Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-05-25

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot political parties commend on the resumption of the Cyprus negotiations

[02] Eroglu denies reports that he received an invitation from the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit New York

[03] Eroglu reiterates the allegation that their aim is an agreement by the end of the year

[04] Soyer says it is wrong to start the negotiations with the property issue

[05] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Arinc holds contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[06] Self-styled Turkish ambassador compares the breakaway regimes economy to Turkey of the 1980s

[07] Turkey to make infrastructure investments of 80 million TL worth in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus in 2010

[08] Participants of the 21st Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally are visiting occupied Cyprus

[09] The government of the breakaway regime announces its programme; Irsen Kucuk to travel to Ankara

[10] The candidates for the local and by-elections to be held in occupied Cyprus on June 27 have been announced

[11] Basin-Sen will participate in the conference of IFJ in Spain

[12] Turkish Cypriot banned from travelling to Belgium through Istanbul because she is a holder of identity card of the Republic of Cyprus

[13] Davutoglu and Ban Ki-moon met; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

[14] Turkey and Saudi Arabia sign military agreement

[15] Kemal Kilicdaroglu was elected as CHP leader

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[16] From the Turkish Press of 21, 22, 23 and 24 May 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot political parties commend on the resumption of the Cyprus negotiations

Ferdi Sabit Soyer, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), wished for a constructive solution and a referendum in the end of 2010, given that the negotiations will resume from the point they were left before their interruption because of the illegal elections in the occupied areas of Cyprus. I think that the continuation of the negotiations would be beneficial, he noted.

Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), said even the beginning of the negotiations itself is a positive development and added that they will wait and see the stance of Mr Eroglu during the negotiations. He noted that they would not be prejudiced regarding Mr Eroglus stance and that they would make their comments after the beginning of the negotiations.

Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said the issues taken up between former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and President Christofias will be discussed again and added that he could not say how successful would Mr Eroglu be in the negotiations. He noted: It depends on the point from where one looks at success. If using delaying tactics is a success, then let it be a success. I am not expecting a full stop regarding the solution. Let us wait and see.

Turgay Avci, leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), said that their expectation from the negotiations is a bi-zonal solution and the political equality of the two peoples and added that they want a solution which includes the guarantees of Turkey. He alleged: What is left is the will of the Greek Cypriots. Let the Greek Cypriots come to their senses. The Turkish Cypriots will not wait for another 50 years. The negotiating team is a group which will exert efforts for the solution and we trust the negotiating team. The negotiations will continue in the same manner. We do not want to think the opposite.

Izzet Izcan, general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), said the following: Before the elections, Mr Eroglu said he was against the single sovereignty and received the votes of the people in this manner. However, his behaviour now is very different. There is no stability. Therefore, we are not the guarantors of Eroglu. In the next months, Eroglu will put forward what he is hankering after. He must state what road he should follow. If he insists on the confederation, the solution will be very difficult.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu denies reports that he received an invitation from the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit New York

President Dervis Eroglu has denied reports that he received an invitation from the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit New York. Responding to a question put to him today, the President said: There has not been an official invitation yet, but the Secretary-General told me at a meeting and during our telephone conversation that he wanted to meet me in New York or at another place in the shortest time possible.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (24.05.10) broadcast the following:

The Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry has underlined the need for a transition period in case of a possible solution to the Cyprus problem in order to make it possible for the Cyprus Turkish economy to compete with the strong Greek Cypriot economy. In response to the Chambers demand, President Dervis Eroglu --who will meet with Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias on Wednesday to resume the negotiation process-- said that he would be attaching great importance to economy. It is necessary to balance the economies of the two sides. Otherwise, we will cease to exist, he warned.

Speaking during the visit, the President of the Chamber of Industry Ali Cirali stressed the need to keep the Cyprus Turkish economy alive and said the only way to maintain our existence is to strengthen our economy. Pointing to the huge gap between the economies of the two sides in Cyprus, Cirali underlined the need for a transition period in case of a solution to narrow the gap between the two economies.

On his part, President Eroglu said that the Cyprus Turkish people wanted an agreement that would last forever. Our economy will sink to the bottom in an unbalanced situation. We need time and incitement in order to balance the two economies, the President said.

[03] Eroglu reiterates the allegation that their aim is an agreement by the end of the year

A delegation from the Federation of Turkish Journalists, headed by its Chairman Atilla Sertel, is in the TRNC for a series of contacts. The delegation was received by president Dervis Eroglu today.

Welcoming the delegation, Eroglu said the Turkish press had proved how Turkey supports the Cyprus Turkish people and shares their national cause. The president explained that Cyprus Turks stood up during the hard times of the national struggle with the support of the articles published in the Turkish press. We got the message that we were not alone and hence we had the 1974s Peace Operation. Now we continue our struggle at the negotiations table and your articles still give us the feeling that we are not alone, Eroglu went on saying.

He also answered the journalists questions on the Cyprus negotiations process.

The delegation from the Federation of Turkish Journalists was also received by Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk today.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.05.10), under the title, Our aim is an agreement by the end of the year, reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, during this meeting, said that they will sit at the negotiation table with the intention to reach an agreement by the end of the year. However, he added that this does not mean that they will say yes to every desire of the Greek Cypriots.

Replying to a question on his expectations from the negotiations, Mr Eroglu said that the property issue will be discussed first and they will try to find a ground for an agreement on this chapter.

