Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-08-30

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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] Ozersay: Solution can come in an unexpected moment

[02] Turkeys newly appointed Chief of the General Staff on Cyprus problem

[03] Talat comments on solution by the end of the year

[04] Efforts to form a coalition government continue

[05] Columnist: TRNC is the only sovereign state in Karpass

[06] Columnist says YDP revival could lead to tensions

[07] Atun called on Turkish businessmen to trade in south Cyprus in cooperation with Turkish Cypriots businessmen

[08] The so-called tourism ministry to be included in Turkeys 2023 vision

[09] Efforts to harmonize with the EU

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu on Cyprus: No unilateral step should be expected from the Turkish side unless commitments are fulfilled

[11] International economic conference to be held in Kerynia

[12] Cyprus among the issues discussed during Sinirlioglus visit to the USA

[13] Turkey and South Korea to sign nuke deal by mid-November

[14] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Ozersay: Solution can come in an unexpected moment

Commenting on the possibility for an international meeting, Ozersay said: The model of participation in an international meeting is very clear if you look at the experience of 2004. Look who participated in the Burgenstock meeting. There was no participation of the so-called Republic of Cyprus, why should there be today? I invite you to explain this.

Referring to the property issue, Ozersay said: We are ready to find the way to pay compensations. He also noted: If our Greek Cypriot interlocutors could say that acceptance of our compensation is guaranteed and that there will not be demands for the return of properties, which will put in danger the majority of the property in the north, then we are ready to pay such compensation in resourceful ways.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu will fly to New York in September, Ozersay said: There is a possibility the two leaders have a meeting there with the UN Secretary-General.

(DPs)

[02] Turkeys newly appointed Chief of the General Staff on Cyprus problem

According to illegal BRT, Gen. Kosaner served a term as the General Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces.

[03] Talat comments on solution by the end of the year

Moreover, in an interview to the Turkish Cypriot weekly Cyprus Observer (21-27.08.10) Talat said that the view that if there is solution by the end of the year it is ok, otherwise everybody will go their own way, is only an argumentation.

[04] Efforts to form a coalition government continue

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (28.08.10) publishes exclusive statements of the leader of TDP Mehmet Cakici, that the party cannot always be in the opposition and if there is a serious proposal from UBP, it will be discussed at the competent body of the party.

Meanwhile, according to Cenk Mutluyakali writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (30.08.10), the UBP has decided to form a coalition government with TDP. He also reports that UBP proposed to delegation of two ministries to TDP, sport and tourism or health. It is also reported that after the coalition government is formed, the independent deputies Hasipoglu and Tancer will join it, and Tahsin Ertugruloglu will follow. In this way, UBP will guarantee its majority and the reactions will be reduced, Mutluyakali writes. He also claims that UBP will use TDP as a display and added that meetings between UBP-TDP will start tomorrow or the latest on Wednesday.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (29.08.10) reports that self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun, in an interview to the paper, said that UBPs base is against ORP and he is also against forming a coalition with ORP.

(DPs)

[05] Columnist: TRNC is the only sovereign state in Karpass

Atun writes that the Greek Cypriots still live in a fantasy and cannot accept the realities on the island. They think that they also own the northern part of the island and they try in every opportunity to prevent any progress by Turkish Cypriots. He also accuses the efforts of the Greek Cypriot green party Oikologoi to prevent the construction of this university campus.

Recalling that according to Protocol 10 (of the Accession Treaty 2003) the Government of Cyprus does not exercise effective control in the northern part of the island, Dr Atun said: As I know, there is only one sovereign state in Karpass.

(DPs)

[06] Columnist says YDP revival could lead to tensions

However, the writer argues, all the voters are disappointed, since Eroglu has almost forgotten what he was saying prior to the elections. Moreover, it is added, formation of such a party only creates tension and since this is a critical period, it could cost the Turkish Cypriot society dearly.

[07] Atun called on Turkish businessmen to trade in south Cyprus in cooperation with Turkish Cypriots businessmen

Atun stated, inter alia, that it is necessary for the Turkish businessmen and the businessmen in south Cyprus to have contacts and also stressed that it is necessary to look for cooperation with Turkish Cypriots as regards the trade ties with south Cyprus.

For his part Ekrem Demirtas, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Izmir, stressed the need for more Turkish Cypriots businessmen to establish trade relations with the Greek Cypriot Administration.

The paper further reports that the occupation regime will be represented at the 79th International Izmir Fair with its own stand. It will be its 35th participation at the fair with 51 institutions and enterprises, 42 local firms promoting TRNC products and 5 universities promoting their courses. So-called minister of Economy and Energy will also attend the fair.

