Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-01-25

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Foreign Minister announced an Action Plan for Cyprus.

[02] Replies by Gul to questions on the Action Plan.

[03] Mr Talat�s reaction to the Action Plan.

[04] KIBRIS: EU Commission has welcomed Turkey�s initiative on Cyprus.

[05] Lagendijk: You should positively evaluate the proposals.

[06] The General Secretary of the Turkish National Security Council called on the US to support the Action Plan.

[07] How the Turkish Press covered Gul�s Action Plan.

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Guls Action Plan.

[09] Mr Erdogan expects implementation of a UN report while Turkey refuses for 31 years to implement mandatory UN Security Council decisions on Cyprus.

[10] Jack Straw arrived in Cyprus.

[11] Serdar Denktas met with Maurer and Moller.

[12] Culling of poultry continues in occupied Makrasyka.

[13] More than one million birds culled in Turkey.

[14] A new damage at the power station near occupied Klepini.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Foreign Minister announced an Action Plan for Cyprus

Following is Mr Gul�s opening statement.

It has become obvious that 2006 will witness a series of important developments affecting global peace, security and stability. In this respect, the regions surrounding Turkey will continue to be the centre stage of world politics.

The way the international community is going to face the existing and emerging challenges and opportunities in this geography will shape, to a large degree, the future of coming generations.

At this crucial point, Turkey feels itself well-placed to substantially contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes and addressing these challenges. Given its multi-faceted attributes, including a strategic geographic location, an unparalleled economic dynamism and an impressive social vitality, Turkey is indeed well-equipped to make a positive impact at this important moment in history.

Progress towards EU membership and the comprehensive reforms undertaken recently to further enhance democracy have also increased our ability to contribute to the security and stability of our region. We will continue with the reform process.

In this context, our approach to all these issues unfolding around us derives from the same fundamental objective: to generate peaceful environment and stability in our wider region. We strive to establish a culture of cooperation that seeks to resolve the problems through a win-win approach. One may find many examples that confirm this approach in practice. But today, I will dwell upon only one specific matter of great significance, namely the Cyprus issue, and inform you about a new initiative we launch to contribute to the peace and stability in the island. Why Cyprus, and why now? The developments of 2005 have once again shown to all of us that the absence of a settlement in Cyprus is, first of all, contrary to the interests of both peoples on the Island. It has become obvious that the current status quo works against the interests of all, including the EU and the parties to the problem themselves.

So, priority should be given to finding a comprehensive settlement which would be lasting and just. Our Government maintains its conviction in that regard. Such a settlement in Cyprus under the good-offices mission of the UN Secretary- General was within reach in 2004 and we believe that it is still attainable.

However, as the international community witnessed closely, despite the encouragements and best efforts of the Turkish side, the developments last year did not give the UN Secretary-General sufficient ground to re-launch a new phase of the negotiation process, which would bring about the comprehensive settlement. The impasse seems to be continuing. But, we have noted with satisfaction that the UN Secretary-General remains engaged with the issue, and that he is prepared to re-launch the process once the conditions are suitable.

Nevertheless, the prevailing conditions should not deter us from taking concrete steps forward, which are aimed at improving the overall atmosphere in the region. Implemented in good faith, these mutually complementary measures could also pave the way for re-launching of the UN negotiation process aiming at a comprehensive settlement.

Today I wish to inform you that we are coming forward with a new initiative to show once again our commitment to this objective. The Action Plan is as follows: "The UN Secretary-General is kindly invited to consider holding consultations with the parties concerned with a view to implementing the Action Plan, the main elements of which are outlined below:

Opening of the sea ports of Turkey to Greek Cypriot vessels serving the trade of goods in accordance with the EC-Turkey Customs Union.

Allowing Greek Cypriot air carriers to use the Turkish air space for over-flights and to land at the Turkish airports in accordance with relevant international rules and procedures.

Opening of the ports in North Cyprus, including Gazimagosa (occupied Famagusta), Girne (occupied Kyrenia), and Gemikonak (occupied Karavostassi) to international traffic of goods, persons and services under Turkish Cypriot management.

Opening of Ercan (occupied Tymbou) airport for direct flights under the Turkish Cypriot management.

