Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-07-20

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu: A solution is not possible by ignoring the realities created by the Turkish invasion

[02] Eroglu claims that the restraint of the return of property is an inevitable necessity

[03] Cicek: Two separate states and two equal peoples are the parameters of the solution in Cyprus

[04] Erdogans message to Eroglu on the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion5. Eroglu meets Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cicek

[05] Eroglu meets Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cicek

[06] Foreign delegations contacts

[07] Turkey and the breakaway regime sign water transportation agreement

[08] Eroglu honoured for his resolute stance in defence of the Turkish Cypriot state

[09] Turkish Cypriot Trade Unions react to Ciceks visit

[10] Illegal Bayrak is the most popular television channel in occupied Cyprus

[11] Greek Cypriots insist upon Famagusta

[12] New Turkish ambassador in the TRNC

[13] The competition chapter in Turkeys accession talks with EU is expected to open this year

[14] Turkish Foreign Minister meets Syrian President and Lebanese Prime Minister in Damascus

[15] Istanbul High Criminal Court accepts the Sledgehammer indictment

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[16] Greek Cypriots really lose Cyprus after 35 years

[17] From the Turkish Press of 19 July 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu: A solution is not possible by ignoring the realities created by the Turkish invasion

Eroglu expressed the view that it is not possible to reach a lasting agreement without seeing the existing clear realities in Cyprus, and added, inter alia, the following:

() After 20 July 1974, there has been a new geography and two separate states, two separate peoples, two separate republics and two separate sides within this geography. An agreement reached in Cyprus should be based on these realities and should include our sovereign equality and full and effective guarantees of motherland Turkey. Since I became the President, I have been stressing that if there is a will, we shall reach a permanent agreement by the end of 2010. All contacts and proposals I have made are directed towards this aim ()

Eroglu said that during the celebrations of the invasion today he will give some information regarding the negotiating process and convey messages to all parties concerned using the power he takes from the people.

He expressed the belief that Turkeys and the Turkish Cypriots place is in the EU and added that efforts are being exerting towards this direction. He said that they want nothing that would be against their neighbours, but they do not intend to return to the period before 1974. Eroglu noted that they suggested to their neighbours to make an agreement as a virtuous people who established their state.

He added: () No one, however, should see us as a helpless people who have to accept what the Greek side is imposing on us. As it has been expressed by the National Security Council, motherland Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side cannot remain the victim of non-solution forever.

Our Greek neighbours could not even stand the participation of the world famous pop music singer Jennifer Lopez in the opening ceremony of a hotel in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Is this attitude acceptable? We believe that the EU and some other states involved in the Cyprus problem have an important effect on the continuation of this stance by the Greek side (...)

Eroglu said that it is difficult for the Greek Cypriot side to agree to a just sharing of power with the Turkish Cypriot side as long as it is treated as the so-called Republic of Cyprus. Noting that the international community should fulfil its responsibility regarding this issue, he added: In other words, peace and agreement depend on the attitude of the world and the Greek side, more than us.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu claims that the restraint of the return of property is an inevitable necessity

He said, inter alia, the following:

Our main principle on this chapter is bi-zonality, which has been turned into a UN parameter now. In the light of this principle, we support that a just balance should be established between the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots who compete on the issue of immovable properties. In order for this balance to be just, we should bear in mind that at least 36 years passed since the loss of these immovable properties, that two separate social and economic lives independent from each other have been established in both sides of the island and that spoiling this established balance could seriously threaten the viability of the solution which will be found.

When these matters are taken into consideration, the way to create a predictable property regime passes through the restraint of personal preferences on the basis of objective criteria. If you leave to the individuals the right to decide on the future of the property, you will create a chaos in the property regime of the country. These uncertainties and chaos is the last thing needed after a solution in Cyprus. Therefore, the restraint on the return of property is an inevitable necessity. Otherwise, the main principle that each community will administer a constituent state will lose its meaning in practice.

Eroglu reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side tries to relate the chapter of the properties with other issues and noted that they told the Greek Cypriot side was told that this is not a correct approach. He alleged that the Greek Cypriot side made public this approach and tried to give the impression that it has submitted a new proposal. The negotiations are held at the negotiating table, he said directing his words to President Christofias.

