Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-06-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Real Estate Agents who operate in occupied Cyprus participated in an exhibition in the Gulf.

[02] Turkish Cypriot politician called on those who say that they want solution to show with actions their good will.

[03] US Congressmen delegation said to propose new ideas to help lift isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

[04] The Pakistani Prime Minister supports Turkeys position on the Cyprus problem without any reservation.

[05] The New National Security Policy document has been completed. Cyprus is considered of first-degree importance to Turkey's security.

[06] Talat: Let the UN assist for the solution in Cyprus.

[07] Mr Eroglu met with Sir Kieran Prendergast.

[08] Mr Talat wants no more crossings to the occupied areas before a final solution.

[09] Talats so-called minister of public works says they will begin working for opening the barricade in Zodia area.

[10] Turkey will sign Additional Economic Protocol with the occupation regime.

[11] Crisis in the issue of the increase of the workers� salaries as a result of instructions from Ankara.

[12] Network issuing forged documents aiming at acquiring work permit for Germany has been uncovered in the occupied part of Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish Cypriot columnist says that Turkey is the main responsible for the regime of the properties that exist today in the occupied part of Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Real Estate Agents who operate in occupied Cyprus participated in an exhibition in the Gulf

Leading agents Hillcrest Estates have just returned from an expedition to the Gulf where they signed up more foreign residents who said they had no problem about coming to live in North Cyprus.

Following a highly successful exhibition in Bahrain in March, Hillcrest staged two more special shows in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to offer more property and investment opportunities. The Hillcrest team is experts in the North Cyprus property market, and took with them political and legal advisers to answer any questions clients may have had about the country.

But Hillcrest director, Simon Jocham said: We had three exceptionally busy days, yet hardly anyone seemed to be worried about the political or legal situation. Those who know the recent history of Cyprus are happy to invest in a country that offers such outstanding value for money.

We did have some complaints from a Greek Cypriot lady who demanded to know what right we had to sell property in the north. She was quite angry at first, and we were very patient and took a long time to explain the situation to her. She had never heard of the system of exchange titles, but in the end she seemed satisfied and even asked us if we could sell her family�s land!

Hillcrest sold North Cyprus as the slumbering goldmine of the emerging property market. Thousands of ex-pats live in the United Arab Emirates where they enjoy tax-free salaries, but also try to escape unendurable mid-summer temperatures.

Simon Jocham said: North Cyprus offers a unique opportunity for both serious investors and those who would simply like to escape to a holiday destination that offers a classic combination of sunshine coasts and mountains. It�s better value than Britain and closer than Spain. Property prices have doubled in the past 18 months and all the predictions are that they will continue to increase, but there are many bargains still to be had .

Hillcrest featured a number of current projects including stunning apartments in the Tatlisu Marina (occupied Akanthou), starting from just � 41,000; the SeaTerra Marina starting from � 59,000 and homes near the new golf course at Esentepe (occupied Ayios Amvrosios), from � 57,750. There was also a lot of interest in their stone houses built in a traditional style with stone walls and a swimming pool, at � 125.000. Such was the level of interest that the local English language radio station ran four items on the Hillcrest show. As well as signing up new customers, many people who had never been to North Cyprus said they are coming to see for themselves, said Mr Jocham.

The company is planning a return trip to the UAE in September.

[02] Turkish Cypriot politician called on those who say that they want solution to show with actions their good will

Mr Durduran stated that those who say that they want peace, cannot prove their good intentions, unless they invite the owners of the houses that are in the empty Varosha (occupied Famagusta) to take their houses, they work so that the fate of the missing persons is ascertained, and their bodies are handed over to their relatives and unless they say `stop to the looting of the properties�.

Mr Durduran also called on the authorities in occupied Cyprus to cooperate with the European Union instead of cooperating with Ankara and to try not to create enmity between the Cypriots. Otherwise they will not take steps for peace and the situation will become even worse, he said. In addition Mr Durduran criticised the new proposals of Turkey for Cyprus and stated that they will never be accepted by the Greek Cypriot side.

