Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-18

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] The occupied area of Cyprus is preparing for Erdogan's illegal visit

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties comment on a possible move by Erdogan regarding the occupied closed city of Varosha

[03] Turkish Naval Forces' ships to dock for the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion

[04] An Azerbaijani delegation carries out contacts in the occupation area; The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to visit the "TRNC" on July 20 "celebrations"

[05] Turkish Cypriot side provides electricity to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

[06] Statements by Eroglu upon his return from Brussels

[07] Statements by Eroglu to CNN-TURK; Reference to the electricity transfer from the occupied to the free area of the island

[08] Ertug's views on the Cyprus negotiations

[09] DGP holds its first press conference

[10] A protest against the coup d'?tat of 15 July

[11] OIC Islamic Solidarity Fund donates 100.000 USD to the occupation regime

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[12] U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton holds contacts in Turkey; Cyprus among the main issues of discussion

[13] Davutoglu's bilateral talks with Ashton and Jimenez

[14] British MP on the Cyprus problem

[15] Columnist argues that one side only cannot be blamed for lack of progress in the Cyprus talks

[16] "One year for Cyprus, one year for the EU"

[17] Comments of the recent statements by Davutoglu on "freezing" Turkish-EU relations

[18] Libya Contact Group meeting in Istanbul concludes

[19] An agreement on taxation between Turkey and Malta

[20] Palestinian ambassadors to meet in Istanbul

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

The papers refer also to the establishment of new party by Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the reactions in the free area of Cyprus for the transfer of electricity from the occupied area and the health of Ferdi Sabit Soyer who was transferred in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Lefkosia.

[01] The occupied area of Cyprus is preparing for Erdogan's illegal visit

As a result of a campaign in the internet, at least ten thousand persons are expected to gather at the illegal Tymvou airport to receive Erdogan. At the same time, some organizations are preparing protests against the Turkish Prime Minister.

The Association of Culture and Unity of the settlers from Adana has announced that they are ready to receive Erdogan and that they will provide free of charge buses for all those who want to go to illegal Tymvou airport to greet Erdogan.

The program of Erdogan's visit has not been announced yet. Kibris reports that Erdogan is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the "Noah's Ark" hotel in occupied Vokolida area. The cost for the construction of the hotel reached 100 million US dollars. It has 616 rooms and three swimming pools. The installation encompasses an area of 160 square meters.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), Turgay Avci issued a statement yesterday calling on the people to show "their real and sincere feelings" to Erdogan during his visit. He also urged the people to show their hospitality and contribute to the strengthening of the relations between "Motherland and Daughter land".

Furthermore, the Trade Union's Platform issued a statement inviting Erdogan to visit the tent of the former employees of the bankrupted "Turkish Cypriot airlines" (KTHY) in order to better understand what the Turkish Cypriots want. The invitation says, inter alia, the following: "We are the crowd that filled up the Inonu Square. We know that you listened carefully to the peoples of Egypt, Syria and Libya who had filled up the squares. We believe that you will not ignore the people who filled up the Inonu Square. We have shouted out our views thousands of times at the Inonu Square. We are inviting you to a face to face meeting at the tent of the fired employees of the bankrupted KTHY, because you might have not heard us."

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (18.07.11) reports that an organizing committee for receiving Erdogan has been established in the occupied area of Cyprus. The chairman of the committee Adem Koc expressed their satisfaction with the fact that Erdogan will pay his first visit after the establishment of his new Government to the occupied area of Cyprus.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (18.07.11) reports that Erdogan's visit caused the interest of the international community for the occupied area of Cyprus. Representatives of well-known international media, including Al Djazeera, are gathering in the occupied area of Cyprus, writes Haberdar. Erdogan will arrive tomorrow at 5.45pm at the illegal Tymvou airport.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties comment on a possible move by Erdogan regarding the occupied closed city of Varosha

Leaders or representatives of the National Unity Party (UBP), the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the Democratic Party (DP), the Social Democracy Party (TDP), the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), the Democracy and Trust Party (DGP), the New Cyprus Party (YKP) and the United Cyprus Party (BKP) were asked by Kibris to comment on a possible gesture by Erdogan during his visit regarding the return of Varosha.

