Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-09-01

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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] Cyprus negotiation process resumes

[02] Turkmen: The negotiation process had reached a breaking point

[03] Turkish Finance Minister held contacts in the occupied areas

[04] International Economic Conference begins today in occupied Kerynia

[05] Elcil: UBP is looking for an accomplice and not a coalition partner

[06] Illegal DAU to host the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies

[07] YAGA accepts proposals for investments in occupied Lefka

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Turkey asks Greece to drop claim on Aegean

[09] Figures show increase in Turkeys exports

[10] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Cyprus negotiation process resumes

Speaking to reporters on his return to his residence, Eroglu said that the two sides will be submitting comprehensive proposals on the issue of property during the meetings scheduled to take place next month. He noted that the two sides will be submitting a summary of their proposals on Friday, September 3. As illegal BRT reports, the two leaders will hold full-day negotiations on September 7 and 10 when the two sides will present comprehensive proposals on property. Eroglu said that the two sides will exchange views on the proposals to be submitted.

I hope convergence will be achieved. We will see, he added. He also noted that the meetings are scheduled to take place in the first half of the month because of his and the Greek Cypriot leaders visits abroad.

[02] Turkmen: The negotiation process had reached a breaking point

Turkmen said that the biggest problem in the occupied areas is the separation of Turkish Cypriots and Turks coming from Turkey, and added: I want to understand this situation. I want to understand those who demonstrate in front of the embassy of Turkey. There must be something wrong. I want to understand why these people feel such hostility towards Turkey and place their hopes with the Greek Cypriots. I want to talk to them. If we have done something wrong, I want to correct it.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 31.08.10) reports that Turkmen, evaluating the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, said that the Turkish side for many years adopted a constructive stance in the talks but failed to receive the same approach from the other side. The Cyprus problem has reached a breaking point. It is not possible to move forward through negotiations. We need a solution by the end of this year. The problem can be solved if the Greek Cypriot side acknowledges this and the international community exerts pressure on it, Turkmen said.

Underlining the need for the Greek Cypriot side to be persuaded towards a settlement, he said that great responsibility falls on the EU, the US and the UN in achieving this. He reiterated that Turkey will never abandon Cyprus in exchange for its EU membership.

Commenting on relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime, Turkmen said both might have made mistakes in their relations throughout the process in Cyprus; however, lessons should be drawn from them. Finally, Turkmen said: Despite all criticisms, TRNC is a success story.

(DPs)

[03] Turkish Finance Minister held contacts in the occupied areas

Speaking to reporters before his meetings, Simsek said that Turkey had always stood up for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), adding that what is most important for them is that the TRNC proves successful in every aspect and walks to the future strongly. Simsek also said that the TRNC faced what he described as unfair embargoes, adding that efforts should be exerted to boost the countrys profile at every international organization. Moreover, minister Simsek stated that he is participating in the second International Economy Conference, which he described as an important event for the promotion of the TRNC. As it is reported, senior economists from around the world are expected to participate in the conference.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (01.09.10) reported that Minister Simsek also visited Ersin Tatar, self-styled minister of finance. According to the paper, Minister Simsek congratulated Tatar for the efforts he exerted for the improvement of the economy and reiterated that Turkey will continue to be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

(AK)

[04] International Economic Conference begins today in occupied Kerynia

In the framework of the conference, there will be two special sessions on Japanese economy with the participation of Japanese experts, as 2010 is celebrated as the year of Japan in Turkey. In addition, because of the high number of participants from Asia, there will be a session dedicated to the growth of Asia. Participants in the conference include important economists like the former chairman of the International Economic Association Guillermo Calvo from Columbia University, Fiorella Kostoris from Rome University, Stephen Turnovsky from Washington University and the president of the Chinese Institute of World Economics and Politics (IWEP) Yu Yongding.

[05] Elcil: UBP is looking for an accomplice and not a coalition partner

He also said: Though it is known that the northern part of the island is directed following instructions from Turkey, the game which is performed by the collaborator UBP in search for a coalition partner, has been turned into a complete puppet theatre. Placing in a government advisers appointed by Turkey, will accelerate the annihilation of the community, Elcil noted.

