Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-07-29

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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 the property issue cannot be concluded in 3-5 meetings

[02] Tatar claims that compensation and exchange of property are the criteria for the solution of the property issue

[03] Ozgurgun: The international community should warn the Greek Cypriots that the TRNC will be recognized if an early agreement is not achieved

[04] Bagis: Turkey will not renounce Cyprus in favour of EU

[05] Davutoglu calls on Germany to approach both sides in Cyprus equally

[06] The reality of the TRNC will be discussed in Izmir next October

[07] Turkish Cypriot mayor of occupied Lefka calls for Apliki crossing point to open

[08] Projects against the breakaway regimes economic measures continue

[09] Agia Triada Church will not be turned into a mosque

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] From the Turkish Press of 28 July 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu says the property issue cannot be concluded in 3-5 meetings

Under the title The way is long, the paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader stated that the property is not a chapter which could be concluded in 3-5 meetings or in 3-5 days because it is a sensitive issue.

Therefore, we are trying to clarify our positions and then see whether or not we could build a common bridge, give and take, and reach a common point, said Eroglu adding that the sides will submit their proposals in the coming days.

Noting that property is one of the most important chapters and that the meeting was positive, Eroglu said that it was decided to start the negotiations with the property issue, thinking that if an agreement could be reached on the property, it would be easier to reach an agreement on other issues.

Moreover, under the title Positive steps, the paper reports on the dinner hosted last night by Dervis Eroglu, in his residence in the occupied part of Lefkosia, for President Christofias and his spouse.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Tatar claims that compensation and exchange of property are the criteria for the solution of the property issue

In statements during a meeting with the Real Estate Agents Union, Tatar said that the banks should evaluate the projects they finance, without getting into details on the issue of the title deeds [of the properties on which these projects will be built].

Recalling his request to the banks regarding the title deeds, during an opening ceremony of a branch of a bank recently, Tatar said that the prices in the market are not falling and therefore the market should be better evaluated.

Claiming that the properties become TRNC properties if a construction is built on them, Tatar said that solution of the property issue will be discussed at the negotiating table, but the criteria are compensation and exchange of property. Return of property will be very limited, he said.

He claimed: The banks too should look at the issue in this manner. The matter has now taken shape. The property Compensation Commission is working well.

Tatar said that land of the TRNC is very valuable, that foreigners show great interest and that they submit applications for investments. He noted that a foreign company has applied for permission to use Karavostasi for transit trade and added that search for investments continues in spite of the political difficulties.

Meanwhile, Hasan Sungur, chairman of the Real Estate Agents Union, criticized the fact that the TRNC title deeds have been turned into an issue of debate and added that nowhere in the world are the title deeds categorized.

He claimed: Something is being neglected: that the title deeds are TRNC title deeds and that our state is behind these title deeds. Sungur expressed satisfaction with the statements made by Tatar on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun: The international community should warn the Greek Cypriots that the TRNC will be recognized if an early agreement is not achieved

Ozgurgun told BRT that the Turkish side wanted to reach an agreement by the end of 2010 and complained that the Greek Cypriots have been hampering the talks by trying to include the issues of migrants and territory in the agenda of the negotiations which now focus on property.

The Greek Cypriots have been avoiding an agreement. They had never accepted a partnership agreement based on the political equality of the two sides. Their objective is to claim ownership over the whole island by presenting the Cyprus Turks as a minority, he said.

Noting that the Turkish side has an alternative (plan B), in case of failure to reach an agreement, he said, it has not been brought on the agenda as an indication of the Turkish sides political will to settle the problem.

Ozgurgun added that there are two alternatives for the solution of the Cyprus problem either the two states will be recognized or a new partnership state will be formed.

[04] Bagis: Turkey will not renounce Cyprus in favour of EU

Bagis said that when the Justice and Development (AK) Party came to power, all perceptions about the Cyprus issue changed.

"The world realized that the Greek Cypriot administration prevented a solution to the Cyprus issue. Thirteen out of 33 chapters have been opened in the Turkey's negotiations with EU. Eighteen chapters cannot be opened due to political obstacles. When the Cyprus issue is solved, most of these obstacles will disappear. We will keep taking steps, with determination and good will, towards a solution. We attach importance to EU, but we will not renounce Cyprus for it," he said.

