Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-07-06

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Plus TV starts broadcasting on the same frequency as Kanal T.

[02] Five days imprisonment for insulting Erdogan.

[03] Ankara Anatolia on the Strategic Vision Document.

[04] The US-Turkish Strategic Vision Document as published by Hurriyet.

[05] Joint press conference by Gul and Rice in Washington D.C.

[06] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister to Turkish journalists in Washington D.C.

[07] Interview with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried by columnist Ali. H. Hasan of Zaman.

[08] Turkey infected by the Tick virus.

[09] The Chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency supports the plans for establishing nuclear energy stations in Turkey.

[10] Secret message from Erdogan to Al-Assad.

[11] Easyjet flights to Istanbul approved.

[12] On the arrested Turkish Cypriot involved in usurpation of Greek Cypriot property.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Columnist in Turkish Daily News argues that Erdogan is using Cyprus for internal politics.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Plus TV starts broadcasting on the same frequency as Kanal T

As a result of this the programmes of the Kanal T are jammed. The Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Journalists Union, Mr Mete Tumerkan, in a written statement yesterday, said that this is unacceptable and added that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots to the freedom of the press are hindered.

(D/Ps)

[02] Five days imprisonment for insulting Erdogan

(MHY)

[03] Ankara Anatolia on the Strategic Vision Document

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have reached an agreement on the shared vision and structured dialogue document in Washington on Wednesday.

The document says: The relationship between Turkey and the United States is characterized by strong bonds of friendship, alliance, mutual trust and unity of vision. We share the same set of values and ideals in our regional and global objectives: the promotion of peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity. Thus, Turkey and the United States face common challenges and opportunities that demand our concerted efforts. These challenges and opportunities form the specific items of our common agenda for consultation and cooperation. We agree to translate our shared vision into common efforts through effective cooperation and structured dialogue.

Turkey and the United States pledge themselves to work together on all issues of common concern, including promoting peace and stability in the broader Middle East through democracy; supporting international efforts towards a permanent settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a two-state solution; fostering stability, democracy and prosperity in a unified Iraq; supporting diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear program, including the recent P5+1 initiative; contributing to stability, democracy and prosperity in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Afghanistan; supporting the achievement of a just and lasting, comprehensive and mutually-acceptable settlement of the Cyprus question under the auspices of the UN and in this context ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots; enhancing energy security through diversification of routes and sources, including from the Caspian basin; strengthening transatlantic relations and the transformation of NATO; countering terrorism, including the fight against the PKK and its affiliates; preventing WMD proliferation; combating illegal trafficking of persons, drugs and weapons; increasing understanding, respect and tolerance between and among religions and cultures; and promoting together effective multilateral action to find solutions to international challenges and crises of common concern.

The United States strongly supports Turkey's accession to the European Union and the accession process now underway.

Our consultation and cooperation will also include enhanced bilateral relations with particular emphasis on economic and commercial relations and investments; defence/military cooperation; science and technology; and public diplomacy efforts and exchanges.

Under the title of structured dialogue, it says: Turkey and the United States make use of several consultation channels at various levels. It is now time to develop a more structured framework to make our strategic partnership more effective and result-oriented.

In addition to the established High-Level Defence Group (HLDG), Economic Cooperation Partnership Council (ECPC) and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) consultation mechanisms, we envisage four mutually-reinforcing tracks:

Expert-Level Consultations: They will be held as frequently as appropriate on issues of common concern.

Policy Planning Consultations: Regular meetings will be held between the Policy Planning Units to analyze tendencies, trends and developments from a strategic perspective, and to offer recommendations, as appropriate, in terms of policies to be pursued and means to be employed.

Broad-Based Dialogue: In our determination to enhance and diversify the scope of our relationship, we will actively promote bilateral exchanges among business groups, media, civil society, scientists and engineers, academicians and think-tanks, and educators and students. We will also facilitate opportunities for dialogue between the U.S. Congress and the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

High-Level Review: We will conduct a review at the level of Under Secretaries at least once a year to provide comprehensive and timely assessment and guidance.

