Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-05-23

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot politicians assess the elections in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[02] Statements by EU official on Cyprus from Istanbul.

[03] Turkey might recourse to the Court of Justice in The Hague.

[04] The illegal regime�s court in occupied Cyprus starts hearing UBP case against the so-called new property law.

[05] Tylliria should be revitalized.

[06] Correspondence between KTOS and the High Level Contact Group coordinator of the European Parliament Francoise Grossetete about the Turkish School in Limassol.

[07] Cyprus problem among the issues that Turkish Prime Minister discussed with Algeria�s Parliamentary Speaker.

[08] Orhan Aldikacti died.

[09] The Secret Constitution was found in the house of the retired Turkish officer arrested for planning the attack against the Council of State.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot politicians assess the elections in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Following are their statements:

The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Secretary General Omer Kalyoncu: The parties which support a hard-line no in line with Papadopoulos demand have increased their votes. From now on we will face a harder stance in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Democratic Party (DP) Secretary General Ertugrul Hasipoglu: The Greek Cypriot parties which do not want a solution in Cyprus are victorious. The Greek Cypriot side definitely does not want a comprehensive solution in Cyprus. At the elections the Greek Cypriots acquired more trump cards regarding the non-solution.

The National Unity Party (UBP) Secretary General Turgay Avci: The election results very clearly and openly demonstrated that not only the Greek Cypriot leadership but the Greek Cypriot people as well support the view that the Greek Cypriots do not want to sit around the negotiation table with the Turkish Cypriot people under equal conditions.

The Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH) Secretary General Mehmet Cakici: During the election period both sides leadership did not pay attention to the sensitivities of the two communities. So, statements like osmosis by Papadopoulos and we do not want bizonal and bicommunal federation have nurtured the sprouting of the ultra nationalist activities.

The United Cyprus Party (BKP) General Secretary Izzet Izcan: The elections in the south show that the government was strengthened and the Papadopoulos government will continue as it is. The elections show that the will expressed by the Greek Cypriots on 24 April 2004 is continuing as it is, and in fact, it has become stronger.

The National Unity Party (UBP) Chairman Huseyin Ozgurgun: The election results have shown that the Greek Cypriots are yet to consent to sit around a negotiation table with the Turkish Cypriot people and conclude an agreement based on equality. The Turkish side should speedily evaluate the situation and change its policy.

The self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer: The election results in the south show that there is an inclination to drift away from a solution. In order to bring this inclination to the worlds attention, the Turkish Cypriot people have to show to the world more its attachment to the solution and to the solution plan of the UN. And this is the right time to do this.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.06) reported the following from occupied Lefkosia:

''It is high time that we showed our determination to solve the Cyprus problem in order to draw attention of the international community that the Greek Cypriot administration tends to avoid a settlement,'' said `TRNC� self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

Commenting on the elections held in the Greek Cypriot Administration (Republic of Cyprus) Mr Soyer reiterated his call to the Greek Cypriots to set up technical committees and launch pre-studies.

''Thus, we can contribute to improvement of bi-communal relations before the visit of UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, and lay the groundwork of a solution,'' he stressed.

[02] Statements by EU official on Cyprus from Istanbul

Referring to Turkeys opening of its ports and airports under the additional protocol, Mr Leigh said: We do know that this issue is a difficult issue from the political point of view. However, we have to insist on it. This is an obligation accepted during the start of the negotiations and will be taken independently of the other factors. Mr Ollie Rehn did not welcome what Turkey proposed last January as regards Cyprus and the opening of the ports. Despite this fact we do not agree 100 percent and our endeavors continue.

Moreover Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.06) reported the following from Istanbul:

Question marks on Cyprus should not hurt the positive outlook on Turkish-EU relations, said Michael Leigh, Director General in Charge of Enlargement of the European Union (EU) Commission, today.

Leigh delivered a speech at a conference titled ''Enlargement and EU-Turkey Relations in the Context of Cyprus'' and co-sponsored by the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen�s Association (TUSIAD) and Bogazici University's Foreign Policy Forum in Istanbul.

Leigh underlined that, compared to 3-4 years ago, Turkish-EU relations are much better. ''Negotiation process began and screening process continues,'' said Leigh.