[04] Soyer says it is wrong to start the negotiations with the property issue

Mr Soyer claimed: The ECHR decision directs thousands of Greek Cypriots who left property in the north to the TRNC Property Compensation Commission and gives them a deadline for applying until year 2011. Christofias target is to prevent this.

Noting that the decision of the ECHR says that those Greek Cypriots who do not apply to the self-styled commission until 2011 should wait for the solution of the Cyprus problem and that it recognizes the rights of the current users of the occupied Greek Cypriot properties, Mr Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu must stick heart and soul to this decision during the negotiating process.

He argued that this decision was not sufficiently explained to the Greek Cypriots and the foreigners and added that if he was the government of the breakaway regime, he would translate this decision into foreign languages and publish it in newspapers and televisions.

Mr Soyer noted that if the negotiations enter into a deadlock, the Direct Trade Regulation of the EU could be implemented and added that the Turkish Cypriots could acquire some advantages from this. Replying to a question regarding the possibility of the implementation of the Taiwan model for the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Soyer said that this would not be a development which will satisfy him, because while the one side will be playing in the super league politically, you will be always staying behind. He noted that the Turkish Cypriots might have some economic and social advantages from this, but the final target should be the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Noting that both Ankara and Mr Eroglu say that the target should be finding a solution in Cyprus until the end of 2010, Mr Soyer suggested that a strategic target should be determined in order for this to be achieved. Mr Soyer reiterated the Turkish view that the occupied closed city of Varosha should not be returned to its legal Greek Cypriot owners without the Turkish Cypriots to get something in return. He alleged: In case Varosha is restructured, both communities could secure gains. However, this city could not be given without taking absolutely anything in return.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Arinc holds contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on Saturday that national interests of the Turkish Cypriot people was the only issue that should be looked out for in Cyprus talks.

Arinc, speaking at a meeting with President Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said he hoped an agreement would be reached before the end of this year in negotiations carried out to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. Arinc said Turkish government and parliament would extend any necessary support. Negotiation process has started. We hope that an agreement can take place before the end of this year within the scope of principles adopted by Turkish Cypriot people, he added. Definitely, our rightful cause will be pursued till to the end and we hope the parties may agree on a formula, agreement as well as a solution, Arinc said.

Arinc also wished the new government in TRNC to take office by getting vote of confidence, noting that visits and cooperation between TRNC and Ankara would continue increasingly.

Eroglu said they would be endeavouring for the talks to conclude on the negotiation table with an agreement which would be approved by Turkish Cypriot people. I hope that the other party will consider our intention to achieve an agreement till to the end of the year. I hope Greek Cypriot party will take into consideration the message relayed by UN Secretary-General and show necessary flexibility to reach an agreement. It is impossible to achieve anything by expecting everything from the Turkish party and Turkey. It is impossible to achieve anything by putting Cyprus in front of Turkey's endeavours to enter the EU. The embargo is imposed on the innocent side. This is seen as a shame of the EU and we still have the hope that they will correct their mistake in time, he said.

Furthermore, illegal Bayrak television (23.05.10) broadcast the following:

Turkish Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc is continuing his contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Mr Arinc who came together with TRNC President Dervis Eroglu at the Presidential Palace yesterday morning and at a dinner given in his honour last night said the national benefits and targets of the Turks of Cyprus will be protected at the negotiations table.

Reiterating Turkeys increasing support to the TRNC people during his meeting with President Eroglu, the Turkish Minister said their wish is to see the existence of the TRNC as a more independent and powerful state.

Mr Eroglu on his part said efforts are continuing together with motherland Turkey to reach a solution at the negotiations table which will also be approved by the TRNC people. Noting that it is not possible to reach a solution by expecting everything from Turkey and the Turkish side only, the President said the isolations imposed on the Turkish side is a shame of the European Union and should be lifted as soon as possible.

Explaining that the visit of Mr Arinc strengthened the relations between Turkey and the TRNC, he said the TRNC people continued its struggle for many years thanks to Turkeys full support.

Meanwhile, as part of his contacts, Mr Arinc attended a conference organized by the Turkish Journalists Federation at the Near East University today. He also had inspections at the Middle East Technical University TRNC Campus. The Turkish Minister of State will leave the TRNC tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.10) reported the following:

Turkish State Minister and Deputy Premier Bulent Arinc, who is currently paying a visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), met with the country's Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk on Saturday.

Speaking at the gathering, Arinc said Turkey had always stood by and supported Turkish Cypriot people. Arinc said that Turkey aimed at TRNC's political stability, economic development and strengthening with its own dynamics.

Kucuk said on his part that Turkey's progress in economy and foreign policy made a certain contribution to TRNC as well. Commenting on Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's recent remarks on the opening of ports, Kucuk said, Mr Davutoglu proposed in his message opening of all ports to Greek Cypriots in return for opening of three ports. This is quite a positive message. If the Greek Cypriot party is sincere and desires a solution, it should respond positively to these proposals.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.10) reported the following:

Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc met on Saturday Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). There are very strong and rooted relations between Turkey and TRNC, Arinc said and noted that, we have traces everywhere. We have presence on the island continuing for centuries. Of course, we will comply with a solution that will be in the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people. Arinc said Turkey wanted TRNC to be strong in economy, politics, foreign policy and political stability as negotiations continue, Turkish government and parliament have always exerted efforts towards this goal and will continue to do so, he added.

