Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-06-25

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu says he is looking for an agreement which will register the rights of the Turkish Cypriots

[02] Ozgurgun alleges that the interests of the foreign states lie under the non-solution in Cyprus

[03] The crisis in the illegal KTHY has not ended; The negotiations with Atlas Jet have reportedly entered into a deadlock

[04] Turkish Cypriot daily refers to a lack of enthusiasm for the municipality elections of June 27; Developments on the Turkish Cypriot airlines overshadow the elections

[05] The Opinion Society issued a manifesto noting that the state in occupied Cyprus went bankrupt

[06] The necropolis in occupied Lampusa was turned into a trash dump

[07] Turkey expects to open its 12th chapter before the end of Spains EU presidency

[08] Turkeys National Security Council convenes over escalating tension in Turkey

[09] Turkish Parliament extends Turkish troops mandate in UNIFIL

[10] Middle Eastern and Neighbouring Countries Fair kicks off in Turkey

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 24 June 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu says he is looking for an agreement which will register the rights of the Turkish Cypriots

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of the TMT Association, Mr Eroglu said that an agreement, which will not be adopted by the people, will be rejected in a referendum and that they are exerting efforts for reaching an acceptable agreement in order to prevent this from happening.

Mr Eroglu reiterated the allegation that Turkey and the UN Secretary-General want an agreement until the end of the year and added that that they will see at the negotiating table whether or not this could happen.

On his part, the chairman of the association, Yilmaz Bora said they will support Mr Eroglu as long as he defends the state of the TRNC and expressed his support to Mr Eroglu for the negotiations.

Mr Eroglu thanked Mr Bora for his support and noted that they held three meetings with President Christofias until now and they discussed the property issue. He alleged that the Cyprus problem was not created in 1974, as the Greek Cypriots claim, and added that Turkey would not have invaded the island if the Greek junta had not made a coup. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriots acquired their freedom with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and continued to exist by establishing the TRNC, the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the island. He noted that 1974 and 2004 belong to the past and that 36 years passed since 1974. We must look for an agreement by taking these into consideration. And from time to time, I put this onto the negotiating table, he said.

Mr Eroglu alleged that the TRNC is a sovereign state and that it proves this with its actions and added that the Turkish Cypriots do not want any kind of agreement, but an acceptable agreement.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun alleges that the interests of the foreign states lie under the non-solution in Cyprus

In statements to Cihan news agency, Mr Ozgurgun expressed the view that sanctions should be imposed on the Greek Cypriot side in order for an agreement to be reached between the sides in Cyprus. Mr Ozgurgun noted that the foreign states have interests in Cyprus and alleged that they do not impose sanctions on the Greek Cypriots, because they are afraid of harming their own interests.

Mr Ozgurgun claimed that the Greek Cypriots are taking advantage of the fact that they are recognized internationally and added that an agreement is not possible in this situation in which the Greek Cypriots continuously expect concessions to be given by the Turkish side as if the latter was obliged to reach an agreement.

Noting that Turkey made very big openings in its foreign policy, Mr Ozgurgun said that the Cyprus problem could not be solved with Turkeys lobbying activities.

He alleged that the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side could be understood by the fact that the Greek Cypriots rejected the proposal made by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu who, addressing to the Greek Cypriot side, said: You open three ports in the TRNC and we will open all of our ports.

Mr Ozgurgun went on and said: This stance of the Greek Cypriots should be understood now. Such proposals are made in order for showing [this stance] to the world, but their trace passes away quickly. He noted that the foreigners tell the Turkish side that you have to agree and alleged that all the things wanted from it are in favour of the Greek Cypriots. He gave as example for this, the opening of the crossing point in occupied Limnitis-Pyrgos area, which he said, benefits the Greeks and does not have the slightest benefit for the Turks.

Mr Ozgurgun alleged that another reason for the fact that the Greek Cypriots reject all the proposals is the fact that they feel that the Turks are obliged to make an agreement with them. Another reason for this, he claimed, is the fact that we feel that we are obliged to make an agreement. He added: If you are obliged to make an agreement, you cannot negotiate. Those who are obliged to make an agreement are forced to give everything away.

Mr Ozgurgun alleged that even the UN can do nothing when the Greek Cypriots reject all the proposals which are submitted and added that the UN could not defend its own position after the rejection of the Annan Plan. Noting that some states in the world are trying to satisfy the Greek Cypriots for the sake of their own interests, Mr Ozgurgun alleged:

Even the UN started not being able to defend its own plan. You should speak to the Greek Cypriots with the language they understand, because even the UN could not defend that regime. Britain is saying: I have two bases, do not touch them and do whatever you want. It does not speak against the Greek Cypriots. It cannot not say to them: You said no to the Annan Plan and I am lifting the visa for the Turkish Cypriots. It cannot impose sanctions on the Greek Cypriots.

