Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-07-21

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] A protocol to construct a mosque in the occupied part of Lefkosia

[02] Inauguration of projects in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[03] Turkish President and Parliament Speaker sent letters to Eroglu on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion

[04] CHP leader criticizes AKPs policy on the Cyprus problem

[05] Kucuk: Turkish Cypriots should be the sovereign owners and equal partners of the new state

[06] Ozgurgun meets with foreing journalist in occupied Cyprus

[07] National Unity Party and Freedom and Reform Party agreed coalition government with Ciceks mediation

[08] Lara Park Hotel project will cost 140 million dollars

[09] Turkey and EU are near to complete a visa facilitation deal

[10] Bagis: EU accession impossible with current Constitution

[11] Turkey to buy military cargo planes from Saudi Arabia

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist says Turkey wants a confederation in Cyprus

[13] Cyprus deal: Now or now

[14] Its not heart relations but imperialism

[15] From the Turkish Press 20 July 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] A protocol to construct a mosque in the occupied part of Lefkosia

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Cicek said that such projects indicate that TRNC is permanent in this geography. Noting that constructions are the most lasting documentation that an area belongs to a nation, Cicek said: The documents which we are based on regarding Cyprus are Evkaf documents and its monuments.

He also said that investments and other kinds of contribution will continue to ensure the prosperity and happiness of the Turkish Cypriots. Finally, he expressed the hope that the foundation stone will be laid on November 15, TRNC anniversary day.

Bulutoglulari, for his part, said the project will be constructed at the location of the existing bus terminal is in the occupied part of Lefkosia. The bus terminal will be relocated at occupied Omorfita.

(DPs)

[02] Inauguration of projects in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Addressing the ceremony, the rector of the illegal DAU Prof. Dr Umit Hassan said that the hospital, which has fully advanced equipment, will contribute to the promotion of the TRNC.

For his part, Eroglu said that such of investments are consolidating the basis of the TRNC and added that people will no longer visit hospitals in south Cyprus for cancer treatment.

In addition, illegal BRT reported that on the inauguration of the third stage of the occupied Lefkosia-Morfou main road which has been widened into two lanes. The ceremony was attended by the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Cemil Cicek, the self-styled minister of public works and communications Ersan Saner and others.

Addressing the ceremony, Cemil Cicek said, inter alia, that his country is aiming to build high-standard infrastructure and roads to facilitate travel all over the TRNC.

For his part, Ersan Saner said the project was funded by Turkey and was built by a consortium consisting of three firms from the TRNC.

In addition, as illegal BRT reported, the visiting officials attended a foundation laying ceremony of a new hotel near occupied Agios Epiktitos village yesterday, the inauguration ceremony of the illegal International Cyprus University (UKU) Sports Hall, and the occupied Keryneia local road as well as the opening ceremony of the Cratos Premium Hotel in occupied Keryneia.

[03] Turkish President and Parliament Speaker sent letters to Eroglu on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion

In his message, Gul said that Turkish Cypriots have proved that they would never give up their legitimate right even in most difficult periods. Turkish Cypriots continue to defend their legitimate rights in unity and solidarity and extend great efforts to ensure stability and cooperation both on the island and in the whole region. This is the target of the UN negotiations which have been continuing for two years, he said.

As A.A. reports, Gul said: We wish that negotiations would result in a comprehensive solution by the end of 2010. Such a solution will mean security, stability, cooperation and prosperity for the whole eastern Mediterranean region. Turkeys influential and de facto guarantee will secure peace and stability in the region. He added: It is evident that the negotiations cannot last forever. All parties have the responsibility to respond to the constructive proposals of the Turkish Cypriot and seize this opportunity. Turkey will continue to extend full support to the Turkish Cypriots in line with its historic commitment.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (A.A) (20.07.10) reported from Ankara on the message sent by the Turkish Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin who said that the Turkish Cypriots had succeeded in founding and sustaining a state on the basis of democratic values. According to A.A, Sahin, inter alia, said: We believe that the Turkish Cypriot people will maintain their struggle for the democratic system, the parliamentary regime and the future of the TRNC [breakaway regime in the occupied areas] with the same determination. Sahin said that the Turkish Cypriots determination for freedom, made a valuable contribution to peace and stability on the island and in the region, and added that Turkey would continue extending full support to them.

