Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-04

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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 participates in a Cyprus summit in Ankara to evaluate a plan to be put on the table in Geneva

[02] Accusations by Eroglu against the Greek Cypriot side prior to Geneva

[03] Ozersay says they are waiting for a result in Geneva

[04] Yeni Duzen: Erdogan waits for the report of the intelligence services to decide whether he will illegally visit occupied Cyprus on 20 July

[05] Another armed assault against Afrika

[06] Yakis said that only with exchange Turkey will open its ports to Cypriot vessels

[07] Andrew Duff met Eroglu and Ozgurgun

[08] Tatar repeats Turkish Cypriot views

[09] Associations express their support to Eroglu

[10] Breakaway regime hands out plots in occupied Vatyli

[11] A Turkish Cypriot activist for peace and coexistence in Cyprus passed away

[12] The "property compensation commission" has concluded 184 cases until today

[13] Illegal GAU signs cooperation protocol with a Canadian college

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] Westerwelle-Davutoglu meeting; Westerwelle says there is no isolation in Cyprus

[15] Protocol establishing INTERPA signed in Istanbul

[16] "Three candidates to run for Parliament Speaker; Cicek favourite"

[17] Davutoglu continues his Middle East tour; Turkey recognizes the Libyan rebels

[18] "Dozens, including Fener chairman, held over match-fixing allegations"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu participates in a Cyprus summit in Ankara to evaluate a plan to be put on the table in Geneva

Citing reliable sources, Kibris writes that in Geneva the Turkish side aims at carrying out negotiations that will include all the issues except the guarantees. According to the same information, the Turkish side will propose discussion of the guarantees at a conference with the participation of Turkey, Greece and Britain.

Eroglu will meet Erdogan tonight, while tomorrow he will meet with President Gul and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. After his contacts in Ankara, he will go to Istanbul from where he will depart for Geneva.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (04.07.11) refers to the issue under the title: "The finishing touches in Ankara" and reports that the preparations for the 7 July summit have been intensified.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Accusations by Eroglu against the Greek Cypriot side prior to Geneva

Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the Turkish side's target is a solution by the end of this year and argued that the talks will continue for another 50 years with the tempo they are held today. He noted that at Geneva they will tell the UN Secretary-General that they want to see their future. "We have to know what will happen with us", he said alleging that if Ban Ki-moon says that if the sides reach no result by the end of the year he will make his own decisions, the Greek Cypriot side will be motivated for a solution.

Eroglu reiterated the accusation against the Greek Cypriot side that it implements delaying tactics in the talks and added that the Turkish side expects from the UN to put a time limit to the negotiations on 7 July.

He claimed that the patience of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot "peoples" could not endure the continuation of the negotiations for another 50 years and alleged that the patience of the UN Secretary-General is also being exhausted.

Eroglu also alleged that President Christofias plans the return of Cyprus to the pre-1974 period and "acts as if nothing happened" in the occupied northern part of the island during the past 37 years.

Referring to a previous interview by President Christofias with Milliyet, Eroglu said that President Christofias wants to take Turkey as his interlocutor and recalled that he had suggested a meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan in Istanbul. Eroglu noted that President Christofias' interlocutor is the Turkish Cypriot side and added: "Does the Greek Prime Minister recognize me and Turkey will recognize Christofias? Christofias insistently wants to meet with Mr Erdogan. This is an incompatibility. On the one hand he says 'we want a Cypriot solution' and on the other he wants to meet with Turkey".

Referring to the expectations regarding Turkey making an opening in Cyprus after the Turkish parliamentary elections, Eroglu said that it is wrong to expect such a move and alleged that the "necessary openings had been made during the discussions for the Annan Plan". "The Greek Cypriot side should make some openings for an agreement", he alleged.

Eroglu reiterated the Turkish view that the return of the occupied closed city of Varosha to its legal owners is a part of the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem and added: "We have asked the opening of Varosha in return of the transportation embargo, but the Greek Cypriots rejected it".

Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriots are a "people committed to motherland Turkey and the Turkish armed forces, just as they were during the pre-1974 period."

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozersay says they are waiting for a result in Geneva

Ozersay noted that "it is not impossible" for the Turkish Cypriot side to go to Geneva with a new plan and argued that the negotiations are approaching to an end and therefore a plan is needed if there is a will to solve the problem. "If you want to solve a problem, you have to have an action plan. If you avoid making a plan or a program, it means you are not serious on the issue of solving the problem", he alleged.

Ozersay reiterated the Turkish Cypriot view that all arguments, counter arguments, methods and alternative methods have been exhausted in the Cyprus problem and claimed: "Therefore, we are approaching to the end. If a will exists, the Cyprus problem could be solved within a few months. We will have the opportunity to test this will of the Greek Cypriot side in Geneva".

Ozersay said that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for the Geneva summit and it has been clarified how it will act and how it will behave in various situations.

Ozersay noted that some convergences have been achieved before the summit in Geneva and added that intensive negotiations were held after the second summit on the issue of transferring the past international agreements to the "new partnership" as well as issues such as the police, the property, the future international agreements and the citizenship. He said that the special representatives of the leaders held more than 60 meetings and added that the breakaway regime attaches great importance to the international agreements that will be transferred to the "new partnership". He recalled that full reconciliation was achieved on this issue and that a reconciliation paper was prepared. He said that the technical committee which has been established on this issue continues to discuss the agreements.

According to Ozersay, a little distance has been left for the completion on the chapter of the police. Referring to the citizenship and the property, Ozersay noted that serious disagreements exist between the sides and added that a population census will be held most probably in November in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Ozersay reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side had participated in the New York summit in November 2010 having prepared a road map and in the summit in Geneva in January having a practical plan. "That is, we participate in this kind of meetings after making serious preparations and I could not see any reason why we should not go to the 7 July summit with a plan", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Yeni Duzen: Erdogan waits for the report of the intelligence services to decide whether he will illegally visit occupied Cyprus on 20 July

The paper notes that a team established at the Turkish Prime Minister's office waits for the report of the intelligence services in the occupied part of Cyprus. It is reported that if the information says that protests will be organized against Erdogan and that tension will be created, the Prime Minister will announce that he will not come to the occupied area of Cyprus because he will intensify his efforts for establishing the new Government in Turkey.

According to some rumours, if Erdogan comes to the occupied area, protests might be held against him from the illegal Tymbou airport until Keryneia and tension might be crated between the protesters and the "police", especially in a period when tension is high on issues such as the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU), the "Turkish Cypriot Airlines" etc.

According to Yeni Duzen, Erdogan is expected to take his final decision on whether he will visit the island on 15 July.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Another armed assault against Afrika

According to Afrika's editor-in-chief Sener Levent, Ali Osman recognized the person who was at the door, because he had visited the paper in the past. The visitor said he wanted to see Sener Levent, but Ali Osman told him that Levent was not there. "Give me your telephone number and I will tell him to call you", said Ali Osman and attempted to take his pencil and a piece of paper from his pocket. The perpetrator pointed his weapon at Ali Osman, said "I am sorry" and shot at him. According to Levent, Ali Osman was saved because he acted very quickly, pushed the door which was half-opened and side-slipped.

The "police" of the regime arrested the perpetrator who is a 26-year old person named Mustafa Yalcin, who comes from Erzurum, Turkey. Sener Levent writes that the same person had visited the paper two weeks ago and confessed that he had been sent to the island in order to murder Sener Levent. Then he told Levent that he had stayed on the island for two weeks and carried out an investigation about Levent. Yalcin then said that he decided not to kill Levent when he found out that he was not the bad person they told him he was. Levent wrote then that Afrika paid for Yalcin's airplane ticket to return to Turkey. In his column today Levent accuses the "police" of the regime of doing nothing, in spite of the fact that Afrika had published all these on 19 June.

