Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-09

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

[01] Eroglu agrees with Ozgurgun that the breakaway regime should be recognized before an agreement on the Cyprus problem

[02] Akansoy says a change of axis in the policy of the Turkish Cypriot side on the Cyprus problem is sensed

[03] Davutoglu due to USA; Developments in Syria and the Cyprus problem among the agenda

[04] Bagis calls on the EU to be sincere towards the issue of the freedom of expression; He reiterated that Turkey will not accept the Republic of Cyprus as its interlocutor

[05] New data about the applications to the "IPC"

[06] Reactions are intensified against leasing a plot of land in occupied Mia Milia to an Islamic foundation

[07] Five ships will carry 100 containers full of equipment for TPAO's land drilling for oil in occupied Cyprus

[08] The "council of ministers" decided to built a mausoleum for Rauf Denktas

[09] Davutoglu on Syria developments

[10] Former, current intelligence chiefs to testify in an ongoing probe into a PKK's affiliated organization

[11] "Meeting the Geopolitical Challenges of the Arab Spring: A call for a joint EU-Turkish Agenda"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Davutoglu's contacts in USA, reports about Turkey's initiative on Syria, Bagis' statements on the Cyprus problem, Erdogan's telephone conversation with the Russian President Dmitri Medvedev on the developments in Syria, reports that former current intelligence chiefs (MIT) had been called to testify in the KCK probe, Bagis' calling to Germany to open its archives on the Armenian genocide and reports that Turkey's Minister for Youth and Sports is to pay an illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish press. About Cyprus, Turkish dailies report on statements by Eroglu and Kucuk after the meeting of the "council of ministers" in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[01] Eroglu agrees with Ozgurgun that the breakaway regime should be recognized before an agreement on the Cyprus problem

Asked to comment on a statement made the day before yesterday to Star Kibris newspaper by the self-styled foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun who argued that their "state" should be recognized first and afterwards to have an agreement on the Cyprus problem, Eroglu said that the "foreign minister" could of course express his views on the Cyprus problem and described as "a correct action" the expression of views by the "minister" on this issue. He said that he is satisfied with this, that he shares the same views with the "minister" and that he carries out the negotiations having the same views. Given that the aim is to reach a viable and lasting agreement, he added, the expression of views by the "foreign minister" on these issues is positive.

In statements published in Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (07.02.12.) self-styled foreign minister Ozgurgun had argued that reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem is not possible because of the stance of the Greek Cypriots and said, inter alia, the following:

"?You will agree by giving everything away. You will agree by giving Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots, that is, to Greece. It is obvious that there will not be an agreement outside this, that is, there will not be an agreement based on the UN parameters and two states of equal status and the political equality of the two peoples. And the one who prevents this is the South. The one who even prevents us from speaking is the South... A State of the Turkish Cypriot people exists here. Even in the [Organization for] Islamic Cooperation it is accepted with the name Turkish Cypriot State. There are even countries which recognize it with this name. The Turkish Cypriot people should now demand this in unity, as a whole. That is, given that it is obvious that there will be no agreement first and then a state, there will be a state first and then an agreement? In a way we have to see that first the state could come onto the agenda and only afterwards the partnership of this state with another state. And the name of the state is not important. It should be at the point of being recognized as a state?If we really want an agreement, what we should do now is to undertake the necessary effort to let the whole world know that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus exists and the Turkish Cypriot people exist as a state...The Turkish Cypriot state is member of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation at the moment with its status in the Annan Plan and it is a member of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation with a decision taken during the term of the previous government, that is the Republican Turkish Party (CTP)-Democratic Party (DP) government. When we go now to the Organization for Islamic Cooperation it is written Turkish Cypriot State. We are recognized with this name. It is accepted that this is a state. It is not important what the name is right now. The Turkish Cypriot people will decide this again. The Turkish Cypriot people will sit and the political parties and non-governmental organizations will decide...A referendum should be held, if this is necessary".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akansoy says a change of axis in the policy of the Turkish Cypriot side on the Cyprus problem is sensed

Akansoy added: "However, the solution which will be in the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey is the federal solution. The other side is also in an attitude which does not permit the discussion of another form of solution except federation. And UN resolutions also exist. Unilaterally trying to go outside this is an adventurist approach".