UBP's general secretary Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that Varosha could not be given to the Greek Cypriots and added that this city is a part of the solution of the Cyprus problem. He alleged that Varosha does not belong to the Greek Cypriots and therefore its return could not come onto the agenda. He claimed that Varosha belongs to EVKAF religious foundation and therefore it could not be sold or be given away.

CTP's chairman Ozkan Yorgancioglu said that he does not think that a gesture such as the return of Varosha to the Greek Cypriots will come on to the agenda during Erdogan's visit.

DP's chairman, Serdar Denktas said that the return of Varosha to the Greek Cypriots is not on the agenda and that Erdogan will visit the occupied area in order to participate in the "celebrations" for the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

TDP's chairman Mehmet Cakici said that it is natural for the issue of Varosha to come onto the agenda. He noted that everybody should gain from this opening and argued that the most vital issue for the Turkish Cypriots is the discussion of the direct flights to the occupied area within the framework of this bargain. He said that bringing Varosha onto the agenda, returning it to its owners and overcoming the dead-end would be a more correct approach than leaving the city to the snakes and the centipedes.

ORP's chairman Turgay Avci said that Erdogan will offer its support to the solution and call for a solution in Cyprus. He noted that he does not think that Erdogan considers of giving Varosha or making a gesture on the issue of the ports.

DGP's founding president Tahsin Ertugruloglu said that the issue of giving Varosha to the Greek Cypriots as a gesture is not on the agenda and he does not think that it will be on the agenda.

Murat Kanatli, secretary of YKP's administrative committee, described the return of Varosha to the Greek Cypriots as "a fantastic proposal" and added that they do not see any sign that Erdogan will undertake such an initiative at this stage. He noted that the return of Varosha will have positive results and give acceleration to the negotiating process.

Izzet Izcan, BKP's general secretary, said that his party has always been supporting the return of Varosha to the Greek Cypriots, the opening of the Famagusta port and the closer cooperation between the communities.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish Naval Forces' ships to dock for the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion

According to a press release by the so-call security forces, the ships of the Turkish Naval Forces: S. Mehmetpasa (A-577), Gokceada (P-494), Doganay (S-351) and Mizrak (P-332) will dock at the occupied port of Keryneia between July 18 and 20.

As part of the events, the Turkish Stars Aerobatics team will again be performing a show this year, illegal Bayrak television (online, 17.07.11) reports.

[04] An Azerbaijani delegation carries out contacts in the occupation area; The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to visit the "TRNC" on July 20 "celebrations"

The delegation met the "speaker" of the "TRNC parliament" Hasan Bozer yesterday.

During the visit, Bozer stressed that the Turkish Cypriots gained peace, freedom and independence, thanks to the "Turkish peace operation" on the 20th of July in 1974. "Just as the Turkish Cypriots are facing difficulties because of the Cyprus problem, the Azerbaijani people also have been subjected to difficulties due to the problem concerning Nagorno Karabakh. If the international community is fair-minded, then it should work for the approval of the Turkish Cypriots and Azerbaijani rights," Bozer said.

Also speaking, members of the Azerbaijani delegation complained that some countries were being treated with double standards and underlined the importance of establishing unity and solidarity under such circumstances.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (18.07.11) reports that the delegation from Azerbaijan is composed by the Azeri MP's Sevinc Huseyinova, and Leyla Abdulayeva and a team from an Azeri TV channel called YurdTV, headed by Turali Aliyev.

Speaking to Star Kibris, Aliyev said that they came to the "TRNC" for two main reasons; the "celebrations" for the anniversary of the "20th of July, peace and freedom day" and for preparing a promotion film for the "TRNC".

Aliyev further said that the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Memmedyarov is to visit the "TRNC" for the July 20th "celebrations".