Eroglu described the Greek Cypriot proposal regarding the occupied closed city of Varosha as unacceptable and said that some elements of the Cyprus problem could not be isolated from the negotiations for a comprehensive solution and from other elements and be discussed in a manner which is in favour of only one of the peoples.

He said that the Cyprus problem is being discussed for more than 40 years and that the arguments and counter arguments of the sides have been exhausted. Therefore, he added, the settlement of the problem needs political will and leadership.

Indicating that elections which will be held in the Republic of Cyprus next year, Eroglu said that if negotiations are extended beyond the end of this year, the possibility of reaching an agreement will cease to exist and the issue will be shelved for a very long period of time at least. Noting that there is a natural time-frame until the end of the year, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots live happily under the roof created by the Peace Operation, as he described the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and under Turkeys guarantees. Let them hurry up. If a solution is not reached by the end of the year, we will understand then what will happen, he said.

Eroglu reiterated that Turkeys active and effective guarantees will continue to be a red line for the Turkish Cypriots and claimed that the military presence of Turkey on the island is necessary and inevitable not only for the security of the Turkish Cypriots, but for the peace and tranquillity on the island.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cicek: Two separate states and two equal peoples are the parameters of the solution in Cyprus

Cicek added that the TRNC with all its institutions is an example of democracy and a democratic gain for the whole region. He claimed that the TRNC, with the support of Turkey, has done everything in its share for a solution in Cyprus.

He, inter alia, added: The solution of the Cyprus problem is not a target which cannot be achieved. This issue is on the agenda of the UN for over half a century. During this period, the parameters of the solution have surfaced and have been established. If a permanent and just peace is to be found on the island, these parameters should exist. There are two equal peoples in this geographic area, there are two separate states, there are two separate republics. We have the necessary political will for the solution. The TRNC also has this will. However, the Greek Cypriot side has not.

Referring to Turkeys EU accession course and its relation to the Cyprus problem, he claimed that Turkey has always kept its promises. Addressing all those who in spite of Turkeys efforts present the Cyprus problem as a precondition to Ankara, Cicek said: If they say to Turkey you will either choose the EU or Cyprus, if they want to put us into such a triangle, Turkeys preference is and will always be Cyprus. Cicek noted that this was the preference of all the Turkish governments.

He said that Turkey wants permanent peace and that it wants this to be achieved soon. He added that the issue should to be concluded by the end of this year. Cicek also claimed the following: () This is not a process which will last forever. Therefore, if the Greek Cypriot side and those who support it do not bring this issue to a solution, everyone will continue their own way, because this is not an issue which could continue forever. The Greek Cypriot side should realize now that it has come to the end of the road and should decide to do its duty and take the necessary steps for a just and lasting solution ()

(I/Ts.)

[04] Erdogans message to Eroglu on the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion Illegal Bayrak (BRT) television (19.07.10) reported on its website on the message sent by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the 20 July Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

The report added:

Describing the peace operation in 1974 as a turning point in the Turkish Cypriot peoples struggle for freedom, Erdogan said that 20 July was a day when the freedom and the future of the Turkish Cypriot people, who proved their devotion to peace at every opportunity and stood strong against all kinds of pressure, were guaranteed.

He stressed that as a motherland and guarantor, Turkey supports the ongoing negotiations and Turkish Cypriot leader Erolgus efforts towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. He reiterated that Turkey shares Eroglus view that the negotiations process should reach a conclusion by the end of the year.

[05] Eroglu meets Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cicek

The report said that the two men expressed the hope that an agreement is reached by the end of 2010 and that this would be irreversible. Our wish is to reach a solution in Cyprus by the end of 2010. If this does not happen, it would not be end of the world. It is not right to leave a conflict in abeyance forever, Cicek said.