[04] CHP leader criticizes AKPs policy on the Cyprus problem

The CHP leader said that firm stance shown by Turkey should continue in order to overcome difficulties faced by the Turkish Cypriot state and pledged to support Turkish Cypriots in their right cause. He called on EU and UN to pursue more appropriate policies as regards Cyprus, adding that Turkey should explain better the unjust treatment Turkish Cypriots have been enduring for years.

Dervis Eroglu and Hasan Bozer briefed Kilicdaroglu on the latest developments of the ongoing Cyprus talks. Eroglu complained about isolation of Turkish Cypriots and said that the breakaway regime has been afloat thanks to assistance from mainland Turkey.

Irsen Kucuk also met with Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Every political party in Turkey is a partner of the national cause in Cyprus. We are pleased to receive the support of the Turkish opposition in addition to the support of the Turkish government, Kucuk said.

Kilicdaroglu, for his part, said that the leaders of the CHP make their first overseas trip to the TRNC. I am here on my first overseas trip to show the importance we attach to the TRNC. The former leader of CHP, Bulent Ecevit, led the peace operation in Cyprus and made great efforts. I am happy to be part of the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations, Kilicdaroglu said.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (21.07.10) reports that Kilicdaroglu yesterday also visited former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas. In a statement to the press after the meeting, Kilicdaroglu criticized ruling Justice and Development Partys (AKP) policy on the Cyprus issue saying: The biggest mistake of AKP on the Cyprus issue would be the opening of the ports to Greek Cypriot vessels. We will develop a joint policy with TRNC on the Cyprus issue. We are obliged not to impose our own thoughts to the Turkish Cypriots.

(DPs)

[05] Kucuk: Turkish Cypriots should be the sovereign owners and equal partners of the new state

Speaking during the event, Kucuk said, inter alia, that the Turkish Cypriots have established a new state on this soil paying a heavy price, adding that the TRNC government is a model state with its institutions and organizations. Expressing support to the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to the ongoing negotiation process, he said the aim is to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. We can only achieve this goal if the Greek Cypriot side has the same good will as we have, Kucuk said noting that a solution in Cyprus would be beneficial for all parties. He also added that the Turkish Cypriots should be the sovereign owners and equal partners of the new state to be founded as a result of a solution in Cyprus.

[06] Ozgurgun meets with foreign journalist in occupied Cyprus

As it was reported, addressing the journalists, Ozgurgun reviewed events on the island as of 1960 and said that peace and security, which was established as a result of the peace operation, has been continuing for the past 36 years. Explaining that the TRNC [the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus] was established after a long struggle for freedom and sovereignty waged by the Turkish Cypriots with the support of motherland Turkey, Ozgurgun said the struggle for existence continues despite the unjust international isolation.

Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriot side does not show goodwill at the negotiations and that the Turkish side will continue to support a solution on the island. He also added that the aim is to reach a solution based on bi-zonality, political equality of the two peoples, equal political status of the two founding states and the continuation of the effective guarantee of Turkey. Ozgurgun also asked the foreign journalists to help the Turkish Cypriots to make their voices heard.

[07] National Unity Party and Freedom and Reform Party agreed coalition government with Ciceks mediation

According to its sources the paper writes that two ministries will be given to ORP. The choice of ministries to be designated was agreed with the mediation of Cicek. In addition, some structural changes will be made to these two ministries. Citing its sources the paper also writes that the formation of the new government will take place in the first week of August.

(CS)

[08] Lara Park Hotel project will cost 140 million dollars

ETS Group includes many companies among them Atlasjet, Erstur, Didimtur, Voyage hotels and Lamer hotels. Chairmn of ETS Group is Murat Ersoy.

(DPs)

[09] Turkey and EU are near to complete a visa facilitation deal

As HDN reported, the European Council is expected to discuss the issue in October. The agreement would seek some privileges for certain sections of Turkish society especially for those who will travel for business, culture, education, science and other purposes. We are aware how this issue [of visa] causes disappointment and difficulties in Turkey. The European Commission is of the opinion that facilitating visa regime would be in the interest of both Turkey and the EU, Marc Pierini, head of the European Commission representation in Turkey told the daily Radikal in an interview. Noting that a technical delegation would pay a visit to Turkey at the end of July to look into the progress Turkey has made on biometric passports and joint border management, Pierini said the October meeting could bring about some easing for Turkish citizens.