Arinc said his area of responsibility was media, communication and information, noting that he was accompanied by Hilmi Bengi, A.A. Director General and Executive Board, and Murat Karakaya, DG of Directorate General of Press and Information. Arinc said they have close relations with Turkish Agency-Cyprus (TAK) and Bayrak Television (BRT). We want information between Turkey and TRNC to be very strong. We will extend any necessary support to TRNC, Arinc said.

TRNC Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer said TRNC attached high importance to the visits of Turkish officials as Cyprus cause was jointly carried out by Turkey and TRNC. Bozer said they were willing for an agreement which will enable Turkish Cypriots to live in welfare and in peace on the island, noting that it was the Turkish party which sincerely calls for a solution. Bozer said Turkey and TRNC would continue to struggle in unity.

Arinc later visited Turkish Embassy in Lefkosia and Gen. Hilmi Akin Zorlu, the Commander of Cyprus Turk Peace forces.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (24.05.10) reported the following:

Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on Sunday that Turkey had gained strength thanks to its political and economic stability. Arinc delivered a speech at a seminar held at the Near East University (YDU) in Lefkosia, which was also attended by TRNC's President Dervis Eroglu, Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer, Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk, Turkish Ambassador in Lefkosia Sakir Fakili, several Turkish Cypriot ministers and deputies, as well as Anadolu Agency's Director General Dr. Hilmi Bengi.

Commenting on the developments in TRNC during his speech, Arinc said, We want to maintain our presence in TRNC and we want to stand on our feet. Noting that Turkish Cypriots had suffered a lot in the past, Arinc said, Some were disturbed by our presence and they wanted to destroy us. However, we are here today and we are strong. Arinc said that TRNC should continue to display efforts together with Turkey for the acknowledgement of its rightful cause by the world. He also said any agreement or solution to be reached in Cyprus should provide the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to carry on with their presence.

Pointing to Turkey's zero-problem policy with its neighbours as well, Arinc said Turkey had signed agreements with Greece, was about to lift visa procedures with Russia, kept good relations with Bulgaria and Balkan countries, continued efforts to get closer with Armenia and established close ties with Syria. Turkey has grown and gained strength. This happened thanks to the political and economic stability in the country, Arinc said.

After the seminar, Arinc attended a dinner hosted by Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Kucuk. The Turkish deputy premier is expected to depart from TRNC on Monday.

[06] Self-styled Turkish ambassador compares the breakaway regimes economy to Turkey of the 1980s

Addressing the conference, Sakir Fakili, self-styled ambassador of Turkey to the occupied part of Lefkosia, compared the occupied areas of Cyprus to Turkey of the 1980s and argued that the state organizations which are losing money are financed by the state and the cumbersome bureaucracy are obstacles in front of the private sector. Mr Fakili noted that the action plan prepared six months ago by the Turkey-TRNC Business Council will be implemented and that in order for the breakaway regime to acquire a stable economy, the basic aim of the program to be implemented within the period 2010-2012, would be decreasing the share of the state in the economy and creating an environment with high competitive power based on the private sector.

Mr Fakili said that with the Turkey-TRNC Business Council they wish to determine the problems which prevent the development of the commercial relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime and make suggestions for the solution of the above problems. He noted: Our primary aim is to improve and promote our commercial relations with the TRNC. In the future, as we did in the past, we shall offer any kind of support to all activities for increasing the prosperity and the wealth of the TRNC, both in the process of its integration with the world and in its economic growth.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkey to make infrastructure investments of 80 million TL worth in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus in 2010

Turkey is also going to invest 25 million TL in education. A sum of 18 million TL will be allocated to the illegal Middle East Technical University (ODTU) Northern Cyprus Campus and 7 million TL to the illegal Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Northern Cyprus Campus as economic support to their running expenses.

Moreover, 5 million TL will be spent for the construction of a new prison and 3 million TL for the construction of mosques.

In detail, the projects which Turkey is going to support through investments are as follows:

Highway Master Plan Project: 27 million TL for the construction of the occupied Morfou Lefka highway and occupied Trikomo Agios Theodoros highway,

Occupied Tymvou airport SMART project: 4 million TL,

Mosques construction project: 3 million TL,

Support project for the expenses of the illegal ODTU Northern Cyprus Campus: 18 million TL,

Support project for the expenses of the illegal ITU Northern Cyprus Campus: 7 million TL,

Project for the construction of a new water dam and water pipelines, and the conduction of other water studies and investments: 1.427.168 million TL,

Project for the construction of a new jail: 5 million TL,

Consultancy Services Project: 2.406.790 million TL,

Project for the formation of a triangulation network: 5 million TL and,

E-Government project: 6.5 million TL.

(ML)

[08] Participants of the 21st Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally are visiting occupied Cyprus

Yachts participating in the 21st Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally will visit the Girne Tourism Port tomorrow morning.

According to a statement issued by Altan Houssein --the director of the Chalcolithic Enterprises-- 70 yachts, with 230-member crew will be arriving at the Girne [occupied Keryneia] port as from 10.00 oclock in the morning. Tomorrow, President Dervis Eroglu will host the yachtsmen at a reception at the Girne Castle.

On Wednesday, the yachtsmen will tour the TRNC and on Thursday, they will attend a special event, entitled Pirates Night at the Dome Hotel in Girne.The rally, which began in Istanbul on the 23rd of April, will continue for 67 days.

It will be completed at the Herzliya Marina, the largest in Israel.

[09] The government of the breakaway regime announces its programme; Irsen Kucuk to travel to Ankara

The program of the 17th government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been read out at the Parliament. Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk told the parliament that the new government will continue to follow economic development policies drawn up by the previous UBP government and that boosting economy will remain top priority.