The negotiations in Cyprus have come to an important phase. We hope for a peaceful solution which will be irreversible. Turkey follows with appreciation and extends support to your efforts, Cicek underlined. The Cyprus problem is one of the oldest conflicts in the world and there must be a result. We share the notion that a solution safeguarding the legal rights and equality of the people of the TRNC would contribute to the stability of the region. Achieving a result in Cyprus is not possible through one-sided efforts, Cicek stated.

We want permanent peace in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots must desire such a peace as much as we do. The Greek Cypriot side wants to present the view that lack of a solution in Cyprus is due to the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey. The Greek Cypriots are delaying a solution, Cicek said. Nevertheless, we will continue together the negotiations with a constructive attitude. We will continue to extend support to you, he added.

For his part, Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu said that he continued the negotiations in Cyprus with all the good will. Yet, a solution in Cyprus cannot be reached with my efforts alone. The Greek Cypriot side must have the will for compromise. The Greek Cypriots must accept the fact that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to live on the island as much as the Greek Cypriots have, Eroglu stressed.

Turkey's support to the negotiation process is highly important, President Eroglu said. We have told the Greek Cypriots that their interlocutor was the TRNC when the Greek Cypriots tried to accuse Turkey at the negotiation table, Eroglu underlined. The negotiations in Cyprus will continue and we will try to reach a result by the end of 2010, Eroglu said.

On the same issue, Illegal Bayrak television (19.07.10) reported on its website that Cemil Cicek also visited the self-styled parliament speaker Hasan Bozer and the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk.

Speaking during the visits, Cicek pointed to the strong ties between Turkey and the breakaway regime and said: All should understand that our relations are not based on interests. We have heartfelt relations. Cicek expressed the hope that an agreement would be reached in Cyprus by the end of 2010. He said that a future settlement should be fair and should be based on the political equality of the two sides, in order to prevent repetition of the bitter events of the past.

Stressing that the talks will continue in spite of difficulties, he complained that the TRNC and Turkey were made to pay the price of all negative developments in the past although they are not responsible. They cannot tolerate even a concert to be given in the country by a foreign singer while claiming that they want peace, he said, calling on the international community to review their stance towards the Greek Cypriot side, illegal BRT reported.

[06] Foreign delegations contacts

Italian Senator Pietro Paolo Amato said that he works for the Turkish Cypriots at the Italian Parliament everyday. Noting that three individual parliamentarians in one party in Italy have taken the TRNC citizenship, Amato said that they are well-informed regarding the realities in Cyprus. He also said that they are trying to lift the visa for Turkey, adding that they will try to include the north part of Cyprus in this act.

Moreover, the self-styled minister of foreign affairs, Huseyin Ozgurgun, met yesterday with delegations from Pakistan, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Italy and Iran, which are illegally visiting the occupied part of Cyprus for the celebrations of the Turkish invasion of the island. Speaking at the meeting, Ozgurgun said that 20 July 1974 was the beginning of the road to the declaration of TRNC. He added that although they face problems with recognition, they have a republic with judiciary, political parties, organizations and laws. Replying to a question, Ozgurgun said that the EU is an institution which is not trusted by the Turkish Cypriots.

Responding to a proposal by the member of the Pakistani Senate, Rehana Baloch about a representation office to be opened in the occupied areas, Ozgurgun said that he will be pleased to discuss such a project with Pakistani officials.

(DPs)

[07] Turkey and the breakaway regime sign water transportation agreement

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Eroglu said that water and electricity were two strategically important projects for TRNC adding that the TRNC would develop faster thanks to the water and electricity brought from Turkey.

For his part, Kucuk noted that the 75 million cubic meters of water to be transported from Turkey would be beneficial not only for the TRNC, but for the island as a whole.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cicek said that the water project would provide a remarkable resource for Turkish Cypriots, and to the people of the island as well, if a lasting peace could be established. Noting that relations between Turkey and TRNC were not based on economic benefits, Cicek said the two countries had fraternal ties.

The report further added that the agreement envisages transport of water via pipes from the Alakopru Dam to be constructed on the Dragon Stream in Turkeys southern Mersin province town of Anamur, up to the Gecitkoy [occupied Panagra] Dam near Girne [occupied Keryneia] in TRNC. The project, which will be completed in 4 years, will cost around 450 million USD which will be totally covered by Turkey.