Bagis also stated that once the Turkish constitution is amended, EU accession process will speed up, noting that there have been important developments in the country's EU accession process. "EU officials should ask themselves what they can do to speed up negotiations with Turkey Bagis said adding that Turkey is determined to do what it can for liberalization of visas with EU countries.

[05] Davutoglu calls on Germany to approach both sides in Cyprus equally

Davutoglu said the two foreign ministers had also discussed regional affairs, including Irans nuclear imbroglio. Stressing that Turkey is working to avert escalation of tension in the region, Davutoglu said there is no contradiction between the visions of Turkey and the EU. We work in the diplomatic field together, he said.

Davutoglu said the German Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Turkey again in September.

On his part, the German Foreign Minister reiterated the position that Germany wants Turkey to be bound to Europe adding that it is not yet ready for EU membership. Turkey's direction is Europe. We place great importance on deepening mutual ties and associating Turkey with Europe, Guido Westerwelle said.

He also stated that this position has a strategic importance and that Turkey's association with the EU is not only in the interests of Germany but also of the EU.

Explaining that Germany largely contributed to opening the food and environment chapter, Westerwelle said what Turkey and the EU need to do at this point is to live up to their obligations. Westerwelle said Turkeys EU membership is not being decided today and that there are still many chapters to be discussed.

Noting that Germany appreciates the progress Turkey has achieved in recent years, Westerwelle said the two countries had common interests as allies. He added that 3.5 million Turks live in Germany and that more than 4 million Turks visit Germany every year, illustrating the sound basis of the relations between the two countries.

Westerwelle said that during his meeting with Davutoglu the establishment of a Turkish-German university in Istanbul was also discussed.

[06] The reality of the TRNC will be discussed in Izmir next October

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkish Cypriot mayor of occupied Lefka calls for Apliki crossing point to open

Moreover, Zafer said that they are in contact with Greek Cypriots in villages in the Troodos mountain area, who also want the opening, since there are no roads leading to the sea. If the Apliki crossing point opens, added Zafer, Greek Cypriots living in Mutulas, Pedoulas, Gerakies, Kambos, Lemithou, Milikouri and Kaminaria villages will be able to reach Morfu Bay quickly.

Zafer also said that although Limnitis crossing point will open and Turkish Cypriots will use it too, it actually serves more the interests of Greek Cypriots. Whereas, if the Apliki crossing point were to open, Lefka residents would have the advantage and Lefka would be revived.

(IS)

[08] Projects against the breakaway regimes economic measures continue

In a press conference given yesterday by the Trade Unions Platform, the chairman of the Public Servants Union (Kamu - Sen), Mehmet Ozkardas said that National Unity Partys (UBP) government pulls the strings for amputating employees rights with the instructions and collaboration of Turkeys Justice and Development Party (AKP).

In the same context a press statement will be read outside the Embassy of Turkey by the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Trade Union (KTOS), a written statement by Sener Elcil, KTOS general secretary, said.

(IS)

[09] Agia Triada Church will not be turned into a mosque

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] From the Turkish Press of 28 July 2010

a) Alleged coup plot; Trial of officers

In an article in Hurriyet columnist Tufan Turenc accuses the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of turning a blind eye to violation of legal norms in some trials, including the Sledgehammer case because such violations serve its goal to weaken and redesign the military while politicizing the judiciary.

Ascribing the arrest warrants to the AKP's alleged plan to subdue to the military, Cumhuriyet columnist Cuneyt Arcayurek in an article entitled "Judiciary and Military: Where Are They Headed?" says: "A group led by Erdogan started preparations to seize the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] in 2002. They made progress step by step and today the TSK, including retired and active-duty officers is facing liquidation."

In an article entitled "Sledgehammer," Taraf columnist Ahmet Altan criticizes the General Staff for not launching an investigation into allegations that the officers standing trial were involved in a plot against the government.

b) Kurdish question; Ethnic strife

Drawing attention to ongoing debates sparked by Hurriyet columnist Ertugrul Ozkok's recent article arguing that Turks and Kurds should go their own ways Hurriyet Daily News columnist Mustafa Akyol explains, in an article entitled "The Next Big Thing: Turkish Separatism," why he is against "a Kurd-free Turkey" which, he cautions, would have disastrous consequences.