Supervisory Board at the Prime Ministrys office would soon be launched and that the EU harmonization process will be continued by the EU Coordination Committee. New arrangements will be made in order to increase productivity in the public sector according to the new program of the government.

The government will encourage the applications to be made to the Immovable Property Commission and increase the capacity of the Commission according to the program.

The linking of the Police Force administratively to the Prime Ministers office and establishment of cooperation among political parties with seats in the parliament are among the targets included in the program.

It also envisages the further development of Bayrak Radio Television Corporation and the TAK news agency.

The debates on the program of the minority government headed by Prime Minister Kucuk will start on Monday. And, the new government will seek vote of confidence from the parliament a day after the completion of the debates.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (24.05.10) broadcast the following:

The TRNC parliament has begun to debate the program of the new government headed by Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk. The new government will seek a vote of confidence from the parliament on Wednesday, the 26th of May if the debate is completed today.

The program of the 17th government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was read out at the Parliament last Friday.

The minority government has to get the support of a simple majority of MPs in order to win a confidence vote.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (24.05.10) broadcast the following:

Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk has announced that he will have contacts in Ankara at the beginning of next month after his government wins a vote of confidence from Parliament. The Premier told BRT that his contacts will focus on economic issues. Mr Kucuk also made it clear that cuts from retirement salaries and bounties are not included in the agenda of his government.

Noting that solving the problems concerning the Cyprus Turkish Airlines is the governments priority, Mr Kucuk said the government is determined to maintain the existence of the Airline. Explaining that the objective is to finalize the search for a new partner for the CTA next month, he said the government prefers to find a local partner to the Airlines but added that the government is not closing the door to foreign investors.

[10] The candidates for the local and by-elections to be held in occupied Cyprus on June 27 have been announced

The people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are going to the polls on the 27th of June to elect their local administrators. The list of candidates to run in the election was temporarily released at the weekend by the High Electoral Council and the final list will be announced next Monday, the 31st of May.

The electoral rolls have also been put on display. There are 100 mayoral candidates, 48 of them independents, running for 28 municipalities in this election. Members of city and village councils will also be elected during the poll.

Voters in Gazimagusa [occupied Famagusta] district will also be electing a new deputy for the parliamentary seat that was left empty with Dervis Eroglus election as the president.

According to the Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.05.10), four candidates are going to run in the by-elections of June 27 for the vacant parliamentary seat of Dervis Eroglu in occupied Famagusta after his election to the Turkish Cypriot leadership. According to information acquired by the illegal TAK news agency, the four candidates are: the chairman of the Nationalist Justice Party (MAP), Ata Tepe, Dursun Oguz representing the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), Huseyin Angolemli representing the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) and Resmiye Canaltay for the National Unity Party (UBP).

[11] Basin-Sen will participate in the conference of IFJ in Spain

According to the paper, the new executive committee for a period of three years will be elected during the world congress.

(DPs)

[12] Turkish Cypriot banned from travelling to Belgium through Istanbul because she is a holder of identity card of the Republic of Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[13] Davutoglu and Ban Ki-moon met; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held a discussion on a nuclear swap agreement signed by Iran during their meeting on Friday. In today's meeting, Davutoglu requested from the United Nations to stand behind the process concerning the swap agreement.

Davutoglu and Ban Ki-moon also discussed the recent developments in Iraq and the two leaders agreed on immediately establishing stability in Iraq after violent acts have increased recently. The issue of Cyprus was also discussed by Davutoglu and Ban Ki-moon and the possibility of lifting isolations on the Turkish Cypriots came up in the talks.

[14] Turkey and Saudi Arabia sign military agreement

Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a military agreement for scientific and technical cooperation Monday in Ankara. Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug, and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defence Minister and Prince Khalid bin Sultan signed the agreement at the honour hall in General Staff HQs in Ankara.

Gen. Basbug who spoke before the signature ceremony said the signing of the agreement would contribute to peace and stability in Middle East where problems continued to prevail. He said the agreement would also contribute to promotion of bilateral relations based on brotherhood and cooperation.

On his part, Prince Khalid bin Sultan said the deep-rooted ties of brotherhood between the two countries was a driving force behind the cooperation between the two countries. He said they wanted to carry the cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries further and create a framework that would boost this cooperation. Bin Sultan said he hoped the agreement would lead to concrete steps to enhance the facilities and capabilities of the armed forces of the two countries.

[15] Kemal Kilicdaroglu was elected as CHP leader

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who ran as the only candidate for chairman of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) during a congress held in capital Ankara on Saturday, has become the party's new top official. Kilicdaroglu became CHP's 7th chairman by getting 1,189 votes on the first day of CHP's 33rd general assembly meeting.

CHP's former chairperson Deniz Baykal resigned from his post on May 10, after release of a video tape allegedly featuring him having an affair with a female deputy of CHP on a video-sharing website. After Baykal's resignation, Kemal Kilicdaroglu announced that he would stand as a candidate for party leadership.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, born in the eastern province of Tunceli in 1948, graduated from the Academy of Economics and Administrative Sciences in capital Ankara in 1971. Throughout his long career as a bureaucrat, Kilicdaroglu worked as an account expert at the Turkish Finance Ministry, department head and deputy director general of the Directorate General of Revenues, director general of the social insurance institutions Bag-Kur and SSK, deputy undersecretary of the Turkish Labour Ministry, an academician at Ankara's Hacettepe University and board member of Is Bankasi. In addition to numerous articles published in various newspapers and journals, Kilicdaroglu has also written three books. He was selected the "Bureaucrat of the Year" by Turkey's Ekonomik Trend magazine in 1994. In 2009 local elections in Turkey, Kilicdaroglu was CHP's candidate for Istanbul mayor. Justice and Development (AK) Party's candidate Kadir Topbas was re-elected to such post in the elections. Currently a CHP deputy from Istanbul, Kilicdaroglu speaks moderate French and is married with three children.