Akansoy argued that the National Unity Party (UBP) self-styled government created "lack of control" in the occupied area of Cyprus and added that this course, which causes unhappiness, should be stopped. He claimed that because of the "lack of control" created by the "government", uncertainty and despair is created in all sectors regarding the future.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Davutoglu due to USA; Developments in Syria and the Cyprus problem among the agenda

According to the paper, Davutoglu is expected to carry out contacts with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden as well as with Republicans and Democrats Senators.

As the paper writes, the developments in Syria is to be the top issue on Davutoglu's agenda. Other issues that Davutoglu is expected to discuss with USA officials are the issue of Iraq, Iran, the Israeli-Armenian issue, and the issue of the EU and the Cyprus problem.

Concerning the Cyprus problem, the paper underlines that Turkey will convey the position that even if the Cyprus negotiation talks will continue, Turkey does not expect for a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem by July 1st, when the Republic of Cyprus will take over the EU Term Presidency.

(AK)

[04] Bagis calls on the EU to be sincere towards the issue of the freedom of expression; He reiterated that Turkey will not accept the Republic of Cyprus as its interlocutor

In statements to Turkish media reporters after his contacts in Brussels, Bagis referred to the issue of the freedom of expression and the continuing criticism that Ankara receives during the last days and asked the EU why it has not opened the chapters related to the basic freedoms. He said that the 23rd chapter, that is the Judiciary Chapter as well as the 24th Chapter that is the basic freedoms were not possible to open because of the Greek Cypriot's veto.

Bagis reiterated further the Turkey will not accept the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, as its interlocutor, when the Republic of Cyprus will take over the EU Term Presidency on July 1st, and added that the Greek Cypriot Ministers could go to Turkey during that period for the EU meetings, only as tourists.

(AK)

[05] New data about the applications to the "IPC"

As the paper reports, the "IPC" has announced that after the extension of the mandate of the "commission", Greek Cypriots continue to submit applications and the amount that the "IPC" has paid as a compensation until today, has reached to 68 million pounds sterling.

According to information from the website of the "IPC", 205 of the cases have been settled reciprocally, while seven of the cases were settled in the "court".

(AK)

[06] Reactions are intensified against leasing a plot of land in occupied Mia Milia to an Islamic foundation

The illegal Cyprus International University (UKU) and civilian organizations of the area marched yesterday towards the "prime minister's" office. The protesters held banners writing slogans such as "A country is not sold for 100 Turkish liras", "You sold it for 50 qurush per donum [Translator's note: A land measure of around 1000 square meters]", "Education or religious complex, Decide". The protesters demanded from the "government" to immediately change its decision.

However, writes Afrika, in statements yesterday on this issue, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk showed that they have no intention to step back. Kucuk said that the theological college, which will be built on land allegedly belonging to Evkaf religious foundation, will be transferred to the "state". The schools which are located behind the Turkish so-called embassy in the occupied part of Lefkosia will also be carried to the complex to be built in Mia Milia.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Five ships will carry 100 containers full of equipment for TPAO's land drilling for oil in occupied Cyprus

The paper writes that the equipment has been put in 100 containers, which will be loaded on five ships tomorrow, and it is expected to arrive at occupied Famagusta port after a few days.

Citing information from reliable sources, the paper reports that the necessary permits have been acquired from the "TRNC road department" for using a route from occupied Famagusta port to the Sygrasi village area, where the drilling will be carried out.

The paper writes that it seems certain that the objective for starting the drilling on 28 February will be achieved. It reiterates that the Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz and perhaps Prime Minister Erdogan himself will attend the start of the drilling.

(I/Ts.)

[08] The "council of ministers" decided to built a mausoleum for Rauf Denktas

The above decision was announced yesterday by the so-called minister of interior and local administrations Nazim Cavusoglu.

Speaking after the meeting of the so-called council of ministers, Cavusoglu said that the works for the construction of the mausoleum will be carried out by the "ministry of interior and local administrations" and the "ministry of communication and transportation".

Cavusoglu added that there will be a competition for the construction of the mausoleum. (AK)

[09] Davutoglu on Syria developments

"Countries that are concerned with the situation in Syria have to find a solution. We are determined to establish a broad-based forum," Davutoglu said in a televised interview.