The Turkish Cypriot press employees' trade union (Basin-Sen) issued a statement yesterday condemning the attack against Afrika. The statement noted that the bullet that was shot against Afrika was a bullet against the freedom of the entire Turkish Cypriot "people". Basin-Sen notes that they are not relieved by the fact that the perpetrator was arrested, because "it is known that these attacks against the press are not personal and are conducted by certain organizations".

The attack was condemned by Baraka Cultural Association as well. In a statement issued yesterday, Baraka described the attack as an attack against the freedom of the press.

The incident is widely covered by the Turkish Cypriot press today (04.07.11). The papers refer to the issue under the following titles:

Haberdar: "I am sorry, bang!!!"

Ortam: "'This time he had come to kill'"

Gunes: "Armed assault against Afrika"

Star Kibris: "New bullet for Afrika!"

Halkin Sesi: "He went to kill, not to confess"

Kibrisli: "The press was shot!"

Yeni Duzen: "Bullets again for Afrika; The attacker was arrested!"

Havadis: "He wanted to kill"

Kibris: "So fearless"

Yeni Volkan: "They are playing games!"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Yakis said that only with exchange Turkey will open its ports to Cypriot vessels

Yakis, who is not optimistic that there will be a Cyprus settlement in the short term, insists on the necessity that in a solution they should achieve the maximum of benefits, stressing the importance of Cyprus for Turkey.

Commenting on the issue of Turkey opening its air and sea ports to the Cypriot vessels, Yakis said that he is against the opening of the ports without a satisfactory exchange, adding that they don't open their ports because they cannot take any expected return for.

Yakis also said that even if Turkey opens its ports, its stance will not change, adding that it does not mean that Turkey will recognize the Greek Cypriot side. He explained that Turkey does not recognize Taiwan, but Taiwan vessels dock at Turkey's ports, wondering why they should recognize the Republic of Cyprus even when Cypriot vessels dock at Turkey's ports. He added that the Greek Cypriot vessels used to dock at Turkey's ports until 1987 and Turkey did not recognize the Republic of Cyprus during that time too.

Yakis went on saying that the ports are a trump card in their hands and they do not want to use it without taking anything in exchange. He added that the reason they do not open their ports is because they prefer to give time, to gain time until they get something in return for and not because it will be an issue of recognizing the Greek Cypriot side.

Yakis said: "There is a perception that Turkey should make concession on Cyprus in order to be able to join the EU. However, this impression is slowly fading." He also said that if EU member countries like Germany and France wanted Turkey to be an EU member, then they would have solved the Cyprus problem by twisting the arm of the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to the Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Yakis proposed that the price of the properties should be paid by those who inhabit the properties regardless if they are British, Turkish Cypriot or Turks from Turkey. So whoever makes the payment, he will get also the title deed of the house. Yakis also said that the technical committees should also work on this issue at the negotiations.

[07] Andrew Duff met Eroglu and Ozgurgun

In addition, MEP Duff met with the so-called foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun.

No statements were made after the meetings.

[08] Tatar repeats Turkish Cypriot views

Tatar also reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side is maintaining its peaceful efforts at the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side, despite all this "injustice" and pointed out that the perpetuation of the "TRNC" and its "sovereignty" is among the red lines of the Cyprus Turkish side.

Moreover, Tatar who held a series of contacts in Istanbul invited investors, students and the Turkish holiday agents to the "TRNC". Speaking during his contacts in Istanbul, Tatar noted that there were many opportunities in the "TRNC" in various fields, especially in tourism and education and highlighted that a 30% growth in the tourism sector has been recorded.

