Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-04-12

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ferdi Sabit Soyer comments on the opening of Varosha and Famagusta occupied port.

[02] Mr Bulent Arinc outlines the topics to be addressed at OIC meeting. Western Thrace and Cyprus among the issues.

[03] Barosso: The EU will keep the promises given to the Turkish Cypriots.

[04] The General Secretary of the UCP, Mr Izzet Izcan comments on the opening of the occupied port of occupied Famagusta in return for the closed city of Varosha.

[05] Figures about the forthcoming municipal elections in occupied Cyprus.

[06] Celebi Holdings is planning to construct a 5-star hotel in the occupied Kyrenia.

[07] The Turkish Foreign Minister to meet Condoleeza Rice in Sofia.

[08] US assists Turkey on Bingol operations.

[09] Court drops charges against four journalists on Armenian Conference issue.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ferdi Sabit Soyer comments on the opening of Varosha and Famagusta occupied port

Mr Soyer added that there were other more important issues on the self-styled governments agenda, such as the resumption of the Cyprus Negotiations process and the strengthening of the economy in the occupied areas.

Speaking during a visit paid to him today, Mr Soyer said that such reports were published as a result of the ongoing arguments and quarrels between the Cyprus Government and opposition.

Pointing out that the Turkish sides position on the issue was clear, Mr Soyer reminded that the Greek Cypriot side had rejected an earlier proposal made by `President� Mehmet Ali Talat calling for the lifting of the international `isolation� on the Turkish Cypriot people in exchange for the return of Maras (occupied Varosha).

Explaining that returning Maras (occupied Varosha) to the Cyprus Government was not on the agenda, Mr Soyer said that opening the Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta) Port to international trade was a matter related to the implementation of the EUs Direct Trade regulation.

Mr Soyer added that the publication of such misleading news in the face of increasing international attention towards the implementation of the EUs Direct Trade Regulation was expected.

[02] Mr Bulent Arinc outlines the topics to be addressed at OIC meeting. Western Thrace and Cyprus among the issues

Arinc said: "The meetings started on April 8th. Inauguration ceremony of the 4th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC will be held with participation of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and guest parliament speakers tomorrow, and will end on April 13th."

"A total of 436 people from 47 countries (including parliament speakers of 17 countries and 8 deputy parliament speakers) will attend the meetings. Also 48 foreign and 113 Turkish media members will follow the meetings," he added.

On the Cyprus problem Arinc added: "We have proposed suggestions to protect the rights of Muslim minority in Western Thrace and to lift isolations over the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). We asked for the support of PAOIC countries."

Mr Arinc stressed that the TRNC is still the observer of the conference under the name "Turkish Cypriot Muslim Society". He said: "We have launched various initiatives to change this name as 'Turkish Cypriot State'. I hope we will take a positive result, and `TRNC� will be supported."

Mr Arinc said a final declaration will be released after the conference. The Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Conference was established at an OIC conference held in Tehran in 1999. Its main objectives are introducing and disseminating the noble principles of Islam, with emphasis on the different aspects of its civilization, as well as enhancing and supporting the implementation of the Islamic principle of consultation (Shoora) in all OIC Member States, in accordance with the Constitution and circumstances of each member country. The union provides a framework for comprehensive and fruitful cooperation and coordination among parliaments of OIC members in international forums and organizations.

The union also stands for promoting meeting and dialogue among parliaments of OIC members and their deputies, exchanging parliamentary experience besides strengthening contacts, cooperation and coordination with other parliamentary, governmental and non governmental organizations. It strives for fostering coordination among peoples of the world in order to respect and defend human rights and humanitarian principles and establishment of peace, based on justice.

On the same issue illegal Bayrak television (11.04.06) broadcast that a `TRNC� delegation led by the Speaker of the self-styled Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu is to attend the meetings of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Istanbul.

Parliamentary Speakers from member countries will be discussing organizational issues and the latest developments within the international arena during the two-day meeting.

Mrs Fatma Ekenoglu is expected to address the opening session of the assembly tomorrow.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic in the territories of Cyprus occupied by 40,000 Turkish troops).

