Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-09-03

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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] Bagis wants the occupied area of Cyprus to become Taiwan; He says Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus since 1973

[02] Bagis politicizes the football matches between AEL and Fenerbahce

[03] Columnist: AEL-Fenerbahce match should send a message for the culture of sports in Turkey where there is not as much 'security' as people in the same country to be able to go to each other's stadium

[04] Turkish columnist points out that the Turkish policy has always been that "the non-solution is the solution" in Cyprus

[05] The occupation regime at the Izmir International Fair; statements by Atun

[06] EP's Green group carried out contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] Serdar Denktas: "We should protect our state"

[08] The occupation regime distributed plots of land to youngsters in occupied Vouno village

[09] Turkish settlers carry out "fake marriages" in the occupied area of Cyprus in order to gain the occupation regime's "citizenship"

[10] Erdogan: "There is no Kurdish issue in Turkey anymore"

[11] CIA chief to visit Turkey; Syria crisis and the issue of terrorism among the matters of discussion during his contacts in Turkey

[12] Former Democrat party leader to join ruling AK Party

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Bagis wants the occupied area of Cyprus to become Taiwan; He says Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus since 1973

"The number one problem is the stance of the Greek Cypriot Administration. The EU Summit in December 2006 decided to freeze 8 negotiating chapters in order to punish us for our decision not to open our sea and airports to the Greek Cypriots. The Greek Cypriots have stated that they would oppose to the opening of 6 more chapters for negotiation. In year 2007 right after the elections, Nikolas Sarkozy announced that he blocked 5 chapters one of which had been frozen before by the EU. Therefore, 17 chapters had been blocked. The chapters which have not yet been opened for negotiations are the most complex ones and those on which candidate countries work when they generally come to the end of their negotiating process. And due to the crisis, which has been striking the EU for three years, absolutely nothing is solved. Most of the countries are focused on the problems in the Euro zone and are in the tendency of avoiding long-term problems. However, I am sure that with time all 27 countries will understand that EU needs Turkey at least as much as Turkey needs the EU. We have learned to be patient. We have waited for half a century to take a date for launching the negotiating process with the EU. We have continued the reforms, in spite of the fact that no new chapter was opened, that is, we continued putting into practice the EU laws in the chapters which are blocked. This is an important process for making Turkey a more democratic, rich and strong country".

Asked whether the Turkish government was worried that it makes its relations with the EU more difficult by stating that it would have absolutely no contacts with the Cypriot EU term presidency because it does not recognizes the Republic of Cyprus, Bagis replied: "If it represented the whole island we would be glad to have relations with the Greek Administration of South Cyprus, but they represent only one part of the island: the Greek Cypriot sector. While the UN Annan Plan, which provided for the unification of Cyprus in the form of a confederation, was accepted with a great majority by the Turkish Cypriots in the north of the island during the referendum in 2004, it was rejected by the Greek Cypriots in the south. However, this situation was not an obstacle for the Greek Cypriots to become an EU member shortly after the referendum. The EU summit unanimously decided to end the isolation of the northern part of the island. The Greek Cypriots, who are the only country out of the 27 countries that has trade relations with the north of the island, prevent the implementation of the above-mentioned EU decision in a contradictory manner, and do not allow the other countries to establish trade relations. For example, if Air France Company could land at Ercan Airport in the north [translator's note: the illegal Tymvou airport in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus], Turkey is ready to open immediately its sea and airports to the Greek Cypriots. Conducting trade with a country, like in the example of Taiwan, is not tantamount to diplomatically recognizing this country. We are not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus since 1973 and we do not want to be forced to recognize it indirectly for a period of six months for the period it will carry out the EU term presidency. Therefore, we will establish no relation with its administrators and in January everything will be reexamined with the Irish term presidency. In parallel to this, during this process, the Commission is aware of Turkey's importance. The Positive Agenda, which we launched with the Commission in the middle of May, also shows this".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Bagis politicizes the football matches between AEL and Fenerbahce

Bagis alleged that the Republic of Cyprus cannot take adequate security measures in the matches of Greek Cypriot teams with Turkish teams and referred to the matches of Galatasaray's women volleyball team and Pinar Karsiyaka basketball team in the government controlled area of Cyprus.

Noting that he wanted to give a message to the Greek Cypriots, Bagis argued that if the Greek Cypriots experience a security problem, they should not hesitate and should not be ashamed to ask the help of the "TRNC", the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He added:

"Some ones might come and say that 'but northern Cyprus does not recognize southern Cyprus'. Let them not tell these stories, because they can take help from the TRNC, to protect our athletes as they had taken help from the TRNC in a mannerly way when they felt the need for help in electricity and water. The leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, Christofias makes statements saying that he wants to come to Istanbul and meet with us. Behold your chance Mr Christofias! Come to the match of [AEL] Limassol with Fenerbahce in Istanbul. See personally with your own eyes the hospitality which the people of Istanbul will show to [AEL] Limassol. On one condition, however. You will come together with the TRNC president Dervis Eroglu. If you come together we will watch the match together and the food after the match is on me".

