Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-11-09

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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] Statements by Eroglu after yesterdays meeting with Christofias

[02] Sami Kohen: Cyprus talks at a deadlock; Eroglu at November 18 meeting with proposals

[03] Reaction continues on last Fridays incidents in Larnaka

[04] New airline to be based in Turkey due to non recognition of TRNC

[05] Tatar says tight control at customs

[06] The occupation regime at WTM

[07] So-called education ministry represented in a congress in Malaysia

[08] Debate on 2011 Budget of the occupation regime

[09] World-famous artists to perform in occupied Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Cicek accuses the Greek Cypriot side for the non-solution in Cyprus

[11] Columnist calls EU to assist UN efforts in Cyprus

[12] Middle East Congress to be hosted in Alexandretta

[13] Cooperation deal signed between UAE and Turkey

[14] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Statements by Eroglu after yesterdays meeting with Christofias

Commenting on the incidents that occurred in Larnaka on Friday, Eroglu said that he conveyed to Christofias his request to find and punish those who investigated the incidents.

Eroglu also said that they assessed the possibility of establishing a committee for the opening of new cross-points and decided on its final shape. He added that the establishment of an economic council was also decided.

Referring to the upcoming meeting in New York, Eroglu said that they will discuss what can be done regarding the six chapters in order to have progress, despite the slow progress of the property issue.

Eroglu declined to comment on Jack Straws article that it is time to consider partition if talks fail.

[02] Sami Kohen: Cyprus talks at a deadlock; Eroglu at November 18 meeting with proposals

Under the title The last chance Kohen reports that every time there is a deadlock all diplomatic efforts exerted to save the process in Cyprus are described as last chance. He notes that no noteworthy progress has been achieved in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem during the 80 meetings held until now within the framework of the ongoing Cyprus talks, and points out that the negotiations of the past three months, which focused on the property issue, came to a deadlock.

Referring to the invitation by the UN Secretary-General to the community leaders to visit New York on 18 November 2010, Kohen says that the aim is to overcome the deadlock in the negotiations and give a accelerate to the process. Kohen expresses the view that Ban Ki-moons invitation shows that the international community does not want the breaking off of the Cyprus negotiations, because this could cause conflict on the island and upset the balances in the area. Therefore, even if the possibilities for an agreement are weak, the aspiration is for the two sides to continue to talk, he notes pointing out that this is what we have been watching for years.

Wondering what could come up from the meeting in New York, Kohen writes, inter alia, the following:

(To tell you the truth) we did not see that the TRNC President Dervis Eroglu, whom we met in Lefkosia with a group of colleagues, is very optimistic. Everything has been touched upon in the negotiations which have been going on for years, what new could come up?, he saidIn spite of everything, Eroglu said that he would go to New York with good will and prepared. Some proposals both on the property and on other issues will be in his bag.

Actually, it is a noteworthy development that a politician like Eroglu, who was saying in the past that the best solution is the non-solution, has accepted the continuation of the negotiating process when the way for reconciliation came to a deadlock. When we asked him about the reason for this change of attitude, his answer was the following: My position requires such a responsible attitude.

Most probably, in the meeting in New York the continuation of the negotiations next year will be decided (with fresh ideas which presumably Ban Ki-moon will put forth)

Wondering whether 2011 will be the year of the solution in Cyprus, Kohen recalls that elections will be held in 2011 both in Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus. Kohen notes also that every time he comes to the occupied part of Cyprus, he feels that the people are fed up with the last chances for the solution of the Cyprus problem and expect nothing from these last chances. He says that people are indifferent and without hope.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reaction continues on last Fridays incidents in Larnaka

Under the title Strong reaction against the racist attack, daily Halkin Sesi (09.11.10) reports that the self-styled minister of finance, Ersin Tatar said that the incidents show how the Greek Cypriots see the Turkish Cypriots and that the security of the Turkish Cypriots is in safe hands now. These incidents are a warning. This kind of aggressive groups in the Greek Cypriot side should not be underestimated, he noted.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ferdi Sabit Soyer described the attacks as racist and fascist and pointed out to the fact that these occurred before the meeting of the community leaders within the framework of the Cyprus talks. He said that prudent people should not forget the fascist coup carried out on 15 July 1974. He added that our people should show to the world their commitment to the solution.