Finally, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Minister of Turkey will remain in regular contact as required to develop this shared vision and structured dialogue.

[04] The US-Turkish Strategic Vision Document as published by Hurriyet

Hurriyet has obtained the details of the "Strategic Vision Document," which Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said would be unveiled in a joint news conference he would hold with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington today. According to the document, the United States will demonstrate its support for Turkey's full membership in the EU in a more vigorous manner.

In a statement he made at Esenboga Airport before his departure yesterday, Gul said that the Common Vision Document, which, he noted, would be made public following his meeting with Rice, would not constitute a formal agreement and would, therefore, not be signed. He added that it would be an important document because it would outline the common vision shared by the two countries.

The full name of the document obtained by Hurriyet is the "vision document aimed at furthering and deepening strategic partnership based on mutual confidence." The rationale for drawing up the document is outlined in the document as follows:

Former US President Bill Clinton was the first leader to point out that Turkish-US relations were based on "strategic partnership." Neither the United States nor Turkey could, however, provide a definition of that term afterwards. A document on "enhanced partnership," which existed between the two countries but not signed, therefore, continued to remain in force between the two countries.

Although both countries said that they were strategic partners, none of them was able to take an approach to bilateral relations in that context. Their ties, therefore, always depended on current developments.

In order to ensure that bilateral relations are no longer guided by that understanding, it was decided to draft a document similar to the one entitled "enhanced partnership," which would not be formally signed, as a result of lengthy negotiations conducted between the two countries.

The document will be a political paper. Consisting of two pages in total, the document will also refer to the importance of economic cooperation. The document, which is described as a "manual of Turkish-US relations," will not be binding in any respect. Sources emphasize that the document will have no connection with the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement (DECA).

Main highlights

Fight on terrorism: The United States has maintained close cooperation with Turkey with regard to the latter's fight against the PKK while Turkey cooperated with the United States at the same level after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. There is close cooperation between the two countries with regard to the fight on international terrorism. Cooperation in those fields will be strengthened in the future and their common approach to the ongoing fight on terrorism will be maintained.

WMD and fight against nuclear activities: The two countries will maintain their policy based on the understanding that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and nuclear activities aimed at developing such weapons should be prevented.

Settlement of regional disputes: Cooperation for the resolution of regional conflicts, including the Mideast dispute and those related to Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Balkans, Cyprus, and Turkish-Greek relations will be a high priority.

Preservation of peace: The two countries will maintain their close cooperation in respect of operations intended to achieve, manage, and maintain peace such as those carried out in Afghanistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Democratic values: Efforts will be made to ensure that values such as democratization, the rule of law, human rights, and free market economy are spread and embraced by the masses in the region (which especially refers to the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative, the Caucasus, and the Central Asia).

The EU: The United States will demonstrate its support for Turkey's full membership in the EU in a more vigorous manner.

Energy security: Existing cooperation between the two countries, which is aimed at ensuring the security of energy supply lines, including Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, will be strengthened. Commercial ties between the two countries will also be furthered.

[05] Joint press conference by Gul and Rice in Washington D.C.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that they have agreed on the common vision document between Turkey and the United States.

Following their meeting at the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, Gul and Rice held a joint news conference.

Gul said, ''we have discussed Iraq, Iran, PKK terrorist organization and Middle East problem as well as energy issues and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project which will be implemented soon. We would like to host a U.S. representative during the inauguration ceremony of the pipeline.''

When asked why Turkey and the United States needed a strategic vision document, Gul said that the strategic vision document reflects the shared values of the two countries like democracy, human rights and free market economy as well as the close cooperation, adding that they thought it would be beneficial to put these things down on paper and accept as a reference.

On the other hand, U.S. Secretary of State Rice expressed pleasure about Turkey's initiatives in the region, and said that they discussed the problems in the Middle East and the situation in Iran.

