Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-11-02

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu said that the January meeting will be the last chance for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[02] Ozersay is satisfied with the outcome of the New York summit

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the tripartite meeting in New York

[04] How the Turkish press covers the tripartite meeting in New York

[05] Turkish Minister of Energy illegally visits the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] Tension in the "assembly" of the breakaway regime

[07] Serdar Denktas claim that DP will return to "power"

[08] The President of the "Immovable Property Commission" predicts that it will operate at least for another decade

[09] Eroglu's office denied a survey publishes yesterday in the media

[10] Erdogan congratulated Palestine over UNESCO membership

[11] Erdogan expresses criticism over Assad's regime and states that Syrian people will finally succeed in their resistance

[12] A Turkish Deputy accuses Germany of violating human rights of Turks living in Germany

[13] A Turkish academician and a publisher were imprisoned charging for terrorist activities

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Turkish dailies today report mostly on Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Berlin and his statements on PKK, the trilateral summit between Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, stories about the suicide bomber who caused bloodshed in the eastern province of Bingol, the detention of 23 suspects including Professor Busra Ersanli and publisher Ragip Zarakolu on terrorism charges as part of an investigation into the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK), and other domestic issues. Hurriyet and Zaman publish an interview with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the 50th anniversary of Turkish-German labour recruitment agreement. On the Cyprus issue, only minor reports refer to the New York summit. Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz's statement regarding the agreement to give licence to TPAO for drilling activities by the occupation regime, is also covered in the today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Eroglu said that the January meeting will be the last chance for the solution of the Cyprus problem

"The planned conference after the January meeting means a final episode. The conference will decide if there will ever be solution," Dervis Eroglu told an interview on a Turkish Cypriot TV channel.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited Eroglu and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias for another meeting next January in New York after a summit meeting with the two leaders on Monday that ended without major breakthrough.

"Remarks [by the UN chief] have pleased us as they announce that we are nearing an end in the process," Eroglu said.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (02.11.11) reports about Eroglu's statements. Noting that President Christofias did not make further statements regarding the negotiations, Eroglu said: "We confirmed for one more time that we left aside accusing each other". He went on and added that what is important is to reach a result during the January negotiations.

[02] Ozersay is satisfied with the outcome of the New York summit

Ozersay said: "As the Turkish Cypriot side, we are satisfied with the result. We were saying two things before coming here (New York); the one thing is that important progress has been recorded at the 19 meetings after Geneva. This is a fact. Those, who were saying the opposite, were those who wanted the delay or the extension of the process.

Unfortunately, negative statements were made by some circles for domestic political reasons both in the South and in our side. The Secretary-General, in a statement after the summit, said in a clear way in front of the international community that there was important progress during the 19 meetings.

The second thing we said as a Turkish side was our statements that 'we go to New York in order to obtain a positive result'. (?)"

Noting the Secretary-General's statement that "the sides have made some encouraging progress in New York", Ozersay wondered whether this is sufficient or not, and said: "No, this is not (sufficient). However, the process produces a progress, and this is a positive development. We should be freed from the pessimistic picture."

Ozersay went on and said: "Our effort in the negotiations is to reach an agreement on all the chapters and to come to the stage of signing. Maps and numbers on the property and territory issues were not discussed, however a substantial discussion was held. These substantial discussions were held in all chapters and not only on property and territory issues. Turkish Cypriot side's stance on the issue of citizenship, which is included in the chapter of governance and power sharing, is clear. The international players understand this. It is not possible the Turkish Cypriot side to interrogate the past citizenships of the people who have already been granted TRNC citizenship [translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus].

The sides have two proposals at the negotiation table on the issue of rotating presidency and cross-voting. These were discussed at the meeting in New York. The sides showed some flexibility in order to persuade each other, however, there was no clear convergence on this issue, but a midway should be found. If we will solve the Cyprus problem, we should remove this difficulty..."

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the tripartite meeting in New York

Halkin Sesi refers to the issue under the title "'Last act' in the negotiations" noting that Ban Ki-moon stated yesterday after the completion of the meeting that the leaders assured him that reaching a solution is possible. Halkin Sesi writes that the Secretary-General announced that a new summit will be held in the same manner in January and asked from the leaders to work within a period of two months for "the last act".

Volkan refers to the issue under the title "The mountain gave birth to a mouse" and argues that the tripartite summit "bumped into the Greek Cypriot intransigence" and that the UN was "in separate straights", but did not criticized President Christofias.

Star Kibris covers the meeting under the title "The last tango in January". Noting that "the Turkish side is satisfied", the paper refers to statements by Eroglu, who said that 'we are approaching to the end" and that "the summit in January is tantamount to an end".

Yeni Duzen covers the developments under the title "New chance for peace" and writes that "hope" has once more came out from the New York summit.