(AK)

[05] Turkish Cypriot side provides electricity to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

Commenting on the development, self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk said that "the stable and secure climate that emerged in Cyprus with the 1974 Turkish peace operation [Tr. Note: the Turkish invasion in Cyprus], has brought the two peoples of Cyprus to the point of cooperation". "If we use our powers towards the achievement of peace, then we will make a big contribution for the solution of the Cyprus problem. This is the approach we follow in our policies," Kucuk said.

Meanwhile, giving details on the electricity transfer deal, self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun said that a single tariff will be applied on electricity consumption in the "south" and the electricity transmission will continue until late August. Atun yet noted that the period of transmission may be extended further if requested by the Greek Cypriot side. He affirmed the Turkish Cypriot side's good will and said that the electricity rates will be kept to a minimum level.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.07.11) reported that the Turkish Cypriot side began on Saturday selling electricity to the Greek Cypriot side. The deal covers the sale of 60 to 120 kilowatts of electricity until the end of August at a price of 0.43 Turkish liras (0.27 cents).

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (18.07.11) reports that Taner Yildiz, Turkish Energy and Natural Resource Minister, evaluating the agreement which was reached between the "Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority" and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that "It is not only for the TRNC, we are planning to transfer electricity to all Cyprus".

As the paper writes, Yildiz said that he is going to meet with self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun in order to discuss in details the electricity issue.

Yildiz further said that the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources by the directions of the Prime Minister prepared an energy plan adding that they are thinking Cyprus as a whole and they consider that energy is a catalyst for the peace process to reach a better point.

Commenting on the same issue, Egemen Bagis, EU Minister and EU Chief Negotiator, responding to Hurriyet paper's questions referred also to the transferring of electricity from the occupied area of Cyprus to the free area of the Republic of Cyprus and said that the electricity transferring could be considered as a step for peace. He then expressed hope that this development will encourage the Greek Cypriots towards the solution.

Recalling the fact that the Greek Cypriots are putting veto to the opening of the energy chapters at Turkey's EU negotiation talks, Bagis added: "I hope that electricity will pave the right way and enlighten the whole of the island and minds with the light of peace and solution".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (18.07.11) reports that Atun is to meet today in Ankara with Yildiz to exchange views on the issue of providing energy to "south Cyprus"

Speaking on his visit to Turkey, Atun said that he will carry out an informing and evaluating meeting with Yildiz in Turkey in order to evaluate the recent developments. He also referred to the projects to be implemented between Turkey and the "TRNC" for bringing electricity to the occupied area from Turkey with undersea cables.

Referring to the transferring of electricity to "south Cyprus", Atun said that they do not face any difficulties in the "country".

(AK)

[06] Statements by Eroglu upon his return from Brussels

Eroglu said that he had informed EU officials on the Geneva summit as well as the Turkish Cypriot side's position regarding a settlement.

Explaining that he had once again repeated the Turkish Cypriot side's request for the EU to implement its April 26th 2004 dated decisions to ease the "isolations" on the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu said that he had told the EU officials that such a move would motivate the Greek Cypriot side to work harder towards a solution.

Noting that he will be meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias twice a week until October, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side will do its part towards reaching convergences on the outstanding issues. "I expect the same from the Greek Cypriot side" he added.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.07.11) reports that during the press conference in the occupied airport of Tymvou Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side was not anymore the accused side, and everyone sees how sincere the Turkish Cypriot side is with the steps it took during the recent trilateral meeting in Geneva.

[07] Statements by Eroglu to CNN-TURK; Reference to the electricity transfer from the occupied to the free area of the island

"Dervis Eroglu has said that the removal of isolations imposed on the Cyprus Turks is a must, in order to help the solution of the Cyprus problem.

In an interview to the CNN Turk, Eroglu repeated the Cyprus Turkish side's sincerity towards a settlement which is being appreciated by the international community.