Mr Ozgurgun claimed that the only concern of the foreign states is to satisfy the Greek Cypriots and added: An agreement which satisfies the Greek Cypriots will seriously be the end of the Turkish existence. The Greek Cypriots should be told that the Turks have equal rights, that they have the right of sharing. Thus, the Greek Cypriots could agree. An agreement could be reached by sitting at the table in equal conditions and telling them you are equal on Cyprus.

He claimed that the Greek Cypriots had never the will to reach an agreement and they are using the advantages of the fact that they are internationally recognized. The Greek Cypriots never accept the Turks as partners in Cyprus. They never want to share the administration, he alleged and added that agreement could be reached if the Turks tell the Greek Cypriots that they give them the whole of Cyprus. He concluded: If they do not ask something else from the Turks after two days, I will change my name. If the Turks do not leave this place and go away, this issue will not be solved. They [the Greek Cypriots] should be approached with the language they understand. They should be told that the Turks are the half owner of Cyprus, that they also have rights. If you accept it, fine, if you do not accept this, no negotiations could be held from now on. You should be a little bit tough, only in this manner an agreement could be reached.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The crisis in the illegal KTHY has not ended; The negotiations with Atlas Jet have reportedly entered into a deadlock

Under the title Deadlock, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (25.06.10) reports that the crisis in the KTHY has not ended and that the negotiations with Atlas Jet entered into a deadlock again last night. Noting that the partnership agreement was not signed last night, the paper cites statements by officials of Atlas Jet Airlines, who said that this business cannot happen in these conditions. The self-styled minister of transport, Ersan Saner stated, however, that the negotiations will continue today.

The paper writes that the statement by Mr Saner that the sharing of the profits will be 50%-50% and that 50.01% of the shares will belong to Atlas Jet, was not enough for reaching an agreement. According to the paper, the reason for the crisis is the airplanes of the KTHY and the new financial situation which came up after the demand for carrying free of charge the passengers who had bought tickets before the crisis in the KTHY. The fact that the number of these tickets reaches 80 thousands caused a new deadlock, writes the paper.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.06.10) reports that Atlas Jet has asked 244.400 US dollars from the breakaway regime for carrying out three flights from the illegal Tymvou airport to Stansted Manchester and Istanbul airports.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.06.10) reports that the issue of the KTHY does not fall off the agenda of the occupied areas of Cyprus. Under the title It has been turned into chaos, the paper writes that the crisis is further deepening. Hava-Sen trade union, the organization of the employees in the KTHY, has filed an application to the High Administrative Court for an interim order which would prevent the signing of an agreement between Atlas Jet and the KTHY. The court rejected the demand noting that the employees are not harmed from the agreement. The paper reports that the flights to Manchester and Stansted, which according to the self-styled minister of transport, would be carried out yesterday, did not take place.

Under the title General uprising against the privatization, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (25.06.10) reports that the trade unions are going on attack after the KTHY was given away as present to Atlas Jet. The paper writes that the protest rallies are shadowing the elections which will be held on Sunday, 27 June.

Thirty-four trade unions, including three federations, will organize an activity today in front of the assembly. The protestors will hand over a letter to the so-called embassy of Turkey to the occupied part Lefkosia in order to be conveyed to Prime Minister Erdogan. Later, the protest will continue in front of the self-styled ministries of finance and energy and the headquarters of the National Unity Party (UBP) in occupied Lefkosia.

According to the paper, the joint statement of the trade unions notes that with the instructions of Ankara, the institutions belonging to the Turkish Cypriots are given away as present to owners of capital from Turkey.

The only trade union which has not signed this joint statement and is not participating in this protest is Kamu-Sen, writes Afrika.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (25.06.10) reports that rumours which were occupying the political backstage as of last night were saying that Ersin Tatar, self-styled minister of finance, would resign because he disagrees with the decision regarding the partnership agreement between Atlas Jet and KTHY. The paper writes that Mr Tatar was in favour of a partnership with Pegasus Airlines. The ministry, however, issued a statement yesterday noting that Mr Tatar will not resign.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (25.06.10) reveals a conversation between an official of Hava-Sen trade union and Murat Ersoy, chairman of the administrative council of Atlas Jet. Under the title Scandalous tape recording, the paper writes that the above-mentioned conversation was tape-recorded and reveals the backstage of giving the KTHY away to Atlas Jet as present. According to the paper, the trade union official told Mr Ersoy that they would carry out shocking activities in order for the company not to be given to Pegasus. When the official asked Mr Ersoy whether Atlas Jet had the support of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the latter said: We are also pressing through the AK Party. We must definitely prevent it. The editor-in-chief of Havadis, Basaran Duzgun calls on the AK Party government to clarify the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot daily refers to a lack of enthusiasm for the municipality elections of June 27; Developments on the Turkish Cypriot airlines overshadow the elections