Davutoglu said Turkey's attempt came after a series of international efforts such as the United Nations Security Council resolution draft on Syria that failed by vetoes from Russia and China.

Davutoglu further stated that Syria could not use the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) card against Turkey. "We can't allow a country [Syria] that cannot control the Zabadani region to play the terror card against us. We won't remain silent if it happens," the Minister said.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.02.12) reported that Davutoglu said that Turkey, together with Arab League, would launch a new international initiative regarding the Syria issue.

"We are determined in this matter", added Davutoglu who held a press conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for the United States.

"We want to shape a joint understanding basis and find a solution to the tragedy in Syria on a platform apart from the United Nations", said Davutoglu, adding that initiatives would continue within the coming days.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.02.12) also reported that Davutoglu held phone conversations with world leaders on the Middle East and Syria in the past two days. On Monday, Davutoglu spoke with Qatar's Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani. On Tuesday, Davutoglu spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi. And, on Wednesday, Davutoglu spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata. During his phone conversations, Davutoglu exchanged views on the Middle East and the recent developments in Syria.

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.02.12), Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said that Syria should end the violence against its own people as soon as possible. He stated that the international community should reach a consensus.

"Unfortunately the right to veto in the UN Security Council is used in a very unjust and baseless way," Arinc stated.

The Deputy Premier said that it was so wrong for Russia and China to veto a resolution regarding Syria at the UN Security Council, and noted that it was also wrong for pro-al-Assad groups to welcome the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as a hero in Syria on Tuesday.

Arinc said the UN should review the rights and authorities and find a remedy, otherwise all efforts would be in vain when few countries vetoed resolutions in case of such incidents that resembled massacre.

[10] Former, current intelligence chiefs to testify in an ongoing probe into a PKK's affiliated organization

Most commentators didn't know what to make of the recent twist in the KCK investigation as Fidan was hand-picked by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his position. Observers recalled that the Prime Minister said late last year, after his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was accused of cracking down the Kurdish opposition when Bursa Resale, an academic at Marmara University, was arrested as part of the KCK investigation, that those who "look out for the KCK should reconsider their stance." Erdogan had not made a comment on the recent developments.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Tanju Ozcan said he had filed charges against Fidan and Gunes, speaking at a press conference at Parliament. He didn't say when the charges were filed. He also said Prime Minister Erdogan should be included in the investigation.

However, sources Today's Zaman talked to say that new evidence, including testimonies from suspects and witnesses as well as letters exchanged between senior KCK members and PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, which prosecutors say were used for relaying orders for attacks to the PKK, obtained in the most recent operations into the KCK has played a role in the three men being summoned.

Also the fact that some people arrested in KCK operations recently were M0
T agents and information provided by these individuals was also considered. Some of these agents, the prosecution suspects, might have crossed the line and collaborated in KCK crimes.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu threw his support behind M0
T chief Fidan and his team saying: "Mr. Fidan, the former undersecretary who was in charge at the time [of the Oslo talks], and his team have done the right thing."

It is clear in the recording of the talks that these talks were held at a time when Fidan was still serving as a deputy undersecretary at the Prime Ministry. Fidan was appointed as head of the M0
T in May 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc commented on the prosecutor's move saying he does not think that it would be legally possible to summon an active duty M0
T undersecretary to testify as a suspect without notifying his superiors. Noting that it is not still certain whether Fidan will testify as a suspect or witness, Arinc said: "But in order for him to be included in the investigation [as a suspect], I think there should be some permission".

Adem Yavuz Arslan, a journalist who has written extensively on Turkish intelligence, said: "The KCK investigation has been underway in various parts of Turkey since 2009. The fact that both Fidan and Gunes have been summoned along with Taner indicates that this [investigation] is not limited to the Oslo talks. This indicates that the prosecution now has access to evidence from the period predating the start of the investigation in 2009. What they have, we do not know. It is most certainly an extraordinary situation."

Deputy Chairman of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party's (BDP) Parliamentary Group Hasip Kaplan said all lawyers or journalists who have visited 0
mral1
-- the prison island where PKK's jailed leader Ocalan is being held since 1997 -- have been called to testify by the prosecutors. "But if the [intelligence chiefs] say, 'we were ordered by other people, and this is why we went [for talks in Oslo],' then that would be a new story," Kaplan said.