Commenting on Bagis' statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.09.12) reports that according to political observers the realities are different from what Bagis said. They noted that Turkey "is going to play a match" with a country which it does not recognize: south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is described. They point out that Turkey cannot say "we do not recognize you and we will not play with you". The same observers recalled statements made very often by Turkish officials, who in many occasions describe some Turkish Cypriot trade unions and "NGO's" as "supporters of the Greek Cypriots". They evaluated these statements as a sign of the lack of will by the Turkish officials to solve the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Columnist: AEL-Fenerbahce match should send a message for the culture of sports in Turkey where there is not as much 'security' as people in the same country to be able to go to each other's stadium

Meanwhile, writing in his daily column in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (03.09.12), Cenk Mutluyakali argues that the Greek Cypriots have a "historic opportunity" now to turn the AEL-Fenerbahce match in Lefkosia into a "feast of peace". He says that demonstrations of friendship might be held before the match, the football players of both teams might salute the fans together and the Turkish Cypriot former player of AEL, Sevim Ebeoglu might come out to the field that day and thus friendship to be honored. Noting that a special security lane might be provided for the Turkish Cypriots who want to go to the stadium and "this match to become an example for the world", Mutluyakali goes on and writes the following: "And perhaps this will be a message for the fans of Galatasaray who cannot go to Fenerbahce Stadium, the fans of Besiktas who cannot go to Bursa and the culture of sports in Turkey where there is not as much 'security' as people in the same country to be able to go to each other's stadium!"

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish columnist points out that the Turkish policy has always been that "the non-solution is the solution" in Cyprus

"?Let us see what they say that has been happening recently in Cyprus, the 'boring but number one important problem'?

All of us know now that our national policy in Cyprus is that 'the non-solution is also a solution'. When I read the interview of journalist Candan Yildiz, who writes a blog in T24 website, with Alexander Downer, the supervisor of the diplomatic traffic of the negotiations in Cyprus, Australian former Foreign Minister and UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus, I understood that foreigners as well, realize this reality. Downer says the following:

'I hope that the two sides will work together as much as possible. If the sides want, we could exert more efforts for their meeting more often. However, the Turkish side does not want to do anything now. Therefore, this does not seem very possible. We have to talk continuously, but if there is no wish for this, we can do nothing?In my view, the Turkish side wants to be recognized as independent state in case the process according to the timetable declared by the UN, fails'.

Actually, this stance is Turkey's 'national' stance since 1974. During the period of the Annan Plan in 2004, we witnessed that this stance was broken off for the first time. As you remember, then Turkey had adopted the policy of 'being one step forward in the way of the solution'. Very well, was it really so?

I had also believed this, like everybody. However, I was confused when I read the following lines in the part dated 8 November 2004 from the diaries of former Commander of the Naval Forces Ozden Ornek:

'Visit of Ambassador Baki Ilkin?Mr Baki is a person whom we know as family, our families know each other. He was departing because he had been appointed to the United Nations and he came to say goodbye. Because he was the actual responsible deputy undersecretary during the Cyprus negotiations, he felt the need to tell me about the developments. That is, he wanted to explain to me what strategy they were implementing in the way towards the referendum and told me the following:

In any case, the Annan Plan could not be accepted by the Greek Administration of South Cypriot because of the issues it was including. It could not be accepted because [it provided for] their abandoning the state and reestablishing a new state, the continuation of the existence of the Turkish army and securing the return to their properties with a delay. The risk we have taken was not a big one. We started working by accepting that that if we say yes they will say no. We have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that our aim was not to solve the Cyprus problem, but to turn it into an obstacle in the way towards the EU. In the end our assumption came true and the Greek Administration of South Cyprus said no'.

These lines tell us that: 'during the period of the Annan Plan in 2004 as well, our policy in Cyprus was that the 'non-solution is a solution'?"

(I/Ts.)

[05] The occupation regime at the Izmir International Fair; statements by Atun

In the framework of his contacts in Izmir, the so-called minister met with the chairman of the administration board of the Izmir Chamber of Trade, Ekrem Demirtas.

According to the paper, Atun informed Demirtas about the economic developments in the "TRNC" and stated that the "TRNC" has not being affected from the economic crisis on the extend that the other countries in the world affected.

Referring to the economic problems of "south Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus and the works of the Republic of Cyprus for searching for oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, Atun recalled that in order for the Greek Cypriots to evaluate the oil to be found, a pipeline is needed as he said, adding that the most economic road to pass, is Turkey.

Referring to the Green Line Regulation, Atun stated that only one statistical system should exist. Atun recalled once more their calling for a mutual exchange of goods and services to take place between the two sides in the island, regardless of where the products are produced. "In case that this will take place, then the trade volume is to be increased to 3-4 billion dollars", Atun said.

Atun further said that the same way their products cross to the "south", they could also be sent to other countries as well. "This development will be considered a big economic opening for both sides", he added.

In his turn, Demirtas stated that they hope for the Cyprus Island to become an island of peace and stated that they pay visits to both sides of the island.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (03.09.12) reports on Atun statements under the title: "Strange statement by minister Sunat Atun: If the TRNC products exported from the south, this will contribute to both sides".

