Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-11-24

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[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Self-styled ambassador says the "TRNC" could be recognized if there is no result in the Cyprus talks

[02] Tore does not want to see the Turkish army leave the island

[03] "Opening of ports is recognition of Greek Cypriot Administration"

[04] Ozgurgun will give a lecture on the Cyprus issue in Trabzon

[05] So-called culture minister attends TURKSOY conference as guest of honour

[06] Soyer says the Turkish Cypriots are demoralized

[07] Illegal immigration through the occupied areas of Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Bagis says it will be nightmare for Cyprus, if Turkey gives up its EU bid

[09] Bagis thanks Britain for supporting Turkey's EU bid

[10] Head of TOBB says Turkey's EU bid comes to a deadlock

[11] "Papandreou to attend gathering of diplomats in Ankara"

[12] Erdogan to visit Lebanon

[13] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Self-styled ambassador says the "TRNC" could be recognized if there is no result in the Cyprus talks

He noted, inter alia, the following: "I am an employee of the Foreign Ministry for 30 years. In my meetings over these 30 years, all my interlocutors raised the Cyprus problem even when we were drinking raki in the tavern. They tried to present the Cyprus problem as if it was a shame for Turkey? That is why Turkey is the side which wants solution of the Cyprus problem the most. We are not saying 'let us solve the Cyprus problem and join the EU'. We hope that Turkey will not have to make the choice between EU and Cyprus, because it is very obvious that we will choose Cyprus.

My sincere wish, expectation, is the following: If we come to the point where the UN Secretary-General reaches the conclusion that 'the two sides are negotiating with good will but the gap between them cannot be bridged, they are not able to find a comprehensive solution and none of the sides is to be blamed for this', if the international community reaches the conclusion that it is meaningless for the Turkish side to live under embargoes and restrictions as a punishment because the problem could not be solved, I think that this could bring about a process which might even lead to recognition of the TRNC.

If the situation in Cyprus continues in this manner, I think that the recognition will follow like a domino. If the international community understands that non-solution in Cyprus is not due to the stance of the Turkish side and if this understanding is accepted, then the issue of recognition will come on the agenda and Turkey will place recognition of the TRNC in the centre of its policy".

Turkmen said that during a meeting in Ankara in October on the Cyprus problem there was no discussion of a Plan B for Cyprus. He noted that this was "on purpose", despite the fact that in everybody's mind there is a Plan B. "The policy of the government of Turkey now on Cyprus is the solution. Plan A continues", he said.

Turkmen noted that during former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat's term, convergence was achieved in the positions of the sides on the chapter of "Governance and Power Sharing". He added that since Eroglu was "elected", only the property issue was discussed and that no progress has been achieved.

He said: "I am sad to say that I cannot dream of a united Cyprus. The realities point to the opposite. I think that it is difficult for us to achieve a united Cyprus within a short time, something we could not do in 40 years. The negotiations are continuing. There is a deep gap between the views. I admit that I am pessimistic on the issue of unification of Cyprus".

Turkmen referred to the relations between the Turkish Cypriots and the settlers from Turkey and said that there is a difference between them "from the socioeconomic point of view". He promised that he will personally help the regime in sending back to Turkey those settlers who create problems. He expressed the view that the population in the occupied areas of Cyprus does not exceed 300,000, including the soldiers and foreign workers.

Turkmen recalled that some people describe Turkey as the "International Monetary Fund" (IMF) of the breakaway regime. He noted that once he was asked whether he was "ambassador or governor of a province" and that he replied that he was the "IMF".

He said that the situation in the area within the walls of occupied Lefkosia is heartbreaking, that it is not known what jobs the people living there do, that ten persons live in one house and that the children are in the streets.

Referring to the statements made by the Turkish State Minister responsible for Cypriot affairs, Cemil Cicek on 15 November, Turkmen said that he would not have made the same statements, but he respects Cicek's reaction to the protests against him. He criticized the teachers' trade unions, saying that instead of being occupied with the problems in education they insult Cicek by referring to the occupation [of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkey] and urging him to take his package and leave.

Turkmen said that the "Economic Protocol" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime and the reform programme is being implemented and that Turkey is behind this programme. He noted that Dervis Eroglu, who signed this "protocol' on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots, still supports his signature. He expressed the view that organizations such as the electricity and the telecommunications "authorities" should be privatized.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Tore does not want to see the Turkish army leave the island

For his part, the chairman of the "association", Ertan Ersan, said that after the "stabbing incidents" experienced in the "Greek Cypriot side" 15 days ago, he does not believe that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots can live together. He added that the fanatics in the "Greek Cypriot side" are many and that there are no fanatics among the Turkish Cypriots, because if there were, as he said, the same incidents would be experienced in the "TRNC" as well. Ersan noted that the Turkish Cypriots are in favour of peace. He said that they closely follow the negotiation process and that they have full confidence in the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and that they will work to keep the "TRNC" alive.