She stressed that Iran should meet the demands of international community and show that it is sincere in this issue. Rice thanked Gul for the support he gave for extension of democracy in the region.

Rice said the strategic vision document underscores the mutual trust that exists between the two countries.

The document is a reminder that the relationship is broad and deep and based on shared values and interests, Rice said.

Stressing that Turkey-U.S. relations continue on the basis of strong friendship, strategic relation and dependence on common values, Rice noted that the vision document will have great contribution to regional and global stability.

Upon a question, Rice praised the diplomatic efforts of Turkey with Syria's government to ease accelerating tension between Israel and Palestine.

Rice noted that Turkish envoys have told Syrian authorities as directly as possible that they should use their leverage to secure the release of the Israeli soldier detained by Palestinians.

[06] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister to Turkish journalists in Washington D.C.

On Cyprus, Mr Gul said that the USA has always supported Turkey's EU membership bid: "They have helped us when an important problem emerged."

Mr Gul underlined the importance of USA's role in Cyprus, and noted that its support to Turkey's approach has increased.

Qualifying the meeting that took place between Mr Mehmet Ali Talat and the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the U.S. Department of State as important, Mr. Gul recalled that some other countries followed the USA, and U.S. delegations visited the occupied areas of Cyprus.

"I see that the behaviors of Turkish Cypriots are more appreciated by the USA, compared to the EU. The support of the United States, as a super power, is pleasing. But, I feel sad that the EU, which is more involved in this issue, is staying behind," he added.

Moreover, Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (06.07.06) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, prior to his contacts in Washington made important statements on various current issues concerning Turkey and the USA. As for Cyprus, Gul said: The USA administrations have supported Turkeys EU process. The USAs role in Cyprus is very important. The USA is closer to Turkeys view. The Turkish Cypriots get more support from the USA than the EU. I am sorry for the EU, because it should take a closer interest in the Cyprus problem but it does not do that, in the meantime I am happy that the worlds super power is working for a policy that supports the Turkish Cypriots. I do not think that there is animosity in Turkey against the USA. However in contemporary democracies, policies could be criticized. In contemporary democracies people are free to express their views.

(MHY)

[07] Interview with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried by reporter Ali. H. Hasan of Zaman

Following are some of Mr Fried�s replies to questions on Cyprus and other issues:

Zaman: Can you say Turkey is even more important than it was during Cold War era for the U.S.?

Ambassador Fried: I would put it this way, and I understand the question. Its importance in the Cold War was critical, but narrow. It was military and security. Now, its importance is civilizational and political. And the areas we work with Turkey are not only strategic, but they are also in energy, and it is an outward-looking relationship, not a relationship confined to dealing with the problem of the Soviet Union. So, the strength Turkey brought to the relationship in the Cold War is no longer as relevant, because its not a military problem.

Then again, Turkey is a very different country than it was during the Cold War. And, of course, what is different is that Turkey is a much more democratic country than it was 25 years ago. And that democracy, in the short run, produces a press which is often let us be polite very sceptical of the U.S., sometimes anti-American. But in the long run, you have a strengthening Turkish democracy, and this is very good. And you have a democracy which has deep roots, rather than shallow roots, which is very important, because its a democracy which is going to have buy-in from the society.

Another thing thats different is that the Turkish economy has grown, and grown in sophistication, not just larger. When I go to Ankara, 25 years ago Ankara was regarded in the folklore of Turks and Europeans and Americans as a place you had to go to, but you didnt much want to. Istanbul was always fabulous. Its been fabulous city for 1500 years. But Ankara now is a wonderful, wealthy, well-functioning, affluent modern city. And its changed enormously even since I was first there in 1985. It was a nice city then, dont get me wrong. But it is the kind of modernity, the kind of sophistication.