Meanwhile, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.10) reported the following:

Hoping to establish a dynamic and strong administration to carry the party to the 2011 national elections, the main opposition Republican Peoples Party, or CHP, under its new leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has established a new team predominantly compromised of academics.

Among the new names elected for the party assembly are Professor Suheyl Batum, an expert on constitutional law; Professor Sencer Ayata, a sociologist known for his studies on social democracy; Professor Hursit Gunes, an economist and the son of legendary CHP figure Turan Gunes; communication-strategies expert Nuran Yildiz; daughter of Turkeys second president Gulsun Bilgehan; Umut Oran, a businessman who ran against former CHP chief Baykal in the 2008 convention; mufti Ihsan Ozkes; medical doctor Haluk Koc and Oya Arasli.

Suheyl Batum: Born in 1955, Batum is a constitutional law professor and former rector of Bahcesehir University in Istanbul. After finishing his high school education at Galatasaray High School in 1975, he graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Paris in 1979. He is currently serving in the law faculty of Bahcesehir University and writing for daily Vatan. His father Sadik Batum was a deputy from the Democrat Party, or DP.

Sencer Ayata: A sociology professor who currently serves as the director of The Middle East Technical University, or METUs, Social Sciences Institute. He is known for his studies on social democracy. He has recently come to the countrys agenda for socio-political analyses and interviews conceptualizing the ongoing political and social discussions with regard to the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKPs, policies. He is married to Ayse Gunes Ayata, daughter of former Foreign Minister Turan Gunes from the CHP.

Hursit Gunes: Economy professor and the son of Turan Gunes. He is also a columnist in daily Milliyet. Gunes is known for his opposition to former CHP leader Deniz Baykal, who resigned two weeks after a sex tape scandal, and ran for party leadership in an earlier convention.

Gulsun Bilgehan: Born in 1957, Bilgehan is the granddaughter of Turkeys second President Ismet Inonu, the second prominent figure after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the founding of modern Turkey. Being an expert on international relations, she served as academic at Bilkent University in Ankara.

Umut Oran: Born in Germany, Oran is a textile businessman who ran against CHPs resigned leader Deniz Baykal for the party leadership at the party convention in 2008 with the motto transformation. He graduated from Marmara Universitys Economics Faculty. He served as chairman of the Bolu Chamber of Commerce and Industrys council.

Ihsan Ozkes: A retired mufti who served for Istanbuls Uskudar, Sisli and Beyoglu districts. Father to five children, Ozkes has been a CHP member since 2002. Ozkes name was first heard when he performed the funeral ceremony of Turkan Saylan, late chairwoman of the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life, or CYDD, in 2009. He has also publications on theology.

Haluk Koc: Born in 1954, Koc is the CHPs Samsun deputy and a medical doctor. Koc ran against Baykal for the party leadership at the party convention in 2007.

Oya Arasli: Born in 1943, she graduated from Istanbuls University Faculty of Law. She has specialized on womens studies.

Nuran Yildiz: Assistant Professor at the Ankara Universitys Communication Faculty. She once provided consultancy for the General Staff. She also worked at the election campaign of the Social Democratic People's Party, headed by Murat Karayalcin.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[16] From the Turkish Press of 21, 22, 23 and 24 May 2010

a) Kilicdaroglu elected CHP chairman:

Kilicdaroglu's speech shows that he has based his strategy on the people of Anatolia, rather than the Ankara-based secularity; on unemployment and corruption, rather than the regime threat; on seeking the rights of female workers with headscarves who do not have social rights, rather than the Islamic headdress; and on decreasing the election threshold with the aim of re-emerging in the southeast, notes Hurriyet's Fatih Cekirge (24.05.10) and adds: "These messages show that the strategy pursued by the CHP during Baykal's term will totally change." Asking how Ahmet Turk will react to the message about decreasing the election threshold, Cekirge questions whether this will enable an alliance between Turk and the CHP.

Arguing that the pro-change line that had been initially adopted by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) with regard to Cyprus and the EU has been replaced with an approach that is based on maintaining the status quo, Ferai Tinc, in an article in Hurriyet (24.05.10), criticizes Kilicdaroglu for not referring to foreign policy issues in his speech and stresses that the CHP is obliged to draw a road map regarding foreign policy issues that affect Turkey's fate. A new policy that will resolve the deadlock reached in the Cyprus and Armenian issues and in Turkey's EU perspective will also become a part of the new Turkish vision, points out Tinc and says: "When dealing with the AKP, the CHP will face the greatest difficulties in foreign policy issues. The new CHP is obliged to develop active foreign policy proposals that are based on the solution of the problems. The more successful it is in doing this, the more influential it will become."

Gungor Uras, in an article in Milliyet (24.05.10) explains that 49.7% of Turkey's population consists of women and that there are 33.5 million people between the ages of 20 to 50. This population structure should reflect on the administrative cadres of a social democratic, revolutionary, and modern political party, stresses Uras and calls on the CHP to recruit young members. The future of Turkey and the Turkish people is dependent on production, maintains Uras and says: "Without an increase in production it is impossible to improve the distribution of income, to find jobs for the poor, to prevent poverty, or to provide better education, better health services, better courts, a better police organization, or better lives."