[03] "Opening of ports is recognition of Greek Cypriot Administration"

Denktas said the Secretary ? General realized that nothing will happen until the end of the year and extended the waiting period until February 2011. Denktas cautioned the Turkish Cypriot side not to be drawn into the Greek Cypriot's side "game of patience." He alleged that there are more Greek Cypriots who support a solution based on two states and therefore if they are patient enough they will be able to "gain their rights."

He also said they should stop being passive towards "Greek Cypriot propaganda" regarding the destruction of Christian churches, and they should actively counter attack, since "it is possible to file 100 complaints regarding destroyed mosques for each 10 complaints by the Greek Cypriots."

Moreover, commenting on the recent protocols signed between Cyprus and Russia, Denktas said Russia will have to choose between Turkey and Cyprus. He also accused the British of becoming advocates of the Greek Cypriots thus forgetting their role as guarantor and argued that the British bases could pose a problem for Turkey in the future.

[04] Ozgurgun will give a lecture on the Cyprus issue in Trabzon

Upon completing his contacts in Trabzon, Ozgurgun will then travel to Istanbul where he will give a speech on the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations to the members of the Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation.

[05] So-called culture minister attends TURKSOY conference as guest of honour

Speaking to the paper prior to his departure, Durust said that this invitation offers an important cooperation potential to the "TRNC". He added that in his speech at the conference he will call on the delegates to organise next year's meeting in the "TRNC".

[06] Soyer says the Turkish Cypriots are demoralized

Referring to the meeting held in New York between the UN Secretary-General, President Christofias and Dervis Eroglu, Soyer expressed the view that "there is a time frame which was not announced" and that "this situation will mature in January".

Soyer expressed the view that Eroglu and his team should put forward alternatives in order to overcome the problems and the deadlock created on the property issue. He added that Eroglu should work on these alternatives with the former Turkish Cypriot leaders, Rauf Denktas and Mehmet Ali Talat and their teams.

Noting that various statements had been made regarding the location of oil and natural gas near Cyprus and agreements made with some international companies and governments, Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriots, their "government" and all their "institutions" are not adequately informed on this issue. He said that the "TRNC government" has signed an agreement with the Turkish Petroleum International Company on the issue of oil. "This agreement includes the establishment of areas of storing important quantities of oil. This is a quantity which is much above our need", he pointed out.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Illegal immigration through the occupied areas of Cyprus

The paper writes that in Lefkosia the illegal immigrants enter the government-controlled areas of the Republic by climbing over the wall at the Pafos Gate. According to the paper, the immigrants climb down the wall using a rope tied on a red Ford vehicle, after paying 100 US dollars.

Moreover, Star Kibris writes that there are some houses at Pyla village which have doors facing both south and north. From these houses, it notes, illegal immigrants enter the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Bagis says it will be nightmare for Cyprus, if Turkey gives up its EU bid

Bagis, who was speaking at a conference in Ankara, referred to an EU Commission non-paper to open two more chapters in Turkish-EU negotiations in return for Ankara opening its ports to shipping from the Republic of Cyprus. He reiterated that "Turkey would open its sea and air ports to Cypriot vessels once the EU lifts its embargo on northern Cyprus". "Turkey is ready to keep its promises but we also want to see the EU standing ready to keep its own promises," he said.

"Any abandonment of the EU process by Turkey would be a nightmare for Greek Cyprus", Bagis said, warning that if tension is anticipated, Turkey is also ready for hotter days.

He said expanding horizons is more important than opening chapters in Turkey's EU accession process. Commenting on the Customs Union, Bagis said Turkey's membership in the union could be comprehended in the best way by looking at financial figures.

Bagis said Turkey's exports, which totalled around 21.7 billion TL in 1995, increased to 105.2 billion by 2008 and that the country's foreign trade volume, which amounted to 57.3 billion liras in 1995, hit 268.7 billion by 2008.

Bagis also said Turkey has become a greater economy by opening out rather than turning into itself and added that the Customs Union was a remarkable contribution to Turkish economy.

[09] Bagis thanks Britain for supporting Turkey's EU bid

During the meeting, Bagis thanked Baird for Britain's support to Turkey's EU membership process, expressing the belief that it will continue.

Baird, for his part, pointed out to the strong cooperation between Turkey and Britain adding that the new British government is eager to strengthen its ties with Turkey.

[10] Head of TOBB says Turkey's EU bid comes to a deadlock

Addressing the seminar "European Commission's 2010 Progress Report for Turkey: Where are we in the accession process?"", Hisarciklioglu said the lack of political will in the EU member countries is also evident in the Progress Report.

He said the Report was written with a technical and bureaucratic approach adding: "It lacks an encouraging approach that would accelerate the reform process in Turkey and embolden Turkey's endeavours aimed at membership. Unfortunately, the report lacks an encouraging approach that would revive the dying public support in Turkey for EU membership. We all know that EU accession is more of a political process than a technical one. Even if you are ready technically, you cannot open any of the chapters unless all of the 27 members say yes. Therefore, Turkey's accession process to the EU came to a halt. We cannot ignore that. Otherwise we cannot explain why only 13 chapters are opened in negotiations so far."

Noting that a final date for negotiations or a membership date was not spelled out in this year's report, Hisarciklioglu emphasized that the report also lacked certain issues that were crucial for the Turkish business circles. He said the report only mentioned the drawbacks of the Customs Union for the EU.

Hisarciklioglu said the report only depicted EU Countries perspective in the Cyprus issue, and left the solution of the problem solely to Turkey's efforts. He said a just settlement was far from sight with such an approach, concluding that EU's commitments and responsibilities were not even mentioned in the report.

[11] "Papandreou to attend gathering of diplomats in Ankara"

High-profile foreign officials from Europe and other parts of the world have been invited to participate in the third foreign-policy "brainstorming session" of Turkish diplomats, which will initially convene in Ankara and then proceed to Erzurum. Nearly 200 diplomats, who are either serving abroad as permanent representatives or ambassadors in Ankara, will gather to discuss the current situation of Turkish foreign policy and its future course under the auspices of the Foreign Ministry.

Diplomatic sources told Today's Zaman that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had invited his Greek counterpart during his recent visit to Athens in October.

[12] Erdogan to visit Lebanon

During his visit, Erdogan will also have meetings with Lebanese President Michel Sulayman, Lebanese National Assembly Speaker Nabih Berri and other politicians. Erdogan will be honoured during a ceremony in the framework of the Annual Arab Banking Conference for 2010: The New International Role of Arab Banks.

It is expected that Turkey and Lebanon will sign a Partnership Agreement to establish Free Trade Zone, and a Joint Political Declaration envisaging establishment of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Erdogan will also visit Turkish troops assigned with UNIFIL, and will inaugurate schools and a Rehabilitation Centre constructed by Turkey.

[13] Highlights

a) Missile Shield/NATO Summit

In his article in Milliyet, Sami Kohen maintains that along with the missile defence project, "there was another very important development; the NATO-Russia rapprochment". "NATO's old enemy has now become a friend and even a partner of the new NATO", he points out. Regarding the missile shield project, Kohen considers: "Evidently there are deep differences between NATO and Turkey regarding the perception of threat, particularly on Iran. This will once again be an issue during implementation process of the missile shield project. During the summit, Turkish diplomacy managed to perform a delicate balancing act between all sides. But it will be difficult to maintain this balance during the new process."

Writing in Hurriyet, Cuneyt Ulsever says "It was obvious that Foreign Minister Davutoglu's 'we see no threat from any neighbours' bubble would burst in Lisbon". In an article entitled "Tehran and Lisbon: go farther and far worse" Ulsever maintains: "The clear fact is that the missile shield project is against Iran, and the first and immediate country in mind for protection is Israel."

In an article in Radikal entitled "Unspoken facts about the missile shield," Murat Yetkin argues: "Frech leader's insistence on Iran (and also Syria) actually had a meaning. In the missile shield jargon, Iran implies Israel. Those who were pushing for Iran's name are meant to say that the project should protect Israel as well. (?) This is a NATO project but its future will depend on Israel's security. President Obama will be questioned by Republicans as well as by some Democrats why Iran's name was not mentioned, and what will NATO do in case of an Iranian threat against Israel. President Obama will likely answer these questions by mentioning the power and authority of the NATO European forces commander (who is always an American) who can use it to help friends when they are under attack. I think it is obvious why Prime Minister Erdogan still insists on, with some worrying tone, the NATO command."

Vatan's Gungor Mengi considers that the missile shield project is more to Turkey's benefit than anyone else. He adds: "And the system will actually protect both Israel and Iran. From now on Iran will have to calculate each and every step before taking it, and Israel will no longer be in need of planning preemptive attacks against Iran."

In an article in Star entitled "The Lisbon Summit: Neither Triumph Nor Defeat", Sedat Laciner considers that the outcome in Lisbon is an undeniable success for Turkey. However, he points out that none of the problems, including the missile system issue, has been resolved in Lisbon.

Mehmed Ali Birand in Hurriyet Daily News writes that "Ankara literally stopped on the edge of the cliff last week at the Lisbon summit when it changed its attitude in respect to the United States and NATO despite the fact that its requests were not fully accepted. If Ankara were to continue with its former attitude it would have fallen down the cliff in no time (?). But still, nothing is over yet. It's worthwhile to know that if the Justice and Development Party (AKP) administration continues with its objections in the period to come, all hell might still break loose."

Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul argues: "NATO's missile defence project is part of a plan to establish a very strict control mechanism on a global scale that would secure western preeminence by suppressing any potential dissidence in advance and "forcing humanity to surrender." Karagul predicts regime changes and major regional conflicts in the Middle East and Central Asia in the near future and asserts that the missile defence project is part of a plan to prepare NATO for such wars by restructuring it as a global army.

In an article in Zaman, columnist Abdulhamit Bilici asserts that there is no reason for Turkey to be "overjoyed" at the results of the Lisbon summit because rather than being a result of Turkey's current regional vision, the missile defence project is the product of the Cold War mentality and is contrary to Ankara's policy of "zero problems with neighbours." He argues that Turkey faced a choice at the summit between raising questions over its membership of NATO by objecting to the project categorically and "minimizing its losses by trying to adapt the project to its own needs." He also cites the "prevention of a new crisis with the United States" and the "transformation of the said project into a NATO undertaking" as Turkey's gains.

Today's Zaman columnist Lale Kemal cites "the latest compromise between NATO and Turkey over the missile defence plan" as one that "has marked Turkey's allegiance to this western military club and that may play a role in easing concerns that Turkey has been drifting away from the West." She also argues that Turkey's position on the missile defence project has demonstrated that Ankara gives priority to safeguarding "national security interests."

In an article in Today's Zaman entitled "Is NATO Ready for a Global Century?", columnist Hakan Tasci reads the results of the NATO summit in Lisbon as a confirmation of the "possibility" that "the key challenge to US security" is posed not by the Middle East or Europe or Latin America but by Asia. He also asserts that the Strategic Concept ratified at the summit "brings a global outlook to NATO. For the first time in its history, the alliance considered its role well beyond the transatlantic context."

In an article in Milli Gazette entitled "Neither a victory nor a defeat: we were handled successfully", columnist Abdulkadir Ozkan explains why "it would be deceiving us and society" to claim that the results of the Lisbon summit reflect Turkey's expectations fully. He asserts that EU members will provide unconditional support for a possible future US military campaign against Iran and that Washington could go to the extreme of engineering a military coup in Turkey if the ruling AKP presents any challenge to US military interests in the Middle East. He also underlines the need for the Government's policy of zero problems with neighbours to gain "continuity."

b) Possible CHP-BDP alliance in 2011 elections

A report in Hurriyet quotes BDP co-chairman Selahattin Demirtas as saying that there has been no proposal to form an alliance with the CHP or any other party, adding that it is unlikely due to current policies of both parties.

According to Hurriyet, CHP Secretary General Suheyl Batum said that the CHP has no plan to form an alliance with another political party because it aims to form a majority government after the general election.

In an article in Zaman entitled "Kilicdaroglu's two advantages", columnist Ihsan Dagi predicts that the efforts to establish a BDP-CHP alliance might take the form of a bid to create a CHP-led anti-AKP bloc that includes all political movements opposed to the Erdogan government. He asserts that while it is doubtful whether such an undertaking would be successful, it would certainly enable the CHP to make a serious contribution to Turkey's normalization and democratization because it would reposition the CHP as a "normal" political party using legitimate tools in trying to unseat the Government. Dagi identifies the CHP's "militarized, agitated, and alarmed neo-nationalist supporters" as the biggest obstacle facing Kilicdaroglu in this endeavour. He also explains in what sense the Ergenekon trial and Kilicdaroglu's Alevi identity can promote such a project.

c) Interview with Turkish Minister of Defence

Hurriyet highlights remarks by Turkish Minister of Defence Vecdi Gonul who denied allegations that the government plans to offer partial exemption from compulsory military service in return for payment by draftees. Pointing out that no decision has yet been made about changing the term of military service, Gonul said that the General Staff is presently working on a plan to reduce the number of soldiers and to modernize its systems.

d) Teachers: poor and in debt

A front-page report in Milli Gazette with the above headline, asserts that according to recent surveys, about 50% of school teachers in Turkey want to change their jobs because they live below the poverty line and cannot cope with credit card debts.

e) Us arms sales to Saudi Arabia

Yeni Akit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak asserts that the recent US arms sales and deployments to Saudi Arabia are aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia against Iran and exploiting it as a "lightning rod" for NATO. He claims that the quantity of these weapons is less than sufficient for a conflict with Iran and more than adequate against possible insurgencies in Saudi Arabia, adding that Riyadh is possibly being forced to "eat the menu that Turkey rejected. Bon app?tit. Saudi Arabia should watch out, however, because there is pork on this menu."

f) Military espionage

Zaman carries a front-page report which asserts that the ongoing investigation against a military espionage ring has revealed that the suspects attempted to blackmail a total of 250 high-ranking officers with compromising video including footage of child abuse. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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