We will elect one MP, 28 mayors, 268 members of municipal councils, 57 head of village (muhtar) and members of village councils but we are not excited about it, writes the paper which goes on and reports that the reason for this lack of enthusiasm is the fact that this election is the third to be held in the occupied areas within a year, following the parliamentary elections and the presidential elections. The paper writes the following: (In these elections) there is only work from the parties; it is not possible to come across to colourful images like in the past.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (25.06.10) reports that the developments as regards the Turkish Cypriot airlines and the protests on this issue overshadow the "election" race and the rallies of the parties.

(CS)

[05] The Opinion Society issued a manifesto noting that the state in occupied Cyprus went bankrupt

The Opinion Society also says that the "state" went bankrupt and the system has failed and that steps must be taken so that a new constitution and a new constitutional assembly are established.

(CS)

[06] The necropolis in occupied Lampusa was turned into a trash dump

The paper notes that empty coca cola tins and beer bottles, plastic bags and old household assets are among the trash at the necropolis which is dated since 3000 BC.

(CS)

[07] Turkey expects to open its 12th chapter before the end of Spains EU presidency

A senior official from Turkeys Secretariat General for European Union Affairs has said that they expect to open the EU chapter on food safety and veterinary standards, before Spains EU term presidency concludes at the end of June.

We expect to open our 12th chapter, on food safety, veterinary safety and phytosanitation, at the June 30 intergovernmental conference in Brussels, said Ambassador Haluk Ilicak, acting secretary-general for EU affairs.

Turkey has completed all technical criteria and Parliament has passed all necessary laws. We dont expect any opposition to the opening of this chapter, he told Todays Zaman following his address at the opening of the Is It Possible to Live Together? conference, organized by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) in Istanbul yesterday.

Ilicak also pointed out the difficulties related to the opening of new chapters between Turkey and EU since Turkey started accession negotiations with the European bloc in 2005. In that regard, he said that out of 35 chapters, 33 of them are technical. Out of those, 17 are blocked. So we are left with four chapters that can be opened as studies have been already carried out on the opening benchmarks, he said. Those chapters are food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary standards, public procurement, competition policy and social policy and employment.

There are nine chapters pending at the European Council, and eight chapters are suspended in negotiations due to political reasons. Ilicak said five chapters have been blocked by France, and six more are blocked by Greek Cyprus, which is an EU member. Spain is one of the strongest supporters of Turkeys membership in the EU, but no negotiating chapters have been opened thus far during the Spanish presidency, due to the fact that there are only a few chapters --all of which require extensive work to be opened-- that are not blocked for one reason or another. Speaking at a parliamentary session reviewing the Spanish presidency on Wednesday, Spains Prime Minister Jose Luiz Rodriguez Zapatero reiterated his governments support for Turkish accession and said talks could begin on one more chapter despite uncertainty surrounding the accession negotiations.

Ilicak said that the EU states are 'slowly' starting to realize that an EU without Turkey would be 'deficient. 'We have started to see more articles in the EU states regarding our countys economic and strategic power, he said and added that Turkey will continue on the path of reform despite the formidable odds presented by the EU."

[08] Turkeys National Security Council convenes over escalating tension in Turkey

"The National Security Council (MGK) which convened on Thursday in Istanbul under the chairmanship of Turkish President Abdullah Gul in order to discuss the latest developments concerning Turkey's security, reiterated the country's will and determination to carry on with its fight against terrorism. 'The meeting confirmed the certain belief that hateful attacks of the terrorist organization and its supporters, which target Turkey's unity and integrity, will never achieve their goals thanks to the determination of our state and nation, said a statement released after the council gathering. 'It also reiterated the will to continue with the fight against terrorism until this threat is totally eliminated, the statement said.