According to Leigh, the speed of negotiations depends on both economic and political reforms. ''Turkey has fulfilled many political criteria and strengthened many institutions,'' noted Leigh.

Michael Leigh pointed out that the war on terror is not one of Turkey's but the whole EU. Leigh reiterated that the EU will discuss further enlargement in its meetings scheduled for June, October and November, 2006.

In reference to Cyprus, Leigh stressed that the European Commission suggested three arrangements. ''The first one was on the green line, permitting trade and flights. The second one was on providing financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriots by the EU. The third one was on direct trade from north of Cyprus to the EU. So far, two of the three suggestions have been realized. The green line is functional and the advisory council has approved a financial assistance of 259 million euros to `north� of Cyprus,'' indicated Leigh. Leigh commented that Turkey must fulfill its responsibilities as noted in the additional protocol.

Michael Leigh expressed that Turkey's economic growth is bigger than that of most EU countries. As such, Turkey's membership will be beneficial to the EU, added Leigh.

[03] Turkey might recourse to the Court of Justice in The Hague

However, adds Aydemir, the EU sources whom we have talked to, told us that according to the Customs Union Agreement, Turkey has to open its ports and airports to Cyprus one day.

Aydemir also writes that the election results showed that Papadopoulos came out with a strong hand and this will lead to exerting more pressure on Turkey to open its ports and airports to Cyprus-registered ships and planes.

[04] The illegal regime�s court in occupied Cyprus starts hearing UBP case against the so-called new property law

The UBP claims that the Law on Property Compensation, Exchange and Reinstatement violates the TRNC Constitution and that it must be rescinded.

The new Property Law intended as a means of domestic remedy for property claims by Greek Cypriots whove been seeking legal action at the European Court of Human Rights to promote their property rights, went into force last December.

The UBP and the smaller opposition party - the TKP, separately, took the new legislation to the TRNC Constitutional Court, claiming that it violates the Constitution, and that it should be rescinded.

Earlier, the Court rejected the TKPs case, saying that the party does not have the legal-constitutional power to take any law to the Constitutional Court, as the Party is not represented in the TRNC Parliament.

The new law, envisages, among other things, the creation of an independent Immovable Property Commission which would function more like a court.

The commission has, since, begun functioning, and has already been processing applications by Greek Cypriots claiming property rights in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus�.

Earlier, the Council of Ministers approved a draft amendment to the Law on Property Compensation, Exchange and Reinstatement that makes it possible for the names of those applying to the Immovable Property Commission to be kept secret.

The defense will begin presenting its case to the court today.

(Tr.Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic in the occupied northern part of the Republic of Cyprus)

[05] Tylliria should be revitalized

The paper reports that the two members of the Centre heard the problems facing the Greek and Turkish Cypriot displaced persons. The Centre will publish and exhibit its findings at an exhibition in Berlin between 10-29 August 2006.

[06] Correspondence between KTOS and the High Level Contact Group coordinator of the European Parliament Francoise Grossetete about the Turkish School in Limassol

According to a statement issued by Mr Mustafa Ozhur, KTOS responsible for press and propaganda, a letter was sent some time ago to Francoise Grossetete, High Level Contact Group coordinator of the European Parliament who asked for more detailed information regarding the subjects that were brought up in a round table meeting which took place at Ledra Palace hotel on the 7th of March and which attracted Francoise Grossetetes attention. The Trade Union responded to this demand and sent a letter to Francoise Grossetete, signed by KTOS General Secretary Sener Elcil. In the letter Mr Elcil informed Francoise Grossetete about the worries and the proposals of KTOS and informed Francoise Grossetete about the Turkish school in Limassol and the educational rights of the Turkish children who live in Limassol.

Responding to the letter Francoise Grossetete sent on the 16th of May, a reply to KTOS in which thanked the Trade Union for the information it has given to him as regards the Turkish School in Limassol. As he wrote, the European Unions authority as regards education issues is limited and noted that a dialogue between the two communities who live in Cyprus must be safeguarded in order for a solution to be found as regards this issue. He also stated that KTOS must be sure that as High Level Contact Group coordinator of the European Parliament he will support all the initiatives taken for the solution of this kind of problems.

