Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-03-03

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CONTENTS

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Reaction against Ankara during the second "Communal Existence Rally"; "Police" seized flags of the Republic of Cyprus

[02] Demonstrations in Turkey in support of the Turkish Cypriots

[03] The Platform thanked the people for their participation in the rally

[04] Davutoglu on the March 2 rally

[05] Turkish Cypriot political leader on the "communal existence rally"

[06] Hasipoglu: "We administer the country, we expect understanding"

[07] The Cyprus negotiations have reportedly reached a deadlock

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] How the Turkish press reports on the 2nd "Communal Existence Rally"

[09] Kilicdaroglu expresses his views on the Cyprus problem in London

[10] Self-governance

[11] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Reaction against Ankara during the second "Communal Existence Rally"; "Police" seized flags of the Republic of Cyprus

Under the title "Democracy lesson", Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (03.03.11) writes that there were no "abusive" banners and no incidents took place during the rally. Citing information obtained from the "police", the paper reports that around 54 thousand persons participated in the rally. The paper notes that strict security measures were taken and some persons, who tried to carry flags of the Republic of Cyprus to the square, were prevented by the "police". Members of the "secret services" were watching the rally, writes the paper adding that officials of the US Embassy and the British High Commission to Lefkosia monitored the rally. According to Star Kibris, some of the slogans on the banners against Turkey were the following: "Ankara take your hands off us", "We say no to the impositions, no to being governed through directives", "Withdraw your package, pack it", "We want to be masters of our own home", "They will go away in the same way they came" and "You are strategic occupiers".

Under the title "Was that a swear word too?" Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (03.03.11) reports that there was a row between the "police" and the Jasmine Movement yesterday. The "police" confiscated the banners of the Movement, which, according to the paper, did not include any swear words. Moreover, the "police" did not allow the members of the Jasmine Movement to carry flags of the Republic of Cyprus to Inonu Square. The paper notes that this time the Movement did not carry its banner which writes "piss off". The slogans on the two banners confiscated were: "Have we been saved? Oh my mother" and "Have we been saved? You understand?" The members of the Movement participated in the rally without any flags or banners, but Sener Levent and his friends were cheered by participants in the rally, writes Afrika. It also reports that the "police" confiscated a banner carried by "Barikat" newspaper. The banner said: "Occupier Turkey get out of Cyprus". A flag of the Republic of Cyprus was secretly carried to Inonu square, but was torn by some "citizens", writes the paper. It also reports that banners asking Tayyip Erdogan "Who are you?" and calling on to Cemil Cicek "Come on, get out" were attacked. Flags of Turkey and the "TRNC" marked the rally, according to Afrika.

Under the title "We cannot bear it", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (03.03.11) reports that the most important message sent from the Inonu Square was the message regarding the population. The issue of the population and the statement of Erdogan that Turkey feeds the Turkish Cypriots marked the rally yesterday, notes Kibris adding that according to trade union officials the number of the participants in the rally was between 60 and 80 thousands.

Addressing the rally on behalf of the Platform, Mehmet Ozkardas, chairman of the "Civil" Servants' Trade Union (Kamu-Sen), said the uncontrolled flow of population should urgently stop. He noted: "The Turkish Cypriots face economic and social problems. News regarding rapes, frauds, robberies is published every day in the newspapers. We do not want these in our country. The Turkish Cypriots cannot bear this burden any more". Ozkardas said the Turkish Cypriots have no problem with Turkey and "their brothers from Turkey". Referring to Erdogan's statement that the majority of the inhabitants in the occupied areas of Cyprus are "civil" servants, Ozkardas said: "Our population is 600-700 thousands. The number of the civil servants is 15.800. That is, 2.6% of the population. How could so few people serve this population?" The paper reports that the rally sent the message to the EU that the Turkish Cypriots have become dependent on Turkey because of the "isolation". Moreover, a message was sent to the Greek Cypriots as well that the Turkish Cypriots do not want to become a "patch" on "south Cyprus", as the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus is described, and that they are in favour of solution of the Cyprus problem and peace.

