Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-05-24

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Rasit Pertev comments on COREPER discussions on the Direct Trade Regulation

[02] Turkish Cypriot reactions to the measures announced by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus

[03] The German Federal Parliament to adopt a decision on the Cyprus problem in a period when a Turkish Cypriot delegation is visiting Berlin and EU involvement is an anathema for the Turkish side

[04] Decisions at a meeting of the council of ministers in occupied Keryneia

[05] A Turkish Cypriot diplomat is removed from his duties because he used a passport of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] Talat met with Silliman

[07] Ancient pieces found in occupied Lefka region are being exhibited in occupied Morphou

[08] Turkish Cypriot teams to play football in London

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[09] The Turkish press assesses the bomb explosion in Ankara

[10] Lots of conspiracy theories circulate in Ankara

[11] EU: Ankara blocking NATO-EU co-operation on Kosovo over Cyprus row

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Rasit Pertev comments on COREPER discussions on the Direct Trade Regulation

The Presidential Undersecretary Rasit Pertev has said that the EU Term President Germany has informed the Turkish Cypriot Side on yesterdays meeting of the sub-committee of COREPER the Committee of Permanent Representative of the European Union during which the Direct Trade Regulation was discussed.

The committee failed to take a decision on the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation which aims to ease the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Presidential Undersecretary Rasit Pertev told BRT that it is impossible to comment in detail on a failed discussion but added the Direct Trade Regulation is on the table and the ball is now in the European Unions court.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot Sides stance is in the direction of speeding up and concluding the process, Mr Pertev reminded that Germany was charged with starting works on trade without any delay on the 22nd of January this year, by the EU Council for General Affairs.

Commenting on the forthcoming transfer of the EU Term Presidency to Portugal, Rasit Pertev said it is possible for Germany as an effective presidency to solve the problems by taking commitment adding that Germany will give priority to conclude existing dossiers.

[02] Turkish Cypriot reactions to the measures announced by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus

It alleged that the proposals of the government of the Republic of Cyprus aim at making the Turkish Cypriots and their businessmen more dependent on the Greek Cypriot economy, at gradually making them accept the authority of the Greek Cypriots and at deceiving the world, and especially the EU, while doing this.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (24.05.07) reports that the so-called prime minister, Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that no one should become a side in making the measures accepted. Describing the measures as unacceptable, he claimed: We, as Turkish Cypriot people, are ready to meet with the world with a joint economy on the basis of political equality in the whole of Cyprus and in the whole economy of the island. Mr Soyer alleged that the measures were insincere and that their aim was to prevent the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation by the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The German Federal Parliament to adopt a decision on the Cyprus problem in a period when a Turkish Cypriot delegation is visiting Berlin and EU involvement is an anathema for the Turkish side

According to the paper, the representatives of four political parties in the German Federal Parliament, ensuring the support of the Left Party as well, have submitted a draft of a decision on the Cyprus problem. The demand for contributing to the reunification of Cyprus and for granting equal rights to the peoples living on the island is included in the draft-decision. It is also pointed out that the embargoes on the TRNC should be lifted. The draft-decision is expected to be adopted today with great majority, noted the paper.

Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (24.05.07) refers to the issue under the title Important step by Germany.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily STAR KIBRIS newspaper (24.05.07) describes the draft-decision as draft-decision of hope. The paper reports that the decision was prepared by Lale Akgun, MP with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and deputies from the Democratic Unity Party (CDU), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Mrs Akgun said yesterday that they attached importance to the lifting of the embargoes and the fact that the EU should keep its promises to the Turkish Cypriots. Akgun, who said that she will follow the developments on the issue of the lifting of the isolations, announced that she will visit Cyprus in September.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (24.05.07) refers to the issue and reports that the Turkish Cypriot delegation which is visiting Berlin under the speaker of the so-called assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu, held intensive contacts at the German Federal Parliament regarding the decision which is expected to be adopted today. Uwe Hiksch, MP advisor of the Left Party, who met with Mrs Ekenoglu, said that all the parties in the German Parliament support the solution of the Cyprus problem and do not deny that the fact that the Greek Cypriots were accepted in the EU was a mistake.

