Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-01-25

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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 says he will submit a plan "producing practical solutions" in Geneva

[02] Eroglu speaks prior to the Geneva meeting

[03] The British High Commissioner says the Cypriots will find the solution in Cyprus

[04] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders expect a new meeting of the community leaders with the UN Secretary-General after Geneva

[05] Oger says Turkey should open its ports to Cyprus vessels

[06] The 13th salary to be paid by the end of month; Kucuk goes to Istanbul

[07] So-called education minister in Ankara; He will meet foreign diplomats

[08] "We have become a refugee camp!"

[09] "Cyprus working group" in TUSIAD

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Hungarian FM supports Turkey's accession to the EU

[11] Cavusoglu re-elected PACE President

[12] Turkish and British defence ministers meet in Ankara

[13] Prime Minister Erdogan pays an official visit to Ukraine

[14] Turkish finance minister holds contacts in Saudi Arabia

[15] "Crucial Summit"

[16] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says he will submit a plan "producing practical solutions" in Geneva

In exclusive statements to Kibris, Eroglu noted that the Greek Cypriot side could take a similar step. "We want to reach a result", said Eroglu adding: "We want a result to be achieved until March, positive or negative."

Eroglu reiterated the Turkish view that the negotiations could not last forever and said: "We have to take a decision in March. If there is a hope for reconciliation, we will continue. If the differences of views are not overcome, we will ask the UN Secretary-General to declare this and take a decision."

Eroglu said not much progress has been achieved so far in the negotiations with President Christofias, adding that some progress has been achieved on the chapter of "Economy" only.

Alleging that the proposals submitted recently by the Turkish Cypriot side on the chapter of "Governance and Power Sharing" are not outside the UN parameters, Eroglu argued that this has been confirmed by Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Cyprus.

Eroglu said the Turkish side does not want the federal states to break away from the federation. "We are saying that we will not break away from the partnership state and we are giving guarantees for this. However, we want some measures to be taken so that the other side does not take the federal state and go away, if it decides to abolish it," he continued.

Eroglu added that the Turkish side wants a possible agreement to become a primary law of the EU, while President Christofias does not accept this. "His aim is to continue the lawsuits on the property issue, even if a solution is achieved," he alleged.

Recalling that the property is one of the most difficult issues, Eroglu said the Turkish side's view is that the issue should be solved through exchange, compensation and return of property. He alleged that "the person who lives in a house for 36 years has many more rights than the former owner of the property". Recalling that the Greek Cypriot side insists that the "former property owner" should have a say on the property, Eroglu said the Turkish side could not accept this. "We cannot drag our people into such an adventure. Even if we do, the people will reject this in the referendum," he argued.

Eroglu said the issues of security, guarantees and territory have not been discussed with President Christofias and claimed that the guarantor powers have a say on these issues. Eroglu reiterated the proposal of the Turkish side for a four-party meeting with the participation of the two communities, Greece and Turkey."Britain could also participate, if it wants," he said.

Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the Greek Cypriot side is not in a hurry to find a solution to the Cyprus problem after Cyprus joined the EU. He argued that the Turkish Cypriots are the side which wants a solution, but "we could not drag our people into an adventure, we support a realistic solution".

Responding to a question on the issue of arbitration and time limit in the Cyprus talks, Eroglu said: "Of course there should be a time limit. Besides, the UN Secretary-General expects a reconciliation to be achieved by March. If an agreement is not achieved, the UN Secretary-General will certainly have something to say. I think that he could state that the issue could not continue like this. Our wish is that there is a time-limit and this points to March."

Eroglu thanked Ankara for its support in the negotiations.

[02] Eroglu speaks prior to the Geneva meeting

In a statement prior to his departure, Eroglu said he will have some contacts in Turkey before flying to Geneva. He also said that the six chapters that were discussed during the Cyprus negotiations would be taken up during the tripartite meeting in Geneva.

Referring to the November 15 tripartite meeting in New York, Eroglu said "the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had asked us to work on identifying convergences and core issues awaiting solution, what our sine qua non's were and what could be done to solve these problems." Underlining the fact that the technical committees intensified their efforts upon the request of the UN Secretary-General, Eroglu said they have worked on how bridges could be built to overcome the differences on the main chapters.

"Our negotiation team has been very well prepared for the Geneva summit, and we will do our best," said Eroglu. He also noted that there were indications that another tripartite meeting may take place in March and that during this meeting, how long the negotiations process may go on and how it will continue, may be taken up.

Asserting the Turkish Cypriot side is continuing the negotiations process in good will, Eroglu suggested that the Greek Cypriot side is causing the continuation of the process by rejecting every plan.