The statement noted that the National Security Council during today's meeting discussed the effective measures aiming at eliminating the conditions that were exploited by terrorism, as well as security, diplomatic, economic, social and psychological aspects of the fight against terrorism. 'Our nation's ongoing confidence in the state and its patience, calmness and common sense despite all provocations, moreover, media's role and responsibility in informing people were also underscored during the council meeting, the statement added. The meeting also emphasized the importance of international cooperation for an effective fight against terrorism, calling on Turkey's neighbours and allies to collaborate on such matter, the statement noted."

[09] Turkish Parliament extends Turkish troops mandate in UNIFIL

"The Turkish Parliament on Thursday approved a proposal by the Prime Ministry to extend, for the fourth time, the mandate of Turkish troops operating under the banner of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one year, starting September 5. The scope, shape and number of Turkish troops will be decided by the Turkish government next year. The United Nations Security Council is expected to extend the UNIFIL mandate by August, but if the UN Security Council fails to extend the mandate, Parliaments approval will be void.

Speaking prior to the vote in Parliament, State Minister Egemen Bagis said many countries have troops in Lebanon as part of UNIFIL and that Turkey, which has been engaged in a number of mediation efforts in the region, cannot simply ignore Lebanon. Noting that Lebanon has an important position regarding stability in the region and that it is a model for the Middle East, Bagis said it is Turkeys international responsibility to shore up efforts in building security and stability in the region. Parliament first agreed to send troops to the war-torn country in 2006 and has extended its mandate for a year every summer since.

In an attempt to urge deputies to approve the motion, which would authorize the government to extend the mandate, Bagis said Turkey, which has strong ties with the Middle East, is negatively affected by problems in its region and that Turkey is giving priority to solving problems through dialogue as well as aiming to resolve conflicts through solidarity. He added that no group is unhappy with the presence of Turkish troops in Lebanon. Parliament previously authorized the government on May 29, 2007, July 8, 2008 and June 23, 2009 to extend the mandate of Turkish troops operating under UNIFIL.

Speaking during the discussions, Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Bursa deputy Onur Oymen said more than 19,000 people have died during conflicts in Lebanon since 1948 and that tension in the region has not ebbed, but has even increased. Oymen alleged that UNIFIL is unable to prevent any type of attack in the country. The CHP deputy also added that there are 495 Turkish troops serving in the country and that they are stationed in the most dangerous areas. Oymen called on Turkish authorities to find out why countries that contribute less troops than it to UNIFIL have been given command of UNIFIL while it has yet to take on this responsibility."

[10] Middle Eastern and Neighbouring Countries Fair kicks off in Turkey

"The Middle Eastern and Neighbouring Countries Fair kicked off yesterday in Gaziantep with the aim of further boosting cooperation and developing commercial ties in the region. The fair, which runs through Sunday, was attended by Turkish Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Industry and Trade Sinan Celebi and Iraqs Deputy Minister of the National Investment Commission Salar M. Ameen, along with representatives from hundreds of firms from Turkey, Syria, China, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Italy and Brazil.

The ministers, speaking at the opening of the fair, called on participants to further economic cooperation, saying it would eventually increase prosperity in the region.

Caglayan said Turkey is eager to increase its trade with neighbouring countries in the region. 'We are hoping to reach $1 trillion in foreign trade by 2023. Lets do this together, he said. Stating that Turkeys share of the trade with 57 Islamic countries, amounts to only 15 percent of overall trade, the minister called on participants to raise this figure to around 40 to 50 percent. 'Let us make use of our mutual advantages and improve trade. Let us carry out joint operations in third countries. This is what this fair is for, he said. Stressing that the fair is supposed to contribute to trade, he drew attention to the fact that the participants of the fair are not only from countries in Turkeys surrounding region, but also from countries such as China, Romania, Italy and Brazil. On Wednesday alone, a program organized for procurement officials of participant firms saw the value of agreements reach an amount of $11 million, Caglayan said, continuing to call on fair participants to boost trade. The program for procurement was attended by 91 Turkish companies, 146 Iraqi firms and a total of 237 entities from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran.

Simsek, also speaking at the event, said that with a predominantly young population and huge economic potential, Turkey and its neighbouring countries may achieve greater prosperity. 'We all have what is necessary for greater prosperity, more investment and trade. The minister called on Middle Eastern countries to unite and realize their potential.

The fair, previously known as 'The International Iraq Fair', was jointly organized by the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM), the Iraqi Trade Ministry, the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Small and Medium Industry Development Organization (KOSGEB) and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM)."