The paper reports that Markus Lohning, deputy with the Liberal Party, noted that the approach of the Turkish Cypriot side to the proposal they prepared is positive.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Decisions at a meeting of the council of ministers in occupied Keryneia

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (24.05.07) refers to the meeting under the title Substantial resources to education and reports that the so-called prime minister, Ferdi Sabit Soyer, in statements during a tour in the area before the meeting, said that 15 % of the taxes which the municipalities take from the citizens regarding the immovable properties has been reserved for the Education Fund aiming at the development of the infrastructure of the schools.

Mr Soyer noted that the reason for the parents sending their children to private schools or to schools in the areas under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus is because there is all-day schooling there. He argued that the all-day school system should be applied in the state schools in the occupied areas of the island as well and added that they support this.

Furthermore, the so-called minister of education, Mrs Canan Oztoprak stated that they will have a meeting tomorrow and discuss projects regarding the all-day education.

(I/Ts.)

[05] A Turkish Cypriot diplomat is removed from his duties because he used a passport of the Republic of Cyprus

When the authorities of the TRNC were informed about the incident, they sent a letter to the diplomat informing him that he had no right to behave in this manner as he represented the TRNC.

The letter noted that according to information that they acquired his suit of cloths was also less than graceful. The letter informed the diplomat that this situation is not acceptable by the Turkish Cypriot community in London and that as a person who carries a Greek Cypriot passport, you cannot remain at this post any more.

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas, the so-called prime minister, Ferdi Sabit Soyer and the so-called minister of foreign affairs, Turgay Avci have been informed about the situation. HALKIN SESI publishes a copy of the letter under the title Who is the diplomat who entered into Britain with Greek Cypriot passport?

(I/Ts.)

[06] Talat met with Silliman

The Deputy Director of the US State Department's Southern European Affairs Bureau, Douglas Silliman is having contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Mr. Silliman was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat this morning.The two men discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

No statement was issued before or after the meeting. Yesterday, Mr Silliman was received by Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

[07] Ancient pieces found in occupied Lefka region are being exhibited in occupied Morphou

An exhibition titled The Golden Leaves of Soli has been opened in Guzelyurt (occupied Morphou) Archaeology and Nature Museum.

The exhibition includes ancient ceramic, metal and golden pieces which were discovered at ruins near Baglikoy village (occupied Ampelikou) in the Lefke (occupied Lefka) region.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Asim Vehbi.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mr Vehbi pointed to the importance of the protection of historical heritages and said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an open air museum with its historical riches.

He also called on people to visit museums and ruins in the country.

[08] Turkish Cypriot teams to play football in London

According to a statement issued by the TRNC representation in London, the 2nd London Cup, as they call the match, is important from the point of view of developing the bonds between the Turkish Cypriots in London and the TRNC people.

(I/Ts.)

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[09] The Turkish press assesses the bomb explosion in Ankara

In a report in MILLIYET newspaper it is outlined that the blast on the "protocol road" which many guest defence ministers and the Chief of the General Staff Yasar Buyukanit were to use to attend the international defence fair IDEF-2007 reception "confirms the suspicion that this was an assassination attempt." The report adds that "the use of A-4 plastic explosive strengthens the possibility of PKK involvement."

HURRIYET newspaper reports that the location of the blast and the fact that Gen Buyukanit and force commanders arrived en masse at the site of the terror attack, perhaps for the first time in recent history, have raised the suspicion that Buyukanit was the actual target of the bomb attack. The report points out that there were numerous foreign victims because the explosion took place close to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, where the commanders were to meet the foreign guests at the reception. The report adds that the Turkish commanders will meet to assess last night's terror attack.