[03] The British High Commissioner says the Cypriots will find the solution in Cyprus

Referring to the possibility of an interim agreement in Geneva, Kidd said his country supports an overall agreement which includes all chapters. He noted that an interim agreement includes the risk of giving the impression that an overall agreement could not be reached. However, he added, if the wish is to record the points of agreement reached so far, it will definitely be helpful. He said it is important to see and know what has been achieved towards finding a solution. In short, he said, if an interim agreement strengthens the momentum it will be good, if it weakens the momentum it will be bad.

Kidd noted that the sides achieved progress on some chapters and that the meetings with the UN Secretary-General first in New York and tomorrow in Geneva created a positive climate. In our view, he said, the message given by the UN Secretary-General to the leaders and the fact that he asked them to determine and declare on which issues they agree and on which they will face difficulties, created a positive influence.

Referring to the issue of a possible international conference, Kidd said if what is expected and wanted is for the international community to prepare an agreement and put it on the table, this cannot happen. He noted that the communities should prepare the ground for an agreement for which the international community will urge them to agree. Pointing out that things are not ready now for an international conference, but there could be "other kinds of meetings", he added that some sides could interfere in the process on certain issues. He said his country wants to see soon all issues on the table and the sides to be prepared for a give and take.

Responding to a question, Kidd said the Cyprus government supports Turkey's progress in its EU accession course and that Turkey reaches the stage of becoming a full member of the Union. He expressed the view that Turkey's accession will have positive influence on the Cyprus problem and that the Cyprus government understands why Britain supports Turkey's accession course.

When reminded by the journalist of the criticism by the West against the stance of the religious men in some countries and asked to comment on the statements made by Archbishop Chrysostomos II on political issues, Kidd said the Archbishop tries to explain that the Church is an important part of Cyprus. He noted that the Archbishop should pay attention to the authority he has because of his position and added that the statements he makes should not accommodate the extremist views. Kidd recalled that in recent statements the Archbishop said there was a distance between him and the extremists.

Referring to the EU term presidency of Cyprus in 2012, Kidd said it would be very good if the Cyprus problem is solved by then. He noted that the term presidency will "give great political energy" to the Greek Cypriots and added that this duty is difficult even for big countries. He said that the issue of leading the EU negotiations with Turkey will also come on the agenda and argued that it would be difficult to do all these correctly.

Kidd noted also that the Turkish Cypriots should definitely solve the property problems in the occupied part of Cyprus, pointing out that this is not a problem of the British citizens alone. He said this is a problem for people coming from other countries as well and even for the "citizens" in the occupied areas of Cyprus themselves. He noted that problems exist in the procedures in the "land registry department" and the "legal" system in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Finally, Kidd said they will closely follow the rally to be held on Friday in the occupied areas of Cyprus, pointing out that it would not be correct for him to make a comment on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders expect a new meeting of the community leaders with the UN Secretary-General after Geneva

Under the title "A new date will be determined", the paper reports that Ferdi Sabit Soyer, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said he expects that in the Geneva meeting it will be realized that "the Turkish Cypriot people is the side which wants a solution on the basis of the UN parameters and the agreements of 23 May and 1 July". He noted that they want a multiparty conference after the meeting in Geneva and an initiative to be developed by the UN.

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said they expect progress to be achieved on the points of disagreement in the chapter of "Governance and Power Sharing". He noted that they have not great expectations from this meeting and that the leaders have no proposals for a solution. He said going to Geneva with proposals on the Governance and Power Sharing without continuing the discussion of the property issue is a disadvantage for the Turkish Cypriot side.

Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), said the sides went to Geneva without achieving reconciliation. He noted that some countries will demand another meeting within the next one or two months. Denktas said things are heading towards a plan to be formed with UN arbitration. He expressed the view that a new meeting will take place in the period between March and June.

Turgay Avci, leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), expressed the view that there are some time limits in the process and recalled that in November the UN Secretary-General had asked the leaders to discuss all chapters by January 26. He said the illness of the Turkish Cypriot leader caused difficulties in the anticipated intensive negotiations, but Ban Ki-moon did not change his timetable even though he knew that there was not an intensive negotiating process and that not all six chapters have been discussed. Avci said a new meeting will be determined after one or two months, in February or March. In the meeting in March, he argued, the UN Secretary-General will give a last appointment to the leaders for July or August. He said he expected this meeting to be a multiparty conference, similar to the meeting in Burgenstock.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Oger says Turkey should open its ports to Cyprus vessels

Noting that Turkey is wrong to ask the EU to open these chapters, Oger added that the Europeans say "we were deceived; the government promised in July 2005 that it will open its ports to Cypriot vessels, however, it has not kept its promise".