(AK)

[08] The so-called tourism ministry to be included in Turkeys 2023 vision

Speaking during a TV programme on illegal BRT, Durust referred to his meeting with the Turkish Minister of State in charge of Cyprus affairs Cemil Cicek in Ankara and said that they agreed that tourism is the power that will aid the TRNCs development and concluded that promotion is vital. Noting that this could not be done by the TRNC alone, Durust said that Cicek has proposed that the [so-called] tourism ministry be included Turkeys 2023 vision. A protocol regarding this issue will be signed on September 21 during the Turkish Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunays visits to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[09] Efforts to harmonize with the EU

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu on Cyprus: No unilateral step should be expected from the Turkish side unless commitments are fulfilled

Asked if exploratory talks would bring a halt to dogfights over the Aegean, Davutoglu said: That is our objective. Why are those talks being held? Not just for the sake of meeting but to minimize risks over the Aegean and expand common interest areas. I hope any negativity can be overcome based on good neighbourly relations. Davutoglu is expected to visit Athens in the fall.

Moreover, HDN, inter alia, reports: Another common problem between Turkey and Greece is the decades-old Cyprus dispute. Davutoglu said if Greek Cypriots had voted yes for a U.N. blueprint for reunification with the Turks of the island during a 2004 referendum, no Turkish troops would remain on the island now except for a symbolic number of soldiers.

No unilateral step should be expected from the Turkish side unless commitments are fulfilled, he said. Turkey has taken many progressive steps in the past, but unfortunately neither the European Union nor international actors fairly reciprocated those steps.

Davutoglu said the Turkish Cypriot presidency, led by hardliner Dervis Eroglu, was proceeding on negotiations with Greek Cypriots, contrary to what was expected from the new president after the presidential elections in the north in May. The foreign minister also heralded Eroglus plan to hold talks in New York in the coming period.

Referring to U.N. special envoy Alexander Downers report, set to be released in November, Davutoglu said, it is important that Downer set a deadline for November, otherwise negotiations will go on for decades.

[11] International economic conference to be held in Kerynia

The president of the Turkish Association, Prof. Dr Ercan Uygur, asked regarding the selection of the venue, said that the general aim is to contribute in the expansion of the debate aim among academics and economists to include Cyprus. Regarding the start day of the Conference he pointed out that it coincides with Peace Day observed in Turkey and the TRNC and demonstrates their desire for peace in the region. Moreover, he said organizing such an event in the TRNC is a decision based on economic reasons.

[12] Cyprus among the issues discussed during Sinirlioglus visit to the USA

Sinirlioglu met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Jim Steinberg, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, National Security Council's chief of staff Dennis McDonough, Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Michele Flournoy, and Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Richard Morningstar. During his meetings with U.S. executives, Sinirlioglu discussed Irans nuclear programme, the situation in Iraq, relations with Israel, Cyprus, NATO, Middle East, Balkans, Turkeys possible initiatives in Afghanistan, Turkish-U.S. relations. Diplomatic sources said Turkish and U.S. executives decided to meet more often to eliminate misunderstandings and increase high-level contacts.

Turkeys President Abdullah Gul and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are expected to hold talks in the United States in September during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In addition, the American Turkish Council (ATC) meeting will take place in October to which Turkey will be represented by a Minister.

[13] Turkey and South Korea to sign nuke deal by mid-November

As DN reported, following an intention voiced jointly by Turkey and South Korea early this year, South Korea is expected to build Turkey's second nuclear power plant in Sinop in the Black Sea area. Under a separate agreement, Russia is due to build Turkeys first nuclear plant near the Mediterranean coast. The Korean power plant is planned to cost around $10 billion.

The planned inter-governmental agreement is key to the programme, because when signed it will reflect a strong commitment by the governments of Turkey and South Korea to build the Sinop power plant. But to sign the inter-government agreement, the two sides will need to iron out small, remaining differences before November. After this agreement, a full contract is expected to be signed between South Koreas state-controlled energy company Kepco and the Turkish Energy Ministry, probably next year.

[14] Highlights

Ruhat Mengi in an article in Vatan (29.8.10) refers to Prime Minister Erdogan's remarks to the effect that a new constitution will be prepared following the 2011 elections, Mengi argues that in the new constitution the government will once again avoid amending the articles that serve the interests of the ruling party. If the yes votes are in the majority in the referendum, the Constitutional Court will be neutralized and therefore many arbitrary amendments will be made, asserts Mengi and argues that since at that point there will be no authority that will supervise the government's actions, Turkey will gradually move toward chaos. "Before you believe in the EU tale, think well because this is a one-way journey, there is no return ticket," warns Mengi.