Under the title "The response of the people", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (03.03.11) reports that history was written once more yesterday at Inonu Square. The participants in the rally, which exceeded the number of participants in the 28 January rally, called on the UBP self-styled government to resign. According to the paper, the participants in the rally sent the message to the AKP government that it should respect the will of the Turkish Cypriots. The paper publishes the picture of two banners with the slogans "We are Turkish Cypriots, who are you?" and "We want to be masters of our own home!"

Under the title "Here we are, we are big", Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (03.03.11) reports that the Turkish Cypriots wrote history once more. The tens of thousands who participated in the rally gave a lesson of democracy against every kind of oppression and imposition, writes the paper adding that they exhibited their will to administer themselves.

Under the title "Was this enough?" Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (03.03.11) reports that the message given on 28 January by the Turkish Cypriot "people" was repeated on 2 March. The paper writes that even though efforts had been exerted to distort the message sent on 28 January, the increased participation yesterday and the enthusiasm of the crowd were enough to send clearly this message. The paper reports that the participation of Aydin Denktas in the rally, spouse of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, made the participants happy. The paper publishes a picture of Aydin Denktas holding a Turkish flag. Recalling that Rauf Denktas opposed the rally, Haberdar notes that Aydin Denktas supported her son, Serdar, who actively participated in the protest. Haberdar also reports that a Greek Cypriot was taken in custody at the square of the rally. The "police" searched the bag of the Greek Cypriot, led him away from the square and placed him in custody. The paper writes that it could not find out the name of the Greek Cypriot or whether he was arrested, because the "police" gave no information on the issue.

Under the title "'Empty the seats'", Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (03.03.11) reports that "extremists" were not tolerated yesterday and common sense dominated during the rally, which urged the "government" of the regime to resign. The speakers at the rally emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots will defend their lands and will not allow the young people to emigrate, writes the paper adding that this time many flags of Turkey and the "TRNC" were carried in the rally, while some banners and flags of the Republic of Cyprus were removed by the "police".

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Volkan (03.03.11) refers to the issue under the title "The provocateurs were isolated" and reports that "people did not tolerate the provocateurs", as the paper describes Sener Levent and his friends. Volkan argues that the participants in the rally shouted "shameless" at 20 persons who carried flags of the Republic of Cyprus and banners with "swear words". Some "citizens", notes Volkan spat in Sener Levent's face and called him "servant of the Greek Cypriots".

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (03.03.11) refers to the rally under the title "Either you comply with the will of the people or you resign immediately".

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (03.03.11) covers the issue under the title "Challenge" and publishes pictures of the rally showing banners with slogans such as "No more extinction", "Solution, peace now, at once" and "AKP take your hands off".

Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (03.03.11) refers to the issue under the title "The banners against Turkey and the Greek Cypriot flags were seized". The paper publishes pictures with banners against the occupation of Turkey in Cyprus and writes that these banners were destroyed before being carried to the square where the rally was taking place. The main topic covered by the paper is a call by the self-styled prime minister Kucuk on the Trade Union Platform for a dialogue with his "government".

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (03.03.11) refers to the issue under the title "Historic rally" and reports that all the opposition parties except the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) participated in the rally.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Demonstrations in Turkey in support of the Turkish Cypriots

According to Yeni Duzen daily, around 100 members of the "Cyprus Youth Platform", and various Turkish political parties NGOs such as the Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), the Equality and Democracy Party (EDP), the Confederation of Public Workers' Unions (KESK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (DISK), protested yesterday afternoon at Taksim Square in Istanbul. Protesting against the Turkish government and the Turkish Prime Minister's statements targeting the Turkish Cypriots, the demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Ayse go home", and were carrying banners with slogans including "peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented", "Cyprus belongs to the Turkish Cypriots", and "we are not a daughter land". Speaking on behalf of the protestors, Mustafa Cangil, inter alia, called on the Turkish Republic not to intervene in the internal matters of the Turkish Cypriots.