'We however need mutual willingness for a settlement. If the Greek Cypriot side says it doesn't need a solution, then it is going to play for time on the negotiations table. The UN however said the negotiations can't go on forever and thus set a time-table for the solution process by October', Eroglu said.

Referring to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's arrival in the TRNC tomorrow, Eroglu said that the Cyprus Turkish side expects Erdogan to deliver messages of support for the removal of isolations and to call on the Greek Cypriot side to prove its willingness for a settlement.

He also noted that the lifting of isolations is essential to help the economic development of the TRNC, which is going to allow a possible solution to be sustainable.

He said that any obstacles in the way towards economic development, will become obstacles in the way towards a solution too.

Regarding the electricity transfer deal between the two sides in Cyprus, Eroglu said that this is a humanitarian move.

'Disasters bring the peoples closer', he said.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias is going through a difficult period following the deadly explosion near the largest power plant in south Cyprus, Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriot public's call on Christofias to resign might have negative reflections on the negotiations table."

[08] Ertug's views on the Cyprus negotiations

Asked whether it is possible to have a solution by October, he said that both sides must exert the same efforts and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side approach has not been constructive so far. Ertug also said that the international community "has grown tired of the Cyprus problem and wants a solution, thus it agrees with the Turkish Cypriot view that negotiations cannot go on forever". However, if a "Cypriot solution" is not possible it will not be "the end of the world," argues Ertug and said that the international community will evaluate again its approach, since the Secretary General will present the findings of the UN good offices mission in October.

[09] DGP holds its first press conference

Referring to the "foreign policy," Ertugruloglu said that approaches which change by the day cannot exist any longer but instead long term strategies must be implemented. He also said that his party believes that they can have in the international arena experienced people with a vision to ensure the rights and the esteem of the "state." Moreover, regarding the Cyprus problem he said that the "realities" of Cyprus must constitute the basis of the negotiations. "We will not abandon [his party's position for] a new partnership based on sovereignty, equality and without the active and effective guarantees of Turkey, a partnership which will become EU's primary law".

The paper also publishes a list with the following founding members of the party: Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Dr Tansel Doratli, Mehmet Asena, Prof. Dr Erzat Erdil, Doc. Dr Zeka Mazhar, Ahmet Sukru Guclu, Ediz Tuncel, Can Ozyigitler, Tolga Ahmet Rasit, Cemal Seyhun, Ferdi Can, Hakki Haktanir, Mehmet Zorlu Melundali, Ratip Irikogiu, Haydar Cakko, Mehmet Kucuk, Hulusi Ozyay, Yusuf Kenan Cagliyan, A. Nurper Moreket, Hasan Hilmi Kirgin, Ali Ratip Dogruer, Turgut Cafer, Ahmet Asi, Asu Bedel, Ahmet Harper, Nushet Ilktuj, Huseyin Topaloglu and Erol Sonmez.

[10] A protest against the coup d'?tat of 15 July

The demonstrators laid black wreaths in front of the representative offices with garlics, "in order for the snakes not to be able to approach". They also chanted slogans against them like "Go home Yankee".

Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Union (KTOS), speaking at the protest, said that the root of all the problems that have been occurred in the island until today is the influence of the imperialist forces, adding that these forces, 37 years ago, wanted the junta to come to Cyprus and at the same time they made a call for Turkey to intervene.

Elcil also said that there is a potential gas reserve of 80 billion dollars in the island, adding that this gas reserve belongs only to the Cypriots and called the British and the Americans to "keep their hands away".

[11] OIC Islamic Solidarity Fund donates 100.000 USD to the occupation regime

As illegal BRT reported, the Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund Ibrahim Abdullah Al Kuzaim visited self-styled foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun on Friday to present him with a cheque for the donation. Thanking him and the OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for their support, Ozgurgun said that the forum on higher education services will highly contribute to the "TRNC's" education and tourism sectors.

Also receiving Al Kuzaim, the self-styled minister of national education, youth and sports, Kemal Durust, said that the previous goal was to attract more students to the "TRNC" universities from OIC member countries.

