Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-11-05

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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 sends letter to UN Secretary General

[02] Eroglu to brief various organizations on the negotiations

[03] Talat: the difficulties in paying compensation for the occupied Greek Cypriot properties were known

[04] Soyer says solution in fragments will greatly harm the Turkish Cypriots

[05] KTOS: Turkey and the looters must pay the price for the properties

[06] Turkish Judge at the ECHR says law prevailed in the conviction of Turkey to pay 15 million Euros to 19 Greek Cypriot refugees

[07] The so-called interior minister calls for a new population census; Schools and mosques data

[08] Atun: "TRNC has the right to explore natural resources in its exclusive economic zone"

[09] Occupied Cyprus to be promoted as new destination for tourism

[10] Consumer Price Index increased

[11] Turkish Cypriots at the JCI World Congress in Japan

[12] "Municipality" of occupied Lefkosia twinning with Istanbul

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[13] Davutoglu-Eroglu assess Cyprus question during telephone conversation

[14] EU official calls on Turkey to open ports to Greek Cypriot vessels

[15] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu sends letter to UN Secretary General

He further asserts that "Turkey's continued presence on the island is the only effective deterrent against a repetition of the atrocities and ethnic cleansing campaign perpetrated by the Greek Cypriot side against the Turkish Cypriots between 1963", and that "with that treatment of the Turkish Cypriots and their accompanying forced expulsion from all organs of the partnership State, the Republic of Cyprus ceased to exist". He adds that the Turkish Cypriot side, throughout decades of negotiations has always acted in good faith, and cites as example the acceptance of the Annan plan.

Regarding the current process, Eroglu says: "We have recently presented proposals on the chapter of property, currently under discussion, that are regarded by all concerned as creative, positive and constructive. To improve the atmosphere of the negotiations and help build confidence, among other things, we cancelled the annual military exercises that we hold jointly with the Republic of Turkey. With a reciprocal forward-looking approach from the Greek Cypriot side and demonstration of political will, we believe it is possible to make progress, even reach a comprehensive settlement by the end of the year. I, therefore, call upon the Greek Cypriot side to concentrate its efforts on the negotiating table rather than engaging in unnecessary rhetoric; pretending that it is Turkey that is its counterpart in the current process; and resorting to diversionary tactics such as raising the subject of Maras (Varosha), which is part and parcel of a comprehensive settlement."

Concluding Eroglu reiterates that he accepts the Secretary-General's invitation to a tripartite meeting in New York.

[02] Eroglu to brief various organizations on the negotiations

Furthermore, next week, Eroglu will also inform the so-called parliamentary platform on the latest developments of the negotiating process. The platform is composed of the leaders and representatives of all the political parties represented in the so-called parliament.

[03] Talat: the difficulties in paying compensation for the occupied Greek Cypriot properties were known

In an interview with Yeni Duzen, Talat noted that this was known because there would be many applications. Pointing out that compensation requires "big funds", Talat said that the "budget" of the breakaway regime could not even meet the current expenses of the "state" and added that the "TRNC" today could not pay compensation even for one property.

Talat recalled that when he was "president", he discussed with the National Unity Party (UBP) "government" the decisions of the "Property Compensation Commission" regarding paying compensation. He noted that he had pointed out to the "government" that Turkey had been paying compensation until then and asked them what they would do if Turkey decided to stop paying. He claimed that the mentality of the "government" then was "never mind, Turkey will pay anyway".

Talat also recalled that Dervis Eroglu was against the establishment of the "Property Compensation Commission" which was set up during Talat's term and that he even took the issue to the "Constitutional Court".

He added: "We have to examine why Mr Dervis was against this and why he appealed to the court, because according to him, 'what was taken remained to us and the non-solution is the solution'".

Referring to a statement by Zorlu Tore, "minister" of the UBP "government", that the occupied areas of Cyprus should be annexed with Turkey like the region of Hatay and the reply of "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk that "it is not the time to such things now", Talat said that "all these show that the Turkish Cypriot side is not the side which wants solution" of the Cyprus problem. "Unfortunately this will turn against us, if it continues like that", he argued.

Talat said that the Greek Cypriot side today links the property issue with the territory and added that after a while this view "will become legitimate" and be considered as "normal".