In his article in Star (29.8.10), Ergun Babahan asserts that the current structure of the judiciary is based on protecting the state as well as those who engage in illegal activities on behalf of the state. The upcoming referendum will be the end of this structure and the panic and the fear stem from this, notes Babahan and stresses that saying 'yes' in the referendum will put an end to the role of the state and the deep state in the appointments of judges and prosecutors and it will take away the liberty of public officials to engage in illegal activities.

In an interview to Cumhuriyet's (29.8.10) Leyla Tavsanoglu, Bulent Serim, former secretary general of the Constitutional Court, warns that if the amendments are approved Turkey will move toward the rule of a single person. Recalling Erdogan's statement to the effect that these amendments will pave the path for the presidential system in Turkey, Serim argues that by threatening those who refuse to announce their votes, the prime minister is actually violating the Constitution. Serim also underlines that the right to make individual applications to the Constitutional Court will block the path to the European Court of Human Rights. Talking about the allegations in Hanefi Avci's book, Serim maintains that the Gulen community is behind the documents that have been leaked on the Turkish Armed Forces.

Yasar Degirmenci in an article in Vakit (29.8.10) underlining that a yes vote is necessary in order to be rid of the tutelage regime, to defend justice, to react against injustice, and to put an end to oppression. Warning the public against confusing the referendum with general elections, the writer stresses the need for a 'yes' vote in order to change the status of certain institutions such as the Constitutional Court, the High Council of Prosecutors and Judges (HSYK, the Council of State, and the Supreme Court of Appeals, and to make them compatible with a democratic state of law.

In Vakit (29.8.10) Prof Namik Acikgoz predicts that a 54% 'yes' vote will emerge from the referendum. He cites the results to be achieved from the referendum as follows: The path to a new constitution will be opened, the first step toward eliminating the influence of the PKK over the Kurdish people will be taken, and the way the partisan idealists and the independent intellectual idealists view the concept of democracy will become more pronounced. Noting that the regional people are sick and tired of the PKK, Acikgoz argues that a majority of the Kurdish people will vote in favour of the constitutional amendments and will adopt a stand against the PKK and the BDP. Predicting that in provinces populated by Kurds the yes percentage will be higher than the average of the country, Acikgoz maintains that the referendum results will further increase the gap between the Kurdish people and the PKK. As for the votes of the idealists, the independents have already declared that they will vote in favour of the amendments, writes Acikgoz, noting that the partisan idealists, who have reduced the referendum to the level of a simple contention between the government and the opposition, will be voting against in order to express their opposition to the government.

Ihsan Yilmaz in Sundays Zaman (29.8.10) predicts that the reform package will weaken the state. He argues, however, that this is good because "the almighty Turkish state will lose its power against individuals, human rights and the rule of law." Noting that the supporters and beneficiaries of the status quo oppose the constitutional changes, Yilmaz underlines that the freedoms, the rule of law, and the individual rights to be introduced by the amendments will damage their undeserved privileges.

Ahmet Tasgetiren writing in Bugun (29.8.10) draws attention to the discord between the CHP reasons for seeking a no vote in the referendum and to those of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and explains that the CHP is urging for a no vote promising that a general amnesty will be declared after the referendum while the MHP is seeking the no vote in a bid to curb the separatist tendencies of the government.

b) Kurdish Problem

In article in Radikal (29.8.10), Murat Yetkin points out that he Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has begun to give up some of its demands because the Kurdish bourgeoisie has announced that it does not recognize the PKK's authority and that it will vote yes in the referendum; because the prime minister announced that the state is already holding talks with Ocalan; and because CHP Chairman Kilicdaroglu went beyond the policies pursued by the AKP and Erdogan in the Kurdish issue. Drawing attention to the fact that Kilicdaroglu has been calling for lowering the election threshold since he was elected chairman, Yetkin also recalls that the CHP leader avoided criticizing the ruling party for holding talks with Ocalan. Furthermore he hit the AKP-BDP axis with the general amnesty rhetoric from their most vulnerable place, says Yetkin and refers to the self-criticism conducted by Kilicdaroglu regarding the CHP's Kurdish policy.

c) Interview with Prime Minister Erdogan

In an exclusive interview to Hurriyet's (29.8.10) Enis Berberoglu and Metehan Demir, Prime Minister Erdogan reacts to CHP Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu's statement that he will pass a general amnesty when his party comes to power, the BDP's decision to boycott the referendum, and the Kurds' call for democratic autonomy.