Speaking during the visits, Al Kuzaim said that the OIC attaches importance to the

"TRNC" for its strategic position and its Islamic belief.

[B] TURKISH PRES

[12] U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton holds contacts in Turkey; Cyprus among the main issues of discussion

Speaking at a press conference after her meeting with Davutoglu, Clinton was asked on the stance of the United States regarding holding a referendum in Cyprus at the beginning of 2012 and said: "We do not think the status quo in Cyprus benefits anyone. It is gone on for far too long. We believe both sides would benefit from a settlement, and we strongly support the renewed, reenergized efforts that the United Nations are leading and that the Cypriots themselves are responsible for, because ultimately, they are the ones who have to make the hard decisions about how to resolve all of the outstanding issues." She added: "We want to see a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, and we would like to see it as soon as possible. We would like to see it by 2012. And that is something that the UN has said. That is something I know Turkey believes. It is something we believe. And we are going to do everything we can to support this process and finally try to see a resolution."

Inter alia, Clinton expressed pleasure over being in Turkey and representing her country in those important discussions on Libya. She said that two years ago in Ankara, President Obama pledged to renew the alliance between the United States and Turkey, and especially to focus on the friendship between the Turkish and American people. "Today, we can say with confidence that our bonds are sound, our friendship is sure, and our alliance is strong. Our partnership is rooted through long history and a very long list of mutual interests, but most importantly, it is rooted in our common democratic values. It is through the lens of this shared democratic tradition that the United States welcomes Turkey's rise as an economic power, as a leader in the region and beyond, and as a valued ally on the most pressing global challenges," Clinton noted.

She said: "I would like to say just a few words about the future of our relationship and why I believe it is so important to both our nations. First, on the economic front, because of the seriousness of the strategic issues we confront together, the economic dimensions of our relationship can too often be overlooked. But as President Gul and President Obama have affirmed, the growing economic cooperation between Turkey and America is providing new energy to us both. So far this year, trade between us is up more than 50%. That means more jobs and greater prosperity in both our countries. But we see even greater potential ahead and we are committed to furthering and expanding trade and investment. We are both entrepreneurial peoples, and the more we work together, the more creativity and talent we will unleash. So I am delighted that Turkey will host the second Global Entrepreneurship Summit here in Istanbul later this year, building on the progress that we made last year in Washington.

Today, the Foreign Minister and I discussed additional ways we can further strengthen our ties. Turkey's upcoming constitutional reform process presents an opportunity to address concerns about recent restrictions that I heard about today from young Turks about the freedom of expression and religion, to bolster protections for minority rights, and advance the prospects for EU membership, which we wholly and enthusiastically support," she said and added that "we also hope that a process will include civil society and parties from across the political spectrum. And of course, I hope that sometime soon we can see the reopening of the Halki Seminary that highlights Turkey's strength of democracy and its leadership in a changing region."

Clinton also said: "I think across the region, people from the Middle East and North Africa particularly are seeking to draw lessons from Turkey's experience. It is vital that they learn the lessons that Turkey has learned and is putting into practice every single day. Turkey's history serves as a reminder that democratic development depends on responsible leadership, and it's important that that responsible leadership help to mentor the next generation of leaders in these other countries."

Clinton said they have talked about the successful meeting of the Contact Group yesterday about Libya, the situation in Syria and what is happening in Afghanistan, where Turkish troops are training Afghan forces to take on their own security, and of course, our mutual efforts against violent extremism, against terrorists, including the PKK.

When asked what kind of a process the United States will pursue about Syria, Clinton said: "Let me begin by saying that the Foreign Minister and I discussed our shared interest in seeing an end to the violence and a respect for the will of the Syrian people for political and economic reform. Yesterday, we witnessed the largest demonstrations to date in Syria, an effort to try to convey directly to the Government the pent-up desire of the Syrian people for the kind of reforms that they have been promised. And at the same time, we saw continued brutality by the Government against peaceful protest".