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) said the attack was unacceptable and expressed the view that the fact young people who want the solution in Cyprus were attacked, is a result of the wrong policies followed for years.

The New Cyprus Party (YKP) and other organizations also condemned the incidents.

Daily Kibris (09.11.10) covers the issue in its front page and publishes statements by a Turkish Cypriot named Sertunc Akdogu, who was stabbed during the incidents. It also publishes statements by the EU Representative in Cyprus, Androulla Kaminara.

Commenting on the same issue in daily Yeni Duzen (09.11.10), journalist Mert Ozdag writes, inter alia, the following under the title The actual racists are those who lead us!:

Unfortunately, there are fascists in our press who want to develop feelings of hatred against the Greek Cypriots and seek for opportunity to do this. Pay attention to the press reports during the past few days. Our poor press was thrilled with the incident which was experienced in Larnaka and incited by a group of fascists... It is in the headlines for days. It (the issue) is debated on TV.

Ozdag says that they are watching the same issue for days in the media and points out that the actual racism is to try to attribute the incident to all the Greek Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[04] New airline to be based in Turkey due to non recognition of TRNC

Saner said that the new flag carrier airline will be a state and private sector partnership with the state holding 47% of the shares. Its administration board will have 6 members, 4 will be appointed in agreement with Turkish airlines, 1 will represent TRNC and 1 will come from the private sector. However, he said that it is unlikely that a partnership with the Turkish Airlines will be set up from the beginning and noted that there has been great public interest for the block shares.

Moreover Saner said that in order to launch flights in the new season in March, a new company will be established in the coming days. He explained that it is impossible to make the TRNC the centre for the new company as it is not recognized and therefore Turkey will own 51% of the shares. This is the necessity of the international aviation rules he added.

[05] Tatar says tight control at customs

During the inspection at Agios Dometios crossing point, Tatar reiterated that citizens visiting [the government controlled areas] are allowed personal purchases worth only up to 135 Euros. He also gave instructions to the customs officers to apply tight control.

[06] The occupation regime at WTM

The occupation regime has a 167 square meters stand under the name North Cyprus. In total 23 organizations and companies are participating in the fair promoting tourism and the culture of the occupation regime.

The paper further writes that so called minister of tourism, environment and culture, Kemal Durust is expected to travel today to London in order to visit the fair and have contacts.

Sahap Asikoglu undersecretary of the ministry of tourism environment and culture stated, inter alia, that an increase of 20-30% is expected from the UK market adding that they will speed up their efforts at the World Travel Fair towards this direction.

Asikoglu also stated that an increase on the number of passengers from London is expected adding that for this reason efforts are exerted to launch charter flights.

(AK)

[07] So-called education ministry represented in a congress in Malaysia

In the framework of its visit, the delegation, headed by the so-called ministrys permanent undersecretary Ali Yonel, met with the director of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), Dr. Abdullaziz Otham Altwaijri, as well as with the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education. As the paper reports, during its contacts and initiatives at the congress, the delegation discussed the possibility of granting scholarships to ten TRNC citizen students.

[08] Debate on 2011 Budget of the occupation regime

(AK)

[09] World-famous artists to perform in occupied Cyprus

It is also reported that Lady Gaga is in continuous contacts with Cratos Premium hotel to arrange performances.

Bozoglu, inter alia, referred to the cancelation of Jenifer Lopezs concert, after pressure from the Greek Cypriots, and noted that in his meetings with the world stars CEOs and organisations, he explains that the TRNC is not under occupation and that it is an extremely safe place.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Cicek accuses the Greek Cypriot side for the non-solution in Cyprus

(AK)

[11] Columnist calls EU to assist UN efforts in Cyprus

The upcoming November 18 trilateral New York summit of the two communal leaders of the island with U.N. secretary-general, and the backstage intense efforts of the Americans and the British for a resolution on the island by this yearend, if not latest by February demonstrate that the international community will not easily give up hopes for a Cyprus deal. Yet, the potential threat that the Cyprus issue might have a killer impact on Turkeys EU process is still there.