Special arrangements for the practical inclusion of North Cyprus, as an economic entity, into the European Union's customs union. Unhindered direct trade between both sides of the Island as well as with the outside world.

Participation of the Turkish Cypriot side in international sports, cultural and other social activities.

We propose the following procedural steps for the implementation:

A high level meeting is to be convened not later than May/June 2006 under the auspices of the UN with the participation of Turkey, Greece, the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side with a view to finalizing the draft action plan which will be implemented as an integrated whole within an agreed time frame.

The action plan and outcome of the meeting are to be submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the UN Security Council. The UN Secretary- General may wish to establish a mechanism to keep the implementation of the plan under review, with a view to regularly reporting any development to the Security Council.

The assistance, particularly to the Turkish Cypriot side, of the UN and the EU Commission will help facilitate the implementation of the proposed measures.

The action plan will, in no way, prejudice legal and political positions of the parties concerned. It is aimed at bringing about an environment of cooperation and mutual trust with a comprehensive settlement perspective to the Cyprus issue.

Turkey remains committed to efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the framework of UN Secretary-General's mission of good offices and on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's settlement plan. Turkey earnestly hopes that an agreement on the comprehensive settlement will be reached in 2006."

We propose an Action Plan to be adopted and implemented as a whole. The essence of this proposal is the elimination of all restrictions for both sides in Cyprus, providing substantial benefits to all parties and promoting socio-economic development by reducing disparities.

The Action Plan is not a substitute for a mutually acceptable political solution. The fundamental objective remains a comprehensive settlement. Yet, this initiative has a strong potential to bring about a process that would facilitate a comprehensive settlement.

Neither does our proposal prejudice the respective legal and political positions of the relevant parties concerned. I wish to emphasize this point in particular.

The proposed Action Plan is based on the main idea of rapprochement amongst all. It is so devised that the relevant parties take mutual and complementary steps towards each other, gradually creating an environment of mutual trust and cooperation. The new initiative has been built on the premises laid down by our suggestions of 30 May 2005.

Under the Action Plan, Turkish sea ports and airports will be opened to Greek Cypriot sea vessels and air carriers. Likewise the sea ports and the airport in North Cyprus will be opened to international traffic.

The practical arrangements should envisage, under an established time-table, the removal of all obstacles to the free movement of goods, persons and services, including restrictions on means of transport. They should also provide the two sides in Cyprus with the perspective of economic integration within the EU customs union.

In the proposed Action Plan the UN Secretary-General is kindly invited to consider the Plan and take the lead. We also suggest the convening of a high level meeting under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and with the participation of both sides in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece for the implementation of the Action Plan. The new proposals that I announce today might well be the first step in that direction.

This new initiative also conforms with the repeated calls and expectations of the international community; particularly as expressed by the UN Secretary-General in his report of 28 May 2004, the resolution of the EU Council of 26 April 2004, and various resolutions of the EU Parliament, the OIC and the Council of Europe, made after the referenda, with a view to integrating the Turkish Cypriots with the world.

In short, the Action Plan provides an improved environment of trust and economic development in which concerned parties can work together towards a settlement. We sincerely hope that Turkey's package of proposals will be received and examined positively by the relevant parties.

[02] Replies by Gul to questions on the Action Plan

Question: Before this statement of yours there had been some information that this has been shared with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Firstly with which international partners have you shared this proposal until now (UN Secretary-General, the USA, the EU) and what are the impressions you have got regarding the package?

Answer: The entire international community knows actually that we exert efforts for the solution. As you remember, the policy of our government is being one step forward for the solution. Therefore, everybody knows that we are exerting efforts. We submitted this action plan only to the UN Secretary-General Mr Anan on the 20th of this month through our permanent representative. He said that he was pleased about it and that he would study it carefully. The content of this plan has not been shared with anyone else. However, we always say at the meetings that this problem must not remain frozen in the Eastern Mediterranean and that it prevents the cooperation in the EU and in some regional and international issues. Therefore, it is known that we are exerting efforts to solve it and that we have shared many views we have regarding this issue. However, this text has been only given to the UN Secretary-General Mr Anan and he said that he would study it carefully.

Question: This action plan you have shared with the UN seems like a more detailed form of your initiative of May 2005. That initiative had been evaluated, especially by the Greek Cypriot side, as unacceptable initiative. I wonder if you expect the Greek Cypriots to change their position and what will happen so that the Greek Cypriots change their stance?