As regards the perpetrators of the bombing in another report MILLIYET points out that in a statement posted on its Internet page on 14 May, the HPG [The People's Defence Forces] said that no one should be surprised if soon an explosion takes place in Ankara in retaliation for the 13 May bomb blast at the KDP headquarters in the Iraqi town of Maxmur.

HURRIYET newspaper reports that a pro-PKK user calling himself "Adrenalin 1981" on the Youtube has posted a message on 15 May saying that no one should be surprised if bombs start exploding soon in Ankara in retaliation to the bomb attacks perpetrated by Turkey in the South [northern Iraq}.

MILLIYET also reports that the police authorities are assuming that the A-4 plastic explosive came from Iraq, adding that there had already been press reports that tonnes of these explosives have come into the possession of the PKK due to the power vacuum in Iraq.

On the reactions to the bombing MILLIYET quotes Gen Buyukanit as saying after visiting the injured at the Hacettepe Hospital: "When I saw the explosion, I said 'this is not a simple explosion.' This is an organized act committed by the terror organization. I will not comment on its timing. However, from now on similar acts could be expected in major cities. The terror organization might carry out such acts in major cities. We have to be prepared for it, unfortunately." Asked by journalists if he would still order a cross-border operation after the blast, Buyukanit declines to give a direct answer, merely saying that attention should be directed to "the institutions that nourish and back the terror organization."

Commenting on the bombing in a column in HURRIYET, Ertugrul Ozkok condemns the militants behind such bombings and adds that if the Turkish society has endorsed the state policy of retaliating to arms with arms, then the society should be ready to suffer bombs and losses stoically and engage in an all-out struggle until the PKK is destroyed. He notes that the bomb is the most "treacherous" weapon used in wars in the Middle East and the Turkish society should prepare itself for that sort of struggle.

Under the banner headline, "Ulus Hit by Bomb," YENI SAFAK publishes an illustrated front-page report on yesterday's bomb attack in the Ulus district of Ankara carried out by "desperate terrorists." The report claims that some six people were killed and more than eight were injured in the blast. According to the report, two terrorists involved in the attack were caught on tape and the police are searching a red, domestically produced car in connection with the assault.

Under the headline, "Treacherous Attack in Ankara," ZAMAN publishes a front-page report which asserts that the police are investigating the possibility that yesterday's attack in Ankara was carried out by a suicide bomber.

[10] Lots of conspiracy theories circulate in Ankara

The bomb that exploded in the downtown district of Ulus in the Turkish capital changed the political atmosphere of Ankara.

The air of tension that had settled in the political arena with the recent presidential election is now producing conspiracy theories, and the rumours that the elections scheduled for July 22 may be cancelled following a Turkish military operation into northern Iraq have reached the ears of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Theory 1: A military operation into northern Iraq is imminent: Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, speaking at a press conference on April 12, had stated that a military operation into northern Iraq would be useful but that a political decision would be needed for it.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) ongoing military deployment to the border provinces, which started following Buyukanits remarks, is considered a hint signalling an imminent operation into northern Iraq. As the TSK makes its final preparations for its Operation Sledgehammer, military vehicles are being transported via railway to Nusaybin, in Mardin, from where they are deployed via the highway to areas that are close to the border. The recent dismissal of Edip Baser, the former Turkish anti-terrorism coordinator, too, implies that the Turkish military is preparing for a cross-border operation.

Theory 2: Elections may be cancelled due to war: Under the Constitution elections are postponed for one year if Turkey enters a war. The Republican Peoples Party (CHP), the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the neo-nationalists have been trying to ensure the postponement of the elections currently scheduled for July 22. The timing and scope of the Turkish military operation may change the future of the elections. The secularist circles who are not warm to the idea of election of the president by popular vote may urge the government to postpone the elections on grounds of war and conflicts in the region, it is argued.