[09] Associations express their support to Eroglu

The joint statement said that the mentality which aimed to reduce the status of the "TRNC" from a "state" to a province; give up important territorial concessions, abandon Turkey's active and effective guarantee and transform the "Cyprus Turkish people" into a minority had ended with the election of Eroglu as the Turkish Cypriot leader.

In their statements they also expressed the belief that Eroglu would never sign "an agreement which would harm the unity of the country and people as well as abandon the guarantee agreements" and expressed their trust to Eroglu's stance at the talks despite of pressures from both external forces and some domestic circles.

[10] Breakaway regime hands out plots in occupied Vatyli

The self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk said that the National Unity Party "government" pays great importance to rural economy. Stating that support for the rural areas will be increased, Kucuk said they will continue to work in order to keep the young people on this soil. He also noted that more than 600 young people have been "granted" building plots until today.

Among those who attended the ceremony were the so-called ministers of interior and local administration Nazim Cavusoglu, of health Ahmet Kasif and of economy and energy Sunat Atun.

[11] A Turkish Cypriot activist for peace and coexistence in Cyprus passed away

Koseoglu, who died with kidney cancer, was an actor, and served the Turkish Cypriot community in the fields of culture, politics, media and sports. His funeral was held yesterday at occupied Lefkosia's "Municipal Theater". His Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot colleagues and friends attended his funeral. Representations from Greek Cypriot AKEL, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Mehmet Cakici, former TDP "MP" Mustafa Akinci, and the "mayor" of occupied Lefkosia Cemal Bulutoglulari were among the participants in the ceremony.

The paper writes that Yucel Koseoglulari served the Turkish Cypriot theater since 1960. It notes that he worked in illegal BRT, and had a great contribution in bi-communal activities.

(I/Ts.)

[12] The "property compensation commission" has concluded 184 cases until today

As it is reported, 177 of these applications have ended though an amicable settlement and seven with a "trial". In parallel to compensations, the "commission" decided the return of property in one case, exchange and compensation of property in two other cases and return of property and compensation in five applications. In addition, in one case, it was decided the return of property after the solution of the Cyprus problem and in another case, partial return of the property was decided.

[13] Illegal GAU signs cooperation protocol with a Canadian college

According to the paper, the protocol foresees the exchange of academicians and students, as well as the realisation of joint projects. In addition, "GAU" students will be able to continue the last two years of their studies in Canada.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] Westerwelle-Davutoglu meeting; Westerwelle says there is no isolation in Cyprus

"Turkey-EU relations require a new strategic perspective, and this strategic perspective is very obvious for Turkey," said Davutoglu and added that Turkey had the will to integrate to the European Union (EU) in the possible shortest time.

He said Turkey objected to discussion of unrelated issues during its negotiation process, and wanted negotiations to be opened on new chapters and strategic decisions taken in 2004 to be implemented as soon as possible.

On the Cyprus problem, Davutoglu claimed that Turkey had done its best to find a comprehensive settlement, but it had faced double standards in many issues. "Turkey has faced a different stance on visa procedures, but we want Turkey, which has been a part of Europe throughout history, to be a part of and one of the most important elements of the EU in the future," he said.

Westerwelle said he thought that Turkey's EU full membership negotiations should be speeded up under certain criteria. "What is important is not promises or setting a certain date regarding EU membership," Westerwelle told reporters at the press conference.

The German Minister recalled that the EU had not opened negotiations on any chapters in a year, and said that the competition chapter was ready to be opened to negotiations and added that both Turkey and Europe would gain from Turkey's membership, and it is a strategic interest for the EU to establish a bridge with Turkey for regional perspective.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet (03.07.11, online) publishes an interview with the German Foreign Minister. When the paper's journalist asked about the "promises that the EU gave before the referendum to raise the embargo of the Turkish Cypriots," Westerwelle said: "I have received officially the representatives of north Cyprus during their Berlin visit. I will continue these meetings." Asked whether the "isolations" will continue, Westerwelle said: "If I am talking with someone, this means the exact opposite of isolation."

