Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-07-22

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Kilicdaroglou: If it were me, I would open Famagusta

[02] Fakili: Turkish professors carried out research on the Turkish settlers

[03] Azerbaijan International University grants honorary doctorate to Eroglu; Parallels drawn between Nakorno Karabag and the Cyprus problem

[04] Talat said that a solution in 2010 is not feasible

[05] Statements by ex foreign ministers show the breakaway regime intentions

[06] The so-called chief of police prohibits the use of travel documents of the Republic of Cyprus by police members

[07] Cavusoglu at Salamina excavations a cultural centre to be opened in Famagusta

[08] British Prime Minister to visit Turkey on July 26

[09] Gul visits Egypt

[10] Turkeys Supreme Military Council to discuss new appointments in the Turkish army

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press 21 July 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Kilicdaroglou: If it were me, I would open Famagusta

Regarding the negotiations, Kilicdaroglu also added: The Turkish side has always been the side making compromises. We were driven to negotiations. The Annan Plan was presented to us and the Turkish side accepted it. Greek Cypriots did not; they should bear the consequences. If they want negotiations so much, let them run behind us

Commenting on Kilicdaroglus statements that Famagusta should be opened, the Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.07.10) reports that Kilicdaroglou meant the opening of Famagusta to the Turkish side for settlement and not return it to the Greek Cypriot owners, under UN supervision.

(IS)

[02] Fakili: Turkish professors carried out research on the Turkish settlers

Fakili noted that the conclusions of the research are being implemented now and within this framework measures are being taken to prevent entry to the TRNC of Turkish citizens who have committed crimes in Turkey.

The Turkish Cypriot community is a small community. Its tissue should not be spoiled, said Fakili adding that not everybody who comes from Turkey is a criminal or illiterate. Fakili also expressed his annoyance at the use by the Turkish Cypriots of the term Kara sakallilar (black bearded) for the Turks from Turkey.

Explaining the reasons for the research, Fakili said that on assuming his duties he identified difficulties which stemmed from the lack of association and harmony between Cypriots and those who came here from Turkey as labour force and who lived mainly in the walled part of Lefkosia. The two professors from Turkey worked on the research for six months. They talked to people from all parts [of society], visited villages and prepared a report. Using these data we reached the conclusion that we should undertake harmonization work (), Fakili said.

He noted that one of the findings of the research was that problems existed on issues such as the salary of these workers who have been brought to meet the need for labour force, their illegal life, education and nutrition as well as the tendency to crimes and violence.

Fakili stated that Turkey is not implementing a policy of transferring population to the occupied part of Cyprus and reiterated the Turkish allegation that the population who came in 1974 has been brought as labour force. He expressed the view that these people are not facing problems in integrating with the local population and that they adopted the Cyprus culture.

Fakili said that from time to time he has been meeting with ambassadors of foreign states to Lefkosia and that some of these ambassadors have even visited him in his office. Fakili noted that ambassadors of Islamic countries did not visit him, even though he had invited them. There is an unnecessary reservation. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), however, accepts the TRNC as a Turkish Cypriot state, he added.

Noting that Turkey is the only country which recognizes the TRNC, Fakili added that this is very important. It is a stronger recognition than the recognition by 20 other countries, because Turkey is the strongest country of the Eastern Mediterranean, Caucasus and the Middle East, he claimed.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Azerbaijan International University grants honorary doctorate to Eroglu; Parallels drawn between Nakorno Karabag and the Cyprus problem

According to the report, the University Rector Prof. Dr Elsad Abdullayev, who is currently in the TRNC for the 36th anniversary celebrations of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, visited Dervis Eroglu and the self-styled parliamentary speaker Hasan Bozer.

During the visits, Abdullayev underlined the need to improve existing relations between Azerbaijan and the TRNC, adding that it is necessary to launch direct flights in order to achieve this objective. He also announced that Dervis Eroglu has been granted an honorary doctorate by the Azerbaijan International University and invited him to Azerbaijan to receive it.

For his part, Dervis Eroglu too pointed to the importance of improving relations between the Azerbaijan and the TRNC. We are trying to take our place within the Turkic World by improving our relations, Eroglu said.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.07.10) reports that the ABU Rector Abdullayev also had a meeting with the self-styled speaker of the assembly, Hasan Bozer.

Abdullayev stated that he follows closely the Cyprus problem and said that the world is following double standards as regards this issue. He also said that there are similarities between the Nakorno Karabag and the Cyprus problem and that a symposium will be organized in universities on these two issues. He also said that efforts are exerted so that relations between Azerbaijan and the TRNC become even stronger.