Answer: As you said the main source of the ideas is based on the proposals we have made before, but here we have very concrete steps, proposals and a timetable. And there is also a mechanism so that it is followed up closely. Therefore, it is very detailed. My dear friends, undoubtedly the solution could not be found unilaterally. It happens with the reconciliation between the sides. I have just said that the fact that this issue remains frozen in the Eastern Mediterranean creates some problems. Our wish is for this action plan to prepare a good climate for a lasting solution to this problem, to create confidence and to bring the sides closer to a lasting solution. The lasting solution is to everybodys benefit. It is to the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots, Turkey, Greece and the EU. We wish the EU to be turned into a field of cooperation between Turkey, Greece and the whole of Cyprus. I hope that the Greek Cypriots will evaluate this, this time. This solution is to the benefit of everyone. Furthermore, it is a reality that the Greek Cypriots are those who until last year were complaining the most for the division of the island and exerted efforts for a solution. Therefore, undoubtedly here they will be passing from a sincerity test.

Question: You have given a timetable until May-June. If what we are expecting does not happen until May June and if no step is made, I wonder whether or not a new policy might be applied. For example, we might say that the Greek Cypriots have completely gone out from the course for reaching an overall solution and we now have the new policy of the recognition of the TRNC.

Answer: Time will show. We shall see all together. Saying something from now would not be correct. In diplomacy, as you know, some times a very short period seems very long and the long periods seem short. Therefore, some alternatives exist, but our sincere wish is the overall solution of this problem, which is permanent, which will be satisfying both sides and which is viable and in harmony with the realities of the Island. As you know the centre for finding it is the UN. It will be under the initiative of the UN. No other organization or location can make this happen. From this point of view, we trust again here the leadership of the UN Secretary General.

Question: With this action plan it seems that you somehow are putting conditions for the opening of the ports of Turkey to the Greek Cypriots. However, the EU expects Turkey to do this unconditionally and without any discussions in 2006. Are you thinking of having any consultations with the EU and do you think that this action could be accepted as it is?

Answer: The EU is one issue, and Cyprus, the solution of this chronic problem, is another issue. I definitely separate these into two parts. I want this to say to you here very clearly. The important thing from this point of view is an overall solution. Turkey has applied the results of the 17 December summit regarding this issue. It has signed the protocol, the customs union protocol. Of course this has timing. The European Parliament has not approved this. Within this timing, it will go to the Turkish Grand National Assembly and undoubtedly the last word belongs to the TGNA. We cannot say anything about the decision which the TGNA will take. Therefore, this is a completely different issue, but we are in search of an overall solution in the Island. Until now the Greek Cypriots are following a strategy wanting to get one by one the elements of the solution from the EU. This is known very well. We also know this. Do not forget how big problems the world and the EU will face within the next periods and how much cooperation will be needed for these problems. No one can imagine this. From this point of view the solution of the problems is important. We, as a reformist government, approach in the same sincere manner the solution of the problems around us and the contribution to the solution of these problems, in parallel to the effort of solving the problems in Turkey.

Question: Has Turkey left any room for bargaining on this action plan? Do we want this to be discussed as a whole, or we have any margins for bargaining?

Answer: No, this is not a product for which you will sit one opposite the other and bargain to sell it. This is an action plan we propose. The elements of this plan are in harmony with the principles of the EU and the report prepared by the UN Secretary- General. The language we use, the measures we have put forward, our proposals and even many expressions are included in the decisions of the EU, the UN Security Council and the Islamic Conference.

Question: You know that the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is going to Cyprus today and he will meet with President Talat at his office. The Greek Cypriot side has strongly reacted to this. Is there a reason from the point of view of the timing of your announcing this action plan now, before the contacts of Mr Straw to Cyprus and Ankara?

Answer: It has absolutely no relation. There are always coincidences in diplomacy. This is nothing else than a coincidence. Today the distances are very short. We can meet any time with anyone we want.

Question: Does this mean that the Turkish ports and airports will not be opened for the Greek Cypriots if this action plan is not accepted?

Answer: Everybody already knows that we as Turkey will not open unilaterally our ports.