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 24 June 2010

a) PKK attacks-Kurdish overture:

Noting that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its supporters believe that the PKK is targeting them, Vatan's Rusen Cakir disagrees with this belief. Cakir maintains that incorrect strategies in AKP's fight against the PKK are based on such erroneous approaches. On the contrary, he adds, it is the government's PKK policy that shapes Ocalan and PKK's strategies regarding the government. Warning that the belief that the PKK is only against the AKP can lead to grave consequences, Cakir faults Prime Minister Erdogan for accusing the opposition parties serving the interests of the PKK instead of calling on all parties to act together against terrorist attacks. In addition, his erroneous behaviour obviously overshadows Gul's efforts as well, asserts Cakir. He concludes that the AKP, despite the difficulties, should make efforts toward finding a way out of the recent crisis together with the parties represented in the parliament.

In an article in Milliyet, Asli Aydintasbas draws attention to the increasingly violent language that people use in reaction to the recent violent events. Pointing out that the Kurdish issue cannot be solved with more violence and military measures, Aydintasbas maintains that despite its flaws, the government's Kurdish overture was a correct step toward solving the Kurdish issue. Today, the "overture" is the only way to solve the PKK and the Kurdish issue, opines Aydintasbas and concludes that Turkey has to take steps to recognize the Kurdish identity, give the Kurds their cultural rights, and push the armed terrorist movement toward the political arena.

Under the headline, "Terror pleases Ergenekon most," Yeni Safak publishes a front-page report which highlights statements by a number of "experts" on the latest PKK attacks, the "Kurdish issue," possible "ways of solution," the Government's "democratic overture," etc. The report quotes Orhan Miroglu as saying that the PKK's acts of violence in urban centres could lead to disastrous consequences by touching off a Turkish-Kurdish conflict.

In an article entitled "Joint action against terrorism is essential" columnist Yasin Dogan criticizes the way "we are panicking" in response to the PKK's latest strikes "as though we had never witnessed such incidents before." He warns that the surge in PKK terrorism is intended to elicit precisely the sort of sentiments that the public and certain political parties are showing, namely fear, alarm, and despair, putting the terrorist organization in a position where it could take advantage of the resulting chaos to "take the country hostage." He also accuses the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) of meeting the PKK's expectations and exploiting the attacks for political purposes in proposing the reinstatement of emergency rule in the southeast.

In an article entitled "It is blasphemy to emphasize your ethnicity" Vakit columnist Serdar Arseven expresses support for a campaign by the Association of Graduates of Imam-Hatip Schools (ONDER) to solve the southeast problem by creating a shared sense of membership in a Muslim society and getting across the message to the public that emphasizing ethnic identities only serves to promote racism.

In an article entitled "Kilicdaroglu, Baykal, Ergenekon, and PKK" Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak asserts that the main opposition CHP and the MHP are responding to the latest terrorist assaults in a way that is furthering the PKK's efforts to obstruct the democratic overture and prevent the recently passed constitutional amendment package from being put to referendum in September. He claims that the Government could use the findings of a number of recent criminal investigations as an "opportunity" to "finish off the CHP, MHP, and BDP (Peace and Democracy Party)" by disclosing these parties' links with the "deep state" even as it reveals the identity of the international "puppeteers" that are manipulating the PKK.

In an article entitled "What is expected of the government is to launch a peace and democracy offensive", Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay describes the "Kurdish issue" as a problem caused by the "denial of the Kurdish identity" and the cultural "assimilation" of the Kurdish people. He argues that the way to solve this problem would be to allow the Kurds to enjoy administrative autonomy in the southeast and draw up a new constitution where the Turkish Republic was renamed the "State of Turkey."

In an article entitled "Negotiating partner, talks, and representation" Zaman columnist Mumtazer Turkone warns against calls for the recognition of the PKK or its leader Abdullah Ocalan as a "negotiating partner" in an undertaking to solve the "Kurdish issue." He argues that treating the PKK as a negotiating partner would be tantamount to recognizing it as a legitimate entity and that if Ankara walks into this "cunning trap," it will see terrorism increase rather than decrease.

Under the headline, "Not even birds will cross the border," Bugun carries a front-page report which asserts that the Erdogan government has taken steps to speed up a project to replace recruits serving in border areas in the southeast with professional troops and make it possible for all border regions to be monitored "even from Ankara" with the help of thermal imaging cameras.

b) Election survey:

According to a report in Cumhuriyet, the results of an election survey conducted by the SONAR polling company show that the CHP is catching up with the AKP. The report adds that the survey shows the AKP will receive 29.77 percent of the votes, the CHP 26.97 percent, the Nationalist Action Party, MHP, 13.7 percent, and the Peace and Democracy Party, BDP 5.5 percent if elections are to be held today.

/AC

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