Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-08-26

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] UBP in search for new coalition

[02] Greek Cypriots drag their feet

[03] BKP calls for an early Cyprus settlement

[04] So-called tourism minister evaluates his contacts in Ankara

[05] So-called education minister meets with a British consultant over the universities in the occupied areas

[06] The Turkish embassy responds answer regarding the E-state protocol

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] Turkish Undersecretary holds contacts in the USA

[08] Arinc: Turkey willing to reopen Heybeliada (Halki) seminary, but legal obstacles remain

[09] Ex Polish President backs Turkeys EU bid

[10] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] UBP in search for new coalition

Speaking after the meeting with the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Ferdi Sabit Soyer, Kucuk said it was a positive and useful meeting. Responding to a question whether a coalition offer was made to CTP, Kucuk said that CTP clarified that it wanted to remain the main opposition party. Ferdi Sabit Soyer, too, described the meeting useful.

Commenting to reporters at the end of the meeting with the Democrat Party (DP), Kucuk said they had a general exchange of views with the DP leader Serdar Denktas.

Denktas said that the meeting had been conducted in a positive atmosphere, mainly because the issue of forming a new coalition had not been brought up.

Following the meeting with the Social Democratic Party (TDP), Kucuk said he openly conveyed to the TDP leader Mehmet Cakici his partys desire to form a new coalition government. Kucuk said that the parties could meet again for further discussions, should the TDP agree.

On his part, Cakici said that a wide range of domestic issues, including prospects to form a coalition with the UBP, were discussed. Stating that his party does not exclude the idea of forming a coalition government with the UBP, Cakici said this possibility will only be clear following detailed deliberations within the TDP.

Speaking at the end of the meeting with the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), Kucuk said he conveyed the partys determination to form a new coalition government and added that the ORP agreed to study the possibility.

ORP leader Turgay Avci, on his part, recalled a press release earlier this year stating the partys readiness to take on such a responsibility, and pointed out that ORP already supports the UBP minority government.

[02] Greek Cypriots drag their feet

Moreover, Ozgurgun stated that the Turkish side will continue working towards an agreement based on political equality of the two peoples, on bi-zonality and on Turkeys guarantees, and will not fall back, despite the Greek Cypriots negative behaviour. He also said that Turkeys main goal is to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2010 and accused the Greek Cypriots of dragging their feet in the negotiations and hiding behind untenable arguments that Turkey has a B Plan for Cyprus.

[03] BKP calls for an early Cyprus settlement

Korkmazhan called on all who are in favour of peace and solution to join forces for an early solution, and to fight against efforts of Taiwanization of the northern part of Cyprus and those who want to blow up the negotiation process. He also said that the forces, which support peace and solution, should not be deviated from the target of an early solution and be misled by artificial agendas and secondary issues like the resignations of deputies and the efforts to form a coalition government.

He also noted that no positive progress can be obtained in the negotiation process because the proposals presented by the Turkish Cypriot side are separatist and outside the UN parameters. He concluded drawing attention to the danger that the negotiation process is stopped by the end of the year.

(DPs)

[04] So-called tourism minister evaluates his contacts in Ankara

Durust also revealed that in the next couple of weeks, a protocol comprising of tourism policies will be signed between the TRNC and Turkey, noting that the results of his visit are positive.

Evaluating his meeting with the Turkish Minister of State in charge of Cyprus Affair Cemil Cicek, Durust said the two discussed ways of increasing the flow of tourists to the TRNC and issues regarding the Tourism Master Plan. With Turkeys support the tourism sector in the TRNC will prosper, Durust added.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (26.08.10), the protocol will be signed by the Turkish Minister of Culture who will visit the TRNC for this purpose.

[05] So-called education minister meets with a British consultant over the universities in the occupied areas

Speaking during a meeting the minister had with Professor Dr Hasan Ali Bicak, chairman of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YODAK), and the education consultant Peter Williams, Cavusoglu thanked Bicak for his support and pointed to the importance of improving the quality of universities.

On his part, Bicak noted that moves should be made in order to include TRNC universities in the Bologna process, adding that Williams could assist the TRNC in this.