[07] The Turkish Prime Minister is in Algiers promoting the TRNC Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.06) reported from Algiers that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Algerian Parliament Speaker Amar Saydani in Algerian capital of Algiers on Monday.

Noting that they also debated some regional matters, Erdogan said that they particularly took up the Cyprus question.

''We will take significant steps from now on,'' he stressed.

''Any negative decision of the EU will not harm us. This will bind them (the EU), and they will become introverted,'' said Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During his meeting with Algerian Parliament Speaker Amar Saydani, Erdogan indicated that any negative decision of the EU regarding Turkey will jeopardize global peace and cause clash of civilizations, not alliance of civilizations.

Pointing out that there are not only Christian populations in Europe, Erdogan said that the Muslims in Europe cannot be ignored. ''If the EU is a Christian club, it should say so,'' he noted.

Erdogan also said, ''we are asking them (the EU) what they expect from Turkey. We say 'yes' to integration, 'no' to assimilation.''

On the Cyprus problem, Erdogan said that the problem will be solved if the OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference) member states improve their relations with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Taking the floor in a meeting of Algerian and Turkish businessmen held in Algerian capital of Algiers, Erdogan expressed Turkey's eagerness to further improve commercial relations.

Erdogan stressed that he is the first Turkish prime minister visiting Algeria in the last 21 years, and said that the two countries should take joint steps as soon as possible.

Recalling that the bilateral trade volume was 2.5 billion USD, Erdogan noted that the amount of natural gas Turkey purchases from Algeria may be increased in the future.

According to Erdogan, Turkish companies can undertake dam, motorway, water and sewage system, and subway projects in Algeria.

''Turkish contractors have fulfilled projects in 64 countries, worth 70 billion USD so far,'' he added.

[08] Orhan Aldikacti died

[09] The Secret Constitution was found in the house of the retired Turkish officer arrested for planning the attack against the Council of State

According to the report, a copy of the same top secret document, known also as Red Book, was found earlier in the safe of Kasim Zengin, leader of the Sauna gang.

MILLIYET newspaper (22.05.06) reports that Retired Captain Muzaffer Tekin, who is claimed to be the organizer of the attack on the State Council and Retired Major Zekeriye Ozturk, who goaded Tekin into committing suicide, as well as Sgt. Major Mahmut Ozturk have been taken to Ankara for questioning.

The paper notes that Tekin received a medal from former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas during the Day of Commemoration of Cyprus Martyrs and War Veterans held in Istanbul last year. The paper publishes a photo of the ceremony with Tekin being decorated by Rauf Denktas.

Turkish Daily RADIKAL newspaper (22.05.06) reporting on the issue, stresses that all evidence point out that Tekin is adherent of the Kizilelma coalition [Kizilelma, generally translated as Red Apple, was in Ottoman times a parole given to the army for a new conquest, and as such for the present Turkish nationalists the term implies Turkish world expansionism; it is a concept larger than Pan-Turanism] forged by the leftisit and rightist nationalists. The report adds that investigation has already revealed that Tekin has been penning articles for the Turkeli [Turkish Land] magazine, which is being published by the Patriotic Forces Solidarity Movement Association under the leadership of Taner Unal, who was the former secretary-general of MHP (Nationalist Action Party). Also noting that all copies of the Turk Solu [Turkish Left] magazine were found in his apartment, the report adds: It is being noted that he might also have links to the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), which is known to be deep state�s organization in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus�.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) is the terrorist organization set up in the early sixties by Rauf Denktas and the Turkish army in the Republic of Cyprus. In 1963 TMT started killing Greek and Turkish Cypriots who favoured peace and co-existence with the aim of destroying the Republic of Cyprus, partitioning the island and Turkifying it in the long-run. Culmination of the objectives of TMT and the Turkish army was the Turkish invasion of 1974, the aims of which are expected to be achieved through the legitimization of the faits accomplis by allowing the Turkish army to more freely to and from occupied Cyprus under the guise of de-isolating the Turkish Cypriots.)

/SK

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