For the past few weeks intense talks have continued at the highest level between the EU headquarters and Ankara on a set of formulae to overcome a potential crisis. Yet, it appears that the EU has not yet learned the delicacies of the Cyprus problem and some top EU figures can still talk of Turkey walking the extra mile and unilaterally making a gesture like opening a port and airport to Greek Cypriots, in exchange for the EU pressuring Greek Cypriots to withdraw their veto on some chapters. Such disproportionate approaches might indeed, however, have devastating impacts over the entire web of relations rather than a palliative remedy to the existing problem in the accession talks.

The EU must realize the grave mistake it made in Cyprus back in 2004 and concentrate more on how it can assist the U.N. efforts for a settlement since it cannot take a collective decision to walk the extra mile of allowing its members to take individual undertakings on Cyprus, such as allowing flights to and from Ercan airport in northern Cyprus.

[12] Middle East Congress to be hosted in Alexandretta

Politicians, high-level executives and academics from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Palestine, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the United States, Russia, India, China, European Union, OIC, Arab League and the United Nations will attend the congress. Participants are expected to assess issues like, "Iraq, Iraq Constitution, political actors in Iraq, clash and cooperation, regional and global cooperation for stability of Iraq and Turkey for socio-economic construction of Iraq".

[13] Cooperation deal signed between UAE and Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had a meeting with UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and was later received by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Development of bilateral economic and commercial relations as well as the increase of commercial flights of Turkish Airlines to the region and free trade between the two countries were high on the agenda of Davutoglu-Al Nahyan meeting.

Davutoglu, who completed his one-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, visited Saudi Arabia yesterday for nearly five hours, and then proceeded to Rome.

[14] Highlights

a) Turkey's EU membership

In an exclusive interview to Hurriyet's Reha Erus, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini underlines that Turkey's place is definitely in Europe and that Prime Minister Erdogan's Turkey believes in Europe. Also noting that Turkey may act as a bridge between Europe and the Muslim world, Frattini offers to mediate between Turkey and Israel and supports Turkey's efforts to mediate between the West and Iran.

In a commentary in Vatan, Cengiz Aktar talks about the Progress Report on Turkey by the European Commission and recalls that until five years ago the report remained in the headlines for days. Each and every detail was assessed at length, explains Aktar and notes that the report was treated as the main reference point for Turkey's search for democracy. Today, on the other hand, the membership perspective has begun to gradually disappear over the horizon, argues Aktar and adds that though the time has come, even countries that are very close to Turkey are afraid of talking about the date for Turkey's membership in the EU. Aktar opines that "there is also need for an annual report that will assess the progress made by the EU countries regarding our membership."

b) Lisbon summit / missile Defence shield

In an article in Hurriyet, Ferai-Tinc views the upcoming Lisbon summit during which the missile defence shield will be taken up, and summarizes Turkey's demands for voting in favour of the project in the summit. The fact that in his statement on the project NATO Secretary General Rasmussen has refrained from describing Iran as a threat, proves that Turkey's demands will be met, notes Tinc and also refers to NATO's efforts to include Russia in the project. Recalling that a month ago Erdogan had noted that the debates on the missile defence shield did not concern Turkey and that Turkey would not encounter a fait accompli during the Lisbon summit, Tinc says: "The short time that has passed shows that this is not true. Are we facing a fait accompli? Or are we attending the Lisbon summit after serious preparations?"

In an article in Milliyet, Semih Idiz says that the debates on whether Turkey's axis is shifting, have revived prior to the NATO summit. Drawing attention to the disputes between Turkey and the West regarding Iran, Idiz asserts that if Turkey does not find fine-tuned diplomatic solutions, it will offend both Iran and the West.