Given that Baykal's CHP had turned into the party of the elite, Kilicdaroglu's speech that focused on production and the rights of the workers is very important in terms of the social democrats, argues Semih Idiz in an article in Milliyet (24.05.10) and recalls that Baykal had not been able to embrace the workers or to impose pressure on the government for syndical reforms. Describing foreign policy issues as "the weakest link" of Kilicdaroglu, Idiz adds: "We believe that the CHP should abandon the barren 'nationalist' rhetoric especially regarding the EU and the Cyprus issue and that it should adopt a constructive and functional rhetoric that is in harmony with the realities of the world and that also serves the long-term interests of the country. To this end, rather than a 'reactive' team that we have seen thus far, Kilicdaroglu should establish a 'proactive' and 'constructive' 'diplomatic team'."

The fact that Kilicdaroglu has not mentioned the Kurdish problem, which is Turkey's most important problem, in his speech may have been a political choice based on the nature of the congress, but he is obliged to adopt an approach for the solution of this problem sooner or later, stresses Milliyet columnist Kadri Gursel in an article (24.05.10). Recalling that in a statement the day before yesterday Kilicdaroglu rejected policies that are based on ethnic identities and faiths, Gursel says: "What is really illegitimate in our days is questioning the legitimacy of policies that are based on ethnic identities. It is impossible to build a common identity by ignoring identities." Underlining that the CHP should pursue a strategy that aims to overcome separation and polarization, Gursel asserts that it is the AKP that has mostly benefited from the polarization in the society.

Arguing that the Dogan Group whose main goal is to get rid of the AKP government is behind Baykal's sex videotape and Kilicdaroglu's nomination, Samil Tayyar in an article in Star (24.05.10) criticizes the new CHP chairman of trying to hit Erdogan below the belt with a vulgar language. He did not even mention the Kurds, he announced that he will turn the overtures upside down, he adopted a stand against the EU, he talked in favour of the Denktas era in Cyprus, he opposed the judicial reform, and he saluted Ergenekon, points out Tayyar and notes that the Dogan Group is misguiding Kilicdaroglu. Despite the deficiencies and mistakes, however, Kilicdaroglu has affected the leftist grass roots, admits Tayyar and talks about the possibility that Kilicdaroglu will receive 30% of the votes in the elections. Tayyar calls on Kilicdaroglu to withdraw the constitutional amendment package from the Constitutional court and to accept the will of the nation.

Under the headline, "Sav at CHP's helm," Yeni Safak (24.05.10) publishes a front-page report which asserts that while Kemal Kilicdaroglu has been elected as the new leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) actual authority in the CHP resides with general secretary Onder Sav. According to the report, Sav has emerged victorious from a "war" against CHP executive Gursel Tekin over lists of candidates for membership of the party council.

In an article entitled "Today is the day", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru, writing under the pseudonym Taha Kivanc (24.05.10), asserts that the "conspiracy" that recently led to Deniz Baykal's resignation as CHP leader appears to have opened the door to new conspiracies in the CHP, as seen in the way Kemal Kilicdaroglu [allegedly] replaced his inaugural address as CHP leader prepared by Gursel Tekin and his aides with a different speech drawn up by certain journalists and failed to deliver on his promise to cooperate with Gursel Tekin in drawing up the list of candidates for membership of the party council. Koru also slams Kilicdaroglu for branding newspapers that do not support the CHP as "partisan press" in his inaugural speech and "talking about doing away with these newspapers when the CHP comes to power."

In an article entitled "Operation completed successfully, chief", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak (24.05.10) describes Kemal Kilicdaroglu's election as the CHP's new leader as a "victory" won by a group of "social engineers" and "the collaborative news media." He accuses the CHP of "cheap pragmatism and opportunism" in electing Kilicdaroglu and claims that Kilicdaroglu's "mission" is to prevent the AKP from obtaining enough popular support in the next elections to be eligible to form a single-party government. He also asserts that the ongoing developments in the CHP are the manifestation of a political restructuring project that will take its toll on Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli next.

In an article entitled "Kemalism and the advent of Kilidaroglu", Milli Gazete columnist Sinan Burhan asserts that the "operation" that allowed Kilicdaroglu to replace Baykal as the CHP's new leader appears to have been conducted by Germany. He predicts that Kilicdaroglu's election will be followed by a campaign to recruit support for the CHP from both the centre Right and the centre Left and that the architects of this effort will be using "the enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend principle" in trying to benefit from the presence of an anti-AKP front within political, artistic, financial, and bureaucratic circles, created naturally over the past eight years of AKP rule. He also cites Kilicdaroglu's "Kurdish" and "Alevi" background as an obstacle to the success of the "project" to boost the CHP's popularity.

Commenting on "the powerful speech" delivered and the strong criticism levelled by Kemal Kilicdaroglu during yesterday's congress, Asli Aydintasbas, in an article in Milliyet (23.05.10), talks about the hope that the new chairman has given the CHP members. The CHP which has been the party that protected the state for years has suddenly shaped as the voice of the people's rebellion, asserts Aydintasbas and notes that rather than focusing on "secularity," Kilicdaroglu talked about the rights of the workers and the low-income groups. "As of now Tayyip Erdogan will certainly encounter stronger opposition and the members of the Justice and Development Party, AKP, will have to pay more attention to what they drink, eat, and wear," points out Aydintasbas.