(DPs)

[06] Illegal DAU to host the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies

(AK)

[07] YAGA accepts proposals for investments in occupied Lefka

The investment will cover in an area of 211,404m2 near occupied Lefkas water dam, 2km from the sea and 10km from the centre of Lefka.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Turkey asks Greece to drop claim on Aegean

HDN, inter alia, reports: Following a Greek Parliament decision in 1995 about territorial waters in the Aegean Sea, Turkey declared that any Greek attempt to extend its territorial waters in the sea to an area of 12 miles would constitute a casus belli. Though the adjustments in the security document would remove Greece from enemy framework, a Parliament vote is needed to lift the casus belli.

[09] Figures show increase in Turkeys exports

In the first seven months of 2010, the countrys imports increased by 32.1% to 99.3 billion U.S. dollars over the same period of 2009. Foreign trade deficit also climbed by 89.4% to 34.9 billion U.S. dollars year-on-year between January and July 2010.

[10] Highlights

a) Referendum on the Constitutional amendments

In an article in Hurriyet, Erdal Saglam cites analysts as saying that if the rate of the yes or the no votes does not exceed 55%, the results of the referendum will not have an impact on the markets. Saglam adds that if the rate of the yes or no votes is above 60% or below 40%, the government's behaviour may change because, under such circumstances, it will view the results either as a great victory or a great defeat. Saglam adds: "The markets will not mind reasonable election economy policies, but there are concerns that if the no votes exceed 55%, the government will exaggerate the election economy policies and destroy the economic balances."

A report in Vatan refers to an opinion poll conducted by Adil Gur's A&G Company in 33 provinces and 108 districts with the participation of 2,405 subjects which shows that 45.2% of the electorate will vote in favour of the package, while 44% will vote against. The report says that the referendum results will be determined by the 10.8% that have not yet decided.

Mustafa Karaalioglu in the Star says that the referendum results will show the world what kind of a Turkey we want and which role we assign to this Turkey in the world, and adds that voting no in the 12 September referendum means not being able to complain about the coups, the torture, and the human rights violations and not being able to demand democracy and human rights.

In an article in Vakit entitled "Is the Empire of Fear saying 'yes' or 'no?'", columnist Ali Ihsan Karahasanoglu takes issue with allegations that the Government has for some time been creating an "environment of fear" to dissuade citizens from rejecting the constitutional amendments. He cites lawsuits filed against the Vakit daily by members of Supreme Council of Justices and Prosecutors and Constitutional Court justices demanding damages for certain reports and commentaries in this daily as proof indicating that they are trying to ensure a majority no vote in the referendum through scare tactics.

Zaman columnist Ihsan Dagi argues that the referendum on 12 September will be an occasion for "evening the score" with the 27 May, 1960 coup rather than with the 12 September, 1980 coup because the earlier military takeover is the "mother" of all ensuing military interventions as well as of the current constitution and the existing "bureaucratic tutelage regime."

b) Kurdish problem / PKK's Hantepe raid

Cuneyt Ulsever argues in Hurriyet that though the prime minister has refrained from holding talks with Abdullah Ocalan or the PKK to solve the Kurdish problem , he has not hesitated to talk to them for turning the BDP's 1.6 million votes into "yes" votes in the referendum, and adds: "Regardless of what the government, that has not done anything for the solution of the Kurdish problem for eight years, promises in Diyarbakir on 3 September, lowering the election threshold does not serve the government's interests." Emphasizing that though it is impossible to release those detained in the Assembly of Communities of Kurdistan operations, to amend the Counterterrorism Law, or to take constitutional steps for a democratic autonomy one year before the general elections, Ulsever argues that the prime minister will utter words that may be interpreted as promises in the speech he will deliver in Diyarbakir. What is important, says Ulsever, is whether the BDP will take these words seriously.

Fikret Bila in Milliyet says that the essence of the demands of the PKK and its representatives in the political field is to reshape the Turkish Republic in line with a two-nation structure, and warns that the PKK's demands will be presented within the framework of "democracy and cultural rights" until the national and the international political conjuncture is suitable for demanding a separate state.

