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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-08-18Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No. 154/03[A] NEWS ITEMS
[A] NEWS ITEMS[01] Turkish Cypriot PUH Appeal to ECHR Against Turkey AcceptedAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA (17.08.03) the ECHR European Court Human Rights has accepted the Patriotic Unity Movement's [PUH] appeal against Turkey. It will be recalled that the PUH appealed to the ECHR arguing that Turkey transferred settlers to the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus to prevent the Turkish Cypriot community from expressing its free will.The appeal made to the ECHR by the opposition PUH has been accepted. A statement by the PUH in the occupied area said: "The appeal made to the ECHR against Turkey's transfer of settlers to north Cyprus to prevent the Turkish Cypriot community from expressing its free will has been accepted." The statement noted that the ECHR informed the party that it filed the appeal as "PUH versus Turkey, No. 24566/03" and that the file will be taken up as soon as possible. Sub title: Turkey Will Pay Compensation to Loizidou AFRIKA further reports that Turkey disclosed that it will comply with the ECHR decision and pay compensation to Titina Loizidou, who lives in the free areas of Cyprus. Speaking during the meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Representatives, which was held at ambassadorial level today, Amb. Numan Hazar said that Turkey will finalize the procedure related to the ECHR verdict on compensation by October. Turkey is expected to pay $900,000 to Loizidou. The amount includes interest for the period during which the compensation was not paid. [02] Pro-Denktas Paper publishes poll on December ElectionsThe mouth piece of pro-Denktas regime VOLKAN Newspaper (15.08.03) publishes the outcome of the public opinion poll held by the Mediterranean News Agency [MNA] in 11 settlements in the occupied area from 10 to 25 July has been made public. Some 988 respondents were interviewed face to face during the poll.The outcome showed that the National Unity Party [NUP] is the leading party, the Democratic Party [DP] is the second party, the Republican Turkish Party [RTP] is the third party, and the Peace and Democracy Movement [PDM] is the fourth party. Only four political parties were able to surmount the threshold. The outcome indicated that the ruling NUP and DP would secure more than 60 percent of the votes in the elections in December 2003 and that the combined votes of the RTP and PDM would be less than 30 percent. The paper claims that some 70 percent of the people supported Denkta's policy. The poll showed that nearly 70 percent of the people said "yes" to a solution that would provide for the establishment of two "sovereign states" on the island. One of the striking aspects of the poll was related to the main problems in north Cyprus. The poll outcome showed that the majority of the people believe that one of the main problems in north Cyprus is the economic situation, which is mostly due to the so-called embargo on the occupied area. Do you support Denktas' policy? A. I fully support: 60 percent B. I partly support: 10 percent C. I do not support: 30 percent Which political party would you support in December? A. NUP: 30 percent B. DP: 17.57 percent C. RTP: 16.75 percent D. PDM: 4 percent E. Nationalist Justice Party [NJP]: 2.47 percent F. Reformist Leap Party [RLP]: 1.50 percent G. National Revival Party [NRP]: 1.80 percent H. Other: 0.91 percent I. Undecided: 25 percent What is the main problem in the occupied area? A. Economic problems: 38 percent B. Unemployment: 35 percent C. Failure to solve the Cyprus problem: 25 percent D. Other: 2 percent Strength of political parties after distribution of undecided votes in December: A. NUP: 40 percent B. DP: 23.45 percent C. RTP: 22.35 percent D. PDM: 5.3 percent E. NJP: 3.30 percent F. RLP: 2 percent G. NRP: 2.40 percent H. Other: 1.20 percent What are the factors you would consider before you decide to vote? A. Agreement with Greek Cypriots based on the existence of the 'KKTC': 50 percent B. European Union: 14 percent C. Agreement with Greek Cypriots based on the Annan plan: 19 percent D. Recognition of 'KKTC' as an 'independent' country: 17 percent What are the main causes of economic problems? A. Embargo: 51 percent B. Failure to solve the Cyprus problem: 30 percent C. Unsuccessful