Speaking at the press conference, Davutoglu on his part, said that Turkey and the United States renewed their commitment for cooperation against terrorism. "We have re-affirmed our resolute position to use bilateral relations for the most effective cooperation in combating terrorism. We have underlined the need for international cooperation against terrorism," Davutoglu said.

He said that the Turkish-U.S. relations were among "the most sophisticated and deeply-rooted diplomatic relations of the modern times," adding that the Obama administration was strongly committed to the continuation of that tradition. "Obama's 'model partnership' proved to be of utmost importance with a series of high-level contacts over the last three years. We are determined to boost our ties with the U.S. to their highest levels not only in security but also in economic and diplomatic issues," Davutoglu said.

He further said that his meeting with Clinton covered a wide-array of topics developments in Cyprus, Caucasus, Balkans, the Middle East as well as Turkey's relations with Armenia, Israel and the European Union.

[13] Davutoglu's bilateral talks with Ashton and Jimenez

Diplomatic sources said that Davutoglu and Ashton particularly discussed Turkish-EU relations along with the Cyprus problem, state-run Anatolia news agency reported on Friday. Davutoglu reportedly briefed Ashton on his latest meetings in the region and expressed his views regarding the developments in the Middle East.

Sources also said that the Turkish-Spanish relations and Turkey's EU membership process were among the agenda items both Foreign Ministers discussed during the meeting.

[14] British MP on the Cyprus problem

Being asked, inter alia, on his opinion on Turkey-UK and EU relations, Clement-Jones said: "What really upsets and worries me is the Turkish-French relationship. Historically, in the 19th century, France used to be the place where a lot of the pashas and members of the Ottoman family were educated. What baffles me is that this relationship is still not powerful and France does not want Turkey in the EU. Whereas in Britain, we understand entirely why it is important for Turkey to join the EU. Why? With your young population, you could add to the economic power of the EU. Again, many of us believe the fact that Cyprus, for instance, was allowed to join the EU, especially since the Turkish Cypriots were in favour of uniting, was unfair. We have got to resolve that issue, unblock the chapters and unblock the ports. That is a high priority for us. We need statesmanship on all sides to resolve this issue. It is untenable to have 10 chapters blocked because of this issue. Yet Turkey has undergone many reforms since it has applied to the EU. However, it has got to do more."

[15] Columnist argues that one side only cannot be blamed for lack of progress in the Cyprus talks

"(?)

Since then, the Cyprus problem has been a constant irritant on the EU's agenda, both in its accession talks with Turkey but more broadly including in relations with NATO. Therefore, there is probably nothing most EU member states would like better than to get rid of the Cyprus issue. Although, it is also true that for those that oppose Turkey's eventual accession, its continuing presence is a handy excuse.

Davutoglu's threat has been interpreted by many people as Turkey and the EU entering an end game which will either result in a 'reset' in relations or the end of the road for membership negotiations and a permanent damaging of relations more generally. In the first place, for me anyway, relations are already pretty much frozen. Given the fact that Turkey has not opened a negotiating chapter for more than one year, one can hardly say they are in full swing now. Furthermore, as Fule said, Turkey also has obligations to meet vis-?-vis Cyprus which should not be forgotten -- opening Turkish ports and airspace to Greek Cypriot vessels.

Moreover, it seems to me as if Turkey is attempting to lay the responsibility for the lack of a solution totally at the door of the Greek Cypriots, making it seem as if everything is dependent on the Greek Cypriots and their readiness to make concessions and compromises in order the reach a deal. It takes two oars to row a boat and it would be unfair to say that the lack of progress in negotiations has been down to Demetris Christofias alone: Dervis Eroglu hardly has a history of supporting a bi-communal, federal solution. It looks as if Turkey is trying to up the ante. Ankara gives the impression that if no solution is found this time, or if the talks collapse, then --because Turkey is such an important partner-- it would be time for the rest of the world to accept two states on Cyprus because of Greek Cypriot intransigence.