Under the title "The 'last act' in January", Kibris writes that Ban Ki-moon announced that remarkable progress has been made on the chapters of "Economy", the "EU" and the "Internal Security". Moreover, under the title "Encouraging", the paper publishes statements by Eroglu's advisor, Kudret Ozersay, who expressed his satisfaction with the results of the meeting.

Havadis covers the meeting under the title "He was assured for a solution", noting the leaders assured Ban Ki-moon that they will work for a comprehensive solution. The paper argues that President Christofias preferred not to say whether he was satisfied with the results of the meeting, while Eroglu stated that the Turkish proposals were found positive by the UN.

Afrika covers the issue under the title "Deadline of two more months to the leaders by Ban".

Bakis writes that "Ban asked from the leaders to work for the 'last act".

Vatan reports that the result which came out from the summit was "a 'last act' in January".

Kibrisli covers the issue under the title "Let this end be the last one!" The paper refers also the statements by Eroglu, who said that after the summit in January a four-party or a five-party conference will be held and it will be seen whether an agreement is possible.

Gunes refers to the developments under the title "The end of the game should come".

Finally, Ortam covers the developments under the titles "A summit came out from the summit" and "Eroglu referred to the 'end' again".

(I/Ts.)

[04] How the Turkish press covers the tripartite meeting in New York

Sabah: "Negotiation's hope in the 5th meeting"

Cumhuriyet: "Hope for solution in Cyprus"

Hurriyet: "UN: Go today and come in January"

Zaman (online): "One more step in the Cyprus settlement"

Hurriyet Daily News: "Ban hopeful for a deal in Cyprus in January"

Today's Zaman: "Cyprus talks end with some progress, UN calls new meeting in January"

[05] Turkish Minister of Energy illegally visits the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Yildiz is expected to arrive at 10:40 and start the contacts during his illegal visit by meeting Irsen Kucuk, the self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime. Then he will meet with Atun at 12:00 for the signing ceremony of the "agreement" for "sharing services and production of the oil field," which will take place at occupied Lefkosia Merit Hotel. After lunch, he will meet with Turkey's "ambassador" and leave the island at 16:20.

In statements yesterday, Yildiz told Ankara Anatolia news agency (01.11.11) that the agreement would give a license to TPAO to explore oil and natural gas in "TRNC lands" [the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus] in addition to its previous licenses for exploration at sea. Under the agreement, TPAO will be able to make three dimensional seismic research and drilling in "TRNC land and sea" more actively, said Yildiz, adding that the agreement would take effect after it is signed by the "parliament" of the breakaway regime.

[06] Tension in the "assembly" of the breakaway regime

Zengin got upset because the chairman of TDP, Mehmet Cakici has been talking continuously for more than ten hours, while debating "bills" regarding social insurance, reserve fund, foreigners and immigration. He accused Cakici of speaking garrulously. When Emiroglulari stood up and told him that he has no right to talk like this, Zengin threw his glass at him, injuring him slightly on the arm. The two "MPs" were about to start fighting but they where averted and the "assembly" suspended its meeting. After the break Cakici resumed his speech and criticized Zengin's behaviour describing it as "an attempt to kill."

[07] Serdar Denktas claims that DP will return to "power"

Serdar Denktas made these statements during the Eighth Lefkosia district congress of DP, which was held prior to the ordinary congress of the party on 17 December, 2011.

Speaking during the congress, Serdar Denktas stated that his party will come to "power" again and its return will be magnificent during the 20th anniversary from its establishment. He also accused the policy followed by the National Unity Party's "government".

According to the paper, Kemal Ozturk was elected chairman of the DP Lefkosia district.

[08] The President of the "Immovable Property Commission" predicts that it will operate at least for another decade

Gungor Gurgan said that the decision to extend the operation of "IPC" was taken after the flooding of applications, and stated that the "commission" needed to employ more staff, including a Greek translator.

He alleged that the "IPC" is a "just, fast and effective remedy" for property claims.

[09] Eroglu's office denied a survey publishes yesterday in the media

[10] Erdogan congratulated Palestine over UNESCO membership

Erdogan recalled that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference admitted Palestine as UNESCO Member State in Paris on Monday. He stated that 107 countries voted in favor of Palestine's membership, 14 voted against and 52 absented.

"Turkey extended a great support to Palestine's UNESCO membership. The country also supports and will keep supporting Palestine's bid for UN membership," he said.

[11] Erdogan expresses criticism over Assad's regime and states that Syrian people will finally succeed in their resistance

Speaking during his Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, Erdogan continued his severe criticisms of the Syrian administration, stating the following: "We had a friendship that began nine years ago but Syria failed to appreciate this. They [Syrian rulers] did not pay heed to our warnings. ? But we cannot remain silent in the face of this process. We will continue to display the necessary stance. I believe that the Syrian people will be successful in their glorious resistance," he said.