[04] Talat said that a solution in 2010 is not feasible

Talat also said: I have my concerns regarding the negotiation process. It is known that Christofias doesnt want an early solution. We know that esteemed Eroglu doesnt also a very quick solution either. Although Eroglu called for an early election, in fact, he is distancing himself from his sentiments, Talat said. According to former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, both Christofias and Eroglu play a hide and seek game, so the negotiations have been stalled. He noted that the negotiations resumed with the thorniest issue, the property issue, and that there are no concrete examples aimed at accelerating the negotiations.

He also said: There is no mutual trust. There is no reason for this moment to say solution in 2010. However, a solution can be achieved. Though Eroglu criticizes me, he continues the talks from the point they were left off. Talat concludes that Greek Cypriots do not have as much need as they do for a solution.

(DPs)

[05] Statements by ex foreign ministers show the breakaway regime intentions

Celik noted Ciceks statement that if a solution is not reached by the end of the year, the negotiations will stop, everyone will withdraw and the two sides will continue to live separately.

Etkin said that it is the first time that Turkey makes such a serious warning and expressed the hope that the other side will take serious consideration of this warning.

Avci said the whole world has concentrated on finding a solution to the Cyprus problem by the end of the year, in spite of the fact that there is no official, written reference to a solution by that time. He noted that the EU has postponed the discussion on the Direct Trade Regulation for the end of the year. In the process during which the Greek Cypriots will not sign the solution at the table, direct flights will come on the agenda, argued Avci. He recalled the decision taken in April by the European Court of Human Rights on the property issue in Cyprus, which he described as a warning and slap to the Greek Cypriots.

Noting that he does not think that it is possible for the UN Security Council to annul its earlier decision for non-recognition of the breakaway regime in Cyprus, Avci recalled that the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) accepts the Turkish Cypriots as a Turkish Cypriot State. Noting that the United Nations (UN) has also accepted this name in the Annan Plan, he concluded: When the Direct Trade Regulation, direct flights and the property issue are solved, the issue of the structure will be essentially solved. The issue of opening up to the world will be solved and only the name will remain. Given that there is a UN decision against the TRNC, with the acceptance of the name of Turkish Cypriot State, as it has been accepted by 57 states and the UN, there will be no problem regarding recognition.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The so-called chief of police prohibits the use of travel documents of the Republic of Cyprus by police members

The so-called police chief Gunay Ozan prohibits police members to travel through the ports in the government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus. He also prohibits the use of travel documents of the Republic of Cyprus, although he does not have such constitutional right, the paper says.

The legal adviser of the association of police members, lawyer Baris Mammali, stated that this decision is contrary to the constitution as the freedom of travel is a fundamental right. This right can only be restricted by law, he explained.

(DPs)

[07] Cavusoglu at Salamina excavations a cultural centre to be opened in Famagusta

Moreover, Cavusolgou gave details about the Famagusta Culture and Congress Centre which will be completed in 2011. The Centre with an area of 700 m2, will have an amphitheatre with 1200 seat capacity.

(CS)

[08] British Prime Minister to visit Turkey on July 26

Citing a press release by the Turkish Prime ministers office yesterday, A.A says that the Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his British counterpart will discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues concerning the two countries, particularly Turkey's European Union (EU) accession bid. In addition, Turkey and Britain will update and re-sign a strategic partnership document signed in 2007 during Erdogan's visit to Britain. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague will accompany the British Prime Minister.

[09] Gul visits Egypt

President Gul had a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif. He then attended a military parade on the occasion of a graduation ceremony of the Egyptian Military Academy, accompanied by Mubarak. During the military parade that followed, vehicles carried both Egyptian and Turkish flags. At the end of the ceremony, Mubarak and Gul presented medals to students who graduated with honours. The Turkish and Egyptian presidents then headed to the presidential palace to hold bilateral talks on a number of issues, including the Middle East peace process and Turkish-Egyptian relations.

[10] Turkeys Supreme Military Council to discuss new appointments in the Turkish army

As it is reported, Turkey's Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug and Gendarmerie Forces Commander Gen. Atila Isik are reaching the end of their terms of office as of August 30, 2010. Accordingly, new appointments are expected to be made. Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner is expected to be assigned as Turkey's new General Staff Chief. If selected, Kosaner will serve at this post for 3 years.

The decisions taken at the council meeting will be made public once they are presented to President Abdullah Gul.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press 21 July 2010

a) Cyprus problem

Relating to the 36th anniversary of Turkey's invasion in Cyprus, Hikmet Bila, in Vatan, criticizes the embargo on the Turkish Cypriot side and says: Turkey is isolated on matters related to Cyprus regardless of the fact that its stand is justified. Describing the EU decision to allow the Greek Cypriot side to join the organization as the worst example of a despicable international behaviour in many centuries, he says: The EU countries have placed Turkey in a difficult position. They had no difficulty in finding the collaborationist elements and supporters they needed in the country to achieve their objective. What we have in hand now is the KKTC [so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus], which has links only with Turkey and remains isolated in the world.