This round of talks will have been going on for three years in September, and in total inter-communal talks have been taking place for over 35 years which means every topic that could be discussed has been --many, many times, leaving no stone unturned. Of course, the optimal outlook is that the two sides --and Turkey-- will dig deep and find enough political will for a settlement, then there will be a deal in the first quarter of 2012 and the Cyprus problem can become history with the creation of a new partnership state on the island.

Talk of failure by July 2012 representing the end of the road for Turkey-EU relations seem exaggerated. The EU and Turkey now cooperate in so many different areas, it would be impossible simply to pull the plug. Times have moved on since 1997 and somehow I doubt that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is ready to halt negotiations --frozen or not-- with the EU for the sake of a six-month Greek Cypriot presidency. Of course there will be some, hoping they do just that."

[16] "One year for Cyprus, one year for the EU"

"It is common knowledge that the relationship between the EU and Turkey has been stressful since day one. Moreover, there is a lack of political determination on both sides to overcome the existing deadlock. It appears that we will soon stop calling this relationship a 'process'. How many years will Turkey's negotiations take? Or, truth be told, how many more years will Turkey wait for chapters to be opened for negotiation?

Authorities from both sides admit that the negotiation process has stalled, but they often do not acknowledge that many other aspects of relations are frozen as well. Cyprus is frequently mentioned to explain this situation, but we all know that some EU member countries are blocking many other negotiation chapters which have nothing to do with the Cyprus issue. However, we also have to admit that Turkey is very slow in fulfilling its own duties as well. It is highly probable that from the EU's perspective, Turkey does not look like a country that really wants to join in.

Turkey may accelerate the process through some concrete actions. For example, it can open its air and seaports to Greek Cypriot vessels, and this will not be the end of the world. It can normalize its relations with Armenia and it can open the Greek Orthodox seminary on Heybeliada. But these issues have already lost their tactical value. We are no longer living in a time when these kinds of issues can be used as diplomatic tools. It is not easy to understand why Turkey still insists on not taking the necessary steps on such matters.

Another thing that is hard to understand is the EU's attitude on Cyprus, which is far from being constructive. Turkey is declaring that it will accept a settlement based on one state of Cyprus comprised of two politically equal communities and it believes that this settlement will be enough to unlock the situation. However, after the resolution of the Cyprus problem, the EU will have to make an important decision about Turkey. There will be three policy options for the EU; they may decide to open the chapters which were blocked because of the Cyprus issue, or they will find new excuses to keep these chapters closed, or they will admit that Cyprus was just an excuse and they will officially reject Turkey's membership.

If Turkey acts quickly on Cyprus, the EU will have to make its decision on Turkey quickly, too. Turkish authorities have decided to wait a little longer to see if the Greek Cypriot Government will be convinced by its European partners to accept the UN's roadmap. If that happens, a referendum will certainly follow. If the island's two communities vote in favour of a resolution, then Cyprus will no longer be an obstacle in Turkey's EU path. However, if they reject a settlement, the Turkish side will try to find a Kosovo-like solution on its own. Should the TRNC [Tr. Note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] succeed in putting into practice the Kosovo model, it will go its own way as an independent state and no longer occupy the centre of the EU-Turkey relationship.

The Turkish Foreign Minister's one-year deadline for Cyprus' reunification is actually a deadline for EU-Turkey relations. During this year, the EU will have to make a decision and Turkey will have to demonstrate its will to join. It is no longer possible to continue playing with declarations such as 'we have recently accepted new members, you need to wait', 'we are in the middle of a financial crisis, you should wait', 'we have elections this year, let's wait for next year', and so on. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to repair EU-Turkey relations. EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule's recent visit left no doubt that now is the time to decide about the future of this relationship."

[17] Comments of the recent statements by Davutoglu on "freezing" Turkish-EU relations

"Not only people from the Government, but also those from the general public entertain conflicting emotions about the EU, don't they?

