Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-07-23

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat has asked the support of France in the EU to remove the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

[02] A new political party has been set up in the occupied areas aiming to represent the illegal immigrants to Cyprus in a possible early "election".

[03] The interest by foreigners to buy immovable property increased during the last year -1157 foreigners applied for buying land in the occupied areas.

[04] A Greek Cypriot "arrested" by the occupation regime.

[05] Gul pleased because Turkey will continue the occupation of EU territory without political cost.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat has asked the support of France in the EU to remove the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots

During the meeting Talat has asked the support of France in the EU to remove the "isolation" imposed on the Turkish Cypriots. Talat claimed that the economic development of the pseudo state will help the solution of the Cyprus problem. Talat held a press conference after the meeting and said that the meeting was very useful and beneficial. He said that "he hopes France will extend the necessary help".

[02] A new political party has been set up in the occupied areas aiming to represent the illegal immigrants to Cyprus in a possible early "election"

Speaking on behalf of the new party's Council of Founding Members, Enver Dincoglu head of the Association of the (illegal) Turkish Immigrants to Cyprus said that on 13 May 2004 they had launched the establishment of the Communal Security Party but they have now also set up the Communal Development Party so as to be able to participate in a possible early "election". Stating that they set up the Communal Development Party "with the aim of ensuring communal unity and solidarity", Dincoglu said that intensive work is also going on to establish the Communal Security Party.

[03] The interest by foreigners to buy immovable property increased during the last year -1157 foreigners applied for buying land in the occupied areas

According to records presented yesterday in the pseudo assembly, by the "deputy" of the United Cyprus Party, Izzet Izcan, in 2000, 228 foreigners applied to buy immovable property in the occupied areas, while in 2001 the number went up to 309, in 2002 the number went up to 591, in 2003 in 955 and in the first six month of the year 2004, 1157 foreigners have already applied for buying land.

In addition, the so-called Interior Minister of the occupation regime, Ozkan Murat and the so-called Attorney General Akin Sait warned those who sell immovable property to the foreigners. They said that for such sale it is necessary to acquire "Council of Ministers" permission otherwise "legal action" will be taken against those who breach the "law".

[04] A Greek Cypriot "arrested" by the occupation regime

[05] Gul pleased because Turkey will continue the occupation of EU territory without political cost

The Turkish Foreign Minister made the following disclosures concerning the issues on the political agenda.

EU: No gray areas left for Europe

"I do not see any hurdles to the commencement of negotiations with the EU. I am not saying this in the fashion of an ordinary politician or statesman. I am not saying it either in a manner intended to get across the message that "we should have started negotiations two years ago." I am a deputy prime minister and foreign minister brave enough to say some three months ago that "if I were writing the progress report, I would not write a favorable one." We had shortcomings then. However, while I certainly cannot say Turkey is flawless, nobody can now accuse our country of having shortcomings great enough to disqualify it. Can you imagine the degree of our determination? Not even the bureaucracy has been able to keep pace with us. We convened Parliament during the summer recess and on the last night before the deadline, we passed two important EU bills we had promised to enact. We passed the Associations Bill as well as a bill regarding the 'Compensation of Damages Resulting From the Struggle Against Terrorism.' There is only one way for Europe. There are no gray areas left."

Negotiations should last ten years yet ...

"The issue of whether negotiations can start in April or March is a minor detail. What is important is that the date of negotiations be set in a way that leaves no room for doubt whatsoever. The talks will take some ten years. We as Turkey would prefer the negotiations to last long. This is how it should happen because where large countries are in question, major preparations are required. The negotiation process is really a very complicated thing in itself."

Israel: Their own Ministers are leveling criticisms

"The state of our relations with Israel should not be interpreted as being the result of the change in regional balances. Turkey can never act blindly. We are maintaining very good relations with regional as well as non-regional countries. The thing about Israel is this: We are not the only country to criticize Israel for some of its policies. Israel's own Justice Minister and other countries have criticized Israel, too. Indeed, everybody has criticized Israel. Have Israel's relations with Turkey been severed because of this? No, they have not. On the contrary, our relations with Israel and Palestine are increasing our capability to contribute to the peace process. [Israel's] Deputy Prime Minister came to Turkey. We talked with him openly and sincerely and told him what we think. Our relations [with Israel] are continuing as part of our foreign policy. We are also holding talks [with Israel]. These will continue."

