Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-06-01

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by Turkish officials regarding Israels attack on ships carrying aid materials

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover the Israeli attack on a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza

[03] Eroglu to inform the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties about the negotiations

[04] Statements by Eroglus senior aide regarding the meeting held on the property issue with President Christofias senior aide

[05] Turkish Chief negotiator discussed with the Italian Foreign Minister the direct trade with breakaway regime

[06] Bagis called on Pope to listen to the Turkish Cypriots

[07] Newly appointed member of the House of Lords says she would continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community internationally

[08] Two new mosques were built in occupied Sirianochori and Karavostasi villages

[09] Groups from foreign countries are participating in the occupied Lapithos tourism festival

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] From the Turkish Press of 31 May 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by Turkish officials regarding Israels attack on ships carrying aid materials

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Monday nine people were killed while many others were injured in Israel's attack on ships carrying aid materials to Gaza.

Minister Davutoglu held a press conference after delivering a speech at the United Nations Security Council on Monday.

'We had made the necessary warnings that the aim of flotilla, which was only delivering humanitarian assistance, should not be diverted and that it should not lead to human tragedy. However, despite our warnings, Israeli troops interfered at around 0430 hours on Monday. The Israeli operation killed and injured many people', Davutoglu said.

'Following the attack on the ships, we took various measures. We called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting. Almost all of the members of the Council condemned Israel's attack on the ships. Members of the Council once again said that the blockade on Gaza must be ended', Davutoglu said.

'Two ambulance planes, two planes of Turkish Air Forces and three planes of Turkish Airlines are ready to carry wounded Turks to Turkey', Davutoglu said.

'I had a phone conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak and conveyed Turkey's reaction as clearly as possible. I reminded that injured Turks should be helped so that they return to Turkey immediately. I also asked Israel to let go the ships as soon as possible. We demanded from Israel to apologize both from the Turkish people and international community', Davutoglu said.

'Israel's act was one against international laws. It was not legitimate to attack ships that were 72 miles away from the territorial waters of Israel. It was piracy. It does not matter if this piracy was conducted by a state or pirates', Davutoglu said.

'Turkey will continue to make international efforts in the wake of this incident. The recent incident has shown once again how the blockade on Gaza threatens regional peace. We expect the blockade on Gaza to end. The blockade has turned Gaza into a ghetto and is an issue between Israel and the international conscience', Davutoglu said.

Stressing that civilian targets could not be attacked even during the time of war, Davutoglu said that Turkey demanded from the UN and the UN Security Council to establish an independent investigation organ on Monday's incident.

'Those in the ships were not terrorists but representatives of humanitarian assistance organizations', Davutoglu also said.

Following the press conference, Minister Davutoglu proceeded to Washington, D.C. where he will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday.

Moreover, Hurriyet Daily News.com (online, 31.05.10), under the title Turkey withdraws envoy to Israel, calls urgent UN meeting, deputy PM says, reports the following:

Turkey's deputy prime minister said Turkey was withdrawing its ambassador to Israel, canceling three joint military exercises and calling on the U.N. Security Council to meet urgently over Israeli action against Gaza aid ships.Bulent Arinc said Turkey was withdrawing its ambassador on Monday, saying that Israel's actions were equal to "piracy," the Associated Press reported.Israeli commandos raided parts of the flotilla early Monday morning, killing at least 10 passengers. Arinc said about 400 out of 581 passengers on the main aid ship, the Mavi Marmara, are Turks.

'Not only Turkish citizens but the whole world will condemn Israel's bloody attack on peace and humanitarian values' Arinc said in televised remarks Monday.Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu called on the U.N. Security Council for an urgent meeting.

Arinc also said Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul called Ehud Barak, his Israeli counterpart, and listed the following demands:

- Security and repatriation of Turkish citizens

- Treatment for the wounded

- Return of the ships

'We want to treat the wounded in Turkey and emergency helicopters are ready for the task, ' Arinc said. 'Israel's assault is a sort of piracy in the open sea. Israel should lift the embargo and deliver the aid to the Palestinian people'.