Commenting on the above statement by Atun, Volkan writes that this is a well-known proposal made years ago by the "Greek Cypriot administration" which was rejected by them (Turkish Cypriot side) due to the fact that they did not wanted their exports to be under the control of the "Greek Cypriot state" and also due to the fact they do not recognize the "Greek Cypriot state", as the Republic of Cyprus is called.

(AK)

[06] EP's Green group carried out contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

In line with their visit to the "TRNC", the Green Party's co Chairwoman Helene Flautre and a member from the Green Party's Secretariat Ali Yurttagul met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on Saturday morning.

No statement was made before or after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the group from the European Parliament met also with the so-called prime minister on Friday (31.08.12). The "head" of the "EU Coordination Centre" Erhan Ercin was also present during the meeting.

No statement was made before or after this meeting as well.

Within the framework of their contacts in the "TRNC", the group visited also the Republican Turkish Party -United Forces (CTP-BG) and the Social Democracy Party (TDP) officials.

[07] Serdar Denktas: "We should protect our state"

In statements the day before yesterday during the rally organized at Ataturk square in the framework of the 20th anniversary from the establishment of DP, Serdar Denktas referred to the ties the late "founding president" as he called Rauf Denktas had established with Turkey and stressed the need to form similar ties with Turkey today. He further stated that only if they succeed to have prosperity in the "country" they will be able to get rid of their problems and then the solution of the Cyprus problem will be possible to be achieved, as he said.

Referring to the history of DP and its contribution, Denktas said that DP stands always by the side of the "people" and thus "constitute the future of this country".

Referring to the "bad administration" of the so-called government, Serdar Denktas accused the so-called government for political corruption and lack of control.

(AK)

[08] The occupation regime distributed plots of land to youngsters in occupied Vouno village

The so-called minister of interior and local administrations Nazim Cavusoglu, the so-called minister of Health Ahmet Kasif, the "minister" of finance Ersin Tatar, the "governor" of occupied Lefkosia Kemal Deniz Dana, the "governor" of occupied Keryneia Gurkan Kara, some "deputies", bueurocrats and the public, attended the ceremony.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Cavusoglu said that the step taken by the "government" for the assigning of plots is a very important step, adding that the "government" is working hard to help younger generations to own their homes in their villages.

[09] Turkish settlers carry out "fake marriages" in the occupied area of Cyprus in order to gain the occupation regime's "citizenship"

According to the paper, many of those Turkish citizens conduct an "agreement" with persons who are older than them in order to get married with them in exchange for money and then they look for ways to gain the occupation regime's citizenship.

The paper adds that as soon as those persons get the certificate of marriage to their hands, they submit it to the so-called "immigration department" which informs them that they could not be deported from the "country".

The paper writes that the so-called authorities are aware of those fake marriages and underlines also that the majority of those who carry out this marriages do not live together as a couple, but separately.

(AK)

[10] Erdogan: "There is no Kurdish issue in Turkey anymore"

"We have overcome this issue" said Erdogan who spoke to private Kanalturk TV on Friday.

Erdogan said that there was currently a terrorism issue in Turkey, adding that they would continue to do their best to solve the issue.

Noting that the state was providing the same service both in western and eastern regions of the country, Erdogan said that it was "PKK terrorist organization" which was trying to prevent the services in eastern regions.

When asked what was the priority along Turkey-Syria border --a non-fly zone or a buffer zone, Erdogan said that non-fly zone and buffer zone were each other's complementary. "You can't declare a region buffer zone without declaring it a non-fly zone first. That is a serious risk. UN Security Council should adopt such a resolution. We don't take such a step before the Council adopts the resolution. The region should be declared a non-fly zone first, and then we can take a step for a buffer zone", said Erdogan.

He noted that there were currently more than 80,000 Syrian citizens staying in Turkey.

[11] CIA chief to visit Turkey; Syria crisis and the issue of terrorism among the matters of discussion during his contacts in Turkey

Petraeus, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, is scheduled to meet with top Turkish officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Undersecretary Hakan Fidan.

"The Americans want to convey a strong message that Washington will stand by its ally in its fight against the recent surge of terror by the Kurdistan Workers' Party [PKK], a separatist organization that now has the backing of Iran and Syria," an intelligence analyst told Today's Zaman when asked on Petraeus' visit. "I think the US is also trying to make up for its lack of support for Turkey's non-starter call for a humanitarian safe zone inside Syria, which the US declined to endorse at the UN Security Council meeting last week," he added.

(?)

[12] Former Democrat party leader to join ruling AK Party

Erdogan and Soylu met on Saturday at the Halic Congress Center to discuss Soylu joining the AK Party.

Following the meeting, Soylu released a written statement saying that he had been invited by Erdogan to join the AK Party and that he was honoured by the "kind invitation."

Soylu will join the AK Party in an official ceremony prior to the party congress set for September 30. Numan Kurtulmus, the leader of the Voice of the People Party (HAS Party), is also expected to join the AK Party during the same ceremony.

The Prime Minister had earlier hinted of bringing in politicians from other political parties to garner stronger support from Turkey's centre-right and conservative voters. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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