In an article in Radikal, Oral Calislar criticizes Erdogan for using a style that is discriminatory against former Justice Minister Seyfi Oktay's and CHP leader Kilicdaroglu's Alevi identity. Also criticizing Erdogan's response to Kilicdaroglu's "timid" proposal to pass a general amnesty after the PKK lays down arms, Calislar explains that the entire Kurdish overture is based on disarming the PKK and bringing down its militants from the mountains. It is impossible to persuade the PKK militants to come down from the mountains if a life sentence awaits them in Turkey, and the prime minister should know this better than anyone else, says Calislar and draws attention to the importance of Kilicdaroglu's proposal. Rather than viewing this as an opportunity, the prime minister prefers to use a style that makes conciliation more difficult, says Calislar and adds: "We all know --and I believe that the prime minister is aware of this-- that arms will be laid down in parallel to an amnesty."

c) Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu

Emre Kongar in an article in Cumhuriyet argues that the self-opinionated approach adopted by the AKP in the Kurdish overture primarily, and in all the overtures as well as in the referendum on the constitutional amendments, does not serve the interests of society and leads to lasting animosity. Kongar draws attention to the hope created by the statements issued by Kemal Kilicdaroglu and CHP Science Council Chairman Sencer Ayata that they will seek an "agreement" among the sides and that their solutions will be based on a "social consensus". As a result, Kongar adds, people have begun to feel hopeful about the CHP's general policies on critical issues --from the Islamic headdress to the constitutional amendments and from the Kurdish problem to unemployment.

d) Withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq

Cengiz Candar in Radikal views the withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq which will be concluded by the end of 2011, and explains that Turkey has good relations with all the sectors in Iraq. Drawing attention to the agreements signed with the central government and to the consulate opened in the Kurdish region in northern Iraq, Candar explains that the fact that a new government has not been established in Iraq is not important and adds: "What is important is that it has once again been seen that Iraq belongs to the Iraqis, that from the standpoint of the Americans the war has ended for the second time in Iraq, and that Turkey's historic role in Iraq has been revived thanks to the rapprochement with the Iraqi Kurds. Following the toppling of the Saddam regime, the fact that the war is over has many strategic benefits for Turkey."

e) Dink case / Freedom of expression

Murat Yetkin writes in Radikal that following the public reaction to the defence statement submitted by Turkey to European Court of Human Right (ECHR) in the Hrant Dink case, Turkey has decided, on instructions given with the approval of Erdogan, not to submit defence statements in the freedom of expression cases taken to the ECHR and to seek amicable solutions.

f) Peace talks between Israel and Palestinian Authority / Iran's nuclear program

Evrim Bunn in Taraf refers to the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority due to begin on 2 September, and views how a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine will affect Turkey's position. Ankara is aware that it has to be in good terms both with the Netanyahu and the Abbas governments if it wants to have a say in the Middle East peace process, stresses Bunn and adds: "Otherwise Turkey may be obliged to remain a spectator as history is being written and this runs counter to the policies that Foreign Minister Davutoglu has been pursuing thus far."

Milliyet columnist Yaman Toruner cites Stephen Kinzer as saying in his book that the current Turkish Government should act as mediator in the supervision of Iran's nuclear programme. Toruner notes that the United States had reportedly supported Turkey's mediation with Iran at first but had changed his stand due to the pressure imposed by the Jewish lobby in the United States. Explaining that Israel views the Iranian regime as the greatest existential threat after Hitler, Toruner says: "Iran will have nuclear weapons in approximately one year, but Iran does not have a supervised technology that is in line with international rules for developing nuclear weapons. Turkey will pay a very heavy price if Iran makes a mistake when developing a nuclear bomb. Given that Israel carries the responsibility of a country that possesses an atom bomb, it complies with international agreements and plays 'openly.' Anything can happen at any minute."

Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru comments on the situation of Iraq as a nation that is "politically fragmented" and has been "laid waste" and "left at the mercy of terrorist groups", as the United States is withdrawing its troops from this country. He also argues that Turkey has emerged as a regional player whose word carries weight with the United States and Iraq thanks to its decision not to side with the US "neo-cons" against Iraq.

g) Turkish War of Independence

Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak discusses what he presents as certain misconceptions about the Turkish War of Independence. He dismisses the historical account of how the Turkish army drove the occupying Greek soldiers into the sea in Izmir on 30 August, 1922 as a nationalist "fib" "just like the myth about the first shot fired on the enemy in Izmir."

h) Will the Military Change Under Kosaner's Leadership?"

In an article in Today's Zaman under the above heading, columnist Abdullah Bozkurt criticizes Chief of Staff General Isik Kosaner particularly for his messages on a number of "domestic issues" at the recent handover ceremony. He claims that Kosaner's "emphasis on the information gathering and intelligence activities of the TSK" evokes "some bad memories we have tried hard to forget during the course of the military's intervention into politics from behind the scenes." He also finds it "unfortunate" that Kosaner "chose to repeat his predecessor's claims regarding a purported asymmetric psychological campaign launched ... against the Turkish military." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/AC

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