Armenia: We wish them well

"Such an issue (relations with Armenia) cannot be left frozen while all other issues are being solved. We are trying to settle that problem, too. Armenia is beset by economic troubles in many ways. We would not want the people of a neighboring country to be wracked by troubles regardless of which country might be in question. We would want to help. Yet there are circumstances restricting our ability to proffer help. At a time when some 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory is under [Armenian] occupation ... There are difficulties created by this situation. We feel responsible about this matter and we are trying to play the role of catalyst for the settlement of this problem. I cannot say that we have gone a long way toward achieving this purpose yet during the Istanbul meeting, all three countries at least expressed their determination to hold talks about the problem and work on it. There is a need to be courageous."

Northern Iraq: We are making a great contribution to Iraq

We see Iraq as a whole rather than talking about a north or a south. Important things are happening there. As far as Turkey's interests are concerned, there is no need for anyone to be worried. We as Iraq's neighbors are going to discuss the situation in Iraq for the seventh time in Egypt. The UN is keeping a close watch on Iraq. The Americans are also keeping a close watch on this country. This is a very difficult period. Yet Turkey is doing its best to make favorable contributions to Iraq. And we are contributing a lot.

The seminary is a global issue

Some work is being conducted in connection with the Halki Seminary. However, this is a long-standing issue. There are no dates set for anything. There are problems. This is not like Germans coming to Manavgat to open a church. This is a historical and global issue. On the other hand, we attach a lot of importance to religious freedoms regardless of anything. We will consider everyone within this framework, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Efforts are continuing yet it is not as if a briefing has been held at this point for the President or the Prime Minister.

Cyprus: Our gain is worth more than any amount of money

There are two important topics in the Cyprus issue: first, the future of Turkish Cypriots, second, the incredible problems being created for Turkey by those using Cyprus as an excuse. A crucial turning point regarding both matters was reached sometime ago. This issue used to be exploited as a flimsy pretext to conduct an incredible propaganda campaign and create an unfavorable international image for Turkey. By being represented as a quarrelsome country trying to achieve certain military interests, unable to comprehend Europe's culture of compromise, entirely incapable of talking peace, and always relying on crude force, Turkey was forced to pay incredible political prices. Our latest polices and the results of the Cyprus referenda have relieved Turkey. From now on, nobody can exploit Cyprus to Turkey's detriment. Not only have the obstacles placed before Turkey by those abusing the Cyprus issue been removed through our policies but they have also turned into pluses for Turkey. It has been proven that Turkey supports peace and compromise. This is a gain worth more than billions of dollars.

Direct flights to start

It has been understood who wants peace on the island, is open to compromise, and supports coexistence. Because of their confidence in the Greek Cypriots, many world leaders felt deceived [in the wake of the Cyprus referenda]. They began to realize the injustices done to the Turks. Where once they did not think it right to shake hands with Turkish Cypriots' representatives and their President and Prime Minister, let alone calling them president or prime minister, visiting them in their offices, or inviting them to official functions, the Russian, American, and British foreign ministers are now coming together with the Prime Minister of the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus". Let me also point out that the first direct flights will be starting soon and there will be more to follow.

The support of the Islamic Conference Organization

Last year, Mr Denktas took part in the joint meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference and EU Foreign Ministers as "the representative of the Muslim people of Cyprus." At this year's meeting in Istanbul, it was decided to refer to the Turkish Cypriot side at the General Assembly of the Organization of Islamic Conference not as a Muslim community but as the Turkish Cypriot State. Certain foreign ministers from Muslim countries visited [Northern Cyprus]. Others will start paying visits from now on. There is a lot that we must do and there is a lot that the Turkish Cypriot Republic must do. The Turkish Cypriot government should effect a rapprochement with Islamic countries and increase the number of visits to these countries.

We too would have decided to carry out an operation 30 years ago

One should not brag about the 30-year Turkish foreign policy in talking about Cyprus because Turkey went to Cyprus 30 years ago with very just reasons and powers invested by international agreements. We would have made the same decision if we had been in power then. Yet during recent years, Turkey followed a policy that regarded non-settlement itself as a solution. Denktas was the person who implemented this policy. Yet the policy had become very detrimental to both Cyprus and Turkey. It needed to be changed. We did that very courageously. Now what is in question is an achievement acclaimed by the entire world.

Denktas sounded like he was talking at a coffeehouse

I disregarded the manner of Denktas' remarks during the 30th anniversary celebrations. For, he gave the kind of speech that one would make at a coffeehouse, a political arena, or an election rally. There were representatives of the Turkish Republic and Government before him. He should not have delivered the sort of speech that one would make at an election rally or in a coffeehouse. Yet I am willing to overlook it. I was not offended either. We are going to continue to do what we believe to be right.

/SK

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