Question: If the Greek Cypriot side accepts this plan unconditionally, will Turkey take the supplementary protocol to the Ankara Agreement to the TGNA for ratification?

Answer: I have spoken very clearly. I will repeat what I said. In return of the approval of this plan we are at any case opening our ports, airports and air space. I have said all these.

Question: The action plan refers to a timetable and that the first meeting should take place in May-June. The Greek Cypriots, however, are seriously opposing to the timetable for the procedure. Is the time table a sine qua non for this action plan?

Answer: This is something that shows how serious we are dealing with this issue, how much we want the solution, how sincere we are in this. Some issues must not remain on the air. One of the most important elements of this plan are the concrete steps and the timetable.

Question: You said that the sincerity of the Greek Cypriot side will be passing from a test. Essentially, the referendum of the Annan Plan was something where this sincerity was tested... Do you believe that some countries will make some steps for the Turkish Cypriots in case the Greek Cypriots fail in this sincerity test?

Answer: Undoubtedly. First of all, everyone, all countries must serve the solution. The sides must firstly serve the solution. If one of the sides does not serve the solution, I believe that the whole world will follow this closely. All countries are being briefed in details on the issue. After Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots do what they can and the other side does not do what it can, then nothing else will remain to be done. Kofi Annan told our permanent representative that he would study and evaluate it carefully and give his replyHe will study and evaluate it within a reasonable period of time.

I/Ts.

[03] Mr Talat�s reaction to the Action Plan

Mehmet Ali Talat, held a press conference this afternoon to evaluate the proposals read out by Mr Abdullah Gul.

Noting that the Turkish Foreign Ministrys new action plan is intended to overcome the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, Mr Talat said the package is an amalgamation of the proposals made by the international community in the past.

The document envisages a mutual simultaneous lifting of all restrictions in Cyprus he said, expressing the view that these will greatly contribute and trigger the efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem .

We as the Turkish Cypriot side have already spoken on this issue earlier, but it is clear only Turkey herself has the right of say on the opening of its sea ports to the Greek Cypriot registered vessels he said.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots knew the content of the package before it was announced, Mr Talat said the Turkish Cypriot side fully supports the plan and will try to fulfill its share of the package.

All the parties concerned should cooperate to put this Action Plan into practice, he said, adding that the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan should be expected to take suitable action to promote the initiative.

Answering a question on whether or not he will discuss with the British Foreign Secretary, the proposed quadripartite talks, Mr Talat said that as a guarantor power, Britain is also part of the process, and that that hed discuss the issue with Mr Straw tomorrow.

[04] KIBRIS: EU Commission has welcomed Turkey�s initiative on Cyprus

In his written statement Mr. Ollie Rehn said:

The Commission welcomes efforts to achieve progress in the current deadlock with regard to the Cyprus problem. The status quo is in no-one�s interest. Turkey�s initiative announced today by Foreign Minister Gul deserves careful examination and I have asked my services to do so. I understand it is intended as a basis for further discussion with the concerned parties, under the auspices of the United Nations. The Commission is ready to contribute to such a discussion.

By signing the Additional Protocol in July 2005, Turkey has made commitments towards the EU and all its Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, and is expected to meet them fully.

The EU has in April 2004 made the commitment to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Commission made proposals to this end and hopes that the Council will soon take a decision on this basis.

In line with its long-standing position, the Commission remains fully committed to supporting a resumption of UN-led talks for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue as soon as possible.

(MHY)

[05] Lagendijk: You should positively evaluate the proposals

In his written statement, Lagendijk said that after reading Ankara�s proposals, he has found them positive. He called on the EU and the Greek Cypriots to evaluate them positively.

He said that he had considered the proposals as an important and positive developments.

The proposal is open and clear it is a good basis for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, Mr Lagendijk said.

[06] The General Secretary of the Turkish National Security Council called on the US to support the Action Plan

Turkish National Security Council (MGK) Secretary-General Yigit Alpogan said on Tuesday that if the United States supported Turkey's comprehensive action plan about Cyprus, it would be a nice gesture.

Speaking at a meeting at the Washington Institute, Alpogan, who is currently paying an official visit to the United States upon invitation of Stephen Hadley, assistant to President George W. Bush for National Security Affairs, said: "The plan which was announced earlier today by Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul is an effort to go back to normal. We expect a response from all relevant sides."