Drawing attention to the enthusiasm within the CHP, Derya Sazak, in Milliyet (23.05.10), maintains that Kilicdaroglu's speech clarified the "road map" of the new CHP administration. Until the elections, he will pursue policies regarding Turkey's real problems, notes Sazak and says: "He will talk about economic and social problems; the economic problems of broad sectors; and the problems of unemployed youths and civil servants, the pensioners, the farmers, and the traders. He will develop solutions. If the CHP is able to give this hope, it will be able to compete with the AKP in the 'race to power'."

It was almost as if he had found an answer to the question of "how to hit Erdogan," says Hurriyet's Ahmet Hakan in an article (23.05.10) and adds: "He hit Erdogan where he least expected. For example, he hit him with the 'villa with the pool. He hit him with his personal wealth. He hit him with the miserable worker females who wear scarves. He hit him with the 'fear empire. He hit him with the 'children who go to bed hungry. He hit him with the mine workers whose death Erdogan has described as fate." Stressing that justice has been achieved and that the AKP will no longer be as confident, Hakan says: "As of now the entire Turkey will turn into as a competition field."

Writing in Sabah (23.05.10), Mehmet Barlas in a commentary underlines that regardless of how frequently the word change is used, rooted CHP members do not want change because if Kilicdaroglu really changes the Deniz Baykal's CHP, he will have to pursue policies that are very close to the AKP's policies regarding many issues. For example, asks Barlas, is it not true that the CHP, which has almost adopted the Nationalist Action Party's line regarding the Kurdish overture, will have to change its approach on this issue? Barlas adds: "Once Kilicdaroglu admits that 'it is not possible to become a full member in the EU if a lasting solution is not found to the Cyprus question, will he not be undermining the CHP's line that says that non-solution is a solution?" Barlas also questions whether the CHP's voters are ready for such change.

We do not know whether Kilicdaroglu will abandon Baykal's militarist and nationalist line and what kind of policies he will pursue regarding the Kurdish issue, the EU, the Alevi question, the ties with Armenia, the Cyprus problem, and freedom of expression and organization, says Oral Calislar in an article in Radikal (23.05.10) and points out that the policies that will pursued by the new CHP leader will also be shaped on the basis of style and the stand that will be adopted by Erdogan. Drawing attention to the enthusiasm within the CHP, Calislar maintains that even though certain people view Kilicdaroglu as enthusiastic and innovative, the larger picture shows that Kilicdaroglu will not be able to realize major change in the party.

Arguing that CHP has no chance of winning the next general election even after Kilicdaroglu's election as its new leader in an article entitled "Life will not be easy for the CHP" Today's Zaman columnist Ihsan Yilmaz (23.05.10) says: "As far as I can see, Kilicdaroglu is neither a genius nor a skilful politician. This is true for the bureaucratic oligarchy that supports him. What they are doing now is testing the water because at the moment nothing could be worse than their current situation. They know that if the people say yes to the referendum in September, they can never revive their old system. They will do whatever it takes to prevent this from happening."

b) Uranium swap deal with Iran:

Drawing attention to the different views adopted by Turkey and Brazil and the United States and Europe regarding Iran's nuclear program, Joost Lagendijk, in a commentary in Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.10), asserts that "the clash between Turkey and Brazil and the United States and Europe is a good example of what happens when opposing groups deal with the issue at the same time without coordination." Lagendijk underlines that without better coordination and mutual trust among Iran's counterparts, the shrewd Iranian diplomats will be able to keep on buying time and playing one plan against another.

I do not know whether Iran wants to produce nuclear weapons, but it is clear that it wants to be accepted as a "power that possesses nuclear technology," asserts Radikal's Ceyda Karan (24.05.10) in an article and explains that if Iran gives up its nuclear program, it will be humiliated in the eyes of the entire world, including Israel which is the only nuclear power in the Middle East.

In an article entitled "Allies do not see eye to eye", Zaman's Washington correspondent Ali H. Aslan (24.05.10) cites the "diplomatic confrontation" between Ankara and Washington over the uranium swap deal signed by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil as the latest piece of evidence to show that there are "very deep-rooted problems" between Turkey and the United States. He also discusses the question why the United States did not warn Turkey strongly enough against signing the swap deal "if it was so unsympathetic toward the agreement" from the start. He asserts that the answer lies somewhere between the following suppositions: "It actually did warn Turkey but Ankara did not realize it because the warning messages were couched too politely. Turkey did understand the warnings but pretended not to in order to try its luck with diplomacy for a last time."

Viewing the reactions of the West to the Iran uranium swap deal in an article in Hurriyet Daily News.com (22.05.10), Ilhan Tanir points out that the deal "was just not good enough and the stakes for U.S. President Barack Obama were just too high for him to take the risk." Tanir notes that, by initiating and signing the nuclear-enrichment deal, Turkey tied itself by stating that it believes in Iran's good intention and the fairness of the agreement. After such a statement, it is almost impossible for Turkey to support the sanctions, he maintains and concludes: "Every indication said this week in Washington that Turkey will abstain from voting in the potential Security Council row."