[03] US Congressmen delegation said to propose new ideas to help lift isolation of the Turkish Cypriots

After holding talks in the occupation regime yesterday, the U.S. delegation visited Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Chairman of the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) today. The meeting at TOBB was closed to the press.

Upon completion of the meeting at TOBB, Mr Whitfield told reporters that the 4th working group between Turkey and the U.S. has been formed, showing the importance given to Turkey by the American administration. Mr Whitfield also noted that his visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus was very exciting and added: We have made a symbolic statement to help lift the international isolation of Northern Cyprus.

Mr Whitfield stated that the goal of the 4th working group will be to increase the trade volume between the two countries.

Meanwhile, TOBB Chairman Hisarciklioglu indicated that Mr Whitfield and his delegation's visit to the TRNC was very important. He also added that the U.S. delegation's visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus will end the economic isolation and will contribute to integrate it with the rest of the world.

Moreover, Mr Egemen Bagis, Istanbul deputy of the Justice and Development Party (JDP) noted that, by visiting the occupation regime, the U.S. congressmen delegation headed by Ed Whitfield did the right thing.

Mr Bagis, Whitfield and Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, one of the founders of the Turkish friendship group in the U.S. Congress, held a press conference at the Turkish parliament.

I want to thank our guests for paying a visit to the TRNC, as their step was a right one, noted Mr Bagis and added: They remained firmly determined despite objections from some U.S. circles.

Mr Bagis said that the American delegation had a chance to see the TRNC democracy in action, with its public and private institutions working smoothly. Our American friends also had a chance to see how aggressive the Greek Cypriots are. Mr Tassos Papadopoulos did not want to meet the U.S. delegation, Mr Bagis said.

Commenting that this was the first political visit by an American delegation to the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Bagis said: I hope that this visit will form an example to other delegations from other countries.

Mr Whitfield said: Hopefully, our flight to Ercan Airport (occupied airport of Tymbou) will remind Papadopoulos that the international community will not remain idle as long as international isolation continues in the island.

Noting that his delegation will work on establishing direct flights from the TRNC to Washington soon, Mr Whitfield said: There is a student exchange program between TRNC universities and the Rotary Club in Georgia, United States.

Mr Whitfield concluded that the Turkish-American relations are strong based on common values and will continue to be strong in the future.

[04] The Pakistani Prime Minister supports Turkeys position on the Cyprus problem without any reservation

Speaking at the press conference, Prime Minister Erdogan said: Our meetings have focused on military, commercial, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Pakistan. Also, regional developments such as Cyprus, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine and Kashmir have been discussed. There are many affinities in our views about the developments in our region. Those affinities are the signs of our historical and cultural unity.

Mr Erdogan noted: As regards the lifting of the isolation currently being imposed on the TRNC, you know that Pakistan has always taken the steps that we have desired to be taken just in any direction. We discussed with them what sort of additional steps could be taken for the lifting of this isolation henceforth. We are pleased to see that on this issue too there is a mutual political will.

The Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, on his behalf, said that they are on the same ground as Turkey on the Cyprus problem and added: We are supporting Turkey's position without any reservation. He also noted that Pakistan was determined to extend all kinds of support for lifting of isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

[05] The New National Security Policy document has been completed. Cyprus is considered of first-degree importance to Turkey's security

The National Security Policy Document is updated periodically depending on developments inside Turkey, in the region around it, and the world and is considered the security constitution of the state. The document was comprised of hundreds of pages in the past but has been limited to 25 pages this time.

The document, which was drafted by the Secretariat General of the NSC, will be discussed at the NSC meeting on 21 June.

Subtitle: Internal Threats

According to the information obtained, reactionism, separatism, and the extreme left have been identified as internal threats. The document also states that economic problems such as unemployment, the large gaps in the distribution of income, and differences in levels of development in different regions also create threats to public order.