Meanwhile, Ankara Office of the Chief of the General Staff issued the following press release 55/10 dated 31 May 2010:

The Israeli Chief of Staff phoned the Chief of the General Staff at 1600 [1300 GMT] for a briefing on the incident, which occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the phone conversation, the Chief of the General Staff told the Israeli Chief of Staff that the use of military force in the incident that happened in the international waters is grave and unacceptable, adding that the intervention in the incident in this manner resulted in very serious consequences.The public is respectfully informed.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.05.10) reports from Santiago that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, before his departure for Turkey after he cut short his visit to South America, gave assurances that Jewish community living in Turkey were under his governments protection. Erdogan also said this was a national issue, and they would assess what they could do.

Erdogan said there were hundreds of resolutions the United Nations (UN) Security Council reached so far, and the stance of the European Union (EU) on Israel, which had not implemented any of those resolutions, would also be tested. The Turkish prime minister said also that some countries started to call back their ambassadors in Israel, and Turkey could also take steps after making the necessary assessments.

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover the Israeli attack on a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza

Under the banner front-page title We are all Palestinians, Kibris reports that strong reaction was shown yesterday in the occupied areas of Cyprus and in Turkey against the Israeli attack on the convoy carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza and the attack of PKK members in Alexandretta as a result of which six Turkish soldiers lost their lives. The participants in a protest under the title Rally to damn Israel, which was organized yesterday in occupied Famagusta, held placards writing slogans such as Israel cannot be built on blood and tears, Damn the Israeli terrorism, The victims do not die, the country cannot be divided and Down with the PKK, collaborator USA.

The paper writes that politicians, institutions and organizations in the occupied part of Cyprus strongly reacted against Israel. Former Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas said that the Israeli ferocity in international waters is unacceptable. The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ferdi Sabit Soyer noted that the revival of the fascist mentality is unacceptable.

Kibris refers also to statements made by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu who described the Israeli action as piracy.

Under the title Israeli terror in the Mediterranean, Afrika reports that developments which will influence Cyprus are expected due to the bloody operation of Israel. The paper writes that because of the developments, the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan interrupted his tour in South America stating that they would not remain inactive and described the Israeli attack as state terrorism and contrary to the international law. He also said that the Israeli government showed once more that it does not want peace in the area. The paper writes that Turkey called a meeting of the UN Security Council last night while Israel called on its citizens not to travel to Turkey. Furthermore, Afrika refers to the reaction of the USA and the UK under the title They said they were sorry and writes that the White House did not condemn the attack.

Halkin Sesi refers to the issue under the title State terrorism, 9 deaths and writes that nine persons lost their lives in the attack and 26 were injured. Fifteen of the injured are Turks, according to the paper. Referring to the reactions against the attack, the paper writes that general Ilker Basbug, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, stated that the use of military force by Israel was serious and unacceptable. This intervention has caused very serious results, he said.

Havadis covers the issue under the title Israeli ferocity and refers to the reactions against the attack all over the world.

Under the title The honour of humanity was drawn in the Mediterranean, Star Kibris writes that Israel attacked six ships carrying humanitarian aid, the three of which were Turkish ships. The paper writes that more than ten persons lost their lives during the operation and tens of people were injured. Under the subtitle Israeli propaganda, the paper refers to statements by Israeli officials that Israeli soldiers were also injured during the attack and that the passengers of the ships were carrying guns. The paper writes that NATOs permanent representatives will meet today upon a demand by Turkey.

Yeni Duzen covers the issue under the title Attack by Israel on ships with humanitarian aid.

Ortam covers the issue under the title State terrorism by Israel.

Bakis refers to the attack and the reactions against it under the title Bloody intervention in the humanitarian aid!

Haberdar covers the issue under the title The aid for Gaza was stained with blood.

Under the title Felonious attacks, Gunes refers to both the Israeli attack against the convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza and the attack of the PKK in Alexandretta. The paper writes that hundreds of thousands of people condemned both attacks yesterday in Turkey. Moreover, under the title The world is shocked refers to the reactions of various states against the Israeli attack. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu condemned the Israeli attack and said they are always by the side of the Palestinian people in its struggle for freedom and sovereignty.

Furthermore, under the title Israel is behind the attack in Alexandretta, Gunes writes that the Turkish government and the opposition parties implied yesterday that the Israeli attack against the ships and the attack of the PKK in Alexandretta are related to each other.