Focusing on recent ethnic strife in Bursa and Hatay, Hurriyet columnist Sedat Ergin says that those incidents have shown that social peace is very fragile in Turkey and points out that they should be interpreted by politicians, government officials, and all citizens as an early warning. Ergin says that the leaders of all the political parties should make statements aimed at alleviating ethnic tension.

In an article entitled "A Cross-Border Proposal," Hurriyet columnist Fatih Cekirge says that Turkey should propose to the United States and Iraq that a buffer zone be set up in Iraqi territory near the border because it is almost impossible to ensure security along the border due the topographical features. He comments: "Turkey must conduct this sincerity test. They should remind them that Turkish soldiers support them in Afghanistan. I am curious to hear what our 'strategic partner' with whom we are cooperating against terrorism miles away from our country will say about ensuring security along the border against the terrorist group who kill our young soldiers every day."

Vatan columnist Rusen Cakir says that ethnic strife observed in different parts of the country actually stems from the Kurdish question which he describes as "the mother of all problems." Cakir comments: "The main problem is the Kurdish question, and 'living together in peace' in Turkey is gradually escalating into a real problem due to the impasse reached in the Kurdish issue. If we do not want to lose together, we should make orchestrated efforts to resolve it and everybody their best to ensure that the PKK unconditionally lays down arms."

c) CHP leader's remarks

Highlighting comments made by Kilicdaroglu about his allegation that a controversial statement issued by the military 27 April 2007 was posted on the General Staff's website under a secret agreement worked out between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then Chief of General Staff Yasar Buyukanit and contributed to the AKP's election victory in 2007, Milliyet columnist Fikret Bila quotes Kilicdaroglu as saying that Buyukanit and Erdogan cooperated in order to protect their own interests. Pointing out that his accusation was based on his own interpretation of events, Kilicdaroglu also accuses the ruling party of polarizing society while attempting to put pressure on the military.

Describing Kilicdaroglu's remarks as far-fetched, Star columnist Ergun Babahan recalls that the CHP hailed the military's statement as a justifiable reaction and submitted a bill about the election of president in line with the military's instructions. He comments: What was witnessed in 1960, happened on 27 April. Civil and military bureaucracy and the CHP, the main pillars of the tutelage system, cooperated against the democratic regime."

d) British Prime Minister's visit to Turkey

In an article entitled "What boundless love, what fathomless grace" Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul expresses skepticism about British Prime Minister David Cameron's remarks "praising" Turkey in "unprecedented" terms at the joint news conference with Prime Minister Erdogan in Ankara. Karagul claims that while Cameron's comments on Turkey's EU membership bid and its growing economy were correct, his "fervent defence" of Turkey was suspicious because it raised questions such as whether Britain is preparing to establish new alliances outside the EU, whether the British prime minister is trying to obtain Turkey's support for a bid to revive the British economy, whether the British government is considering a new regional partnership with Turkey merely to increase pressure on Iran, and why Britain would "virtually" go so far as to lock horns with the EU "for Turkey's sake."

An editorial entitled "Another Support for Turkey's EU Bid" in Hurriyet Daily News says that Cameron's remarks expressing strong support for Turkey's accession to the EU may remain nothing more than "sweet talk." Citing similar remarks made by the leaders of various Western countries about Turkey's membership, the editorial concludes: "We thank Mr. Cameron for his words of support, but sweet words have not helped Turkey so far. Maybe Mr. Cameron can."

e) Strain in Turkish-Israeli relations

In an article entitled "A Turkish-Israeli Probe May Be the Only Solution," Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz says that an investigation to be conducted by a panel of experts appointed by the United Nations about the Israeli raid on an aid flotilla, is unlikely to produce a satisfactory result meeting Turkey's expectations. He comments: "The best solution could be the establishment of a joint Turkish-Israeli committee in order to investigate the matter in a rapid, impartial, convincing and transparent manner in accordance with international standards.

f) Column on Gulen community

Hurriyet columnist Cuneyt Ulsever emphasizes that it would be wrong to conclude that the Gulen community is controlled by the United States. Ulsever says: "There are certainly some unavoidable organic ties between them. But, assuming that the United States controls Gulen and he controls his millions of supporters/sympathizers in Turkey in a chain of command would be a conclusion favored by those who are trying to comprehend the world through their simple minds." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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