(?) Erdogan also expressed his belief that the Syrians who have been killed by pro-Assad forces are martyrs. "The killing of one person is like the killing of all humanity, but unfortunately there is an administration [in Syria] that massacres and kills people, making them martyrs. This is an administration that relies on force. This is not an administration which depends on the nation's will," Erdogan added.

[12] A Turkish Deputy accuses Germany of violating human rights of Turks living in Germany

Speaking to a group of Turkish reporters in Berlin on Monday, Bozdag alleged that the "measures adopted by the German government single out Turks, the largest immigrant community in the country". He said that Turkey will not accept the violation of the basic human rights of the 3 million Turks living in Germany.

Bozdag's remarks came on the anniversary of the Gastarbeiter protocol -- the Worker Recruitment Agreement ? that Germany signed with Turkey on October 30, 1961, which opened the door for over 3 million Turks to settle in Germany. Bozdag raised the issue with German State Minister for Integration Maria Bohmer, with whom he met on Sunday.

The Turkish deputy prime minister criticized German immigration law for requiring Turks to relinquish their Turkish citizenship in order to keep their German citizenship, an amendment made in 2000, as well as for forcing Turkish spouses of German citizens to learn German before allowing them to acquire residency in Germany. "If these measures applied to everyone on an equal basis, there would not be a problem. But looking at the practice, it singles out Turks," he said.

Arguing that the application of these laws may infringe on the fundamental human rights of Turks living in Germany, Bozdag said: "It alienates Turks here by creating a feeling of exclusion and unnecessary tension." He reiterated that the Turkish government supports the integration of Turks in Germany but warned that the integration can only be achieved if and when the German government drops its "exclusionary policies". "A full integration can only be achieved if it is based on voluntary participation, not on forced measures," he added.

(?)

Bozdag criticized also the alleged discrimination against the Turks when it comes to employment as well, saying that his government has raised this issue with German authorities. "Despite discrimination, we have many success stories where Turks made the difference. Today, over 70 Turkish entrepreneurs employs 350,000 people in Germany, generating a 35 billion euro turnover annually," he said.

The Turkish minister dismissed claims that Turkey will interfere with other countries via the newly established Overseas Turks Agency (YTB) under the scope of the Prime Ministry. "Many countries today have government agencies set up to deal with problems faced by expatriates. Some have even created cabinet-level positions to this end. Today, there are 6.5 million Turks living in 155 countries, and we cannot remain removed from their problems," he said. "We want to address the problems Turks face in Germany in close cooperation with German authorities. Germany cannot solve these issues alone and neither can we. We have to work together," Bozdag underlined.

Saying that the Turkish government has recently expanded the blue card program for those who had to give up their Turkish citizenship in order to acquire citizenship in another country, Bozdag, said that a draft law that would allow people in the program to vote in Turkish elections, buy property and open accounts in Turkey was approved by the Cabinet and will soon be forwarded to Parliament. It is estimated that some 400,000 Turks have relinquished their citizenship to acquire a foreign one.

Touching on visa problems, the deputy prime minister said he expects the German government to ease visa procedures for professionals, artists, academics and athletes. "Even German businesses complain about the hardship of visas. I think the Germans will address this problem shortly. There have already been legal cases on the visa issue. The Additional Protocol Turkey signed with the EU in 1973 prohibits stricter measures being imposed on visas, yet EU member states introduced further visa policies after 1980. Now there are court decisions confirming that policies after 1980 contradict the 1973 protocol as well," Bozdag explained.

[13] A Turkish academician and a publisher were imprisoned charging for terrorist activities

Ersanli and Zarakolu were taken to the Besiktas Courthouse on Monday along with 48 others who were detained on Friday by the Istanbul Police Department's counterterrorism unit.

Ersanli, a member of the Peace and Democracy Party's (BDP) Party Council and Constitutional Commission, Belge Publishing House representative Zarakolu and 48 others were interrogated by a prosecutor following a medical examination. The prosecutor referred 47 of them to court requesting their arrest late on Monday, accusing the suspects of establishing a terrorist organization, leading a terrorist organization and being a member of a terrorist organization. Three of the suspects were released after being interrogated. The court arrested 23 of the 47 suspects.

The KCK is accused of attempting to establish an alternative governing system and terrorizing locals in the country's predominantly Kurdish areas. Most of the accused face charges of membership in and/or aiding and abetting a terrorist group. The investigation into its activities is being conducted by Istanbul Public Prosecutor Adnan Cimen.

Ninety-six people were earlier arrested as part of another operation against the KCK in Istanbul earlier this month. The KCK investigation started in December 2009 and a large number of Kurdish politicians, including several officials from the BDP, have been detained as part of the case since then.

The suspects have been accused of various crimes, including membership in a terrorist organization, aiding and abetting a terrorist organization and attempting to destroy the country's unity and integrity. The suspects include mayors and municipal officials from the BDP, which has said the investigation is the government's method of suppressing its politicians, denying any links between its deputies and terrorist organizations. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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