[08] Eroglu honoured for his resolute stance in defence of the Turkish Cypriot state

Cicek stated that the Turkish people are not adequately informed of the greatness of the Turkish world they are living in. We need to generate their awareness and in this sense, this ceremony in the TRNC is of special importance.

For his part, the Turkish Cypriot leader said he was honoured to have received the award. He said Turkey is the only country to recognize the TRNC as an independent state, adding that the TRNC is enduring unjust embargoes. Imposing embargoes on the Turkish Cypriot people just because they have founded their own independent state is against human rights, Eroglu added.

Furthermore, Illegal Bayrak television (BRT) (19.07.10) reported on its website that the ceremony which took place in occupied Nicosia, was organized by the Foundation of Turkish World Writers and Artists (TURKSAV) and was attended by the Turkish Presidency Secretary General Mustafa Isen, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk and the Turkish ambassador to Lefkosia Sakir Fakili.

Awards were also presented to the Azerbaijani historian and politician Prof. Dr. Cemil Hesenli, Turkologist Prof. Dr. Fehim Nanotak from Bosnia Herzegovina, Kazakh Minister of National Education and Science Prof. Dr. Janseyit Tuymebayev and Turkey's Ambassador to Baku Hulusi Kilic, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, Ankaras Etimesgut Municipality, Yunus Emre Institute and Kardes Kalemler Magazine.

[09] Turkish Cypriot Trade Unions react to Ciceks visit

The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers Trade Union (KTOS), Sener Elcil, stated that the peace operation was left unfinished and that Turkey dominates the TRNC which, according to Elcil, is not independent.

The chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Public Sector Employees Union (KTAMS), Ahmet Kaptan, stated that Mr Cicek is welcomed if he arrives as a guest in Cyprus. However, he has no place in Cyprus if he has come to put pressure or to give orders, Kaptan stated.

For his part, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers Trade Union (KTOEOS) also criticized Ciceks visit and stated that the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister comes to Cyprus every year, he just participates in inauguration ceremonies and then returns to Turkey.

(CS)

[10] Illegal Bayrak is the most popular television channel in occupied Cyprus

According to the research, 99.3% of the people in occupied Cyprus watch television every day, while 76.1% listen to radio every day. Bayrak television is the most popular channel with 48.9%, followed by Genc TV with 21.5%, Kanal T with 21.3%, Kibris TV with 19.4%, Ada TV with 11.8%, Kanal Sim with 10.9% and Kibrisli TV with 7.3%.

As regards the radio channels, Bayrak is the most popular with 19.4%, followed by Radio Vatan 17.2% and Kibris FM with 14.8.

The research was conducted between June 28 and July 13, 2010, using a sample of 1211 persons.

(CS)

[11] Greek Cypriots insist upon Famagusta

The newspaper writes that the Greek Cypriot Leader has said that he will not open other chapters for discussion unless the issues of Famagusta, property, land exchange and settlers are solved. Therefore, Ankara, who does not expect any developments, wants a five-party meeting --Turkey, Britain, Greece, Greek and Turkish Cypriots-- under the UN in order to discuss the matter.

According to the newspapers diplomatic sources, the negotiations between Christofias and Eroglu have stopped on the Famagusta issue. Christofias has kept a clear stance regarding the return of Famagusta, however the Turkish side states that this cannot be discussed at the moment and asks that it is left at the end.

(IS)

[12] New Turkish ambassador in the TRNC

[13] The competition chapter in Turkeys accession talks with EU is expected to open this year

The government is expecting to accelerate Turkeys accession talks with the EU following the anticipated harmonization of legislation with the union for the opening of a competition policy chapter in October at the latest.

As stated in the founding treaties of the European Community, the EU expects that member government interventions do not distort competition policy and trade inside the union. In this regard, the European Commission monitors and assesses state aid in the union. The union demands that governments introduce regulations to establish separate organs which will manage and monitor state aid to comply with EU rules. The Turkish government has completed preparations for the establishment of a State Aid Monitoring and Supervisory Council along with a State Aid General Directorate. A bill for legislation to this end awaits Parliaments approval in October.