(I/Ts)

[04] Soyer says solution in fragments will greatly harm the Turkish Cypriots

In statements during a working breakfast with the press, Soyer alleged that things are "moving away from the comprehensive solution" and noted that the Turkish Cypriots will be cornered between the big capital from Turkey and the Greek Cypriot side. Soyer described as "wrong" the resumption of the Cyprus talks from the chapter of the properties and noted that now President Christofias asks for discussion of the territory issue. He said that due to the structure of the process, issues on which there is no agreement are left aside and other issues are discussed. "Eroglu opposes this and thus the ground for a comprehensive solution is lost", he added.

Soyer also said that the Turkish Chief Negotiator with the EU, Egemen Bagis, referred to the "Taiwan model" in some of his statements and added that in response President Christofias suggested the return of the occupied closed city of Varosha to its legal owners. He alleged that, generally, the sides submit proposals or make statements which "ruin the comprehensive solution". Moreover, Soyer described as "great delusion" statements by Egemen Bagis on the mutual opening of ports.

(I/Ts)

[05] KTOS: Turkey and the looters must pay the price for the properties

In a written statement yesterday, Elcil said that the Turkish Cypriots have been paying the price until today. He accused the governments in Ankara of establishing a property regime based on the "mentality of conqueror", making rich their local collaborators, distributing "title deeds" to the population brought from Turkey, and driving the Turkish Cypriots outside of the international law by using expressions such as "we will not give back even a single stone".

Elcil noted that those responsible for all this are now trying to find ways to force the Turkish Cypriots to pay the price of Turkey's conviction by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for loss of use of occupied Greek Cypriot properties.

(I/Ts)

[06] Turkish Judge at the ECHR says law prevailed in the conviction of Turkey to pay 15 million Euros to 19 Greek Cypriot refugees

Karakas said that she voted negatively in the Greek Cypriot refugee Lordos case, which was concluded recently with the conviction of Turkey by the ECHR to pay compensation. According to press reports, the compensation will reach 200 million Euros. She explained that the reason for her negative vote was that Lordos should have appealed to the "Property Compensation Commission" [set up by Turkey in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus]. She noted that from now on the Greek Cypriots should apply to the "Commission" first, before resorting to the ECHR. She said that the amount of compensation decided by the "Commission" is approximately the same as the amount ruled by the ECHR.

She added: "In previous cases there have also been decisions which I approved. No one wants to take such decisions for his country. Naturally the heart of a person hurts. I wish such allegations for violations were never put forth. There is no room for emotions in the judiciary. The only aim of the advocates of the law is to secure that justice is manifested as quickly and fairly as possible".

She said that three more decisions on Greek Cypriot cases are still pending together with the Lordos case and reiterated that, from now on, the address for the solution of such problems will be the "Property Compensation Commission" in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The so-called interior minister calls for a new population census; Schools and mosques data

Moreover, also speaking during the illegal parliament's assembly, the so-called MP with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Arif Albayrak, referred to data regarding the number of the schools and mosques in occupied Cyprus. Albayrak said that 160 schools, 17 hospitals --4 "state" hospitals and 13 private clinics-- and 190 mosques operate in the "TRNC". He also said that 728 doctors and 317 religious officers are employed.

[08] Atun: "TRNC has the right to explore natural resources in its exclusive economic zone"

Atun also stressed the need for restructuring the "Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority" and pointed out that the water and electricity projects are important issues for the so-called government. He said the cooperation protocol between Turkey and the "TRNC" in the field of energy involves the restructuring of the cooperation and working together in the fields of modernization and investment.

[09] Occupied Cyprus to be promoted as new destination for tourism

Tatar flew to Turkey Tuesday morning, upon the invitation of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, to attend a meeting regarding the promotion of the tourism sector in the "TRNC". He said that the "TRNC" is sincerely devoted to Turkey and is always trying to strengthen and improve its relations with its motherland.

Pointing to the increase in investments in the "TRNC," Tatar said real income is made from tourism, trade and education. He also noted that he will have meetings with Turkish businessmen, adding that he aims at converting the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" into an investment centre.

[10] Consumer Price Index increased

According to the data given by "State Planning Organization" (DPO), the biggest increase in comparison with previous months was observed in clothing and footwear, 12.76%. Increase was also observed in several other fields: 1.5% in information, 1.16% in communication, 0.84% in education, 0.59% in culture and entertainment, 0.55% in alcoholic drinks and beverages, 0.52% in furnishings, household appliances and routine household maintenance, e.t.c.

[11] Turkish Cypriots at the JCI World Congress in Japan

According to a statement by the Sahap Tokatli, "chairman" of the "TRNC JCI", the Prince of Japan, Akishino was present as the opening ceremony of the International Congress. The paper adds that the Turkish Cypriot "Young Entrepreneurs Association", which had a stand at the venue of the Congress, distributed leaflets about the occupation regime. The chairman of the Junior Chamber International for 2010, Roland Kwamein as well as the chairman of the Junior Chamber International for 2011, Gulboy Gureyl visited the stand.