In yet another unexpected twist, the head of the Istanbul Police Department's Counterterrorism Unit Yurt Atayun and the Intelligence chief Erol Demirhan were removed from office. Both police chiefs were in charge of directing the investigation into the KCK.

The KCK investigation, in which Fidan and two others will testify, started in December 2009, and a large number of Kurdish politicians, including several mayors from the BDP, have been detained. The suspects are 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. BDP officials have said the investigation is the government's way of suppressing BDP politicians, denying any links between the suspects and any terrorist organizations.

Turkey first heard about the KCK in 2009 but prosecutors say the KCK was established in 2005 upon the order of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. A 7,578-page indictment accepted by Diyarbakir's 6th Criminal Court on June 18, 2010, explains the general structure of the KCK, as has been revealed from documents obtained by authorities.

The indictment says the organization has its own parliament, constitution and judicial branches. The structure was defined as a "confederate system." The KCK allegedly possesses both a lateral and a pyramid-shaped organizational structure, and is active not only in Turkey but also in Syria, Iran and Iraq.

[11] "Meeting the Geopolitical Challenges of the Arab Spring: A call for a joint EU-Turkish Agenda"

"As close neighbours of the EU and Turkey, the Arab countries possess political, economic and social importance. Since Turkey and the EU have a vested interest in seeing stability and strong economic development in their shared neighbourhood, they need to cooperate with these countries during the challenging transition phase in order to ensure peace in this volatile region of the world.

Given the overlapping interests, they need to develop a common strategy to combine their strengths and advantages while offsetting weaknesses. The transition countries are clearly looking for an example that can inspire their own development. Turkey is the only country capable of playing this role and has many opportunities to do so.

Turkey has successfully demonstrated that a country with a predominantly Muslim population can fully implement the core values driving the Arab Spring: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and protection of minorities. In developing relations with the Arab world, Turkey's strongest advantage is its religion and culture, a factor whose importance should not be underestimated. Indeed, because of its cultural background, religion and geographic proximity, Turkey benefits from easier access to these countries than do the countries of Western Europe or elsewhere. While playing a leading role, Turkey must avoid behaving as a regional superpower that seeks to dominate others. This would be a terrible mistake and could lead to new tensions. Turkey can play a leadership role only by setting an example, offering help, sharing best practices and giving guidance if wanted.

Turkey would need to be strongly supported in these efforts, and the EU is a potential partner. In order for the EU not only to play its own role but also to support Turkey's part in facilitating this transformation process, it must develop a comprehensive foreign policy, which for the moment is lacking. Nonetheless, the sway of the Union in the Arab world is sufficient to justify its role in this transformation, especially if member states and EU institutions manage to coordinate their policies and harness the traditional influence of certain member states.

Turkey and the EU should combine their efforts, define their shared political and economic interests, and develop a common strategy specifying relevant policy tools to jointly address the geopolitical challenges. A candid look at the situation in the Arab world shows that there is a strong need for the EU and Turkey to build a much closer relationship in this shared neighbourhood. If developments take a negative turn, thereby endangering peace, there will obviously be a need to cooperate; if events proceed in the right direction, meaning toward democratic transformation, it is in our mutual interest to make it succeed.

Although Turkey has adopted a pro-democracy position, it lacks an explicit democratization agenda, and it has not developed tools similar to the EU's conditionality policy to promote transformation in a third country. The EU, in contrast, has accumulated experience on how to achieve such change and is equipped with the instruments to do so. Given their respective advantages, the EU and Turkey could combine their strengths: Turkey's better access to the region on the one hand and the EU's instruments and experience in inducing positive change on the other hand. This is an obvious case for far-reaching cooperation and calls for closer policy coordination between the two sides.

If the EU and Turkey managed to cooperate on such a geopolitically important project, it would have an enormous additional benefit: revitalizing the stalled accession process and lending it a sense of urgency and importance. We can use the new geopolitical situation in the Middle East and Africa to create new momentum for Turkey-EU relations. Working together towards inducing a positive transformation in transition countries offers the best opportunity to revitalize the partnership.

Europeans must be patient and uphold their decision that Turkey shall become a member of the EU, while Turks should acknowledge that the political circumstances inside the EU can change relatively quickly. In less than two years, a completely different political picture might emerge in key European countries, creating more favourable conditions to further the membership process." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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