Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-09-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statement by the Turkish Prime Minister before leaving for Rome and Como.

[02] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister before leaving for the Newport informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

[03] Mr Talat calls on the EU to ensure the unity of Cyprus which is kept divided by 40,000 Turkish troops since 1974.

[04] Mr Talat accuses the EU of failing to understand the problem of Cyprus, the people of which are under the yoke of Turkish occupation for 31 years.

[05] The European Parliament Postponed debate on the Additional Protocol to the end of September.

[06] Two cars belonging to Greek Cypriots were burned during the religious ceremony at the church of Ayios Mamas of occupied Morfou.

[07] A Turkish best-known novelist Pamuk will be tried on charge of insulting Turkeys national character.

[08] Hundreds of artists to take part in Music Festival in the isolated by Greek Cypriots occupied part of Cyprus.

[09] Azeri President Aliyev claims that he ignored Greeces diplomatic note and a letter sent to him by President Papadopoulos on the direct flight between Tympou-Azerbaijan.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist wonders whether Mr Talat will approve the appointment of a man who has been wanted by Interpol, as representative of the pseudostate in Baku.

[11] The Turkish government is urged to investigate reports about a death list of 250 intellectuals.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statement by the Turkish Prime Minister before leaving for Rome and Como

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''Turkey is getting prepared for the negotiation process that is going to start on October 3rd. We have fulfilled all necessary requirements. We do not accept any other things after this stage. The only timetable before us is the October 3rd negotiation process.''

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure for Italy on Thursday, Erdogan said, ''I will take part in two activities which will be held by the Mediterranean Laboratory Foundation in Naples and Ambrosetti think-tank organization in Como. I will be decorated with the 'Europe Institutions Award' in Naples. The Foundation is an international communication institution which aims to develop security through dialogue and cooperation among cultures in the Mediterranean basin.''

''Before I proceed to Como, I will meet Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi,'' he added.

''We will assess the recent situation and developments prior to the October 3rd negotiation process,'' he noted.

Erdogan said: ''I will attend the forum which will be held by Ambrosetti think-tank organization in Como. I will participate in meetings which will be held within the scope of the forum between September 2nd and 3rd.''

''I will attend a session on energy problems of the world on September 2nd and convey Turkey's views and policies regarding the issue. I will return to Turkey on September 3rd,'' he added.

When a reporter said, ''first messages are coming from Newport. In general, it is stated that Turkey should meet requirements of additional protocol. How do you assess this?'', Erdogan said: ''Our attitude is clear about this issue. Turkey has met all necessary requirements. At the moment we are getting prepared for the October 3rd negotiation process.''

In statements after arriving in Italy the Turkish Prime Minister referred to the developments after Turkey�s declaration by which it rendered void its signing of the Additional Protocol.

Turkish MILLIYET newspaper (internet version 02.09.05) quotes Mr Erdogan to have said that nothing of what is going on at the moment on the issue binds Turkey.

He added: Our position is clear. We did what we had to before and after 17 December. At the moment we are preparing for 3 October. We did what should be done for 3 October as well and there is no question of accepting the developments from now on.

[02] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister before leaving for the Newport informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said that Turkey was expecting that the EU would start accession talks on 3 October. Gul made a statement and responded to questions at Esenboga Airport before he flew to the United Kingdom to attend the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Gul reminded that the EU summit held on 17 December 2004 had decided to start negotiations with Turkey and defined two steps that should be taken by Turkey, including enactment of six laws and inclusion of all the EU-member states in the scope of the Ankara Treaty. Gul said: "Turkey has fulfilled its obligations meticulously and conscientiously. Now, Turkey expects that the EU-member states will honor the promise they made in the agreement signed on 17 December."

Pointing out that the EU foreign ministers' meeting would be crucial for assessment of the process, Gul stated that he would express Turkey's opinions about Turkish-EU relations and other issues concerning the EU during meetings he will hold with his counterparts. Gul went on saying: "We have heard various views and speculation recently. I will have the opportunity to explain Turkey's opinions and arguments in response to those statements. Turkey has acted honestly right from the very beginning. It acted openly and transparently and satisfied all the objective criteria, which was confirmed by the Commission clearly. The President of the Commission frankly has said on various occasions that Turkey fulfilled its obligations. Now we expect that the framework document will be approved and the negotiations will start on 3 October."

Gul noted that the government and the Foreign Ministry had undertaken a variety of analyses, which, he said, helped them explain Turkey's arguments.