administration: 1 percent [03] Turkish Foreign Miniser Gul: "Cyprus Talks After the December Elections"Turkish Daily RADIKAL newspaper (14.08.03) publishes an interview given by the Turkish deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullan Gul to paper's correspondent Murat Yetkin.Following is the excerpt of the interview related to Cyprus; "[Yetkin] The Cyprus issue is not included within the list of criteria,(Tr note. reform packages) but we have the Cyprus and the Aegean problems before us. Will the EU place these issues before Turkey? [Gul] This is true. Everything needed has been done in the past 25 years for solving the Cyprus problem. These were truly confidence-building measures. As a matter of fact, a solution has not been found due to the lack of confidence, the Turkish Cypriots have a confidence problem regarding their future. For this reason, officials are not making decisions easily. Therefore, all the measures taken recently such as the opening of the crossing points, the lifting of the visa requirements, and the lifting of a number of embargoes became truly confidence-building measures. We believe that some day a better atmosphere will emerge when we sit at the negotiation table under the UN auspices. Moreover, reaching a solution will be possible under this atmosphere. [Yetkin] 'Elections' will be held in 'TRNC' in December. Do you believe that the expressions that you are looking forward to see in the Progress Report will have a positive impact on the solution of the Cyprus problem? [Gul] First of all, the 'elections' in 'KKTC' should be held in a democratic and open manner. That is, the elections should be so open and honest that they should not attract any criticisms. This is very important, for we are saying that 'TRNC' is a separate country with a democratic structure. We should prove this in practical terms. [Yetkin] Do you have any worries on this? [Gul] No, I do not have any worries on this. I am saying this for those who have worries. I am saying that the 'elections' should and will be held in this way. [Yetkin] Well, would the talks under the UN auspices be held before or after the 'elections'? [Gul] Probably these negotiations would not be resumed before the elections, for it is very important for the administration to represent the people. This administration should have the qualifications to represent the people. [Yetkin] Would Denktas not be offended by this and ask: 'Do I not have the necessary qualifications?' [Gul] Of course Denktas has the necessary qualifications, has he not? Denktas is an 'elected President'. The government has also been elected by the people. Consequently, Denktas and the government represent the people until the very end of their terms. Denktas and the government can also sit at the negotiation table with the United Nations if they so desire. They can do so today and in the future." [04] Occupation Forces New commander takes over his new postAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS Newspaper (17.08.03), a change of command ceremony was held in the 39th Mechanized Infantry Division, which is one of the two divisions that participated in the occupation of part of Cyprus in 1974, yesterday. Maj. Gen. Cahit Sarsilmaz, who commanded the division for two years, transferred his duties to Maj. Gen. Yalcin Pehlivanoglu. Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Ahmet Ozteker, commander of the occupation forces in Cyprus, said that Maj. Gen. Cahit Sarsilmaz successfully performed his duties, drawing strength from the Turkish Cypriots' unshakable confidence in Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces. He also said that Maj. Gen. Yalcin Pehlivanoglu will use his knowledge and experience to successfully fulfill his new responsibilities.[05] Turkish Cypriot 'Policewoman' commits suicideAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (16/08/03), Turkish Cypriot 'policewoman' Neriman Ozada (25) has committed suicide in her house in the occupied Zodia village around 22:30 hours.Paper says that Ozada has committed suicide in her bedroom with her own service pistol with a single bullet on her head. [06] Justice and Development Party gains two thirds majority in parliamentTurkish NTV television (15/08/03) broadcast that the ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP), government in Turkey has gained another two parliamentary deputies, giving it the more than the two thirds majority in the Turkish