postponed for today and no excuse was announced for this. Under the title It was cold in Ankara, the paper writes that the Erdogan-Eroglu meeting lasted for one hour and fifteen minutes and no statement was made afterwards. The paper publishes a picture from the meeting and reports that according to backstage information, Mr Ertugruloglu might visit Ankara on Monday. The paper writes that this depends on the results of Mr Eroglus visit.

Haberdar newspaper, under the title Secret, reports that the content of the discussion between Eroglu and Erdogan is important for the Turkish Cypriots, because the developments which will be experienced in the country within the next few days are hidden in this meeting. One part of what will be served at our political table as of tomorrow will be what was cooked in that meeting, writes the paper.

Under the title Last round in the backstage, Afrika newspaper says the fact that Mr Eroglu will not meet with the Chief of the General Staff during his contacts with all the high ranking officials of the Turkish state is drawing the attention.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Gunes continues to publish the results of an opinion poll on the presidential elections

The persons participated in the opinion poll, were asked who they believe the winner of the April 2010 elections would be. According to the results, 64% replied that the winner will be the self-styled prime minister of the occupation regime, Dervis Eroglu, while 27% replied that the winner will be the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat. In addition 1.1% replied that the winner will be a third candidate and 7.2% expressed no opinion on the issue.

(CS)

[06] A delegation from the occupied areas represents illegal regime in PACE meetings in Izmir

A TRNC Parliamentary delegation is in the Turkish city of Izmir for the meetings of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

The TRNC delegation is headed by Mustafa Yektaoglu the deputy-speaker of the Parliament.

PACE President Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy- Mevlut Cavusoglu is also attending the meeting of the committee taking place in the Aegean city. The meeting started yesterday and will continue until tomorrow.

[07] Izzet Izcan was re-elected at the BKP leadership

(EA)

[08] A KADEM opinion poll reveals that the majority of the Turkish Cypriots feel that their income is not enough to cover their expenses

According to the poll, 69.9% of the respondents said their income is not enough and that they have to spend from their savings in order to cover their living expenses. The monthly salary of 43.5% of the respondents is between 1,201-2,500 Turkish Liras (TL) and for 15.9% it is less than 1,200 TL. Around 25% earns between 2,501- 4,000 TL and only the 11.2% have earnings between 4,001-6,000 TL. (Tr. Note: 1 euro = 2.1020 TL)

The survey was conducted by the Cyprus Communal Research Centre (KADEM) on behalf of Kibris newspaper. The survey entitled Social, Economic and Political Tendencies in the occupied areas was carried out between 19 February 3 March 2010. Some 1,786 adults aged 18 and over were interviewed face-to-face. The survey has 2.31% (+-) margin of error.

(DPs)

[09] A new weekly newspaper began its circulation in the occupied areas of Cyprus

(EA)

[10] Turkish Foreign Minister to attend the EU foreign ministers meeting in Spain on 5 and 6 of March

In a statement issued Thursday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Minister Davutoglu will participate in a working meal with his counterparts from EU member states on March 6.

Minister Davutoglu will exchange views on the western Balkans, regional and international issues with the EU ministers.

Davutoglu will proceed to the German city of Dresden from Cordoba on March 6. Davutoglu and his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle are expected to inaugurate an Ottoman exhibition, "Turckische Cammer", in Dresden.

[11] The Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives approves resolution against Turkey over the Armenian genocide

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the resolution on Armenian allegations on Thursday.

The committee approved the resolution on incidents of 1915 --which took place shortly before the fall of the Ottoman Empire-- with 23 votes against 22.

The resolution was proposed by Democrats Adam Schiff and Frank Pallone and Republicans George Radanovich and Mark Kirk, all important figures for the Armenian lobby in the U.S.

Turkey strongly rejects the genocide allegations and regards the events as civil strife in wartime which claimed lives of many Turks and Armenians.

Every year between March 4 and April 24 alarm bells ring for relations between Turkey and U.S., two close allies for decades.

The Armenian lobbies in the U.S. pressure the U.S. legislators to pass a resolution urging the President to recognize the events as genocide.

Turkish legislators and officials pay visits to U.S. House and hold meetings with senior U.S. officials and businessmen to prevent the resolution from being adopted.

A similar resolution was adopted with 27 seven votes against 21 in 2007 but as a result of former President George W. Bush's intervention, the resolution was not brought to the House floor.

[12] How Turkey reacted over the resolution approved by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US Congress over the Armenian genocide

Turkey has temporarily recalled its ambassador to United States minutes after a U.S. congressional panel approved a resolution labelling the incidents of 1915 as genocide.

The measure passed the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs in a voting of 23-22 on Thursday.

Shortly after the measure passed the committee voting, Turkish government said in a statement that Ambassador Namik Tan has been recalled to Ankara for consultations.

We condemn this resolution which charges Turkish nation with a crime that it did not commit, the statement said.

Turkish government also expressed concern that the non-binding resolution could damage Turkish-U.S. relations and efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols last October to normalize relations, however, parliaments of the two countries has not passed them yet.

Turkey strongly rejects genocide allegations and regards the events as civil strife in wartime which claimed lives of many Turks and Armenians.

Under the influence of political motives, supporters of this resolution have taken a wrong and unjust stance ignoring historical facts and difference of opinion among experts, the statement said.

The resolution includes tangible errors related to the incidents of 1915, and it has completely been prepared with a one-sided approach, it said.

Turkey insists that World War I-era incidents should be examined by historians using scientific tools and archives.