HDN, inter alia, wrote: Following a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling that visa requirements cannot be imposed on Turkish citizens entering the territory of an EU member state, for the purpose of providing services there on behalf of a company or project established in Turkey, Ankara has been pushing for the visa-free travel right of Turkish citizens arising from the Ankara Agreement.

In reply to Ankaras demand on visa-free travel to Turkish nationals, EU opened a way not on immunity but moved for flexibility on its visa regime to some Turkish citizens. However, the EU put some prerequisites such as a readmission agreement for visa facilitation, in order to tackle the flow of illegal immigration to Europe. A negotiation process on both visa flexibility and a readmission agreement has been going on since 2009 and is to be finalized in the near future. Turkey insists on implementing the readmission agreement parallel to the approval of EU on visa facilitation.

[10] Bagis: EU accession impossible with current Constitution

We cannot reach a level of democracy compatible with EU standards while the spirit of the coup Constitution is still with us, and we cannot be a member of the EU, Bagis said in an interview with Todays Zaman. Stating that the upcoming referendum on the 26-article constitutional reform package is of crucial importance for Turkey, Bagis said he had prepared a text explaining how the changes are important for Turkeys EU-accession for his European colleagues. Bagis is also highly critical of Turkish opposition parties, which have announced that they will vote against the reforms. Stating that they should review their approach to the referendum, he said the opposition parties took the wrong train. Come and lets take the EU train together. It would be of no use to run backwards in the corridor of the wrong train. Those who were hosted at Mamak Prison and Diyarbakir Military Prison are now sidestepping when we call on them to remove the remnants of the September 12 junta. I have hard time understanding that. I really wonder how those who keep saying Democracy will vote no in the referendum, he stated.

The paper, inter alia, reports: Bagis also responded to claims that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government seeks to control the judiciary with the amendments. With the changes to the HSYK and the Constitutional Court, the structures of these institutions will be made compatible with those of EU countries. There is currently no country other than Turkey in the West whose parliament has no say in the election of judges to a constitutional court. For example, in Germany, Poland and Hungary all members of constitutional courts are appointed by parliament. As for the HSYK, the legislative and the executive bodies appoint members to such institutions in many democratic countries, he said.

Recalling that the reform package will pave the way for the trial of coup leaders, Bagis said there are important articles in the package for Turkeys civilianization. [With the changes] military officers, who commit crimes against the constitutional order, will be tried in civilian courts. Judicial tutelage would also be ended with this package. The independence, impartiality and democratic legitimacy of the judiciary would be strengthened. The Constitutional Court and the HSYK would be transformed into more democratic structures allowing for greater participation. These are significant steps toward civilianization, he stated.

The minister said the package also brings broader rights and freedoms for ordinary citizens. He brought to mind that the package includes new legislation introducing affirmative action for women, an article on privacy and the protection of private data, new rules on international travel bans, measures against child abuse, changes that allow membership in more than one union in the same sector, changes that grant the right to collective bargaining to civil servants, changes that would end strike bans in some sectors and provisions to set up an ombudsmans office. Bagis added that the provisions that would open the HSYK and the Supreme Military Councils (YAS) decisions to judicial review are also very meaningful.

[11] Turkey to buy military cargo planes from Saudi Arabia

According to HDN, the Turkish Air Force is already flying older C-130B and C-130E models of the C-130 family, acquired from the United States decades ago.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist says Turkey wants a confederation in Cyprus

Noting that the statements made yesterday by Cicek should be accepted as Ankaras policy, Akar, inter alia, writes:

For the first time esteemed Cicek warned the Greek Cypriot side and presented to them a time-frame: If a solution is to be reached, this will happen this year, if it does not, everybody will continue his own way. Are these words of esteemed Cicek a threat to the Greek Cypriot side? I think not; it is a serious warning. He set a time-frame for a solution and drew up the framework. A solution based on two states, two republics. That is, a confederation.