Gul said that the undersecretary and the undersecretary of the Ministry had visited all the EU-member states and shared technical details with their officials, adding that he would share Turkey's opinions with his counterparts in the United Kingdom.

Gul emphasized that "nobody should attempt to use Turkey for political purposes" and vowed not to permit attempts designed to exploit Turkey.

Responding to a question as to whether or not Turkey extended diplomatic recognition to the Greek Cypriot Administration by signing the Additional Protocol, Gul said that Turkey had acted honestly during the process and was now waiting the other side to act honestly.

Gul underscored that they would definitely not accept any attempt to exploit some issues despite Turkey's sincere stance, adding that Turkey had pursued a strategy based on doing its part during the process of accession to the EU. Pointing out that all the EU leaders had affixed their signatures to the document containing those objective criteria agreed unanimously and that those leaders were still in power, Gul went on saying: "Now that we have fulfilled our obligations, we have very expectations. If an attempt is made to exploit the situation, it could not be concealed and everybody would notice that. We would never allow our position to be exploited. I want to emphasize that clearly. I will share this with all my colleagues from the United Kingdom, which is the current holder of EU presidency, and other countries during this visit."

Replying a question about calls for opening up Turkish ports and airports to the Greek Cypriot Administration, Gul noted that the ports were a part of the services sector. He said: "Turkey has not become a full member. Expectations from the full members and those which are in the process of negotiations are different. Thus, there are certain things concerning the services sector and there are conditions requiring free movement of individuals. They should all be considered separately. Everybody is aware of the meaning of the customs union."

Pointing out that the customs union agreement was in force since its conclusion, Gul commented: "Thus, nobody should attempt to use Turkey for political purposes. Nobody should attempt to exploit Turkey. Nevertheless, if there are objective conditions that must be fulfilled by Turkey, they can be discussed and we actually discussed them. We believe that they have all been fulfilled and documented on 17 December."

Responding to a question about Turkey's role in the meeting held by Israeli and Pakistani foreign ministers in Istanbul, Gul said that both sides had made necessary statements, adding that the meeting had been held in response to requests received from both countries. Gul noted that Turkey had played a role as a catalyst in the process.

[03] Mr Talat calls on the EU to ensure the unity of Cyprus which is kept divided by 40,000 Turkish troops since 1974

Asked whether he is concerned about the developments that will occur after 3 October, Talat asserts that despite the fact that he is currently not concerned, it is possible to see that intensive pressure is being imposed on Turkey prior to 3 October. Stressing that "Turkey will certainly commence negotiations with the EU on 3 October," Talat says: "There is no doubt about this, because the decision that was reached on 17 December does not enable the EU to avoid holding negotiations with Turkey. Despite this however, it has already become clear that serious pressure will be imposed on Turkey after 3 October. The recognition of Cyprus -- the recognition of a Cyprus that does not include the Turkish Cypriots - is impossible from Turkey's standpoint. I do not believe that they can insist on such a demand. The EU is also aware of this. The EU is also aware that such a demand runs counter to the UN Security Council resolutions -- or at least, this is what we think. Therefore, it is impossible to demand from Turkey to recognize a Cyprus Republic that does not include the Turkish Cypriots. Other than this, pressure is and will be imposed on Turkey to open its air and sea ports to the ships and planes of the Greek Cypriot Administration. And as far as I know, this is a political issue. Similar to the way that the Greek Cypriot Administration has declared our sea and air ports closed, Turkey had also closed its ports to the Greek Cypriot Administration. Both decisions are political. The honorable Gul had proposed to mutually remove all limitations. Within this framework, Turkey has already announced that it is willing to remove the limitations. We also share and support this view. It should be known that if Turkey opens its sea and air ports, this will contradict the Council of Europe's 26 April 2004 decision to the effect that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots will be removed because the opening of the ports will intensity the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. I believe that it is impossible to do this by making use of Turkey. Therefore I do not look at the future with concern. The Cyprus issue will certainly appear on the agenda constantly after Turkey commences negotiations. Maybe this way, the EU as an institution as well as the EU countries individually will be able to understand how important it is to resolve the Cyprus issue in the way that we emphasize. And this way, the pressure for the solution of the Cyprus issue -- and these pressures should certainly be imposed on the Greek Cypriot side -- will be imposed on the Greek Cypriot side. These are my expectations. Therefore, if we display a determined stand, I do not foresee any dangers. We are right. We should be more flexible where issues that we are not right are concerned, but we should adopt a firm stand where issues that we are right are concerned. We do not have any hesitations in this regard."