Zaman: One of the most important projects to reach out to Muslims is Turkeys EU accession. And it looks like Turkey and the European Union are on a collision course mainly because of Cyprus. On both sides there is increased talk of suspending the full membership negotiations. What is your reaction to that? Any plans or suggestions to prevent this from happening?

Ambassador Fried: We have supported Turkeys European vocation and its EU membership from the beginning. We continue to do so. We support a fair, just solution to the Cyprus problem acceptable to both communities, and, in the course of that solution, ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. Your Foreign Minister has put forth a plan.

I should add that we support a united Cyprus. We dont support any separate states on Cyprus, and happily the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Talat, supports this also. And he has shown great courage and vision in supporting the notion of a united Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. So this is a good thing, we support it.

It would be terrible if Turkeys accession process were derailed because of this problem. I think Turkey in the European Union would be good for Turkey; it would be good for Europe. It would show, it would demonstrate that the fallacy of the so-called war of civilizations, clash of civilizations. It would show that bin Laden is not a Muslim leader, he is simply a fascist fanatic, like other fascist fanatics. We certainly support all efforts to make progress on Cyprus. And we will continue to. And I suspect that Foreign Minister Gul and Secretary Rice will discuss this issue.

Zaman: Can you say Turkey and the U.S. are on the same page on Iran? And what do you think about the Turkish efforts on Iran?

Ambassador Fried: Well, the whole world is increasingly on the same page. That is the so called P-5+1, that is the EU-3 Germany, France Britain and China, Russia and the U.S. have offered Iran a very attractive, very credible package. We did so on or about June 1. And then Solana went to Tehran and he presented it to Larijani in detail. It is now time for Iran to respond positively. On July 5, Solana and Larijani are supposed to meet. And it is time for Iran to agree to begin negotiations on the basis of this package. Turkey certainly can send strong messages to Iran that the time has come for them to say yes to a good offer and help us all move forward. And I certainly think Turkey understands this.

[08] Turkey infected by the Tick virus

Health Officials in Turkey report that 14 persons are being hospitalized in various provinces in Turkey suffering from the deadly fever.

Moreover, the Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (06.07.06) reports that the deadly ticks, the blood sucking insects are now infecting in 21 provinces in Turkey including Istanbul and Ankara, Capital of Turkey.

In the face of the danger, the Turkish Cabinet convened last Monday under Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed ways and means for fighting this deadly insect.

The Cabinet allocated 50 million new Turkish Lira for this purpose.

(Tr. Note: One New Turkish Lira is equal to 1.60 USD approximately)

(MHY)

[09] The Chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency supports the plans for establishing nuclear energy stations in Turkey

Speaking to CNN TURKs Mithat Bereket Mr. Baradey said: This is my first official visit to Turkey. I think the timing is perfect. Turkey is on the verge of starting its own nuclear energy program.

In the mean time Turkey works in an active manner for the solution of the problem. We are making preparations for the last ten years for establishing a nuclear power station in Turkey. We have done these upon Turkeys demand. Mr. Baradey went on and said that nuclear power stations are not hundred percent safe. There is certain percentage of risk.

(MHY)

[10] Secret message from Erdogan to Al-Assad

[11] Easyjet flights to Istanbul approved

[12] On the arrested Turkish Cypriot involved in usurpation of Greek Cypriot property

The verdict of the trial which came 8 days after the architects arrest will be announced tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, the self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has made it clear that the political and legal struggle being waged to secure the release of Mr Sarper will continue.

Mr Sarper was arrested by police on the 27th of June while trying to cross into the free areas of Cyprus through the Ayios Dometios checkpoint for possessing files of building plans and documents related to land, which belong to Greek Cypriots.

At the end of 8 days of detention, Mr Sarper was brought before the Lefkosia District Court today.

The prosecutor claimed that Osman Sarper had committed a serious crime and objected his release on bail, expressing the view that Mr Sarper will not return to the free areas of Cyprus to continue the trial.