The Turkish Cypriot columnist points out that Cicek warned Brussels as well by sending the message that we shall not abandon Cyprus in return for accession to the European Union.

We could say that now the situation has been clarified for Turkey, writes Akar adding that Ankara wants a confederal solution of two states and indicates a time-frame for this. If it happens, it will happen until the end of the year, if it does not happen, the TRNC will continue its way, he writes.

Akar notes that Britains position on Ankaras stance is not yet known and underlines the importance of the British Prime Ministers visit to Ankara after his visit to the USA. According to Akar, the fact that David Cameron will visit Ankara after his visit to the USA, gives the impression that there are developments behind the scenes. Camerons visit to Ankara carries more importance for the Cyprus problem than for the EU accession, he argues noting that intensification of developments regarding the Cyprus problem could be expected after the meeting between Prime Ministers Cameron and Erdogan in Ankara.

In August we will experience the high temperatures of summer which we are used to have. As of September, however, we will feel the hot developments which will be experienced in politics, he concludes.

(I/Ts.)

[13] Cyprus deal: Now or now

He adds that there is no doubt that pressure from the United Nations Secretariat, the United States to the European Commission is building on the leaders of the two peoples of Cyprus to speed up the direct negotiations.

Kanli sees frustration in the international community with the Cyprus talks process as well as in the two peoples of the island. Despite the cautious optimism shared by some, he adds, the vast majority no longer believe the direct talks process might conclude successfully, and that a new partnership state might be established on the island.

Noting that in the Turkish Cypriot side stern warnings are being raised that there ought to be a resolution by the yearend otherwise the two separate states and peoples should be allowed to walk their separate ways, he points out that in the Greek Cypriot side questions are raised --should the current talks end inconclusively-- whether the northern Turkish Cypriot part of the island evolves into a Taiwan-like status or whether with the support of some major international players, it walks along a process like the Kosovo example and become a full fledged international entity. Furthermore, in either case, would the Turkish Cypriot state find itself a place in the EU?

Such questions of course, he argues, might prod the Greek Cypriot side to give up their much-accustomed intransigence barring creation of a new partnership republic on the island on the basis of political equality of the two sides and undiluted bi-zonality and bi-communality --which requires limitation of the number of Greek Cypriots who may resettle in northern Cyprus and in resolving the thorny property aspect of the problem opting for a global exchange and compensation scheme rather than reinstitution of pre-1974 property rights.

Despite immense Greek Cypriot propaganda and efforts of the domestic opposition to portray the new Turkish Cypriot President as a hard liner not as pro-settlement as his predecessor, Eroglu has proved his sincere wish for a just and lasting accord based on political equality of the two constituent peoples and states, Kanli writes, citing Eroglus calls to speed up the process for a deal by the yearend. To demonstrate his goodwill, he even agreed to engage in talks on the thorny property issue and presented the Greek Cypriot side a comprehensive proposal on the issue, Kanli adds. On the other hand, Kanli claims that Demetris Christofias has been dragging his feet, refusing a timetable for the talks and demanding handling of the property issue together with the refugees, and territorial aspects of the problem that, together with the 1960 Guarantee and Alliance system, ought to be discussed in the presence of guarantor powers Turkey, Greece and Britain, as was the case during the Annan Plan process.

Whether there will be a Cyprus deal now or now, it appears that time has come to consider seriously convening a conference of the founding parties of the 1960 republic --that is a conference (in which) participants (will include) apart two peoples of the island, guarantor powers Turkey, Greece and Britain-- with the UN sponsoring such a conference and some major powers, including the EU and the P5 sitting as observers, Kanli concludes.

[14] Its not heart relations but imperialism

Regarding the cause, the intervention was completely legitimate and intended to restore the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus which was overthrown by the Greek junta. However, although Turkey had the power to achieve this easily, it never even tried to do so. Abusing the rights and privileges given by international agreements, Turkey occupied Cyprus.

A country, which occupies territory of another country using military force, ransacks the occupied lands and implements a policy of implanting its own population, comes under the category of imperialism in bibliography.

After 20 July 1974, northern Cyprus has become Turkish. Therefore, if before 1974 heart relations existed, these have turned into master-slave relations, camouflaged under the heroic nationalistic manifestations, motherland, daughter-land, nail and flesh.