[15] Protocol establishing INTERPA signed in Istanbul

The signature ceremony took place at the Dolmabahce Palace and was attended by founding representatives from Albania, the United Arab Emirates, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, South Korea, "TRNC", Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Moldova, Romania, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uganda, Jordan and Turkey. Palestine, Serbia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) attended the signature ceremony as observers.

In its first general assembly meeting, INTERPA elected Turkey's Zuhtu Arslan as its chairperson. INTERPA's next meeting will take place in the southern province of Antalya in 2012.

[16] "Three candidates to run for Parliament Speaker; Cicek favourite"

After last week's announcement of elections to be held for the Parliament presidency, Cicek announced his candidacy and was followed by the opposition Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) Tunca Toskay. In an unexpected move, another AK Party Deputy, Zelkif Kazdal, also announced his candidacy for the post on Saturday and increased the number of candidates to three. Kazdal is also an Ankara Deputy like Cicek.

An experienced politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister in the ruling party's last two terms, Cicek is regarded as the strongest candidate for the position.

The ruling party holds the majority of seats in Parliament with 327 seats. The CHP is also known to support Cicek's bid. However, the CHP, which is refusing to take the parliamentary oath in protest of its two jailed Deputies, announced that it will not attend the session during which the new Parliament Speaker is to be elected.

[17] Davutoglu continues his Middle East tour; Turkey recognizes the Libyan rebels

Davutoglu met with Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, chairman of the rebels' National Transitional Council, in the city of Benghazi, the rebel's main stronghold in eastern Libya. He later addressed a news conference with Ali al-Essawi, who serves as the rebels' foreign minister.

The Turkish visitor said that his country recognizes the rebel leaders as the legitimate representatives of the Libyan people. Several other countries, including France, Qatar and Italy, have previously recognized the rebels.

Turkey has already granted the Libyan opposition $100 million in aid and promised an additional $200 million. Some of the money is to be used to improve the infrastructure of Benghazi and rehabilitate its airport.

Temel Kotil, chief executive officer of the Turkish Airlines, said that his company would resume flights to Benghazi as soon as the security situation improves. Mahmoud Jibril, one of the rebel leaders, will pay a two-day visit to Turkey on Tuesday to discuss the promised aid in more detail.

Davutoglu's trip to Benghazi on Sunday is the most powerful signal that Turkey, which has vast trade interests in Libya, is throwing its weight behind the Libyan opposition despite its long-time relations with Gadhafi.

[18] "Dozens, including Fener chairman, held over match-fixing allegations"

Police were reportedly investigating alleged match-fixing in the Spor Toto Super League, which ended in May with Fenerbahce's victory, and Bank Asya League 1. According to initial reports, Yildirim stands accused of establishing an organized criminal group, match fixing and bribery.

Some of the offices of Trabzonspor, Besiktas, Sivasspor and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) were also searched as part of the investigation. The private Cihan news agency said three former TFF administrators were among the detainees. Cihan said police were also planning to detain 0
hsan Eksioglu, a member of the Fenerbahce sport club's executive committee, but failed to find him in his house or office.

Police were investigating possible fixing of a final week match between Fenerbahce and Sivasspor, which ended in a 4-3 victory for the 0
stanbul side and helped it claim the league title, as well as a match against Eskisehirspor. Sivasspor goalkeeper Korcan Celikay was also detained in Sunday's operation. Sivasspor coach Riza Calimbay commented on the investigation and said he has no suspicion about Celikay and noted that he hopes he was detained just for testimony.

Sunday's max fixing operation is not the first of its kind in Turkey. Earlier this year, a similar operation was carried out and the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) established that match fixing was involved in 18 professional soccer games in the Turkish leagues between 2008 and 2010. As a result, penalties were imposed on dozens of individuals, including former Turkish national team football player Fatih Akyel. The discipline board permanently suspended 11 people from all football activities. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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