Almost all of us want Turkey to be a full EU member and believe that our membership is being unfairly blocked for various reasons. These reasons include keeping the Cyprus issue an unresolved crisis thanks to both our mistakes and the efforts of Greek Cyprus and Greece. With their apparently contradictory statements, Davutoglu and Egemen Bagis actually voiced the contradictions of the general public and the Government. The Greek Cypriots were made a full member of the EU without reaching a permanent solution to the Cyprus issue and they are now trying to prevent Turkey's membership with all their might. This is not something you can brush over by just keeping silent. There is a Ministry of EU Affairs, but Turkish-EU relations certainly fall into the jurisdiction of the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of EU Affairs will perform the talks necessary in the country's EU membership process.

But the country's overall policy will be formulated with participation from these two Ministries, as well as the Government as a whole. We must be fair with those trying to settle all these critical issues we have left unresolved for so long."

In addition, under the title: "If Turkey says no", Today's Zaman publishes an extract by Fehmi Koru, who notes:

"Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says the European Union handing over its term presidency to the Greek Cypriots while it continues to keep Turkey away would be a move not built on any set of principles. He also believes that this would do the greatest damage to the EU, not Turkey. Rifts similar to those that occurred when the EU accepted Cyprus as a member may emerge again and issues that stem from offending Turkey may aggravate economic turmoil. Some choose to hide behind the meaningless question, 'Why should Turkey freeze its relations with the EU?' But, from a diplomatic point of view, Turkey cannot speak with a country it does not recognize, cannot pay heed to its calls and cannot seriously assess its reactions. Actually, it appears that Davutoglu [when he spoke about Turkey freezing relations with the EU if the Greek Cypriots continue to delay negotiations and assume the EU presidency] warned everyone when he said what any sane person would say. What he said is nothing but a declaration of what is already known. The EU should take this warning seriously."

[18] Libya Contact Group meeting in Istanbul concludes

The United States, Turkey and other nations on Friday formally recognized Libya's main opposition group as the country's legitimate government until a new interim authority is created. The decision, which declared Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's regime no longer legitimate, will potentially free up cash that the rebels fighting Libyan forces urgently need.

"The Contact Group reaffirmed that the Gadhafi regime no longer has any legitimate authority in Libya and that Gadhafi and certain members of his family must go. Henceforth and until an interim authority is in place, participants agreed to deal with the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate governing authority in Libya," said Friday's final statement by the Contact Group on Libya. In addition to the U.S., the 32-nation Contact Group on Libya includes members of NATO, the EU and the Arab League.

The recognition of the Libyan opposition as the legitimate government gives foes of Gadhafi a major financial and credibility boost. Diplomatic recognition of the council means that the U.S. will be able to fund the opposition with some of the more than $30 billion in Gahdafi-regime assets that are frozen in American banks. "The U.S. views the Gadhafi regime no longer have any legitimate authority in Libya," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "And so I am announcing today that, until an interim authority is in place, the U.S. will recognize the NTC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya, and we will deal with it on that basis."

The Contact Group statement urged a smooth transition to democracy and ruled out participation of "perpetrators of atrocities against civilians" in a future political settlement.

[19] An agreement on taxation between Turkey and Malta

During the meeting, both said that their relations are further developed after Turkey opened an embassy in Malta two years ago. They also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the Mediterranean, and agreed on the benefits of the program on exchange of diplomats from the two countries.

[20] Palestinian ambassadors to meet in Istanbul

The crucial two-day gathering will take place a month after a visit to Ankara by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which coincided with the arrival of the Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Istanbul for a separate meeting with Turkish authorities. The meeting of the ambassadors is expected to define the Palestinian course of action, as the country will push for a United Nations vote in September for recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state in the territory it had in 1967, before much of it was captured by Israel the same year.

Palestine ambassador to Turkey Nabil Marouf said that Istanbul was selected as the location for the ambassadorial gathering due to Turkey's rising profile within the region and the trust they have in the country's support for the Palestinian rights. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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