Yusuf Kanli in Hurriyet Daily News views the calls made by high-ranking Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials on the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus for the solution of the Cyprus problem by the end of 2010 and argues that the time has come to seriously consider the convening of a conference of the founding parties of the 1960 Republic --Turkey, Greece, and Britain.

b) Prime Minister Erdogan's approach

Mehmet Ali Birand, in Hurriyet Daily News, views why Prime Minister Erdogan is both liked and feared in Turkey. He explains that the reforms he has realized has made him a popular prime minister, but Birand says: Erdogan caused fear because he does not listen to anyone now and intends to destroy a huge media group, silence the opposition, and create his own media. He also seems to like tension. The secular system and secular tolerance is progressively melting away.

c) Struggle against terrorism

Milliyet columnist Melih Asik criticizes the struggle Turkey wages against the PKK, arguing that the PKK attacks, but the Turkish military forces only maintain a defensive position. Asik notes that terrorism cannot be obstructed only through a democratic overture and adds: "A memorandum must be handed to Iraq. You must cross the border to render the PKK ineffective if it fails to do so. Another alternative does not exist."

Gungor Uras reacts to the PKK attack in Hakkari's Cukurca area (on 20.07.10), stressing that the organization has recently intensified its activities. He argues that the incidents are now accepted as normal developments, and criticizes the Justice and Development Party (AKP) saying that it is only concerned with securing a yes vote in the referendum and achieve victory in the elections. He points out that some international organizations view PKK as freedom fighters. He says that the objective of the PKK is quite clear, but, what is the government's objective, he asks, wondering whether it is possible to solve the Kurdish problem by employing mercenary troops and producing the local versions of Israel's unmanned Heron reconnaissance planes.

Radikal columnist Mehmet Ali Kislali is convinced that Turkey has to learn to live with the PKK while it wages a struggle against it. He stresses the need for measures to strengthen the effects of the state forces on the activities that challenge the state organization and laments the failure of the governments that came to power after the arrest of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, to pay more attention to terrorist activities and learn every aspect of terrorism. Arguing that the measures taken against terrorist activities will never be enough, he urges the government and the political parties to realize that Turkey will have to live with the PKK, and make convincing preparations for what has to be done in every field.

Writing in Hurriyet Daily News, Mustafa Akyol focuses on the initiatives to establish special units to fight against the PKK and argues that a deal with the organization might be the only way out of Turkey's decades-old nightmare. Though the AKP is the closest among the Turkish political parties which can pull off such a gigantic Kurdish opening, it cannot go that way when there is less than a year to general elections and the PKK is on a rampage, he argues.

d) Cost of the IHH Gaza mission

Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz argues that the IHH (Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief) will pay the cost of the Gaza mission because of its Islamic activities. Stressing that the western countries, and Russia and the PRC, which have problems with their minorities, are now following its activities, he draws attention to the reports in the west on the organic ties between the AKP and the IHH. Agreeing with Turkeys conviction that Israel cannot carry out an impartial investigation, Idiz wonders to what extent an international investigation will be in the interest of the IHH and Turkey. Such an investigation, he adds, will not only focus on Israel but also on Turkey, and the AKP administration will not like what it will say.

Utku Cakirozer in Vatan criticizes Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's opposition to the banning of the IHH in Germany. Cakirozer points out that countries on the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean are trying to establish whether organic links exist between the IHH in Turkey and the Turkish Government. In view of that, Davutoglu's remarks on the banning the IHH might cause concern in Turkey's European allies, he adds warning that this will not facilitate the steps Turkey expects from Europe in the struggle against the PKK.

e) Gender equality

Cumhuriyet columnist Cuney Arcayurek argues that Prime Minister Erdogan discriminates against women and does not believe in gender equality and accuses him of viewing gender equality from the point of view of physical differences. Though women's associations have been waging a struggle for women's rights and gender equality ever since the AKP came to power, gender discrimination continues to exist Arcayurek writes and points out that the related articles of the European Social Charter have not been ratified in Turkey. Recalling the statement Erdogan made some time ago to urge the Islamic world to make reforms, Arcayurek indicates that Erdogan redefined the modern Turkish women in a proposal to the OIC by referring to them as "Islamic Turkish women."

f) Drug addiction

A report by Sefa Kaplan in Hurriyet outlines the views Associate Prof. Ayhan Kalyoncu expressed on drug addiction in Turkey. It quotes him as saying that a survey in 2006 showed that 2.9% of the 26,000 young students in 60 provinces used narcotic drugs. An increasing number of people in the suburbs apply for treatment. Many drug addicts in the southern provinces, such as Antalya and Mersin, apply for treatment in Istanbul. Even some of the leading Mafiosi ask for medical treatment for their children who use narcotic drugs. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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