[03] Barosso: The EU will keep the promises given to the Turkish Cypriots

Mr Barosso made these statements answering a question addressed to him by Mr Murat Mercan, the head of the Turkish delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Mr Barosso stated that the EU will fulfil the promises it has given to the Turkish Cypriots and that the EU is expecting from all sides to help for the solution of the Cyprus problem, which has remained unsolved for a long time.

According to some diplomatic circles Barossos statement was a warning for the Greek Cypriots, writes the paper.

In addition the paper writes that Mr Ozdil Nami of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and Mr Huseyin Ozgurgun of the National Unity Party (UBP), the elected representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Community in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held contacts in Strasbourg with various European officials and representatives of EU member countries. Nami and Ozgurgun asked from the European officials for the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. The paper writes that the European officials stated that the openings towards the Turkish Cypriots must not be delayed even more.

The two men also had a meeting with the new raporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for Cyprus.

(C/S)

[04] The General Secretary of the UCP, Mr Izzet Izcan comments on the opening of the occupied port of occupied Famagusta in return for the closed city of Varosha

In a written statement issued, the Secretary General of the United Cyprus Party Mr 0zzet 0zcan said that those objecting to the opening of the Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta) Port for direct trade under EU supervision are in fact trying to maintain the current Status Quo in the north Cyprus and thus preventing a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Mr 0zcan added that the Turkish Cypriot Side should not object to returning Maras (occupied closed city Varosha) to its legal citizens, as this will enable the Turkish Cypriots to trade directly with the rest of the world through the Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta) Port.

Referring to recent practices of the police officers at the crossings-points, Mr 0zcan said such provocative and harsh actions were not aiding confidence building efforts between the two sides thus affecting negatively the prospects for a future settlement to the Cyprus problem.

[05] Figures about the forthcoming municipal elections in occupied Cyprus

As the paper writes, 28 self-styled mayors, 234 self-styled members of municipal councils, 237 self-styled heads of villages (muhtar) and 948 self-styled members of village councils will be elected at the elections, a total of 1437 persons.

(C/S)

[06] Celebi Holdings is planning to construct a 5-star hotel in the occupied Kyrenia

Celebi Holdings is one of the biggest companies of Turkey. In a press conference given by the companys Administrative Council Vice-president, Mr Canan Celebioglu, the new General Manager, Mr Samim Aydin and the Work Financial Inspection and Work Constructor Group Director, Mr Umit Bozerba evaluated the companys performance in 2005 and revealed the new project. Mr Bozer said that the project will be completed in a year, it will cover a land of 5000 squaremeters and it will cost 48 million dollars, while there are no financial problems to be faced.

(M/L)

[07] The Turkish Foreign Minister to meet Condoleeza Rice in Sofia

Gul will depart for Sofia later this month to participate in an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers to be hosted by newcomer NATO member Bulgaria, the Anatolia news agency reported.

On the sidelines of the gathering on April 27 and 28, Gul is expected to hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the agency noted, citing ministry sources.

A meeting between Mr Gul and Ms Rice was actually expected to take place late last month when the Turkish minister was scheduled to participate in the annual American-Turkish Council (ATC) conference on March 26-29 in Washington. However, Mr Gul had to cancel his visit to the United States as his doctors prohibited him from flying for a few months following his treatment.

The minister is expected to travel to Sofia via road, Anatolia said.

In the meantime, the Turkish capital will host several senior guests from abroad.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Mr Begum Khaleda Zia will arrive in Turkey tomorrow for an official four-day visit.

This week Ankara will also host Mr Gul's Polish counterpart, Mr Stefan Meller, on Thursday and Friday.

Next week, Czech President Vaclav Klaus, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri and Governor-General of Australia Maj. Gen. Michael Jeffrey will be visiting Turkey.

[08] US assists Turkey on Bingol operations

The Turkish officials have said that the United States provided information during the recent operations in Mus and Bingol, in which 14 PKK members were killed. Meanwhile, the US Embassy officials have said: "Our objective is not only limited to the transfer of information to the Turkish side. We want the information that is made available to be effectively used at the right time and in the right place."

[09] Court drops charges against four journalists on Armenian Conference issue

On Tuesday, the court dropped charges against these journalists on grounds that prosecutors had not filed suits within the required two-month period following the publication of the articles. The court, however, decided to proceed with the trial of Mr Mehmet Murat Kadri Belge (a columnist for RADIKAL newspaper).

/SK

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