Urged to comment on whether or not Turkey will open its ports if the Greek Cypriots open their air and sea ports to the Turkish Republic, Talat explains that to this end the Greek Cypriot Administration withdraws its declaration to the effect that the ports in northern Cyprus are closed. In return, Turkey may also assess to remove or to soften the boycott, says Talat adding: "The best solution is the integral solution of the Cyprus issue. If such a solution were found, we would not have to discuss these issues in vain. And everyone knows that the Turkish side is not responsible for this."

Asked whether he is ready to display a flexible approach, Talat underlines the solution of the Cyprus issue is imperative for ensuring that Turkey acts comfortably during the negotiation process and for eliminating the problems and the dangers posed by the Cyprus problem. "We have therefore stressed that we are ready to negotiate and to display a flexible stand," notes Talat, adding that they have already announced that they are in favor of the resumption of the negotiations after the Greek Cypriot side submits the changes that it wants to make in the Annan plan.

Asked to comment on the strategy that will be pursued, Talat emphasizes that "given that the process is dynamic, it is impossible to adopt a static stand." It is true that we basically aim at finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue and it is true that the Annan plan constitutes the basis of such a solution, but we should also be ready to hold talks on other issues, for example the removal of the isolations, says Talat, adding: "It is of utmost importance that we constantly repeat our position in order to ensure that the entire world understands that the Turkish Cypriot side is in favor of a solution and that it supports the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue." We also want to ensure that the UN Security Council no longer claims that the Turkish Cypriot side does not want to resolve the problem," stresses Talat.

The UN Security Council notes that the Cyprus problem exists and there it is impossible to ignore this problem just because the EU has enabled the membership of half of Cyprus -- the Greek Cypriot side, underlines Talat, adding: "It is true that the fact that Turkey does not recognize the Cyprus republic -- a republic that has become an EU member -- is an anomaly, but the reason for this anomaly is not Turkey. The reason behind this anomaly is not the Turkish Cypriots, either. The reason behind the anomaly is the fact that an island that has not been united has become an EU member. Therefore, the EU should ensure the unity of the island. The EU should not support the Greek Cypriots' efforts to receive confirmation to its membership as if it is appropriate." Talat asserts that the pressure that will be imposed on Turkey within the framework of the negotiations will further delay the solution of the problem.

Asked whether he has changed his mind about these issues after becoming "president," Talat stresses that he has realized that he was right about the views he expressed when he was in the opposition were right.

[04] Mr Talat accuses the EU of failing to understand the problem of Cyprus, the people of which are under the yoke of Turkish occupation for 31 years

''Asking Turkey to recognize the 'Republic of Cyprus' (Greek Cypriot Administration) in which Turkish Cypriots are not represented means that the EU has not understood what Cyprus problem is'', TRNC PM Mehmet Ali Talat said on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with A.A correspondent, Talat said: 'It was abnormal for Turkey not to recognize an EU member country, but this abnormality is caused by the EU, which admitted a country without solving its problem.''

''A divided country, the leader of which supports division, has been admitted within the EU; i.e. a country which is not European is included in the EU. That's the problem,'' said Talat.

Talat stressed that ''Turkey would not recognize the 'Republic of Cyprus' --as it is. Because, there are not any Turkish Cypriot in this entity. And, it is not a legitimate state since it doesn't comprise Turkish Cypriots. The EU had to admit the 'Republic of Cyprus' as a member after Cyprus reunited and after it included the Turkish Cypriots.''

TRNC PM Talat emphasized that Turkey would recognize only a newly-established ''Cyprus Republic'' and after the Cyprus problem was solved.

Talat said that the EU should honor Turkish Cypriots who was complying with the UN Security Council resolutions, and not the Greek Cypriots who don't.

Touching on the manoeuvres to force Turkey to lift measures it took against the Greek Cypriot administration, Talat said that such a move would only increase the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and harm the economy of TRNC, concludes A.A.

[05] The European Parliament Postponed debate on the Additional Protocol to the end of September

The European Parliament has postponed the debate and vote on the additional protocol signed by Turkey and decided to hold them in September.

At the EU summit on December 17th, 2004, the EU Council decided to open negotiations with Turkey on October 3rd after Turkey fulfilled several certain conditions.

Turkey fulfilled those conditions by signing the additional protocol on July 29th extending the Customs Union to cover all new member states.

Also, Turkey said that it did not recognize the ''Republic of Cyprus'' in an additional declaration.

The European Parliament was expected to debate the additional protocol in its regular meeting in Strasbourg next week but the debates were postponed to September 26th.