Referring to the recent developments in Iraq, Alpogan said: "According to the Iraqi Constitution, Kirkuk's future will be determined in a referendum in 2007. Turkey has been supporting a united, democratic and independent Iraq from the very beginning."

Highlighting the importance of a broad-base government in Iraq, Alpogan said: "Efforts are under way in Kirkuk to settle people from different regions in the town. Such a referendum in 2007 will damage Iraq's territorial integrity. It is a quite sensitive issue. Turkey is not opposed to the referendum, but everyone in Iraq should join it."

Alpogan expressed Turkey's concerns that the United States had still not taken action against presence of the terrorist organization PKK in northern Iraq.

Upon questions about Iran, Alpogan said: "The borders between Turkey and Iran have not changed since 1639. There have been good relations between the two countries for a long time. However, we do not want Iran to gain a capacity of nuclear weapons. We support efforts to find a solution to the problem through diplomatic ways."

Alpogan refrained from responding a question whether Israel had been preparing to attack Iran.

Highlighting the importance of keeping the communication channels open in relations with Syria, Alpogan said: "Our efforts are in parallel with the international community. Turkish Foreign Minister Gul has proposed Syria to try five Syrian suspects in Turkey in connection with killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri."

Stressing that they attached great importance to relations with the United States, Alpogan said that those relations did not contradict with relations with the EU.

[07] How the Turkish Press covered Gul�s Action Plan

AKSAM reports it under the title Cyprus Offensive.

SABAH in its turn reports under the title: Cyprus Offensive from Ankara and Subtitle, Turkey has accepted opening of its ports and airports on condition that isolations imposed on the TRNC are removed.

SABAH also publishes a criticism launched by opposition True Path Party leader Mr Mehmet Agar who said that the Action Plan announced by the government is misleading and it is aimed at Pulling the wool over peoples eyes so that the government could pass the Additional Protocol from the Turkish Grand National Assembly without the declaration.

MILLIYET reports under the title: Sincerity test to the Greek Cypriots and gives the Action Plan announced by Mr Gul.

In its turn HURRIYET report under the title addressing the Greek Cypriots If you do not comply with the Plan we will not open the ports.

Turkish private TV channel NTV (24.01.06) asked former Ambassador and Foreign Minister Ilter Turkmen about his assessment regarding the Action Plan. The former diplomat said that the government did not properly prepare the ground for this Plan. He branded it a public diplomacy and said: Yes the Turkish diplomats submitted it to Annan but it seems that the ground is not prepared.

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Guls Action Plan

Under the title Four-party meeting until June, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper writes that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul presented yesterday in a press conference an Action Plan consisting of ten articles. Mr Gul, who noted that the developments in 2005 showed that the non- solution of the Cyprus problem was not in the benefit of the two people in Cyprus, stated that their main priority is the finding of a permanent, just and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.

AFR0KA, under the title Operation for legitimisation of the TRNC by Gul , writes that the opening of the Tympou airport as well as the opening of the ports in Kyrenia, Famagusta and Karavostassi is demanded in the suggestion of the Turkish Action Plan in return for the opening of the airports and ports of Turkey to the Greek Cypriots. The paper also notes that Gul talked in his suggestion about Turkish Cypriot Administration.

The package has opened writes YENI DUZEN which notes that the Turkish initiatives which were expected for days were announced yesterday. The paper writes that the Action Plan is calling on the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to take up a new initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem and it demands the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots in order for Turkey to open its ports to Cyprus ships.

HALKIN SESI under the title Turkey has suggested a meeting for Cyprus until May writes that the Turkish Foreign Minister, asked if Turkey will open its ports in case its suggestions are rejected by the Greek Cypriot side, said that everybody knows that we will not open unilaterally our ports.

TRNC is over reports ORTAM in its first page and notes that the Turkish Prime Minister used the phrase Turkish Cypriot Administration and not TRNC at the announcement of the Turkish Action Plan yesterday.

VOLKAN, under the title �Lift the embargo and we will open the ports, publishes the proposals made yesterday by Turkey.

VATAN under the title Suggestion package from Ankara to the UN writes that Gul stated that their priority is the finding of a permanent, just and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.