Star (29.8.10) daily features a report on the comments made by Erdogan during the "Special Agenda" programme broadcast on 24TV. Describing Kilicdaroglu's proposal for a general amnesty as an "election bribe," Erdogan also refers to the withdrawal of the US combatant forces from Iraq and announces that the cooperation with the United States in the war on the PKK will continue. As for the Kurds' democratic autonomy demand, Erdogan underlines: "We can never think about a second flag waving by the side of our flag because our flag has the colour of the blood of our martyrs. This is also the blood of the Turks, the Kurds, the Laz, and the Circassians. So what is this fight? What is the reason for the search for a second flag or a third flag? I do not find these searches sincere. There are ulterior motives and separatism behind these searches."

d) Speech by General Isik Kosaner / The Turkish Armed Forces

In an article in Milliyet (29.8.10), Fikret Bila views the speech delivered by new Chief of Staff General Isik Kosaner during the handover ceremony and lists Kosaner's initial demands from the government as effective legal measures against the efforts to establish a second administrative structure; efforts to ensure that Iran and the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq take effective measures against the PKK; efforts to prevent certain European countries from supporting the PKK; and the extension of the authorization that enables the Turkish Army to launch cross-border operations. Citing the new chief of staff as saying that the terrorist organization wants to destroy the nation state and the unitary state structure in Turkey, Bila argues that Kosaner's remarks show that TSK views the use of Kurdish and other languages as dialects and the development of different cultures as individual freedoms, while it views the efforts to carry these individual freedoms to the political field as collective rights as initiatives that aim to destroy the nation state.

Hasan Cemal in an article in Milliyet (29.8.10) says that the speeches delivered by Ilker Basbug and Kosaner show that the commanders at the top of the army are against any sort of change, and argues that "the politicians in Turkey should understand that they have no choice other than changing the anti-change mentality in the military in order to resolve an extremely serious problem such as the Kurdish problem." Cemal underlines that the Kurdish problem will be resolved only if it is no longer linked to arms and if the PKK militants are brought down from the mountains. Therefore rather than being afraid of the politicization of the problem, it is necessary to pave the path for this, stresses Cemal and notes that Kosaner's speech expressed the fear from the politicization of the Kurdish problem.

Fehmi Koru in an article in Yeni Safak (29.8.10) refers to the command transfer ceremony held at the General Staff held and questions why soldiers in Turkey assess the changes in the country as a threat and advises them to turn it into an advantage for the country by renewing themselves and the institution they belong to. Warning about the danger of trying to stop or reverse the course of change in the world, Koru shows the US adventure in Iraq as an example. The serious difficulties facing the Turkish Armed Forces do not stem from a planned and programmed slander campaign as some believe, underlines Koru,

Vakit (29.8.10) columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak stresses the need for an overall revision within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and for a supervision mechanism and writes: "The TSK does not and cannot have a duty such as the guardianship of the regime. The MGK [National Security Council] should once again be restructured within the framework of the constitutional amendments. Military archives, the 'Cosmic Room' documents should be transferred to the government at specified intervals. The Gendarmerie should definitely be restructured. Intelligence activities, the structure of the police force, and the distribution of duties within the security forces should be reorganized." Dilipak concludes that for all these changes to take place a yes vote has to emerge from the referendum.

In an article in Zaman (29.8.10), Mustafa Unal assesses General Basbug's term as the chief of the General Staff and writes that he took office by inspiring a lot of hope but failed the test of law by obstructing the implementation of justice. During his term in office democracy and the freedoms could have been advanced, civilian-military relations could have been improved, and the General Staff could have been affiliated with the National Defence Ministry, writes Unal. However, he adds, he ended his career by badly managing the Supreme Military Council, process.

e) Hanefi Avci's book / Fetullahism as a threat

In an article in Vatan (29.8.10) columnist Rusen Cakir argues that Hanefi Avci's book shows that the Fetullah Gulen Community has begun to resemble the TSK. The community should abandon its habit of moulding a public opinion by engaging in psychological war methods, it should contribute to the establishment of a free, civilian, and pluralistic dialogue environment that is in line with universal principles, and it should be able to render accounts when necessary, says Cakir.

Oral Calislar in Radikal (29.8.10) refers to the rising fear that the Gulen Community has begun to take control of the state, Oral and maintains that the CHP, the army, and the judiciary view themselves as the actual owners of the state and make use of fear as a psychological tool for dominating the society. Despite the fact that it is normal to voice such concerns in democracies, it is not normal to posit proposals such as sending all pro-Fetullah circles to prison, banning the AKP, or seizing their properties, points out Calislar, and adds that rather than recommending fanatical solutions that stem from fears, it is necessary to ensure that those who engage in illegal behaviour render accounts before the judicial organs. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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