Yeni Volkan refers to both issues under the title Treacherous attacks by the PKK terrorist organization and Israel. The paper writes that the Arab League will convene extraordinarily today.

Vatan covers the Israeli attack under the title The world revolted.

Kibrisli refers to the issue noting that the relations between Turkey and Israel were smashed.

Furthermore, the same issue is being covered in the Turkish press of today (01.06.10) in great extend. Following are the front-page titles in todays editions of the Turkish newspapers Hurriyet and Sabah.

Hurriyet reports on the issue under the banner headline, World in uproar, and writes that the UN Security Council held an extraordinary meeting over Israels pirate attack. While the USA said We regret, the EU demanded for an investigation to be launched. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut short his visit to Chile and returns to Turkey today, the paper reports.

The paper further notes that a crisis desk was formed in Ankara, that the Foreign Ministry summoned Israeli Ambassador Gaby Levy [to its HQs in Ankara] and that Turkeys Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Oguz Celikkol, was recalled to Ankara. Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said that three planned military exercises with Israel, as well as a football match between the Turkish and Israeli Youth National Football Teams were cancelled.

On his part, Turkeys Premier Erdogan, who cut short his visit to Chile and decided to return to Turkey, said: The attack is state terrorism, we will not remain unresponsive. It is also reported that Erdogan held a telephone conversation with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while President Gul talked with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Syrian President Bashar al-Asad.

Sabah reports on the issue under the banner headline, Global revolt to the Israeli massacre and writes that Israels unexpected attack towards the flag ship Mavi Marmara that was carrying aid materials to Gaza and the killing of ten people have caused great reaction across the globe.

(I/Ts, EA)

[03] Eroglu to inform the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties about the negotiations

According to the paper, during the meeting which will start at 16:00, Mr Eroglu will inform the parties about the negotiations for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem.

(CS)

[04] Statements by Eroglus senior aide regarding the meeting held on the property issue with President Christofias senior aide

Speaking to illegal TAK news agency after the meeting, Mr. Ozersay said the two senior aides and their committees, as well as specialists on property issues from the two sides held a productive meeting where they discussed the issue of property and clarified other issues with the aim of preparing the leaders next meeting on Thursday.

Replying to a question on which issues were clarified in connection with the property, Mr. Ozersay reminded of the statement issued by the leaders after their meeting on May 26th and added that therefore he would not give any details.

(ML)

[05] Turkish Chief Negotiator discussed with the Italian Foreign Minister the direct trade with breakaway regime

"Turkish State Minister & chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis met with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini in Rome on Monday.

Bagis told reporters that Israel's raid on a convoy of six ships carrying civilians and humanitarian aid to Gaza and Turkey's EU accession process were discussed in his meeting with Frattini.

'Italy will extend full support to our initiatives regarding visa exemption for Turkish citizens during their visit to EU member states, ' he said.

Bagis said they also discussed problems in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). 'We also assessed the process on direct trade with TRNC. Italy considers that Turkish Cypriots faced with an unfair attitude after the Annan plan. Italian authorities told us that they will assist us regarding lifting embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots, ' he said.

Bagis also said that he strongly condemned Israel's attack on ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

'We also discussed the issue with Italian minister. He was shocked about the development. EU demands that it should be investigated. Italian authorities share our sorrow, ' he said.

Ankara Anatolia (31.05.10) also reports that Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis met with members of the Italian Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, a committee led by Lamberto Dini, in Rome on Monday. Bagis and members of the Italian committee discussed Turkey's EU membership process.

Egemen Bagis will meet with chairman of the Italian House of Representatives Committee on EU Mario Pescante and deliver a speech at the Luiss Guido Carli University later on Monday.

[06] Bagis called on Pope to listen to the Turkish Cypriots

Predominantly Muslim Turkeys point man for European Union negotiations is gearing up today to make a sales pitch to the Holy See, a non-member that enjoys considerable influence on EU member states.

Turkish state minister and top EU negotiator Egemen Bagi will be meeting today with Dominique Francois Joseph Mamberti, the secretary for relations with states, which is equivalent to foreign minister, in the Roman Curia for the Holy See.