Grand National Assembly needed to pass constitutional amendments.Former Motherland Party deputy Mustafa Zeydan, who represents the south eastern province of Hakkari and Mehmet Nezir Nas�ro�lu, who was elected to parliament for the opposition Republican People's Party (RPP) for the eastern province of Batman, both joined the JDP on Thursday. The two deputies had previously resigned from their original parties before the parliament went into recess at the end of July. Having gained two additional seats, the JDP now has 368 deputies in the parliament, with the RPP holding 175, the True Path Party (TPP) three, with a further four seats held by independents. [07] The new USA Ambassador arrives in Ankara for critical taskTurkish Daily News (18/08/03) reports that the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric S. Edelman, arrived in Turkey on Friday amid mend-fencing moves between Turkey and the USA after tension over Iraq."I'm very happy to be here," Edelman told reporters in Turkish at the airport in Ankara. "Relations between the two countries are very important." Edelman, whose parents had immigrated to Turkey early last century from Russia, and who has recently taken Turkish lessons for almost four weeks, spoke to the press in Turkish at first and said Turkey is an interesting appointment for him. Edelman, a career diplomat, replaces Robert Pearson as ambassador. He is expected to submit his credentials to the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in the coming days. Diplomatic sources in Ankara are not branding him as a "hawk" in the U.S. administration, despite his office with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Edelman until recently served as a national security adviser to Cheney, and before that was ambassador to Finland. He also served with the State Department in Prague and Moscow. [08] Greek Cypriots who live in Rizokarpaso asked the support of Mustafa Akinci regarding their education rightsTurkish Cypriot daily newspaper YENI DUZEN (18/08/03) reports that a delegation from Greek Cypriots enclaves living in the occupied Rizokarpaso village held a meeting with Mr Mustafa Akinci, the leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement (PDM). During the meeting the Greek Cypriots enclaves asked for Akinci�s support regarding their demand to have secondary education facilities for their children that finish primary education.Commenting on the issue Mr Akinci stated that this year nine students who finished primary school were separated from their families in order to continue their education in "South Cyprus" because they did not have the possibility to continue their education in their village. Stressing that it is a human duty to find a solution for the students of Rizokarpaso who are separated from their families, Mr Akinci stated that this solution can be found with the assistance of the Cyprus Government and the Greek families of the area. He also called on the pseudogovernment not to politicize this issue and to help these students. [09] Rauf Denktas is "Mr No" for WashingtonTurkish Cypriot daily newspaper YENI DUZEN (17/08/03) reports that according to the mainland daily HURRIYET newspaper's correspondence in Washington, Kasim Cindemir, Mr Rauf Denktas is referred as "Mr No", in the USA administration circles. Dr No is the name of the first film by James Bond. This is how Mr Denktas is called in USA institutions connected with foreign policy issues.The paper writes that a US source told Mr Cindemir that the reason behinds this is Mr Denktas� behavior regarding the Cyprus problem. "Because he continuously says no to a solution in Cyprus, we call him Mr No", the source stated. The US source further stressed and underlined that progress in the Cyprus problem is absolutely necessary in order to fulfill Turkey's EU aspirations. [10] A British citizen found dead at the pseudostateTurkish Cypriot daily newspaper YENI DUZEN (18/08/03) reports that Stanley James Rankin, a 50 year old British citizen, was found dead yesterday in occupied Kyrenia. As the paper reports this is the third murder case in the pseudostate during the last ten days.