[06] Two cars belonging to Greek Cypriots were burned during the religious ceremony at the church of Ayios Mamas of occupied Morfou

HALKIN SESI, in its front page under the title Two vehicles were burned during the religious ceremony, reports that while the Greek Cypriots were attending the religious ceremony at Ayios Mamas two Greek Cypriot cars were burned in the parking place outside the church. The paper also adds that the arson of the cars caused suspicions

On the same issue, AFRIKA paper reports that although the citizens believe that this was an act of arson, the occupation police said in a statement that the fire was caused due to a mechanical problem with the car, specifically that the fire was started at short circuit in the cars roof lights and later the fire spread to the vehicle, which was near. It is said in the police statement that although the cars were burned partly, they could not be used. The paper also added that during last years pilgrimage there was a bomb attack at the church.

YENIDUZEN paper, in its front page under the title Peace to the faith, reports that the Turkish Cypriots received the Greek Cypriots with flowers. Despite the sad incident of the arson of two Greek Cypriot cars, the paper adds, the so-called Minister of Interior Ozkan Murat, who went immediately to the place of the incident, stated that the two Greek Cypriots will be compensated for their car damages, adding that this incident should not cast a shadow over the pilgrimage.

[07] A Turkish best-known novelist Pamuk will be tried on charge of insulting Turkeys national character

When Orhan Pamuk was quoted in a Swiss paper as saying that only he had dared to say that Turkey killed 30,000 Kurds and a million Armenians, an investigation was begun regarding the issue by the Public Prosecutors Office of Sisli district. As a result of the investigation, a public trial was opened on 30 June 2005 against Pamuk demanding his imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years according to the new Turkish Penal Code 301/1.

[08] Hundreds of artists to take part in Music Festival in the isolated by Greek Cypriots occupied part of Cyprus

North Cyprus is hosting world�s cream of the cream� of classical music, opera and outstanding virtuosos of jazz and dance between September the 9th until October the 16th at breathtaking atmosphere of historical venues such as Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais Abbey and Salamis Antique Theatre. The festival�s gala concert will be at the Kyrenia Castle on the 9th of September featuring `Carmina Burana� followed by Mozart�s `Requiem� on 11 September� at Bellapais Abbey and at Salamis Antique Theatre on 18 September Jose Carreras, the virtuoso of virtuosos, will be on the stage with Izmir State Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Gimanez.

The 3rd International North Cyprus Music Festival is co-organized by North Cyprus Music Association and Ministry of Economy and Tourism; sponsored supported and contributed by Ministry of National Education and Culture, embassy of Turkey, the Colony Hotel, Cyprus media Group, Siemens, Deniz Plaza, Inter Gaz, Tekser Ltd.. Eve and Ramiz Manyera, Near East University, Aspen Ltd., Hotel Bellapais Gardens, Kosezade Turizm, Kybele Restaurant and The Abbey Bell Tower Restaurant.

Some 300 artists from `TRNC� (occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus), Turkey, USA, Russia, France, Spain, Ukraine and Azerbaiajan will take stage in eleven concerts at the Third International North Cyprus

Music Festival during five weeks of `golden age of art and culture� at best season of the island.

[09] Azeri President Aliyev claims that he ignored Greeces diplomatic note and a letter sent to him by President Papadopoulos on the direct flight between Tympou-Azerbaijan

Mr Aliyev, who spoke to HURRIYETs editor-in-chief Tufan Turenc, stated that he was not concerned about the pressure put on Azerbaijan as regards the issue of the TRNC.

Following is the part of Mr Aliyevs interview as regards the issue of the direct flight:

Question: Have any pressures from any place been put on you when you announced your decision to start the flights and when you have started them?

Answer: There were pressures but I do not see them as pressures. Because no one can put pressure on us. Therefore lets call them reactions. The first reaction came from Greece. They called our ambassador and gave him a diplomatic note. But we did not pay attention to it. After this, the President of the Greek Cypriots sent me a letter. I received it and put it aside without even looking at it.

Question: Was the sender Papadopoulos?

(Aliyev gave a meaningful answer which I did not expect at all)

Answer: I do not know. I do not even remember his name.

Question: When have you decided to take this step?

Answer: Last year I said Azerbaijan will take step in order to lift the isolation in Cyprus. The Media did not believe my words, and in addition made a lot of criticism. But I stuck to my promises. Now, the other Turkish Republics must follow this step. Now, it is their turn.

Question: Will more steps follow this step?