(AK)

[12] "Municipality" of occupied Lefkosia twinning with Istanbul

According to a statement by the "Turkish Cypriot Municipality of Lefkosia" the two municipalities had discussions on the Twinning protocol which is to be signed between.

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[13] Davutoglu-Eroglu assess Cyprus question during telephone conversation

[14] EU official calls on Turkey to open ports to Greek Cypriot vessels

Speaking yesterday at the 18th Round Table Meeting with the Turkish government, organized by "The Economist", Pierini said Turkey did not fulfil the article of the protocol stipulating that Turkey opens its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels. "There is no escape from this. Turkey will have to abide by the provisions of the additional protocol," Pierini was quoted as saying. He underlined that this was a major issue in the accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU, and had wider political connotations.

[15] Highlights

a) Power struggle within CHP

Taha Akyol writes in Milliyet that the CHP has given the impression that it is incapable of governing the country because of the intraparty faction feuds that have been going on for decades, adding that the public image of CHP is of a political party incapable of even administering itself. Describing Kemal Kilicdaroglu's moves as the initiatives of a "leader," Akyol predicts that if he can carry on till the elections, then one can say that this crisis has been auspicious for the CHP. Asserting that the crisis within the CHP is serious from a legal and an ideological point of view, Akyol maintains that Onder Sav represents the stagnant structure of the party, while he describes Kilicdaroglu's stand and his followers as an overture toward the people. The writer expresses the belief that the only condition for the CHP to grow is to come out of its old shell and to generate policies that are at peace with the different sectors of the society, concluding that a CHP that has reconciled with the people is necessary for placing our democracy on a strong foundation based on a healthy balance between the right and the left.

Milliyet writes that the crisis in the CHP does not portray an intraparty chaos but a struggle between two visions about the future of the country. Welcoming Kilicdaroglu's move to liquidate the Politburo of Onder Sav, Aydintasbas describes Sav's vision as one that is closed to the world and distant from democracy, and Kilicdaroglu's vision as a search for a new language that wants to make peace with society and with religion. The writer predicts that Deniz Baykal will be supporting Kilicdaroglu at a forthcoming congress.

An article in Vatan by Gungor Mengi says that Kilicdaroglu has put an end to the Onder Sav tutelage in the CHP and has thus been promoted to the status of a leader. Mengi accuses the CHP's Central Decision-Making Council (MYK) of being centralistic, bureaucratically conservative, and closed to the outside world, maintaining that Sav prevented the party from reaching new voters. Expressing the fear that this enmity might cost the CHP some of its traditional votes in the coming elections, Mengi calls on Kilicdaroglu to convene a congress and hold elections.

Bilal Cetin in Vatan describes developments within the CHP as a deadly civil war and argues that until yesterday Sav was the absolute ruler of the CHP, pointing out that currently there are two administrations within the party: one appointed by Kilicdaroglu in line with the party rules and regulations and the other composed of Sav and his colleagues who will not relinquish their seats. Underscoring that it will be very hard to normalize the situation, Cetin predicts that Kilicdaroglu might hold an extraordinary congress although he does not desire it. Cetin believes that the Baykal faction will extend full support to Kilicdaroglu.

In an article in Taraf, Ahmet Altan views the two parallel Central Decision-Making Councils in the CHP and argues that the party is being shattered. The reasons for this run much deeper than the headdress issue he writes and questions whether a party loyal to the "Ataturk principles and reforms" can continue its vitality in 2010. Altan expresses the view that "any party that defines itself in line with the 'Ataturk principles' has no chance of survival." The writer continues: "First of all there is no Ataturk principle. To be more exact, there is a single principle, that of holding on to the power of administering the country in an atmosphere 'devoid of democracy.'" Recalling that Ataturk was a pragmatic leader, Altan writes that he collaborated with everyone he thought would help him remain in power and cast them aside when he no longer needed them. Asking whether it is possible to establish a "bond" with the people and engage in politics while advocating the principles of a person who established a dictatorship in the country, Altan charges that the CHP can muster the votes of only those who support the elitist dictatorship, those who are against the Kurds, the pious, and the communists, and those who want no view other than the "official state view" to be expressed. Welcoming the disintegration of those who hold Ataturk, the state and the army sacred, and who deny the rights of the Kurds, the leftists and the pious, Altan concludes: "it is not the fight between Sav and Kilicdaroglu that is destroying the CHP, it is the changing realities of life."