Subtitle: External Threats

Unlike previous national security policy documents, this document does not classify external threats as number one threat, number two threat and so forth. For example, the document underscores that a threat might emerge if Greece expands its territorial waters to 12 miles and notes the presence of a deterrent military force to preserve current balances against symmetric threats and to defend national interests.

Subtitle: Cyprus

The document states that Cyprus is of first-degree importance to Turkey's security and that rights there will never be given up. The document also lists Iraq and Iran among risky regions that create uncertainty for Turkey.

Subtitle: Narcotics, Human Trafficking

For the first time the document includes a section entitled "Asymmetric Threats." This section discusses threats such as international narcotics trafficking, international terrorism, and the smuggling of humans.

A discussion is reportedly under way on whether to disclose the National Security Policy Document to the public, as in the United States, because it outlines only a general framework.

[06] Talat: Let the UN assist for the solution in Cyprus

The meeting which lasted 3.5 hours ended at 15:30 hours. Both, Sir Kieran Prendergast and Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, made short statements to the press after the meeting. Both men said that the meeting will continue today as well.

Talat said that they have tried to explain to Sir Kieran Prendergast, the existing situation that they are in and in his turn Sir Kieran Prendergast said that he has been sent to Cyprus, to listen to the sides, to understand the positions of the sides, and to decide how the UN could contribute to the settlement of the problem.

Talat went on and said that they had a very useful meeting with Sir Kieran Prendergast and his team and that they will continue the meeting today. Talat went on and said that with a speedy progress, they want to get rid of this problem as soon as possible.

Stressing the urgency of the matter Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots want to embrace the world and join the international community. This unpleasant situation should not continue any more, Talat declared.

We want the UN be part of the issue and assist to the solution of the Cyprus problem, Talat noted and said that he will be meeting with the UN official today as well.

Sir Kieran Prendergast said that he has not much to add to Talats statement, and added that the UN Secretary-General has sent him to the region to listen to the sides basically and to decide how the UN could assist to the solution of the problem.

[07] Mr Eroglu met with Sir Kieran Prendergast

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Eroglu said that he told Sir Kieran that the Turkish Cypriots waited for 30 years at the negotiation table and they dont want to wait for another 30 years.

Mr Eroglu also said that the negotiations should only be started in order to get a result. The visit of Prendergast to TRNC and his meeting with TRNC officials proves that he has seen the reality, Mr Eroglu added.

Mr Eroglu noted that he got the impression from the meeting that the negotiations (on Cyprus) would be carried out indirectly and only if a result was about to be taken, the direct talks could start.

Mr Eroglu said that the Cyprus talks didn't seem to start soon, adding that Greek Cypriots didn't want to reach compromise, but they just wanted to win time.

Mr Prendergast said in his part that he came to Cyprus to learn the views and concerns of all sides and to exchange views about resumption of the talks.

[08] Mr Talat wants no more crossings to the occupied areas before a final solution

He also noted that our aim is to start solution talks rapidly.

Shortly after the start of the solution talks, debates began on whether or not the occupied area of Morphou would be given back. Mr Talat, commenting on this, said: However, people living there voted 'yes' in the referendum, giving the message that they are ready to bear this burden. As desired results could not be reached, steps should be taken to satisfy people.

Referring to the opening of the check-point in Zodia, Mr Talat said: The TRNC fulfilled its responsibilities for opening Zodias check-point, but it was delayed because the Greek Cypriot side did not fulfil its responsibilities. We should find a solution to the Cyprus issue before discussing new openings of check-points and we are trying to do so.

[09] Talats so-called minister of public works says they will begin working for opening the barricade in Zodia area

In statements yesterday in Zodia, Mr Usar noted that according to the agreement with the constructor the project should be completed within 120 days, but they will take the necessary measures during their meetings with the constructing firm and have the work ready within 1.5 months.

Mr Usar said that the new project includes the construction of a 210-meter long dual carriageway leading to the checkpoint with additional 5 meter-wide side-lanes for heavy vehicles and trucks.

The projects estimated cost is 700,000 New Turkish Liras, he added.