[06] The Turkish embassy responds regarding the E-state protocol

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] Turkish Undersecretary holds contacts in the USA

Citing diplomatic sources in Washington D.C., AA reports, inter alia, that Sinirlioglus meetings were within the framework of regular political consultations, and that the two countries discussed possible future cooperation and how problems could be overcome in the future.

The topics discussed during the meetings included the Irans nuclear programme controversy, the attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and the situation in Iraq.

The United States would always support Turkeys fight against terrorism and Turkey had asked the United States to encourage European countries to support Turkeys fight against the terrorist organization PKK, said the AA citing diplomatic sources, which added the United States wanted Turkey to continue its initiatives in Afghanistan, particularly to train soldiers and police forces, and Turkey was positive on this matter.

The American Turkish Council (ATC) meeting to take place in Washington D.C. in October was another matter Sinirlioglu debated during his talks with U.S. executives. Turkeys State Minister Ali Babacan and State Minister Zafer Caglayan for foreign trade are expected to represent Turkey in the meeting. Therefore, Sinirlioglu also handled economic and commercial relations besides political and military relations during his meetings in the United States. During the ATC meeting, Turkey will focus on increasing trade with the United States and encouraging direct investments.

[08] Arinc: Turkey willing to reopen Heybeliada (Halki) seminary, but legal obstacles remain

AA reports: In 1971, parts of the Private University Law were ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court of Turkey; subsequently all private institutions of higher education either became part of the state universities or closed down. Heybeliada's Board of Trustees refused to have it become part of the University of Istanbul. Consequently, the seminary section of the Heybeliada School was closed down.

Underscoring the importance of education of the clergy of a religious group in a country, Arinc said the Turkish government was working on ways to make it possible in line with Turkey's legislation.

[09] Ex Polish President backs Turkeys EU bid

Speaking to journalists on his departure from Istanbul after cornpleting a private visit in Turkey, Walesa said the real question was how and when this membership would happen and added that the process should be completed by using all available means. Walesa said Turkey was a country of significant potential but was not fully using that potential.

Walesa will visit Turkey again on October 21-24 following an invitation from Turkey's chief EU negotiator, Egemen Bagis, to hold talks in Ankara and Istanbul regarding Turkey's EU membership bid. We will discuss how we can speed up Turkey's membership process, and we will exchange views on how we can eliminate obstacles and problems particular to Turkey, he said.

[10] Highlights

a) Kurdish Issue; Alleged talks with PKK; Referendum

A report in Hurriyet quotes Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu as saying that it would be a great mistake for the AKP to hold talks with the PKK in a bid to remain in power and to ensure that the constitutional amendments are endorsed.

A report in Radikal quotes CHP deputy Tacidar Seyhan as saying that he has obtained evidence from reliable sources showing that MIT Undersecretary Hakan Fidan, accompanied by two officials, met with PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in Imrali Prison on 20 July 2010.

In an article in Hurriyet entitled "Negotiating With PKK or Rooting Out Terrorism?", columnist Fatih Cekirge says that some organs of the government have contacted some leading figures within the PKK and held talks with them in order to convince the organization to lay down arms. This, he comments, could that be described as conducting negotiations and should be regarded as the most strategic and rational efforts on the part of the government in a bid to ensure that the sons and daughters of this country are not killed."

In an article in Milliyet entitled 'A Democratic Country, A Free Homeland," columnist Fikret Bila points out that PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan wants Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria to grant autonomy to Kurdish-populated areas which will eventually set for the foundation of Greater Kurdistan. Noting that the DTK's call for autonomy represents the first phase of Ocalan's strategy, he comments: "The big picture should not be overlooked due to ongoing debates. This is the political goal of Ocalan and the PKK. The ruling party's promise to write a new constitution after the referendum in response to those demands which conflict with the philosophy underlying Turkey's foundation will be debated by Ocalan, PKK, and the BDP from that perspective."

Radikal columnist Cengiz Candar criticizes the AKP for pledging not to conduct negotiations with the PKK. He points out that if terrorism is considered a problem which must be dealt with but not through an 'armed solution', then negotiations can be conducted with the 'terrorist organization' no matter who conducts those negotiations. This would not be wrong at all. The government would certainly negotiate in order to achieve a goal if it is in the best interests of the country.", he concludes.

In an article in Taraf entitled "Referendum and Cease-Fire in Military," columnist Lale Kemal says that the military seems determined to maintain operations in spite of the PKK's decision to declare cease-fire, adding that Turkish generals may even propose to attack PKK camps in northern Iraq. She comments: "The government took a firm stand during the last meeting of the Supreme Military Council in a manner intrinsic to democracies. But, it has yet to establish its control over the military. So, it seems that it will face difficulties in stopping the military during the cease-fire process."

Vakit Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakay blasts the opposition for citing a recent article by Prime Minister Erdogan's adviser Yalcin Akdogan as evidence confirming that the PKK's latest "ceasefire" is the result of a secret agreement between the ruling AKP and PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. He claims that the article in question does not represent an "institutional" attitude but reflects Akdogan's "personal views.

Today's Zaman columnist Yavuz Baydar comments on indications of "deep ... divisions ... among Kurds" ahead of the referendum in September and predicts that the PKK and the BDP will be hard-pressed to "claim a monopoly" over Kurdish voter behavior vis-à-vis the constitutional reform package. He also argues that as "internal" disagreements among Kurds continue to increase in the run-up to the referendum, "what Prime Minister Erdogan will say and do in Diyarbakir on Sept. 3 becomes even more important."

Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru comments on recent statements by a number of Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) representatives announcing that the BDP will review its decision to "boycott" the forthcoming referendum on the constitutional amendment package if Prime Minister Erdogan promises, at the AKP rally in Diyarbakir on 3 September, to have a new constitution drawn up. Koru urged the BDP "not to forget" that political parties in Turkey will risk being closed down if they attempt to prepare a "civilian constitution."

b) Retired Police Chief's Controversial Book

In an article in Vatan entitled "He was a hunter and later became a prey and he is now hunting his hunters," columnist Rusen Cakir analyzes reactions to a book by Hanefi Avci, a former police chief who claims that the members of the Fethullah Gulen community now control the police and some other establishments within the government. Cakir points out that columnists mainly focus on possible motives for the book rather than its contents and emphasizes that Avci courageously questions the current government system rather than aiming to settle old scores.

c) Turkish delegation's talks in United States

A report in Star entitled Relations with United States to intensify quotes diplomatic sources in Washington as saying that Feridun Sinirlioglu, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is leading a delegation visiting the United States, asked his US counterparts to make efforts to dispel misunderstandings observed in the US Congress and some media establishments about Turkey's foreign policy priorities which, they noted, elicited a positive response.

Cumhuriyet columnist Utku Cakirozer says that the Turkish delegation will emphasize that Turkey and the United States should have "visible cooperation" and that Turkey shares the United States ultimate objective regarding Iran and wants good relations with Israel.

d) Turkish-Iranian Relations; Iran's nuclear programme

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News entitled "A Bit Closer to the Axis of Evil?", columnist Mustafa Akyol dismisses concerns that Turkey may be moving toward Islamism because Iran will reportedly be excluded from the list of countries considered threats to Turkey's national security, adding that rapprochement between Turkey and Iran is mainly a pragmatic policy based on national interests.

Milliyet columnist Sami Kohen, commenting on Iran's first unmanned bomber aircraft and other weapons it has developed says that the arms race in the region and Iran's efforts to become a superpower should be a source of concern for Turkey, emphasizing that Incirlik Air Base may be one of the targets which may be hit by Iran if an anti-ballistic shield is established on Turkish soil as a result of US demands.

e) Turkish concerns over closer relations between Greece, Israel

In an article Hurriyet Daily News entitled "Greece should mediate between Turkey and Israel," columnist Burak Bekdil says that there is growing concern among Turkish officials over the high-level visits exchanged between Greece and Israel. He says: "What did you expect? That the world would stop and watch you in admiration when you ally with Iran, Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah while provoking confrontation with Israel whenever possible? That you would have a seat at the dinner table for the start of direct talks between Israel and Palestine? That you seriously thought Turkey was powerful enough alone to drag Israel into absolute isolation?"

f) PKK Martyrs Imam, Hakkari Cries

Zaman carries a front-page report, under the above headline, asserting that the people of Hakkari are up in arms against the PKK over the recent killing of an imam named Aziz Tan, who used to be "a popular opinion leader." The report claims that the PKK killed Tan as part of its efforts to "terrorize" the region ahead of the referendum next month. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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