Oger also said that there is not a demand in the negotiations to "recognize Cyprus", however, this is a political decision and it may come in the agenda at a later stage. He added that, therefore, if Turkey implements the agreement made in July 2005, then immediately 8 chapters will be opened. Simply because this promise has not been implemented, Cyprus presents a veto every time, Oger said.

Oger said that the future of the 75 million population of Turkey is held hostage because of Cyprus. Wondering to what degree this matters to Turkey, Oger added that he has difficulty to understand this. He concluded saying that Turkey should look at this issue with less emotion and not provide food for domestic politics consumption.

[06] The 13th salary to be paid by the end of month; Kucuk goes to Istanbul

Havadis also reports that self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk is travelling to Istanbul, on the invitation by Turkey's Tourism Investors Association, with self-styled minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture Kemal Durust and self-styled minister of public works and communication Ersan Saner. The paper notes that the issue of economy is in Kucuk's bag.

During his stay in Istanbul, Kucuk will also meet with 1st Army Corps commander General Hayri Kivrikoglu.

[07] So-called education minister in Ankara; He will meet foreign diplomats

Speaking on illegal Bayrak Haber, Cavusoglu said that as part of his contacts in Ankara, he will meet with the Turkish Minister of National Education and other Turkish officials. He also said he will be meeting with diplomats of countries which have students at the universities in occupied Cyprus.

[08] "We have become a refugee camp!"

The paper reports that in the past 10 years 2,357 refugees have been arrested trying to enter the "TRNC" illegally. After the war in Iraq, there has been an increase in the number of refugees from Middle Eastern countries, thus making 2008 the year with the most arrests. Figures for the last ten years are the following:

2000 32 persons were arrested

2001 196

2002 114

2003 100

2004 159

2005 159

2006 379

2007 326

2008 749

2009 126

2010 35

[09] "Cyprus working group" in TUSIAD

According to a written statement by TUSIAD, the working group has been established with the aim of taking up both political and economic relations between Turkey and the occupation regime. It also aims to evaluate the developments concerning the Cyprus problem and to contribute to the mechanisms which would provide support to the ongoing negotiation process.

The working group, which will function under the TUSIAD Foreign Relations and EU Adaptation Commission, will be chaired by the Commission member and Co-Chairman of the "Turkey-TRNC Business Council", Mustafa Fethi Gurbuz.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Hungarian FM supports Turkey's accession to the EU

The Hungarian Foreign Minister, said, inter alia, that Turkey is an emerging country in the world and stated that Turkey's accession to the EU will further enforce the Union globally. He added that those who see disadvantages in Turkey's accession must reply to the question: "Do you want Turkey in the EU or not?"

Responding to this question, Janos Martonyi said Turkey's EU accession is in Europe's interest. He said it may take time but at least, he said, we all agree on continuing the negotiation process. But I promise you on behalf of my country and my government that we will continue to support you".

Janos Martonyi also underlined Turkey's importance in the financial sector and said Turkey is a very important global actor.

[11] Cavusoglu re-elected PACE President

[12] Turkish and British defence ministers meet in Ankara

Speaking during a joint press conference after the meeting, Gonul said that industrial and military cooperation, in addition to trade were on the agenda of their talks. The projected trade volume of $15 billion to $20 billion is, according to Gonul, an important amount for Turkey. The two countries plan to expand cooperation in the future, said Gonul, adding that he was pleased the United Kingdom supported Turkey in sensitive matters.

For his part, Fox said: "Turkey is one of our most important allies. We have a very strong friendship. We have a shared history, and more importantly, we have mutual interests. These mutual interests serve as a stronger foundation for a stronger partnership and we thank Turkey for its support to the alliance. (...) We are happy with the Turkish forces in Kabul. It is an example that many other countries need to follow. We would be at a more positive point if all NATO allies showed the same commitment.

Fox added that the UK always supported Turkey's membership in the European Union, adding that [EU membership] is inevitably the path Turkey is on if you look at the progress over the last few years. We have to be more persistent to overcome obstacles in the way of Turkey's destiny. You are tirelessly working toward this and we hope to one day be a part of the same family of countries," he noted.

[13] Prime Minister Erdogan pays an official visit to Ukraine

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Erdogan said current international and regional matters will be discussed during his meetings in Ukraine. He said a joint declaration for the establishment of High-Level Strategic Council will be signed as well as a number of other agreements. Erdogan will also address the Turkey-Ukraine Business Council and will be awarded with honorary doctorate by International Kiev University.