[10] Turkey will sign Additional Economic Protocol with the occupation regime

After the elections, a new government has come to the power in the TRNC. The government has its own economic program. Therefore, we will review the protocol in the light of recent developments. An additional protocol will be signed between Turkey and the TRNC on Saturday, Mr Sener added.

Mr Sener noted that the additional protocol focused on narrowing the state and strengthening the real sector and market economy.

[11] Crisis in the issue of the increase of the workers� salaries as a result of instructions from Ankara

As the paper writes the so-called ministry of finance and the labour unions were not able to come to an agreement as regards the increase in the salaries that will be given to workers in occupied Cyprus and now actions are expected to take place as regards this issue. The ministry offers an increase of 11% in the salaries, while the labour unions insist on 12%.

The General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Primary Teachers Association (KTOS) Mr Sener Elcil stated that the instruction given by Ankara to the government was to give a 3% rise and added that they will take all the necessary steps.

On his part, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Teachers Association (KTOEOS), Mr Adnan Eraslan stated that they do not accept the offer of 11% of the pseudo ministry and added that they do not even accept the 12%.

[12] Network issuing forged documents aiming at acquiring work permit for Germany has been uncovered in the occupied part of Cyprus

According to the paper, the members of the network have been deceiving people from Turkey saying that it was very easy to acquire visa for Germany in the occupied part of Cyprus.

The police arrested nine persons the day before who had submitted to the German Consulate in Nicosia forged work permits and documents of the Commerce Department and the Registrar of Companies in order to get visa for Germany.

The police are searching for the persons who provided the forged documents to the above-mentioned people as well as the documents and stamps used for the forgery.

The nine persons from Turkey who were led yesterday before a court said: We were told that getting visa in Cyprus is very easy. They described the persons who would help us and we came. We have been deceived. Let the real deceivers be arrested. We told the police all we know.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish Cypriot columnist says that Turkey is the main responsible for the regime of the properties that exist today in the occupied part of Cyprus

Noting that the European arrest warrants issued against foreigners and Turkish Cypriots who usurp Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied part of Cyprus have become one of the most important problems for the occupation regime and that these persons are like being in prison because they cannot leave the northern part of Cyprus, Mr Duzgun writes, inter alia, the following:

Hundreds of Turkish Cypriots are living being afraid of ending up like this and the sectors of the constructions and real estates, which brought an income of approximately two billion dollars to the economy of the TRNC within the last two years, are passing through difficult times. It seems that if serious and important decisions are not taken, a worse crisis than the bank crisis is expecting northern Cyprus.

The problem of the real estates must definitely be discussed at the summit to take place today in Ankara. Turkey cannot ignore the problem by saying stop the construction works for a while or put it into the freezer for some time. According to what is being said at the political backstage, during his recent visit Turkeys Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener advised us saying you should stop the constructions.

With this stance, Turkey cannot get rid of its responsibility for the property regime created in the northern part of Cyprus after 1974, because it has contributed to the creation of the current property regime and it has even exerted pressure once. If those who bear the responsibility are put in line, then Turkeys old administrations are in the front line.

The solution to the problem of the properties in northern Cyprus and the temporary solution must be for Turkey to guarantee the whole of the properties. Turkey must undertake responsibility on the issue of the properties and say to the world that I am the guarantor on this issue. Turkey, which prepared the legal ground for coming to this situation by accepting the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the Loizidou case and by paying compensation, must be the guarantor of the properties in northern Cyprus. Otherwise, more complicated and serious problems might be created. The government in Ankara must definitely give guarantees for the properties if it does not want to turn the problem into a problem between those who live in northern Cyprus and Turkey. And it must start working with warning its own state banks which gather deposits in northern Cyprus but do not accept as mortgage the title deeds given as an equivalent of points.

(Translators note: After 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus the occupation regime gave points to the Turkish Cypriots according to the property they own in the free areas of Cyprus and distributed to them property in the occupied part of the island.).

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