The chapter on competition policy has long remained one of the major barriers in Turkeys accession talks with the union. The government plans to finalize the necessary legislation before the release of EU progress report in November. A draft of the legislation was earlier sent to Parliament, which will return from recess on October 1. The harmonization of legislation on competition policy with the EU also means that Turkey complies with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments (OECD) competition policy criteria. Following enactment of the changes, the current law on competition policy will become more comprehensible than it currently is. The new legislation minimizes bureaucracy in the Competition Board while the institutions jurisdiction is redefined.

[14] Turkish Foreign Minister meets Syrian President and Lebanese Prime Minister in Damascus

As A.A. reported, Al-Asad and Davutoglu discussed Turkish-Syrian relations as well as regional developments. The Syrian President and Turkish Foreign Minister both expressed the view that an international commission should be set up to investigate the Israeli attack on Mavi Marmara ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza on May 31. Al-Asad and Davutoglu also said they should exert more efforts to lift the Israeli embargo on Gaza. The two officials underlined the importance of a compromise among Palestinians groups for settlement of the Palestinian issue, and also said a government in Iraq should include all segments of society. Al-Asad and Davutoglu also took up Middle Eastern peace process.

According to A.A, Davutoglu also had a meeting with the Lebanese Prime Minister. The meeting was followed by a trilateral meeting with al-Asad and al-Hariri. The quartet cooperation agreement signed among Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in Istanbul was discussed. Al-Hariri and Davutoglu agreed to prioritize transportation and energy industries, while all three expressed the view that obstacles in the cooperation of the four countries should be lifted and they should also cooperate with in other countries.

In addition, Davutoglu met former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad al-Allawi at Turkey's Embassy in Damascus. Al-Allawi briefed Davutoglu on efforts to form a government in Iraq.

[15] Istanbul High Criminal Court accepts the Sledgehammer indictment

According to the paper, among the 196 indicted are retired Gen. Cetin Dogan, the former head of the 1st Army, as its prime suspect. Sledgehammer is a suspected coup plot created in 2003 at a military gathering. According to the plan, the military was to systematically foment chaos in society through violent acts, among which were planned bomb attacks on the Fatih and Beyazit mosques in Istanbul. The plot allegedly sought to undermine the government to lay the groundwork for a military takeover. The indictment was prepared by prosecutors Mehmet Ergul, Suleyman Pehlivan, Ali Haydar and Murat Yonder.

The document names former Land Forces Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman, former Air Forces Commander Gen. Ibrahim Firtina and former Naval Forces Commander Adm. Ozden Ornek, all of whom retired in 2004, as suspects. Col. Dursun Cicek, who is believed to have drafted another coup plot, will also be tried in the Sledgehammer case. Among other Balyoz (Sledgehammer) suspects are generals and admirals on active duty, including Gen. Nejat Bek, Vice Adm. Mehmet Otuzbiroglu, Maj. Gen. Ahmet Yavuz, Maj. Gen. Gurbuz Kaya and Rear Adm. Caner Bener. The list of suspects does not include any civilians.

The suspects are accused of a failed attempt to dissolve Parliament and overthrow the government. Such a charge calls for a jail sentence of up to 20 years.

As the paper reports, the Istanbul courts decision will greatly influence the Supreme Military Councils (YAS) meeting, which is scheduled for early August. The military officers whose names are mentioned in the document will not be eligible for promotion at this years YAS meeting.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[16] Greek Cypriots really lose Cyprus after 35 years

The reasoning of the Turkish Armed Forces, which took power over half of Cyprus, was according to international regulations, he says and underlines that the conjuncture was in favour of Turkey, as the intervention served both Washington and Moscow.

However, he points out, the situation was not well-managed by Turkey. We thought we could pocket half of the island by invading it, while the Greek Cypriots thought that they could get back the whole island if they only resisted for a long time.

Both sides were wrong, argues Birand highlighting that Turkey suffered an embargo on weapons by its biggest ally, the U.S. Congress, suffered pressure by almost every international institution, lost former friends, relations with Europe came to a deadlock and had to face the genocide issue raised by the Armenian terror organization ASALA.

The Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, despite many efforts, were not able to make Turkey succumb and seats around the table have started to switch around.

Birand adds: Turkey realized that within the Annan Plan it could not reach anything with unsolvable politics, taboos and groundless slogans. Erdogan destroyed an extremely vital taboo by saying YES to the plan on the way to the European Union. But this time it was the Greek Cypriots who made the wrong calculations.

The Greek Cypriots, he adds started to abuse their full member status laid upon them by Europe that later regretted doing so. They considered that in the end Turkey would make sacrifices in Cyprus in order to become a full member of the EU and that is why they still make it difficult, Birand argues pointing out that a unless Ankara obtains from the EU what it desires, it wont approve any solution in Cyprus.

The link established by the Greek Cypriots for 35 years that if Turkey wants to progress on its way to Europe then it needs to compromise with the Greek Cypriots, which Europe supported, has reversed, Birand argues and adds that Turkey replies If the Greek Cypriots want a solution, then Turkeys way to Europe should be paved He goes on to say that Europe does not care and that the Greek Cypriots are missing the opportunity.

Birand says that there are now three scenarios in front of us:

- As long as Turkey remains outside the EU there wont be any solution in Cyprus. In this case, Ankara will start its recognition efforts and, rest assure, that the number of those recognizing Turkish Cyprus will increase.

- Once the way for Turkeys full membership to the EU is paved, last-minute solutions will not be good for neither the Greek Cypriots, nor the Turks.

- It is wise to find a solution by 2013. The Annan Plan has formed the necessary grounds. Now it is good to find a compromise with sacrifices on both sides.

Greek Cypriots generally tend to take entire Cyprus under their control and as long as that does not happen then todays situation will persist. All surveys point in direction of this reality.

The Greek Cypriots, willingly or unwillingly, divide Cyprus into two and go as far as losing the north, Birand concludes.

[17] From the Turkish Press 19 July 2010

a) Cyprus

Drawing attention to the importance of talks held by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders in Ankara last week and analyzing reasons behind the recent economic measures taken in north Cyprus, Hurriyet columnist Erdal Saglam in an article entitled "Unavoidable Economic Transformation in KKTC," emphasizes that the austerity measures should be complemented by structural reforms aimed at creating a competitive economy. He also notes that Turkey will increase its financial support contrary to allegations that Turkish aid will diminish.

In an article entitled "Right and powerful," Cumhuriyet columnist Mumtaz Soysal cautions that Turkey's reputation would be badly damaged if it withdraws support for the Turkish Cypriot cause in order to please the West. Accusing Prime Minister Erdogan of forcing the "Turkish Cypriot Administration" to accept a plan proposed by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2004, he comments: "Cyprus is a sad example of insisting on policies based on religious bonds in line with the West's regional interests while moving away from national causes. What does 'zero problem with neighbours' actually mean? There would certainly be no problem with neighbours if you waive your all interests."

b) New political alliances speculation

Commenting on rumours that Felicity Party (SP) leader Numan Kurtulmus will replace Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) if the latter is elected as President in the next presidential election columnist Yusuf Kanli in article the Turkish Daily News entitled "Post-Erdogan Scenario," points out that incumbent President Abdullah Gul and some influential figures such as Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc may also strive for AKP leadership if Erdogan leaves. Drawing attention to speculation that the AKP may form a coalition government with the CHP after the next general election, Kanli concludes that this scenario might have been devised by the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) in a bid to persuade voters support the MHP in the elections.