In 2007, a similar resolution was adopted with 27 seven votes against 21 in 2007 but as a result of former President George W. Bush's intervention, the resolution was not brought to a House floor vote.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.03.10) reported the following from Ankara:

Turkish President Abdullah Gul expressed his regret after the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the resolution on Armenian allegations.

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the resolution on incidents of 1915 --which took place shortly before the fall of the Ottoman Empire-- with 23 votes against 22.

Regarding approval of the resolution, Gul said, this decision is not reasonable. I strongly condemn it. It does not mean anything for the Turkish people. Turkey will not be responsible for the negative outcomes of this voting.

The resolution was proposed by Democrats Adam Schiff and Frank Pallone and Republicans George Radanovich and Mark Kirk, all important figures for the Armenian lobby in the U.S.

Turkey strongly rejects the genocide allegations and regards the events as civil strife in wartime which claimed lives of many Turks and Armenians.

Every year between March 4 and April 24 alarm bells ring for relations between Turkey and U.S., two close allies for decades.

The Armenian lobbies in the U.S. pressure the U.S. legislators to pass a resolution urging the President to recognize the events as genocide.

Turkish legislators and officials pay visits to U.S. House and hold meetings with senior U.S. officials and businessmen to prevent the resolution from being adopted.

A similar resolution was adopted with 27 seven votes against 21 in 2007 but as a result of former President George W. Bush's intervention, the resolution was not brought to the House floor.

[13] Turkish Parliament approves Nabucco Gas project

The project is considered a key to reduce Europe's energy dependence on Russia.

Under the law approved by the parliament, Nabucco pipeline will carry Caspian natural gas to Austria through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz told lawmakers that BOTAS, Turkey's petroleum pipeline company, and TPAO, Turkish petroleum company, could create partnerships with international firms.

"Energy diplomacy is like chess. When you see a move, you have to make a move too," he said.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnist in Turkish daily describes how Turkey intervenes and controls the political life in occupied Cyprus

After the collapse of the Annan Plan, with a landslide Oxi or No vote in the Greek Cypriot side, despite an overwhelming Yes from the Turkish Cypriot public vote, the Mehmet Ali Talat-led socialist-conservative coalition government of the Republican Turkish Party, or CTP, and the center-right Democratic Party, or DP, of Serdar Denktas started suffering some serious historical incompatibility despite the strong friendship between Talat and Dentkas Jr.

At the time, Talat was proudly declaring at every opportunity that he would keep his hand of peace stretched out until the day Greek Cypriots decide to grasp it while Denktas Jr. was declaring that the 75 percent Greek Cypriot No vote was not just for the rejection of the Annan Plan, but rather a firm declaration of absence of a popular will for a compromise deal to share independence and sovereignty of the island with Turkish Cypriots and that it was high time for Turkish Cypriots to draw up a new strategy. That is, while Talat was refusing to take steps to consolidate the Turkish Cypriot state as a separate independent entity and rather trying to garner international support to force Greek Cypriots return to the negotiations, Denktas Jr. was declaring that Turkish Cypriots should consider other options.

A few months after Talat became president and he was succeeded as party leader and Prime Minister by Ferdi Sabit Soyer, all of a sudden, in collaboration with the Turkish Cypriot mufti Ahmet Yonluer, the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, administration in Ankara poured in millions of dollars and bought two deputies of the main-opposition National Unity Party, or UBP, and two deputies of the DP of Denktas Jr., the four established the Freedom and Reform Party, or ORP, CTP terminated its coalition protocol with the DP while Denktas Jr. was on a foreign trip as foreign minister and established a new coalition government with ORP. It was a blatant and indeed thuggish intervention in Turkish Cypriot politics.

Besides the total failure of the new Soyer-led coalition administration, the urge of the Turkish Cypriot electorate of course played a role in parliamentary elections last April that to the dismay of the AKP and in defiance of last-minute efforts by State Minister Egemen Bagis in favor of the ORP, brought back the UBP to government with 26 seats in the 50-member Turkish Cypriot legislature.

Though both Talat and the AKP tried every possible tool to portray it as if a deal was on the horizon and even the U.N. Secretary-General was convinced to give the process a life kiss with a trip to Cyprus, neither talks could produce a tangible result nor a perception could be created on either side of the island that a resolution is discernible. Attempts to scare the international community, particularly the European Union and the United States with the replacement of pro-settlement Talat in the Turkish Cypriot presidency by hard line and anti-settlement Prime Minister Dr. Dervis Eroglu could derail the Cyprus talks process fairy tale helped build immense pressure on Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, but that could not help a breakthrough in the talks either.

With Talat at least 10 points behind Eroglu in public opinion polls and still unable to declare his reelection bid, apparently the AKPocracy and absolute ruler in Ankara started seeking alternate ways that may help a Talat victory in the polls. Old-time friend ORP leader Turgay Avci visited Ankara at least twice last month. Former UBP leader and ex-foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu was invited to Ankara twice, and met with Prime Minister Erdogan at least once. The aim was to produce a second candidate from center-right politics, divide Eroglus vote and thus prevent Eroglu getting elected in the first round and get Talat re-elected in the second round with the additional support he probably will get from the supporters of the splinter center-right candidate.

The ORP operation was a coup within Parliament by playing with parliamentary arithmetic but the Turkish Cypriot electorate punished the CTP, in last years parliamentary elections among other reasons for its collaboration with the AKP in undertaking that shameful intervention. Now, the intervention is coming right before presidential elections. I doubt Turkish Cypriot electorate will tolerate such a shameful development though because of established party doctrine probably Eroglu will not be able to engage in any sort of confrontation with the AKP or Erdogan over the issue.

This is the democratic mindset of AKP and Erdogan proudly declaring they are committed to widening democracy in Turkey.

EG/

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