In an article in Yeni Safak, columnist Hakan Albayrak asks whether "the missile defence programme that NATO is imposing on Turkey" might undermine Turkey's friendship with Iran and its recent Mideast policies. Albayrak calls attention to two press reports suggesting that "the situation is under control," namely a Sabah news story saying that countries like Iran and Syria were not defined as threats in the last draft of NATO's new "Strategic Concept", and a Timeturk report asserting that Iran cited Turkey as a venue for its expected talks with the UN Security Council's five permanent members and Germany.

c) Turkey's mediation efforts in the region / elections in Iraq

In a commentary in Hurriyet Daily News, Yusuf Kanli views Turkey's efforts to mediate for the establishment of a new government in Baghdad and notes that similar to the Ottoman Empire's efforts to resolve the disputes between local Muslim societies in the Middle East, Ahmet Davutoglu "is carrying the word of the modern sultan of Turkey.'

Star columnist Nashui Gungar says that despite Ankara's support for Allawi, the agreement that will lead to al-Maliki's appointment as prime minister should not be seen as Turkey's defeat in Iraq, and asserts that Turkey was able to unite all the Sunni groups in Iraq under the roof of a political leadership. Drawing attention to the close ties between al-Maliki and Turkey during the term of the former government, Gungor adds: "We hope that Turkey will not forget that the Kurds are its most important ally in Baghdad. If the Kurds, with whom we have established ties not only on the basis of terrorism or the Kurdish problem but also on the basis of a common perception for the future, are powerful in the balances of power in Iraq, this will make Ankara powerful."

Writing in Radikal, Murat Yetkin maintains that Erdogan pursues a detente policy that also includes Abdullah Ocalan with regard to the Kurdish problem in Turkey, he wants to ensure that no one gets the impression that Turkey is not doing anything in the face of the possibility of a new PKK attack on Turkey. Ankara believes that the detente environment at home will not yield any results if the influence of the PKK's military presence in Iraq is not weakened, says Yetkin and explains that the United States has signalled that if Turkey reaches an agreement with the Iraqi Government, it will not object to various measures including the establishment of a security zone for the obstruction of infiltrations into Turkey. This is why Turkey exerts more efforts that any other country for the establishment of a government in Iraq, notes Yetkin and draws attention to the critical importance of the Arbil meetings.

d) PKK

A news analysis in Yeni Safak highlights the views of two "experts" on PKK terrorism, Idris Bal and Sedat Laciner, on the PKK's recent "provocative" strikes including the suicide bomb attack in Istanbul's Taksim Square, which have taken place "at a time when efforts to introduce a solution to the Kurdish issue have gained momentum." The report quotes Bal and Laciner as saying that the assaults have revealed that the PKK is unable to maintain internal discipline and that rather than being a homogeneous organization, it is a "coalition" of dissimilar groups that want either to lay down arms in response to the Government's "democratic initiative," or believe that the solution lies in continued terrorism rather than dialogue, or are controlled by foreign intelligence agencies and serve their aims.

e) Domestic politics, CHP, SP

Yeni Safak carries a front page report under the headline "CHP deputies rise up in arms against Mr Kilicdaroglu," which asserts that the parliamentary group of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is disgruntled at CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu over his nomination of only three CHP deputies to the CHP's new administrative council.

A front-paged report in Yeni Akit quotes Necmettin Erbakan, who has recently been elected leader of the Felicity Party (SP), as saying that the national view movement will stage a comeback and rise to power once more. This report includes an interview with Erbakan, in which he asserts that "Zionist" powers are implementing a plan aimed at preventing the SP from being elected into office in Turkey by threatening entrepreneurs and businessmen who take out bank loans with bankruptcy if they do not vote for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

f) A judicial scanal

Milli Gazete carries a front-page report which asserts that the Supreme Court of Appeals has come under fire from the judicial community over its ruling requiring a number of justices to pay damages to Mehmet Haberal, a suspect in the Ergenekon investigation, for not releasing him on ill-health grounds.

g) Fallen soldiers

Zaman runs a front-page report which asserts that the arrest of Brigadier General Zeki Es on charges of ordering the laying of the landmines in Cukurca that killed some six soldiers on 28 May, 2009 has given families of fallen soldiers renewed confidence in the justice system. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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