[11] Turkey's Sener on so-called "customs union framework" agreementAccording to local Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (16/08/03), Turkish state Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs Abdullatif Sener has claimed that the so-called "custom union framework" agreement signed recently between Turkey and the occupied area has brought Turkey nearer to the EU and not vice versa .He claimed that signing of the "agreement was very important step and that this step brought Turkey closer to the EU.Sener went on and claimed that while Turkey's efforts to become EU member continued, EU's accepting Cyprus as full member was not considered a right step by Turkey. He further claimed that with a view to integrating the occupied areas economy with that of the world and mainly with the EU it was necessary to do this via Turkey through the signing of the so-called "customs union framework" agreement. On the other hand in the same newspaper the so-called deputy prime minister and the Minister of Tourism of the pseudo state Serdar Denktas claimed that once the so-called "customs union agreement "put into practice the occupied area will enter into customs union with the EU. He accused those who criticized the so-called agreement "as people who want to exploit people". [12] The Yeni Duzen - KADEM pollTurkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (15-16.08.2003) published an opion poll. The poll was carried out by YeniDuzen newspaper, mouthpiece of the Republican Turkish Party, and the Cyprus Social Research Education and Consultance Center (KADEM). The poll conducted between June 28th and July 18th and it concisted of 791 personal interviews.The questions and answers appear below: Q 1: If the elections were held tomorrow which party would you vote for? Rebublican Turkish Party (RTP) 27.9% Peace and Democracy Party (PDP) 15.2% National Unity Party (NUP) 14.9% Democratic Party (DP) 6.8% Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce And Industry * (TCCHCI) 6.7% Undecieded-Did not reply 28.4% Total 100.0% * Please note that Mr Ali Erel has not decieded yet that he is going to be a candidate in the December elections. Q 2: Which party would you vote for if: Both of your parents were born in Cyprus Both of your parents were born in Turkey One of your parent were born in Turkey Total RTP 30.6 % 17.3% 22.2% 27.9% PDP 17.4% 3.6% 22.2% 15.2% NUP 13.4% 20.1% 22.2% 14.9% DP 5.6% 13.7% 6.8% TCCHCI 6.6% 7.9% 3.7% 6.7% Undecieded-Did not reply 26.4% 37.4% 29.6% 28.4% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Q 3 (a): Do you expect changes in political life after the December elections? Yes 71.3% No 22.9% Undecieded-Did not reply 5.8% Total 100.0% Q 3 (b): Age 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+ Total Yes 74.6% 76.6% 65.4% 74.4% 59.6% 71.3% No 22.3% 19.3% 25.1% 20.2% 31.5% 22.9% Undecieded-Did not reply 3.0% 4.1% 9.5% 5.4% 9.0% 5.8% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.% 100.0% 100.0% Q 4: Rauf Denktas as negotiator: Education Elementary Gymnasium Lyceum University Total Denktas' policy is correct 48.6% 31.4% 15.3% 18.1% 23.6% Denktas' policy is wrong 29.7% 31.4% 36.9% 35.8% 34.9% Denktas takes decisions alone 13.5% 29.4% 40.5% 44.2% 35.4% 100.0% 8.1% 7.8% 7.2% 1.8% 6.1% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Q 5: Who of the following politicians can do better on the Cyprus problem and on the Turkish Cypriots joining the Eurorean Union? Leader With great success With success With failure Undecieded-Did not reply Dervis Eroglu 12.8% 21.1% 53.1% 13.0% Mehmet Ali Talat 35.8% 22.1% 27.9% 14.2% Mustafa Akinci 26.7% 26.3% 27.1% 20.0% Ertogrul Hasiboglu 9.5% 25.0% 44.5% 21.0 Sertar Denktas 16.7% 28.2% 40.7% 14.4% Ali Erel 19.6% 23.4% 33.8% 23.3% Taner Etkin 6.2% 13.9% 52.0% 27.9 Alpay Durduran 9.6% 16.9% 42.5% 31.0% [13] Turkish Cypriot Academician says that "Compensation law" is contrary to the "Constitution"According to the Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (17/08/03), the so-called "compensation law" is contrary to pseudo state's "constitution" and as such should be challenged at the so-called "Constitutional Court".The paper quoting the deputy dean of the so-called East Mediterranean University (EMU) Assistant Professor Dr. Tufan Erhurman who said that the "compensation law" and the "Immovable Properties Compensation Commission" were contrary to the so-called "Constitution" of the pseudo state and as such should be challenged at the "constitutional court". Dr. Erhurman criticized the opposition parties in the occupied area for not recourse to the "constitutional court" for removing the said "law". He said that the "law" violates the Article 159 of the "constitution". /MD Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |