Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-11-04

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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] Eroglu refers to his discussions in Ankara on Monday

[02] Kucuk denies allegations regarding the Immovable Property Commission

[03] Great unrest on the property

[04] Izcan asked for the return of Varoshia to its legal owners

[05] Eroglu meets with Turkish and Azerbaijani trade unionists

[06] So-called minister of economy and Cyprus Turkish Chambers agree on joint action regarding Direct Trade Regulation

[07] Eroglu meets with the members of the EPs High-Level Contact Group

[08] Turkish Cypriot unions to hold protests overseas

[09] GAU to explain the realities regarding Apostolos Andreas Monastery

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu: We don't actually need many soldiers there (in Cyprus); but it is psychological

[11] Erdogan: Turkey ready to assume mediator role between Kosovo and Serbia

[12] CHP jolts with deep crisis as Kilicdaroglu, Sav face off

[13] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu refers to his discussions in Ankara on Monday

Responding to reporters during one of his meetings yesterday, Eroglu said that what was discussed at the meeting in Ankara on Monday was how to speed up the decision making process of the Property Compensation Commission, and the issue of funds in order to pay compensation.

Eroglu noted: Turkey is already securing the resources. Is there anything which could be done in the TRNC? All these were discussed. The majority of our people have taken property in return of equivalent property

Eroglu said that the TRNC might need to take some steps regarding the Property Compensation Commission, but it is not true that mortgages will be given to the banks, that the people will be forced to go into debt or that they will remain landless.

(I/Ts)

[02] Kucuk denies allegations regarding the Immovable Property Commission

Stating that Turkish President Abdullah Gul was closely interested in the achievements of the Immoveable Property Commission, Kucuk said that the acceleration of the Commissions work was discussed at the high level meeting in Ankara as the Commission is envisaged to conclude its mission by the end of 2011.

Kucuk pointed out that no definite decision was taken during the meeting, adding that it was agreed to on hold further meetings in an effort to increase the effectiveness of the Property Commission. He also noted that the tripartite meeting on the Cyprus issue, which is scheduled to take place on November in New York, was considered during the meeting with Turkish state officials.

[03] Great unrest on the property

According to the paper, Turkey suggested that a financial evaluation should be carried out in order to establish the difference in the value of the property of those who left property in the free areas of Cyprus and the property these persons were given in the occupied part of the island. According to the same suggestion, the difference should be met jointly by Turkey and the person who possesses the [occupied] property. As regards those who possess property in the occupied areas of the island without having any property in the free areas of the Republic, Turkey suggested that they should pay half of cost of the property.

Furthermore, Kibris publishes statements on the issue by Ozdil Nami, adviser of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat. Nami said that issue was also discussed during their term and added that after the [recent] meeting in Ankara these ideas have become specific. Nami noted that during their term the issue under discussion was that part of the compensation for the occupied Greek Cypriot properties should be met by the state and the other part through taxes paid by the property holder after the payment of the compensation (to the Greek Cypriot) and the increase of the value of the property.

Moreover, Esat Fellahoglu, former chairman of the Compensation Committee of Equivalent Property, expressed the view that compensation for loss of income is given only to the Greek Cypriots and alleged that the loss of income of the Turkish Cypriots is higher. He recalled that the losses of the Turkish Cypriots started in 1964, while the losses of the Greek Cypriots in 1974.

Furthermore, the chairman of the Bar Association, Hasan Sozmener said an agreement between states on property issues could not influence the property rights of the individuals. He expressed the view that the biggest problem is the property rights of the Greek Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots in the free areas of the Republic. As long as the property owners are not convinced individually, agreements between states will not be very sound, he noted.

Finally, Hasan Sungur, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Real Estate Agents Union, said that the statements that the user of the occupied Greek Cypriot properties will pay money for compensation will lead to the collapse of the system in the TRNC, no one will have confidence any longer in the title deeds of the TRNC and therefore, the TRNC itself will be disputed. He said that such statements are wrong and will destroy the real estate market in the occupied areas of Cyprus. He noted that the Union launched a study regarding the Property Compensation Commission, which it will complete the soonest and submit it to the competent authorities.

(I/Ts)

[04] Izcan asked for the return of Varoshia to its legal owners

Speaking after the meeting, Izzet Izcan pointed out that the Cyprus problem has entered a critical period in view of the meeting of the two leaders with the UN Secretary General in New York. He said that his party will support two leaders in order to achieve progress and pointed out that they should discuss new chapters and not confine themselves to the property issue, the population and the borders, which led the process to a deadlock.

Izcan recalled that Turkish Cypriots are against the embargoes posed on them and stressed the need to lift them. He also said that it is necessary to implement the proposals on the return of the fenced off town of Varosha to its legal owners and the opening of the occupied port of Famagusta under the supervision of the EU.

AK

[05] Eroglu meets with Turkish and Azerbaijani trade unionists

Eroglu also referred to the ongoing negotiations in Cyprus and said that the property issue is still being negotiated and added that it will top the agenda of the tripartite meeting in New York on 18 November. He said the UN Secretary Generals stance will become clear at this meeting and added: We are trying to reach convergences before the New York meeting, on issues that have been discussed at the negotiations.

[06] So-called minister of economy and Cyprus Turkish Chambers agree on joint action regarding Direct Trade Regulation

Speaking after the meeting with the Cyprus Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Industry on the Direct Trade Regulation and trade via the Green Line, Atun said a joint declaration and action was agreed concerning the Direct Trade Regulation.

The so-called minister of Economy and Energy stated that the EU failure to keep its promise on lifting of the isolation on Cyprus Turks is causing negative effects on the economic and social life in the TRNC. He also complained that the Green Line Regulation is not implemented at a desired level due to the Greek Cypriot sides oppressive attempts over the sale of Cyprus Turkish products in the south.

Atun added that fulfilment of the EU promise on isolation will not only contribute to the development of trust between the two peoples of Cyprus but will also facilitate the way towards a solution to the Cyprus problem as it will support further development of the Cyprus Turkish economy.

[07] Eroglu meets with the members of the EPs High-Level Contact Group

The delegation will visit this afternoon the construction area of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) provided for both communities, at the occupied Mia Milia village. The Mayor of Lefkosia, Eleni Mavrou, and the mayor of occupied Lefkosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari.

[08] Turkish Cypriot unions to hold protests overseas

[09] GAU to explain the realities regarding Apostolos Andreas Monastery

According to a statement made by illegal GAU, documents will be presented during the conference concerning the realities. Answers will also be given why the Apostolos Andreas Monastery is considered a holy place for Muslims and Turkish Cypriots.

AK

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu: We don't actually need many soldiers there (in Cyprus); but it is psychological

Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-chairperson of the Greens in the EP, replied that Europe's multi-cultural problems are same as Turkey's. However, he said Islam needs to be secularized like other religions. The leader of the Greens questioned Davutoglu's emphasis stress on economic growth alone, underlining the importance of economic growth favouring environmentally sustainable options. Cohn-Bendit also emphasized Turkey's mediating role in the Middle East, insisting that Turkey continues this role.

The Cyprus dispute was also discussed at the meeting. Cohn-Bendit said that the Greens will work for a majority in the EP regarding adoption of the direct trade regulation in order to end the Turkish Cypriots isolation. In return, the Greens asked that Turkey reduces the number of its soldiers on the island.

Davutoglu accused the Greek Cypriots of not wanting a solution and added: Yes, we don't actually need many soldiers there. But it is psychological; we are not prepared to pamper Greek Cypriots any longer.

[11] Erdogan: Turkey ready to assume mediator role between Kosovo and Serbia

Erdogan said that Turkey's relations with Serbia had recently seen a significant progress, and that the Serbian leadership had signalled an expectation for a Turkish mediation, coupled with a similar position from the Kosovar side. "Turkey is ready to assume whatever role it is requested of to contribute to the peace process in the Balkans," Erdogan said.

[12] CHP jolts with deep crisis as Kilicdaroglu, Sav face off

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the new party leader, kicked the partys powerful Secretary-General Onder Sav out of the party administration and announced a new list of party management on the partys official website. He also sent the list to the chief prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals for registration.

Minutes after the list was posted on the web, party Spokesman Hakki Suha Okay, known for his close links to Sav, declared that Kilicdaroglus list was illegal.

The party assembly was expected to meet Wednesday under the leadership of Kilicdaroglu to discuss the chief prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals warning to implement the amended bylaws of the party. While Kilicdaroglu wanted to fully implement the bylaws, which would reform the top echelon of the party system with 13 deputies and a figurehead secretary-general, Sav and his men pressed for annulment of the bylaws, which would allow Sav to retain his power.

Following hours of discussions late Tuesday, the party said in a written statement that there had been an agreement to postpone a convention until after next years general elections.

[13] Highlights

a) Cyprus

In a report in Hurriyet entitled "EU expects a Gesture in Cyprus," columnist Sedat Ergin says that the EU's annual progress report on Turkey next week will reflect the EU hope that Turkey will make a gesture of good will in order to overcome the current stalemate in Turkey's accession process. He notes that EU urges Turkey to open up only one port and one airport to Cypriot ships and planes if it does not want to open up its all ports and airports before starting negotiations on a part of eight chapters which have been frozen in the ongoing accession talks due to the stalemate in Cyprus.

b) Kurdish issue; PKK's cease-fire; suicide attack in Istanbul

A report in Taraf says that government officials met with PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in Imrali Prison to reiterate that the Turkish government is ready to discuss any issue unless it poses a threat to the country's territorial integrity and national unity, while the leaders of the Assembly of Communities of Kurdistan (KCK) held a meeting in northern Iraq to discuss the extension of the KCK's unilateral cease-fire.

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News, columnist Mehmet Ali Birand says that Murat Karayilan, who currently leads the PKK, has taken a serious risk by extending unilateral cease-fire until the general elections in mid-2011 because some groups within the opposition may disobey him. Pointing out that there are also some steps that should be taken by the Turkish government, Birand stresses that the Turkish military should refrain from launching manhunts against PKK members if they do not carry out armed attacks. Birand concludes saying that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan should convince the Republican People's Party (CHP) to support steps that his government may take in a bid to ensure that PKK members lay down their arms.

In an article in Milliyet, columnist Fikret Bila says that the PKK has extended its unilateral cease-fire until the general election due to its expectations that the AKP will draw up a new constitution meeting expectations voiced by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) after the election. Drawing attention to Ocalan's remarks that negotiations are under way, Bila asks whether negotiations have actually started and wonders about their content and political meaning.

Yeni Safak carries a front-page report asserting that hopes for a solution to the southeast problem remain strong thanks to the "the state's determination to continue the democratization process despite acts of provocation like the [terrorist] attacks in the Gecitli district of Hakkari and Istanbul's Taksim Square, and the PKK's decision to extend the 'non-action' process."

Yeni Safak columnist Ali Bayramoglu considers that a statement by Peace and Democracy Party (BBP) leader Selahattin Demirtas, referring to the suicide bomb attack in Taksim as an act of provocation and a People's Confederation of Kurdistan (KCK) statement announcing that the "ceasefire has been extended until after the next elections", are "extremely positive" developments that give reason to believe that Turkey is making headway toward solving the "Kurdish issue." Referring to the PKK's "five preconditions for a ceasefire until the next elections," namely the discontinuation of "military and political operations" in the southeast, the release of Kurdish politicians, improvements in Abdullah Ocalan's current situation that would allow him to take "an active part in the ongoing process," the establishment of a "truth commission," and the removal of the 10% election threshold, Bayramoglu claims that regardless of whether these demands are preconditions or not, they define steps that Turkey is either taking already or should take eventually.

Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul asserts that the attack in Istanbul's Taksim Square might be linked to the recent bomb attacks or attempted bomb attacks in Athens, Dubai, Britain and the United States. He questions the truth of allegations of al-Qa'ida involvement in these assaults and argues that what is happening appears to be a manifestation of a confrontation between certain global players that have always used the "terrorism card" to push their agenda.

In an article in Yeni Akit entitled "Bomb Attack in Taksim", columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak cites "gangs within the TSK," the Ergenekon network, the United States, and Israel as possible suspects in the recent suicide bomb attack in Istanbul. He warns that "neo-nationalist" calls for a large public attendance at the forthcoming ceremony at the Mausoleum in Ankara to mark the anniversary of Ataturk's death could be aimed at setting the scene for a major attack similar to the Taksim bombing. He also asserts that the attack in Taksim appears to indicate serious discontent on the part of certain global players with Turkey's recent efforts to establish "strategic" relations with China.

In an article in Yeni Akit entitled "How Did the Americans Know?", columnist Ersoy Dede claims on the basis of the cancellation of an American event in Taksim called shortly before the suicide bomb attack, that the United States had advance knowledge of the terrorist assault and that it refrained from sharing it with Turkish authorities. He also asserts that Ankara's best response to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks following the attack expressing Washington's readiness to "do whatever falls on us" would be to say "Just do not detonate bombs in Istanbul.

Zaman columnist Mehmet Kamis asserts that the attack appears to have been engineered by any one of those countries that are most displeased by the ongoing process of democratization in Turkey.

c) Congressional mid-term elections

In an article in Milliyet entitled "Things Will Be Difficult With the New Congress," columnist Sami Kohen views the unofficial outcome of the mid-term elections in the United States and points out that Obama will have to work with a more conservative Congress. Kohen adds: "This will occasionally cause serious problems in relations with the United States. The US Congress which is already critical of Turkey because of its stance toward Iran and Israel will put stronger pressure on the administration. Difficulties may, for example, be encountered in arms sales to Turkey and the resolution on Armenian allegations of genocide may be tabled again."

In his article in Star entitled "Turkey and the United States Are Two Old Allies," columnist Yagmur Atsiz predicts that the United States will not change its attitude toward Turkey after the mid-term elections despite the fact that the United States is not content with some aspects of the Turkish foreign policy. He comments: "People in the White House, Pentagon, () are aware that Turkey is of vital importance to the United States at a gradually increasing level. A new modus vivendi will be eventually found as politicians in Ankara are aware of the United States' importance. Unusual developments that we are witnessing today indicate that there are some adjustments in a very complicated mechanism rather than a 'shift of axis.'" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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