Claims by the prosecutor were rejected by the lawyer of the Turkish Cypriot architect - Gursel Kadri who said that his client did not commit any crime.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot identity of Osman Sarper must not be used against him, Mr Kadri stated that his client also has got an identity card and a passport of the Republic of Cyprus.

Speaking during the trial, the Judge of the trial also said that Osman Sarpers act was a crime and expressed his support to the prosecutors claim that Mr Sarper might not return back to the free areas of Cyprus if he was released on bail.

The court will be resumed tomorrow morning at half past nine to announce its final verdict on the case.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Columnist in Turkish Daily News argues that Erdogan is using Cyprus for internal politics

It has already appeared in the media. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan, accompanied by a group of ministers, parliamentarians and some media people, will be paying a one-day trip on July 20 to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Pardon me, I should have said "northern Cyprus" because our government refrains from using the name of the Turkish Cypriot state nowadays.

Why is he going there?

Just to participate in celebrations marking the anniversary of the July 20, 1974 Turkish intervention.

What else?

To deliver a strong message to the international community, and particularly to Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and his comrades-in-arms in the anti-Turkey group in the EU, that while Turkey remains committed to its pledge of being one step ahead of Greek Cypriots and Greece in the quest for a settlement on Cyprus, it is at the same time in such solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots that it may even dump the entire EU membership process if it encounters a Recognize (Greek) Cyprus or forget EU talks' approach from the EU.

Could he not deliver such a statement elsewhere?

Well, the prime minister and his government members have indeed been making such remarks both in private and in public for some time. There is nothing new in that. However, delivering the same message in Cyprus at Atat�rk Square in Nicosia a few hundred meters from Makarios Avenue, where Greek Cypriots will most likely be demonstrating against what they describe as the continued Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, will be of great importance for the masses in Anatolia and will perhaps help Erdoan recover some lost popularity because of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government's Cyprus policy is perceived by the majority of people in this country as defeatist.

Erdoan may not want anything more on earth than being elected to the presidency. His party is fixed on only one target: getting their leader elected to the presidency, going to polls with the advantageous position that would provide, being re-elected and remaining comfortably in government.

Turkey is coming under more and more pressure from Europe. The messages are clear. It was first a demand that it pledged before the Dec. 17, 2004 summit and in conformity with the additional protocol to the customs union deal it made with Europe, Turkey must open its ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots. Turkey has not been able to do that so far because a completely technical issue has taken on political dimensions because of the AKP's incorrect handling of it, and the opening of ports has become tantamount to Turkish recognition of the Greek Cypriot state as the government of the entire island. But while Turkey is unable to open up its ports to the Greek Cypriots because of such considerations, now it has started coming under pressure to extend formal recognition to the Greek Cypriot state.

The AKP government had convinced the Turkish Cypriot population that if they said yes to the U.N. peace plan they would not worry less about the future of the Cyprus problem because even if the Greek Cypriots said no to the plan, with Ankara's help Turkish Cypriots would at least be stripped of the chains of the Greek Cypriot-imposed international isolation.

Even Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat -- in a recent interview with the TDN -- has started warning Ankara that keeping ports closed is the last leverage Ankara has to force the Greek Cypriots to return to talks.

Going to elections with such a Cyprus and EU headache could produce drastic results for Erdoan and his party. The question is, has Erdoan decided to exploit the Cyprus issue? Is this current standoff with Europe over Cyprus an attempt to win back nationalist votes in Anatolia? Or is his end international isolation of northern Cyprus, we shall undertake our responsibility statement a message to Europeans that should they take such a step, then Turkey may recognize the Greek Cypriot state.

Irrespective of whether Erdoan wants to exploit the Cyprus issue, the problem of the eastern Mediterranean island will be one of the main issues of debate in the election campaign and will definitely cost the AKP a lot&

Thus the AKP government needs a movement on Cyprus to salvage not only Turkey's EU bid but itself as well in the next election.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic in the territories of Cyprus cleansed ethnically by 40,000 Turkish troops in 1974)

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