Viewing the reactions that support and oppose the Iranian swap deal in the western media in a column in Hurriyet (22.05.10), Sedat Ergin argues that the main flaw of the deal is that it does not include a mechanism that can monitor and limit Iran's uranium enrichment program. Iran was not transparent in its contacts with the IAEA, Ergin recalls and adds that, on the day that the deal was signed, Iran also stated that it will continue to enrich uranium. Noting that such statements significantly deepen the concerns of the international community, Ergin maintains that the deal can only be a confidence-building measure that helps to pull Iran toward engaging in dialogue within the international system. In conclusion, Ergin writes, despite Turkey's rising profile, it can be regarded by the West as a country that takes sides with Iran. The image in Tehran, he warns, will likely leave a lasting impression in the US opinion of Turkey.

Milliyet's Semih Idiz (22.05.10) also comments on Iran uranium swap deal in his article. Idiz argues that if Iran --in line with the swap deal-- sends to the IAEA a letter of commitment to the deal, China and Russia, which are not so keen on sanctions, might choose the path of diplomacy to solve the remaining uncertainties. Idiz stresses that Brazil and Turkey not only rendered futile Washington's game against Iran but that they also demonstrated that today's world no longer turns around the West. Adding that the West, led by Washington, is more annoyed by this fact than the deal signed between Iran and the two countries, Idiz concludes that the West, however, is no longer able to prevent the occurrence of similar situations.

In a column in Milliyet (22.05.10), Sami Kohen notes that Turkey has launched a "persuasion campaign" for putting into effect the uranium swap deal. Ankara does not seem to be deterred by the "sanction initiative" of the United States, Kohen opines, and adds that Turkey hopes that this deal can be viewed as a starting point for negotiating other conditions that Iran is requested to follow. Noting that, with this manoeuvre, Iran planned to continue enriching the uranium left outside the swap deal and gain time to reach its real goal, Kohen maintains that the counter-maneuver of sanctions launched by the United States, together with Russia and China, weakened Tehran's trump card. Kohen concludes that the game is continuing and asks whether there will be new surprises.

In an article entitled "New risks in Turkey's new foreign policy," Yeni Safak columnist Yasin Aktay (22.05.10) points out that Turkey's increased influence on the international stage resulting from its efforts to find solutions to regional and international disputes are gradually creating unpredicted problems. He comments: "The risk stems from the possibility that this growing power will face resistance and antipathy as a result of the shift that it causes in the global balance of power although it is resolving problems and making things easier for almost all the parties. So, it seems that its efforts to achieve 'zero problem' may gradually amplify a larger problem paradoxically. International reactions to the uranium swap deal which Turkey and Brazil have convinced Iran to sign represent the first major sign of this trend."

Erdal Guven says in his column in Radikal (21.05.10) that while Turkey thinks there is no need for sanctions against Iran in the conviction that Iran is not intending to build a nuclear weapon, the Western powers regard Iran's nuclear program as an strategic threat. It is because of this difference of perception of Iran that the West has not shown enthusiasm to the deal worked out by Turkey and Brazil. Indeed, Guven adds, the deal does not aim to stop Iran from enriching uranium. As such, Guven points out, the United States is a bit angry with Turkey because the deal might block or dilute the sanctions Americans are seeking from the UNSC. He adds that the bad feeling is actually mutual, because Turkey in turn is unable to stomach the offhanded American dismissal of the deal Turkey worked hard to achieve. Guven says as the diplomatic struggle continues, it has become clear that Davutoglu committed a blunder by claiming prematurely that the deal obviates the need for sanctions.

In a report on Iranian nuclear issue, Radikal (21.05.10) says despite American attempt to trip up Turkey over the deal, Turkey has not given up on the deal. The report says PM Erdogan is using his cell phone to garner support for the deal. It quotes unnamed US sources as saying in connection with Erdogan's phone conversation with President Obama that the American side appreciates Turkey's efforts but does not find the harsh Turkish statements appropriate. The report also quotes unnamed Turkish sources as saying that the negative American approach on the deal is heightening the tension. The report then notes that in his latest news conference PM Erdogan defended Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes by pointing out that when Turkey sets up its own nuclear plant with Russian help Turks too would like to enrich their own uranium.

In a column for Hurriyet Daily News (21.05.10), Semih Idiz sums up the Turkish reaction to American rejection of the deal by saying: "It is also true that remarks emanating out of Tehran to the effect that Iran would continue to enrich uranium despite this deal cast a shadow over what was nevertheless a breakthrough. But an important psychological barrier was still breached by Iran. One would have assumed, therefore, that the deal worked out by Turkey and Brazil would be used as a major brick in the search for a long-term settlement to this issue. This, however, turned out to be a wrong assumption, recalling a Turkish saying. If someone is thought to be acting in bad faith, they say, 'He is not out to eat grapes, but to beat the keeper of the vineyard'. This then is what the United States and the other Western permanent members at the Security Council appear bent on it this case. The intention is clearly to beat Iran and not utilize any deals worked out by third parties that may be useful."

c) Turkey and the EU:

Drawing attention to the struggle between the circles that want to turn the EU into a state that resembles the United States and the circles that want to preserve the national states and that want to preserve the EU for as long as it serves their interests, Taraf columnist Cem Sey (24.05.10) in a commentary says: "Most probably the EU Commission will evolve into a sort of EU government in the years ahead and the powers of the European Parliament will gradually grow. And this closely concerns Turkey. First, the newly developed structures will approve Turkey's membership. Secondly, the EU which Turkey will eventually join will have newer and additional structures." Sey calls on Turkey to get ready for this inevitable transformation and underlines that the developments in the EU will serve Turkey's interests because the collapse of the national state mechanism and the ideology behind it will weaken the understanding that rejects Turkey.

EG/

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