Furthermore, Star Kibris daily reports on the protest in Ankara by a group of Turkish Cypriot university students studying in the Turkish capital, in order to show their support to the "communal existence rally" organised in occupied Cyprus. Protesters marched from Yuksel Avenue to Sakarya Avenue, and chanted slogans such as "Independent Cyprus". According to the paper, some political parties participated in the protest as well. The paper refers to a press statement which alleged that the financial assistance of Turkey to occupied Cyprus returns to Turkey through imports.

[03] The Platform thanked the people for their participation in the rally

The Platform reiterated that the economic package should be withdrawn and measures for the self-administration of the Turkish Cypriots should be taken. It announced that the strikes at the schools and the "land registry office" have been postponed. The Platform noted that if any "law", "decree" or practice for the implementation of the package comes on to the agenda by 25 March, the strikes which were postponed will start again and all kinds of action, including general strikes will be taken.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Davutoglu on the March 2 rally

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbas, Davutoglu referred to the "communal existence rally" in the occupied areas and said that it was normal to bring up demands within legitimate boundaries. "However, such platforms should not try to hurt the brotherly ties between Turkey and the TRNC", Davutoglu added.

Replying to reporters, Davutoglu said that though it was said that placards insulting Turkey would not be allowed in the rally, such slogans did appear. Davutoglu added that their sensitivity on this issue was conveyed through their Prime Minister and the "TRNC brothers" are informed about this.

[05] Turkish Cypriot political leader on the "communal existence rally"

For his part, Democrat Party (DP) leader Serdar Denktas noted that the rally evolved without any incidents and with tolerance. Denktas said that those who will evaluate the rally are Turkey and the "TRNC government". He said: the government just acts on instructions and forces the people to protest.

Also speaking to the paper, Communal Democracy Party (TDP) leader Mehmet Cakici the great number of participants in the rally and that they succeeded to pass their message. He said that the rally was a struggle towards "self-administration" and the withdrawal of the package. In addition, this meeting was a reaction to the statements made by the Turkish officials. Cakici, inter alia, stated that it was a very peaceful rally and that the demands of the people were put forward. He also noted that the "government" should resign and added that the "people" have withdrawn their support to the "government".

[06] Hasipoglu: "We administer the country, we expect understanding"

In his statements during the meeting, Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that they are exerting efforts for the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots adding that it is not Turkey that administers the "country" but them [the Turkish Cypriots]. Hasipoglu asked the Turkish Cypriots to show understanding and patience regarding the difficulties faced by the "country" and the austerity measures being taken.

Referring to the "Communal Existence Rally", Hasipoglu stressed the need for the people to understand the objective of the rally. He then pointed out the significant role of the "TMT Association" in the national existence struggle of the Turkish Cypriots and alleged that it is thanks to the "TMT Association" that the "TRNC state" exists.

[07] The Cyprus negotiations have reportedly reached a deadlock

Another deadlock, writes Kibris, derives from the disagreement between the sides on the proposal made by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding an "international conference" and "preparing a procedural plan", that is, a time limit in the talks. The Greek Cypriot side has been rejecting arbitration and binding timetables from the very beginning of the talks, recalls the paper adding that during the meeting last Friday President Christofias reacted to the recent contacts of Eroglu's adviser, Kudret Ozersay, in New York.

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] How the Turkish press reports on the 2nd "Communal Existence Rally"

Radikal: "A rally with incidents in TRNC". The paper reports that protesters did not follow "police" instructions not to carry insulting banners, so there were incidents between them and the "police".

Sabah: "The Turkish Cypriots flooded the streets again"

Hurriyet: "A rally with incidents in TRNC".

Milliyet: "Ayse go home"

Zaman: "The rally in TRNC ended without incidents"

"Greek Cypriots participated in the rally"

Aksam: "Thousands of people participated in the rally"

"We want to be masters of our own home!"