The meeting comes at a crucial time, when Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting Cyprus during a three-day trip starting on Friday. 'I will brief Mr. Mamberti on the current status of talks on the divided island and explain the sensitivities the Turkish government feels on some of the issues that might arise during the popes visit there, ' Bag1 told Today s Zaman on board the plane from Hannover to Rome. 'I will also seek enhanced dialogue on various matters including Turkey s EU bid, ' he added.

The Pope s visit comes just days after the newly elected leader of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Dervis Eroglu, resumed talks with Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias after a two-month break because of the presidential elections in the north. The pope is not planning on making a visit to the Turkish north during his first ever visit to the island and will be staying in the Vatican Embassy, located on the green line in Nicosia.

'We want the pope to hear the Turkish arguments on the island because we fear he might be misled on some of the issues by the Greek Cypriots,' Bagis said. Recalling Benedicts visit to Turkey in 2006, he stressed that Turkey and the Holy See have established close relations and have developed an understanding on many issues. The Turkey visit helped calm outrage by Muslims after the pope linked Islam to violence during a speech in Germany.

While both the Vatican and the Greek Cypriot government are carefully trying to avoid any controversy over sensitive religious issues between the Catholic and Orthodox communities on the island, the latter is nevertheless seeking to capitalize on high-profile support to garner political support against the Muslim Turkish north.

During his 2006 trip to the Vatican, the late Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, handed the pope an album of photographs of destroyed churches in the Turkish north and of others converted for other uses. It was reported at the time that Benedict said 'such destruction (is) incredible. ' Turkey has responded to the public relations campaign in kind by publishing a book displaying the damage and destruction of Turkish religious heritage including mosques and cemeteries in the south under Greek Cypriot rule. There is also a tiny Catholic community with three churches in the north.

Bag1s s meeting at the Vatican today follows a series of talks he had on Monday with Italian officials, including Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, European Affairs Minister Andrea Ronchi, Lamberto Dini, the president of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Italian Senate, and Mario Pescante, the president of the Italian Parliaments EU commission. He is also scheduled to meet today with Gianni Letta, secretary to the Council of Ministers, and Roberto Di Giovan Paolo, secretary-general of the Italian Parliaments EU commission.

Subtitle: Vatican supports EU bid

The Vatican is not a member of the EU but enjoys a special relationship with the union and exerts considerable influence on its members, especially the ones with predominantly Catholic populations. Turkey is happy with the Vaticans support for Ankaras bid to join the EU, and part of the reason Bag1s is making the visit is to shore up support for the stalled negotiations with Brussels.

The pope s visit to Turkey in 2006 marked a dramatic departure from the previous position, where the Vatican opposed EU membership for Turkey, to the support expressed by Benedict XVI during talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prior to his selection as Pope Benedict XVI, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger expressed concerns over the prospect, suggesting that, historically, Turkey has never been a part of Europe, which, of course, angered Turks.

The change of heart in the Vatican scored political points for the Holy See in Turkey as a papal spokesman said the pope 'viewed positively and encouraged' the process of Turkish entry into the EU 'on the basis of common values and principles'.

[07] Newly appointed member of the House of Lords says she would continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community internationally

In statements during a party given to her honour at the self-styled representation of the breakaway regime in London, Baroness Ece noted that Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister, told her that he would appoint her candidate for the House of Lords and he kept his word. She said her appointment to the House of Lords was a great honour for her and the Turkish speaking community. She added: For 20 years now, I am struggling with other friends for the recognition of our community. This appointment is a result of the efforts we are exerting. I will continue to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community at the House of Lords and in the international platform

Nazim Cavusoglu, self-styled minister of education, youth and sports of the breakaway regime has also participated in the event. In his statements, Mr Cavusoglu congratulated Baroness Ece for her appointment and said, inter alia, the following: We hope that with the appointment of Baroness Hussein Ece in the House of Lords, acceleration will be created for the Turkish Cypriots to be freed from the embargoes and the isolations. We now have Mrs Meral behind us. I thank her on behalf of our state and we wish for her to continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots

Mr Cavusoglu offered to Baroness Ece a set of pens of the self-styled assembly of the breakaway regime wishing for her to write and sign decisions which will lift the so-called embargoes on the Turkish Cypriots.