CUMHURIYET publishes in its front page the proposals announced yesterday by Gul, under the title We are always a step ahead.

KIBRISLI publishes the news about the Turkish Plan, under the title The Turkish Action Plan which was presented by Turkey.

C/S

[09] Mr Erdogan expects implementation of a UN report while Turkey refuses for 31 years to implement mandatory UN Security Council decisions on Cyprus

"The UN Security Council has not adopted UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report (on Cyprus) yet. The Council should make a decision," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

Speaking at a Justice & Development Party (AKP) group meeting, Erdogan said: "Turkey has always supported fair and comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue."

"I had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, and we discussed lifting of isolation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus). Mr. Putin told me that the resolution of the Cyprus issue depends on the UN. However, Greek Cypriot administration tries to take up the issue on EU basis, not on UN basis," said Erdogan.

Erdogan noted that he would go to Davos town of Switzerland on January 26th and discuss the Cyprus issue with Annan and world leaders there.

[10] Jack Straw arrived in Cyprus

The British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived on the island today amid signs of protest coming from the Greek Cypriot side over the fact that he will be meeting President Mehmet Ali Talat at the Presidential Palace something the Greek Cypriot side has been trying to prevent.

Some organizations in the Greek Cypriot side are expected to stage protest demonstrations against Mr Jack Straws decision to meet President Talat at his official Presidential Office in Lefkosia.

The British Foreign Secretary will be received by President Mehmet Ali Talat tomorrow for a meeting that is expected to last up to an hour, sources told the BRT.

A joint statement will be issued afterwards.

[11] Serdar Denktas met with Maurer and Moller

The head of the European Union Force for the Turkish Cypriot Community - Leopold Maurer - today paid a visit to the Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktas.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Denktas said the fate of the EUs Direct Trade and Financial Assistance regulations for North Cyprus economy were high on the meetings agenda.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the government will always follow the developments concerning the promises of assistance made to the Turkish Cypriot People by the European Union in the past.

Pointing to the fact that the scope of the financial assistance promised is not so important, Mr Denktas noted however that the issue directly concerns the Turkish Cypriot people as the promised aid will be used for its development.

The Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktas today also met the UN Secretary- General Kofi Annans Special Representative for Cyprus Michael Moller.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Denktas stated that this was the first meeting he has had with Mr Moller after having been appointed as the Special Representative for Cyprus.

Also commenting on the international sports organization and competitions between the TRNC and Kyrgyzstan national teams, Mr Denktas called on the Turkish Cypriot People to watch the matches and support the friendship between the two countries.

He said the stronger relationship between the TRNC and Kyrgyzstan is taking root despite all kinds of obstacles created by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

This includes the visit to North Cyprus by the Kyrgyz Sports Minister and the Kyrgyz national sports teams, which, he said, marks an important development in itself.

Meanwhile the first basketball match between the TRNC and Kyrgyz National teams will take place in Girne (occupied Kyrenia) this evening.

[12] Culling of poultry continues in occupied Makrasyka

Authorities said Tuesday that preliminary testing showed that birds had died of a form of avian flu but test results had not yet shown whether it was the H5N1 strain of the virus. Samples from two birds were sent to labs in Turkey and Great Britain. A program of culling of poultry around the village of Incirli (occupied Makrasyka) near Famagusta, where the outbreak was reported was continuing on Tuesday.

Greek Cypriot officials also said Tuesday that they would begin culling free range poultry in an effort to limit the possible spread of the virus, concludes NTV.

[13] More than one million birds culled in Turkey

Thirteen provinces have confirmed outbreaks of avian flu, while another 28 of Turkeys 81 provinces have suspected outbreaks.

The latest culling figure stands at 1,107,000 birds throughout the country, the statement, issued Friday morning said.

According to the statement the number of provinces where outbreaks of avian influenza was confirmed still stood at 13. However, the number of provinces where there were unconfirmed outbreaks of avian flu had increased from 25 to 28 in the past 24 hours, the statement said.

[14] A new damage at the power station near occupied Klepini

As the paper writes, the 60 megawatts unit power station has stopped to operate because of holes in the pipes. The power station has only started to operate a few days ago after suffering severe damages.

(C/S)

/SK

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