Turkey did not consider the Turkish Cypriots as close friends but as the scapegoats, keeping them always under control and in a state of need, in order to manipulate them completely for Turkeys own gain.

This is not heart relations but sweetened colonialism. And now Cemil Cicek describes as crazy those expressing this opinion and highlights the need to treat them.

(IS)

[15] From the Turkish Press 20 July 2010

a) Referendum on Constitutional amendments

In addition to being a confidence vote for the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the referendum of September 12 will also constitute a national test for the new Republican Peoples Party (CHP) chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu, says Cuneyt Ulsever in an article in Hurriyet Daily News, adding that the results of the referendum will be taken as a basis for the popular vote.

Recalling the "plots" that had been conducted for "ousting" the AKP prior to the 2007 elections and comparing the political calculations that had been made then with those that are being made today, Hasan Cemal in article in Milliyet notes that today we are talking about a democratic siege and adds: "that the first phase of this siege is the 12 September referendum and the second phase is the parliamentary elections that will be held on 11 July 2011 at the latest."

Oral Calislar writing in Radikal warns: "If we are not able to assess the plusses and the minuses of the constitutional amendments in terms of democracy independently from our sentiments for the AKP, it will be impossible to read the picture in a healthy manner... The AKP will go tomorrow, but these amendments are here to stay."

b) Debate on political immunities

Praising the debates on immunities launched by Kilicdaroglu Rauf Tamer in Hurriyet says: "However if he is merely trying to pursue the thieves, this is not adequate. He should also ensure that political ethics undergo a major repair."

c) Aid flotilla to Gaza

Hurriyet columnist Ozdemir Ince compares Mavi Marmara's journey to Gaza with Napoleon's defeat in Acre, stressing that like Acre had "reversed Napoleon's good fortune," Gaza has reversed and will reverse the AKP's triumphant fortune. Recalling that the UN Security Council has not adopted a resolution in line with the AKP's demands and President Obama has not extended the desired support to Turkey, Ince argues that the AKP is creating an international crisis due to its problems at home.

d) Huseyin Diriozs appointment as NATO deputy Secretary General

Commenting on the appointment of Huseyin Dirioz as NATO deputy Secretary General, Sami Kohen in Milliyet says that Rasmussen has not only kept the word given last year, but he has also shown that he views a Turkish diplomat worthy of such an important position. Pointing out Turkey's ties with NATO during the cold war and that NATO has lately determined new missions for itself in line with the new threats and enmities; Kohen says that like NATO, Turkey is also changing. Ankara thinks differently from its allies on various issues and gives priority to its interests and this sometimes runs counter to NATO's strategies. Such examples have been seen openly especially in Iran, the Middle East, and even the Caucasus policies, Kohen says and adds: Despite all these different stands, NATO is still indispensable for Turkey, just like Turkey is indispensable for NATO."

e) Interview with Marc Pierini / Turkey's EU membership

In an interview to Murat Yetkin of Radikal, Marc Pierini, EU representative in Ankara, responds to Erdogan's criticism that the EU does not support Turkey in its war on the PKK and points out that Europe wants to ensure that the any action with regard to the PKK is in line with the laws. Recalling that Turkey voted against the sanctions on Iran, Pierini says: "We should conduct a closer dialogue in order to ensure that we do not have such differences regarding issues such as Iran because they may reappear (...) Our ties may not endure the repetition of the incidents that occurred in the vote on Iran." Calling for improvement in Turkey-Israel ties, he said the EU values the fact that Turkey is able to talk to Israel, Iran, and HAMAS.

Writing in Taraf, Yasemin Congar draws attention to the support extended by the EU and various European countries to the constitutional amendment package and adds: "As we look at Turkey from Europe's mirror it becomes easier for us to perceive (...) that September 12 is the opportunity to get rid of our singularity and singleness. I believe that Europe is one of the factors that will increase the catharsis effect of the referendum."

f) Cyprus issue

Summarizing the background of the Cyprus problem and the mistakes that have been made by the sides thus far, in his article in Hurriyet Daily News Mehmet Ali Birand says: "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." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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