The paper writes that Baroness Ece was given the title of OBE (Order of British Empire) in the beginning of the year by Queen Elizabeth II.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Two new mosques were built in occupied Sirianochori and Karavostasi villages

According to the paper, it is the first time that a mosque is built in Sirianochori since until now the church of the village was used as a mosque. As regards Karavostasi, the villages school was used as a mosque. The old building was demolished and a new mosque was built in its place.

(CS)

[09] Groups from foreign countries are participating in the occupied Lapithos tourism festival

(ML)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] From the Turkish Press of 31 May 2010

a) Turkish US relations

Omer Taspinar argues that President Obama is failing both in domestic and in foreign policy, so the Iran issue is of crucial importance for him. In an article in Sabah, the columnist points out that Turkey and Brazil undermined the political legitimacy of the sanctions the Obama administration hoped the UN Security Council would impose on Iran. "At the moment, there is significant anger against Turkey in Washington," Taspinar observes, predicting that if Turkey votes against the sanctions at the UNSC, an even more difficult period awaits Turkish-US relations.

Turkey's defense strategy is being affected by recent developments, says Semih Idiz in Milliyet, referring to the outcome of the New York talks on the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, NPT. The world countries want Israel to sign the NPT and to open its nuclear facilities to inspection, Idiz points out, adding that the signing of the declaration by the United States "shocked" Israel. The columnist argues that even though the United States signed the declaration it is of two minds about what Israel needs to do, and this makes the US Administration seem "an insincere super power" in the eyes of the world. Israel's "atrocity" in Gaza was a "strategic mistake," Idiz contends, adding: "The recent developments are bound to force certain changes of paradigm in Turkey's medium-term and long-term defense strategies, given the fact that Turkey is now a party to the major conflict between Iran and United States and Israel. I hope that our civilian and military defense planners are seeing this and drawing the necessary conclusions, because the direction Turkey has chosen regarding this issue points to concrete developments that cannot be left to drift uncontrolled, developments that are beyond the academic and the theoretic."

In an article entitled "US Faces Sincerity Test", Yeni Safak's Washington correspondent Ali Akel argues that US President Barack Obama's 20 April letter to Brazilian President Lula de Silva "encouraging" Brazil and Turkey's efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear program and "praising" a possible formula for Iran's shipment of some 1,200 kilos of low-enriched uranium abroad means that there is no legitimate basis for Washington's "wholesale rejection" of the nuclear swap deal signed by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil. Akel also warns that unless Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton find an "intermediary formula" to solve the latest disagreement over the Tehran deal, "a troubled if not crisis-ridden period in Turkish-US relations" will be inevitable.

In an article entitled "Difficult Days Ahead", Today's Zaman columnist Omer Taspinar warns that Turkish-American relations are "rapidly reaching a new low point, potentially lower than the March 1, 2003 debacle, when Turkey denied American troops access to Iraq" as a result of the "official" perception in the United States that Ankara has "decided to undermine Washington's efforts at building an international consensus for sanctions against Tehran" and that in signing the Tehran deal, the Turkish government "picked a fight with Washington on one of the most critical issues that will define the success or failure of President Obama's foreign policy."

b) Poll on CHP's Popularity with Kilicdaroglu

According to a banner headline in Cumhuriyet, Kilicdaroglu, the new leader of the Republican People's Party, CHP, "broke the prejudices." The report informs us that of the people interviewed in a Metropoll survey on 27-28 May, 69 percent say that Kilicdaroglu's leadership will increase the vote of the CHP. Of those who never voted for the CHP until today, 22.9 percent say they will do so now, because of the party's new leader.

In an article entitled "The Answer to All of Your Questions", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru, writing under the pseudonym Taha Kivanc, comments on the results of a MetroPoll survey suggesting that a general election held today would see the ruling AKP obtain some 37,3 percent of the vote, followed by the main opposition Republican People's Party, CHP, with 30,1 percent, the Nationalist Action Party, MHP, with 10,3 percent, the Peace and Democracy Party, BDP, with 3,9 percent, and the Turkey Democracy Movement, TDH, led by Mustafa Sarigul with 3,5 percent. Based on answers in the survey to questions about Kemal Kilicdaroglu's election as the CHP's new leader, Koru claims that the change of leadership appears to have boosted the CHP's popularity perceptibly. He also predicts that the results signal a coalition government following the next elections.

/EI

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