Vatan columnist Okay Gonensin in his article entitled "Two scenarios," says that the formation of an AKP-CHP coalition government or a change of leadership within the AKP will depend on the outcome of the forthcoming referendum and the next general election to be held in 2012. He says: "If the result of the referendum scheduled for 12 September creates question marks about Erdogan's leadership, 'Kurtulmus scenario' may be put into action earlier than expected. But, it should be noted that President Gul's attitude will be influential because there was widespread speculation in the past that Erdogan would be elected as the next President and Gul would assume premiership in 2012."

c) Kurdish question

Radikal columnist Tarhan Erdem in an article entitled "The Prime Minister should talk with the BDP," criticizes Erdogan for not meeting with BDP leaders because it does not condemn the PKK. He adds that nobody would benefit if that Kurdish party clearly opposes or sides with the PKK. The Prime Minister should not have the right to decline to meet with BDP leaders even if they do not condemn the terrorist organization because the Prime Minister is not authorized to question a political party represented in Parliament, he concludes.

A report in Radikal entitled, "Snipers hired by PKK are in Turkey," cites a report from daily Haberturk, which says that the Turkish Ministry of Interior has advised the police to tighten security due to intelligence information that the PKK has hired three Serbian snipers to assassinate Turkish officials and high-ranking officers as part of the PKK's policy to undermine the government's efforts to find a solution to the Kurdish question, and to deter people from voting in favour of the constitutional amendments.

Under the headline, "Basbug remains silent on treason," Vakit runs a front-page report which slams Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug for "continuing to remain silent on allegations that there are officers who support the PKK within the military."

A front-page report Zaman under the headline "Latest attacks establish 'deep PKK' phenomenon," quotes Helene Flautre, Co-Chairperson of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, as saying that the PKK's latest terrorist attacks in Turkey are blocking the Government's Kurdish overture and causing the PKK to be increasingly seen as a roadblock to the settlement of the Kurdish issue even by its own grassroots.

Zaman Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanli in an article entitled "How much longer will you keep silent?" criticizes what he describes as the absence of any serious investigations in connection with a National Intelligence Organization, (MIT) report submitted to the General Staff three years ago accusing certain officers of aligning with the PKK. He also blasts part of the Turkish news media which "represent putschism as patriotism" for not turning the spotlight on the Bugun report that made the said allegations public property for the first time.

d) Interview with Celik

Star carries an interview with AKP deputy leader Huseyin Celik entitled "Overture prevented PKK from taking initiative" who predicts that the bill on constitutional amendments will be endorsed by 60% of the voters in the upcoming referendum. Expounding his views on the Kurdish question, Celik says that Prime Minister Erdogan decided not to discuss the Kurdish issue with Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) leaders because the BDP wants to reap benefits from terrorism. Celik adds that the future of PKK militants who have not been involved in acts of terrorism could be discussed when conditions enabling the PKK to maintain its presence have disappeared.

e) Interview with Senator John McCain

Hurriyet carries an interview with Senator John McCain entitled "They do not understand Turkey's importance". Senator Mc Cain comments on Turkish-American relations which, he notes, are based on strong economic and cultural bonds as well as partnership in NATO and shared principles and goals. He adds: "Relations between the United States and Turkey will have a different relationship in the future because Turkey is an emerging power in the region and it is involved in relations in that part of the country more than ever." He also expresses his hope that Turkey and Israel will soon resolve their disagreements.

f) Former CIA agent's book

A report entitled "'We assassinated Turkish journalists'," Says Iranian CIA Agent" in Hurriyet Daily News highlights a book entitled "A time to betray" authored by Reza Kahlili, an Iranian who worked in the Revolution Guards for the CIA for 10 years. Kahlili claims in his book that Iranian agents from a specialist military unit named "Branch 5000" organized in the 1990s the assassinations of tens of people, including the opponents of Iran's regime and some pro-secular Turkish writers in Turkey.

g) Weakened US influence in Middle East

Commenting on Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad's recent remarks emphasizing Turkey's important role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute Hurriyet columnist Ferai Tinc points out that Turkey can actually play an important role in the region amid US efforts to mediate between Israel and Syria. She comments: "All players in the peace process are aware of this fact. This is the reason behind pressure to ameliorate bilateral ties with Israel. But, the weakness of the Obama Administration and the strong influence of the pro-Israeli lobby create difficulties." She also notes that the Obama Administration could not overcome obstacles and take new steps to revive the peace talks. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration is also not capable of fixing relations between Turkey and Israel, she concludes. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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