Answer: We will do what we can. Because we believe that Cyprus must be rescued from the isolation. The injustice must be ended. Let those who said no to be punished. However, those who said yes are punished. This is impossible to be understood. This is unacceptable.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist wonders whether Mr Talat will approve the appointment of a man who has been wanted by Interpol, as representative of the pseudostate in Baku

The TRNC people will be forced to pay for the trip of Denktas family to Azerbaijan plus the businessmen and the journalists! Remember that in the statements before setting out on the trip, it had been said that the aim was to break the isolations on the TRNC.

The truth came up when they arrived in Azerbaijan. If there was such a thing what could be the reason behind putting the army of the journalists and the rest on the plane and taking them to Azerbaijan? Little Serdar is canny. He knows very well that his partner cannot say anything about it. He says yes to their (demands) and they say yes to his. They have made a trip full of heroic speeches together with the army of journalists. And they will take the expenses of this trip from the neck of the TRNC people!

This is their first benefit. The second is that they will make a lot of advertising of the father Denktas. After this trip we learned another thing as well. They say that Erhan Arikli has been the representative of the TRNC in Baku! Talat said that there was not something official yet. However, he gave no positive or negative sign on the issue whether or not he will sign it if it comes before him.

Erhan Arikli was at some point a name in the list of those wanted by Interpol. First he has been writing in KIBRISLI newspaper which took a stand by the side of the army. Afterwards he was transferred to VOLKAN newspaper. The things that he wrote for us are still in the archives. He has been burning by the desire of subjecting us to five times worse tortures than the ones which Hitler regarded to be suitable for the Jews in Nazi Germany. He was dreaming of bringing us in front of him and putting out his cigarette on our body. He was dreaming of burning our flesh and putting salt in it, of putting boiling eggs in our armpits, of beating us a lot, of using us as boxing bag when getting up in the morning and felt like exercising. And when we would beg for dying he was dreaming to take us to the nearest unit of the Turkish army and hand us over to the army to arrange us.

While he was writing in the papers he was appointed as teacher in one of our universities. According to the holders of the regime, the students should be benefited from this wide knowledge of his! He is a man of Serdar Denktas. Now his name is mentioned for the representation of the TRNC in Baku. I do not know whether or not Talat will approve it. However, even the thought of this is frightening. Let me say from now congratulations to the administration of the TRNC!

[11] The Turkish government is urged to investigate reports about a death list of 250 intellectuals

A few months ago, a "death-list of 250 intellectuals" was cited in the magazine Aksiyon. It was claimed that such a list existed.

The magazine, writing that some of the people listed had been killed, did not publish the list of those intellectuals who were to be killed, but only gave the name of Mehmed Uzun.

According to the magazine, Mehmed Uzun was at the top of the death-list. Who was Mehmed Uzun? A well-known literary figure who had lived for many years in Sweden and written novels in Kurdish and Turkish. A balanced and responsible person, who remained distant from day-to-day politics by saying he was a man of literature.

Without going into too many details, let me note the latest novel on which he has been working: It deals with a German professor who took refuge in Turkey during the Second World War, and who wrote a book here.

These rumors emerged just as Mehmed Uzun was on the Aegean shore working on his latest novel.

"He was confronted with people saying "There is evidently a death-list. They are reportedly going to kill you. What do you say to this?"

Thereupon, he was obliged to leave his country, which he loves very much, and return to Sweden.

In yesterday's HURRIYET newspaper, there was a lengthy interview with Uzun by my friend Dogan Hizlan.

In this interview, Uzun said the same things: "I am a man of literature. I have nothing to do with day-to-day politics." And he said regarding this list that, since he did not know any more than the public rumors, he could not make any statement.

Just what is this list? Who supposedly drew it up, and who got a copy of it? There is an extremely serious, even grave, allegation being made: After all, what is this about the killing of 250 intellectuals?

What I am now waiting for is for the state to do its duty and investigate the issue.

I am also providing here my proposed list of questions for the Prime Minister:

Is the report that appeared in Aksiyon magazine true?

What have the Ministries of Justice and of Internal Affairs done regarding this grave allegation?

Has information been sought from the person who prepared the report?

Is the claim of a 250-person death-list accurate?

If it is, what are the other names on the list?

At what stage is the investigation regarding the individuals said already to have been killed?

What domestic and foreign authorities have been contacted in this regard?

The matter should be elucidated without delay. The long period of summer and winter hibernation in Turkey has even been ignoring an allegation as important as this one. But one can see that Le Figaro has put the item into a headline.

There should be no doubt but that the world is going to pay a good deal more attention to this. In what country does a magazine claim that 250 intellectuals are to be murdered meet with this degree of silence?

I am awaiting a response from the Prime Minister and the other relevant ministers.

/SK

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