The Turkish Prime Minister will be accompanied by the Turkish Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergun, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz.

[14] Turkish finance minister holds contacts in Saudi Arabia

Turkey and Saudi Arabia will sign a protocol on cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade, investments, customs, banking and finance, transportation, communication, agriculture, construction, education, culture, health, tourism, energy, defence industry and environment, sources said.

[15] "Crucial Summit"

Kanli argues that had the international community said that back in late 1970s or in the early 1980s, probably the Cyprus problem would have been solved long ago.

He further maintains that as the Greek Cypriots have the internationally recognized government, EU membership and an honourable status in the international community, they want a settlement that will not force them to compromise and share all that with Turkish Cypriots.

The Turkish Cypriots do not wish to make an agreement that would not provide them full political equality with the Greek Cypriots, Kanli says and continues: "For the Turkish Cypriots, the new state must be a parthenogenesis republic of the two equal founding states (obviously, even for one second before such an accord, there has to be two states that would found the new state). There has to be full political equality of the two peoples in the new partnership state that should have a weak central federal government and two strong local governments. As it is considered vital for Turkish Cypriot security, the 1960 security scheme must continue intact."

It is not at all easy, of course, to reconcile these two almost totally contradicting positions. Plus, there is the thorny property and territorial aspects of the problem as well.

As it appears, the article goes on, despite continued Greek Cypriot objections, the Turkish Cypriot side is preparing to embrace a decision to come out of the Geneva summit for an 'international conference with the participation of the guarantor powers:

"If a reunited Cyprus is wanted, indeed, convening such a conference --which should also be attended in observer capacity by the EU as well as the five permanent members of the Security Council-- might become the last hope."

[16] Highlights

a) Sledgehammer trial

Today's Zaman columnist Ekrem Dumanli describes the seizure of new documents at the naval command in Golcuk attesting to "the existence of a coup d'?tat plan" called "Sledgehammer" as a "watershed" event that should dispel any doubts as to whether Sledgehammer was really an anti-government conspiracy. He also argues that attempts to represent Operation Sledgehammer as a set of "war games" amount to "a form of psychological warfare."

Today's Zaman columnist Ihsan Dagi warns that the masterminds behind the Sledgehammer plan could be continuing to "update" the coup plot and that for this reason the Government should not fail to initiate "a comprehensive investigation into the military" based on the "Golcuk documents."

Today's Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay calls attention to a "lesson" that the Turkish Armed Forces, (TSK), should draw from the content of the Sledgehammer documents seized at the Golcuk naval command, namely that "[military] involvement in politics" creates the risk of "division and war" between various groups within the army.

b) Ergenekon suspects and the CHP

Yeni Safak runs a front-page report highlighting a statements by Suheyl Batum, Deputy Chairman of the Republican People's Party, (CHP), "confessing" to a CHP plan to have Ergenekon suspects Mehmet Haberal, Tuncay Ozkan, and Mustafa Balbay released from prison by getting them elected to Parliament in the general election in June. The plan, "first disclosed by Yeni Safak," and "denied" by CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is "modelled" on the procedure used in having Sabahat Tuncel elected as a Peace and Democracy Party, (BDP), deputy, the report says.

c) Military schools and "putschism"

In an article entitled "Military schools: A breeding ground for coups", columnist Kenan Alpay attributes the fact that "we never seem to be able to eliminate coup threats" to "our failure to question military educational institutions that inculcate a putschist mindset" in members of the TSK. He claims that cadets at Turkish military high schools and academies are indoctrinated to believe that the TSK is the proprietor of this country and that they have a right to "hold the future of this country to ransom" in the name of ensuring that the Kemalist regime continues.

d) "They want to set liberals against the AKP"

Yeni Akit columnist Ersoy Dede warns that the recent public debate on the restrictions imposed on the sale of liquor, the "brouhaha" over Prime Minister Erdogan's reference to a monument in Kars Province as a "freak," and the dispute caused by the Turkish broadcasting watchdog's issuance of a warning to a television channel over a series on the life of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, are used by certain opposition parties and the Ergenekon network as a means of setting the ruling AKP and liberal groups against each other and depriving the Government of the support of groups that represent "economic, political, and cultural liberalism." Dede also criticizes the Taraf daily for "walking into this trap" readily.

e) Turkey and Lebanon's Hezbollah

In an article in Star entitled "Understanding the Hezbollah correctly", Nasuhi Gungor urges the Turkish Government to do just that, to see the reality behind the Hezbollah, and to avoid branding it a terrorist organization. He also argues that it would be wrong to try to separate the Hezbollah from Syria and Iran. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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