Star: "No permission for the shameful placards in TRNC"

Turkiye: "The show in TRNC that pleased the Greek Cypriots!"

Cumhuriyet: "2nd rally in the TRNC"

[09] Kilicdaroglu expresses his views on the Cyprus problem in London

Moreover, Turkish daily Milliyet (02.03.11, online) reports that Kilicdaroglu also spoke yesterday at the British Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House). Kilicdaroglu argued that accepting the "South Cyprus Greek Cypriot administration" [as he called the Republic of Cyprus] into the European Union and connect Turkey's membership with the Cyprus problem, was perhaps the biggest mistake that European politicians made. He said that Greek Cypriots call for the implementation of the additional protocol of Ankara, but they obstruct the implementation of EU the commitments regarding direct trade with the "TRNC."

Kilicdaroglu said that it is not realistic to expected new initiatives by the Turkish side for Cyprus, nor is there any possibility for a new initiative by Turkey. Answering to a question regarding the Cyprus problem he stated that it [the Cyprus problem] should not remain stuck in the past, that EU's involvement would create a non-solution and said that they wish the UN to become more involved.

[10] Self-governance

Though these figures may not be considered significant for a big country like Turkey, "but for a small state with a registered population of only 265,000 ? even though the unofficial population is as high as 650,000 thanks to unregistered mainland Turks living on the island ? some 30,000-plus people" is equivalent to no less than 3 million-4 million people in Turkey.

Outlining events in the aftermath of the Jan. 28 rally, Kanli notes that the "Existence Rally" was organized by a coalition of almost all labour unions and supported by almost all political parties but the ruling National Unity Party, or UBP, of Prime Minister 0
rsen Kucuk and a splinter centre-right party believed to have been strongly manipulated by the Justice and Development Party.

Pointing out that no such rally has ever been held in northern Cyprus , Kanli concludes : "The message of Turkish Cypriots yesterday was very clear. The Turks of Cyprus and the Turks of Turkey are brothers and the brotherly bonds between them cannot be spoiled by some nasty politicians. Yet, those in power in Ankara should first learn Turkish Cypriot history before expecting Turkish Cypriots somehow to engage in an allegiance relationship. Turkish Cypriots want self governance. The time has come for all institutions of northern Cyprus ? including its security forces, now headed by a Turkish general ? to be headed by Turkish Cypriots. There should be an end to the uncontrolled expansion of the population of northern Cyprus, siphoning all resources. Above all, Turkish Cypriots want a relationship based on respect of their identity."

[11] Highlights

Turkey-EU relations

In an article in Today's Zaman entitled "The idiotic gap", columnist Yavuz Baydar argues that Turkish-EU relations are "heading for a nasty crash" following French President Sarkozy's "problematic" visit to Ankara and the "not-so-warm contacts between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Recep Tayyip

Kurdish issue:

Turkish papers also give prominent coverage to Kurdish developments, noting particularly BDP [Peace and Democracy Party] officials' strong criticism of Prime Minister Erdogan's failure to reciprocate to KCK's [Assembly of Communities of Kurdistan] non-action.

Milliyet, reports BDP co-chair Gulten Kisanak's statement that Erdogan will be held responsible for every single bloodshed, and BDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas's warning that the southeast might explode at any time.

Libya

Writing in Hurriyet, Hadi Uluengin, supports Prime Minister Erdogan's opposition to NATO intervention in Libya, saying that such an intervention at this stage would only engender further anti-western feelings and undermine the democratic processes taking place in the Arab world.

Erdal Safak of Sabah, also supports Erdogan's position and says that Turkey would try to block any such NATO move, for such an intervention might cause another tragedy similar to the one existing now in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Semih Idiz declares in his column in Milliyet that by opposing the West on sanctions and NATO intervention against Libya, Prime Minister Erdogan is again isolating Turkey on the world stage. Idiz points out that Erdogan is acting inconsistently when he accuses the West of shaping its Libyan policy according to its oil interests even as he himself charts a policy based on Turkish economic interests in Libya. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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