b) Kurdish issue/PKK cease-fire

Star columnist Sedat Laciner disagrees with the wide-spread view that Turkey accepted the existence of the Kurdish problem as a result of the actions of the PKK and that the Kurds could not have gained their rights in the absence of terror. He argues that the view that the Democratic overture and all the political and economic reforms are concessions made to the PKK contradict the realities, and adds that had terrorism enabled the Kurds to gain their rights this would have happened in the 90s when terrorism was at its peak. Maintaining that Turkey's fundamental problem had never been the Kurdish issue, Laciner asserts that "the Kurdish problem is a by-product of the serious illnesses the Republic has in its relations with the people. No one can say that Menderes, Ecevit, Ozal, Erdogan, or Gul has a problem with the Kurds. If one has to express this differently, one can say that if the citizens of this country were governed by those they elected, the Kurdish identity and the Kurdish language would not have been banned. If today we experience a progress in the Kurdish question, we do not owe this to the helplessness of Erdogan or Gul in the face of terrorism but to Turkey's democratization and its return to its core. In no period in its history, be it during the Ottoman or the Seljuk era, have the Turks banned the language, religion, or traditions of another tribe".

In an article in Cumhuriyet, Ali Sirmen underlines the links between the Taksim square attack and the PKK. He questions whether the "good will" of the PKK administration is sufficient to prevent such actions, whether the PKK administration is in control of its grassroots, and whether a simple declaration about a non-action period is sufficient to solve the Kurdish problem. Sirmen continues: "From now on, one should get used to actions that carry the PKK stamp but are outside the control of the organization's higher administration. Excusing or trying to excuse these actions because the PKK administrators have good intentions is tantamount to sheer foolishness."

An article in Radikal by Murat Yetkin relates an interview BDP leader Selahattin Demirtas saying that the reduction of the election threshold will be sufficient to open all the doors to the solution of the Kurdish issue. Welcoming the PKK decision to extend the cease-fire, Demirtas says that it is not realistic to expect a new constitution prior to elections, agreeing with the argument that the drawing up of a new constitution should not be rushed. On the election threshold, Demirtas says: "We are saying 5%, but we are ready to discuss 7%; we will pass that threshold."

c) HAS Party

Ibrahim Kiras in Star views the newly established HAS Party by Numan Kurtulmus and underlines that Kurtulmus and his colleagues can represent the Islamist concepts and ideology in politics. Kiras concludes that to achieve this, the founders should primarily stress the points that separate the party from the AKP.

d) Turkey's EU bid

In an article in Hurriyet, Sedat Ergin views the increased contacts between the CHP and the EU since the election of Kilicdaroglu as party leader and argues that the "close dialogue" policy of the CHP will not only prevent the government from being the only player in Brussels but also affect the way the EU views Turkey. The report Kilicdaroglu submitted to Stefan Fule, the EU commissioner for enlargement, regarding government pressure on the media and the elections at the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) has drawn the attention of the EU to these chapters in Turkish-EU negotiations, writes Ergin, adding: "EU officials attach importance to Kilicdaroglu's commitment regarding a new constitution". Unlike the process involving the constitutional amendment package and the referendum, the EU officials are now more hopeful that Turkey will be able to draw up a new constitution through dialogue and conciliation, two concepts which they believe are not part of the Turkish political culture, concludes the writer.

e) Construction of nuclear power plant

In an article in Milliyet, Metin Munir views the reasons the negotiations between Turkey and South Korea on the construction of a nuclear plant in Sinop have failed. Based on reliable sources, the writer notes that negotiations on a nuclear plant have begun with Japan and that there are other contenders as well.

f) Turkish-NATO relations/missile shield project

Murat Onur in Hurriyet draws attention to the fact that "in the last decade, Ankara's relations with NATO have been characterized by Turkey's willingness to carry out intense and frustrating negotiations," that "this 'bargain-centric' policy complicates the fragile decision-making process of the alliance" and raises questions about Ankara's commitment to collective defence. Viewing the NATO missile shield project, Onur underlines that it was the same government in Ankara which announced its interest in a system similar to what is offered by NATO.

g) Economy

An editorial in Hurriyet Daily News views the $5.8 billion purchase of a 24.9% stake in Garanti Bank by a Spanish lender, arguing that this recent development demonstrates that our confidence in the Turkish economy is not excessive. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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