Theory 3: Will the president be elected directly by the people?: The fate of the constitutional amendment package introducing the election of the president by popular vote will be determined this week. Whether President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will veto the package or not is not known. Some columnists argue that Sezer may not disclose his decision about the package within the time period allocated to this purpose. There are rumors originating from the circles close to the AK Party that provisions pertaining to the popular vote of the president for two five-year terms may be taken out of the package. It is argued that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, upon meeting with Buyukanit in Istanbul, assured him that the package would be split into two.

Theory 4: A two-party Parliament is imagined: According to backstage conspiracy theories, the purpose of social engineering attempts exemplified in the e-memorandum of April 27 is to create a two-party Parliament. As the AK Party has preserved its voter base to a great extent, social engineers are trying to create the biggest neo-nationalist and secularist bloc against it. In this context, the Youth Party (GP) is expected to join the CHP and the DSP alliance at the final stage of this political design as this alliance has no chance of securing a winning majority.

Theory 5: SHP is excluded from the secularist bloc: The Social Democratic Peoples Party (SHP), led by Murat Karayalcin, is excluded from the alliance between the CHP and the DSP, political analysts argue, due to its election cooperation with the now-defunct Democratic Peoples Party (DEHAP) in the 2002 elections. This bloc describes itself as the neo-nationalist and secularist stance of opposition to separatists and collaborators and therefore, is blacklisting the SHP for its cooperation with a pro-Kurdish party.

Final theory: Baykal is ready for the Prime Ministry: Acting as the forerunner of the secularist bloc against the AK Party, CHP leader Deniz Baykal is dreaming of single party government and the Prime Ministry. To increase the chances of this government, Baykal is offering an olive branch to the GP, with which he formerly refused to cooperate. Baykal has even identified the possible members of the Cabinet he will establish after the elections.

[11] EU: Ankara blocking NATO-EU co-operation on Kosovo over Cyprus row

Turkey is blocking plans to enhance cooperation between NATO troops and a future European Union police mission in Kosovo due to a Greek Cypriot veto blocking Ankara's participation in European defense industry policies, diplomats of the bloc have said.

Turkey wants Brussels to persuade EU member Greek Cyprus to drop its veto over Ankara's bid to become an associate member of the European Defense Agency, the body set up to nurture EU-wide defense industry policy, diplomats said. It also wants to be consulted more on European security policy, arguing that it is already a major participant in EU-led military operations.

The 27-nation bloc will take over policing of the breakaway Serbian province from the United Nations later this year if a UN plan granting Kosovo effective independence is passed. Some 1,500 EU staff will work alongside NATO's 16,000-plus peacekeepers and the two bodies want to avoid potential for conflict by setting out clear guidelines for how the two forces will cooperate.

But NATO-member Turkey, which began EU membership talks in October 2005, is blocking such moves until the EU gives it more say in its emerging common defense policy, diplomats said Tuesday. "Turkey is saying that if any further arrangements are required for NATO-EU cooperation in Kosovo, then the answer lies with the EU," an alliance source said. Turkish officials were not immediately available to comment.

Nevertheless, Turkey's Ambassador to Serbia Hasan Servet Oktem, in an interview with Belgrade-based daily Vecernje Novosti, said Turkey acted in parallel to EU policy regarding Kosovo, the Anatolia news agency reported. The ambassador didn't elaborate on the Kosovo issue, as he focused in the interview on bilateral relations between Ankara and Belgrade.

NATO officials, meanwhile, confirmed Ankara's resistance but said they were not concerned that it would prevent the Western security presence from dealing with ethnic tensions which some analysts fear could flare into violence as Kosovo's fate is settled. "The secretary-general is making every effort to find a solution and we are confident we will find it," a spokeswoman for NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said.

The US and EU countries want Kosovo's future settled by a UN Security Council resolution laying the basis for its independence by mid-year, but Russia opposes the plan and has hinted it could use its Security Council veto.

Formal cooperation between NATO and the EU has long been held back by a rift between Turkey and non-NATO members Malta and Greek Cyprus that has prevented the sharing of intelligence and other operational data between the two bodies. Defense officials have complained that this has stopped the two working on joint initiatives in key areas, notably in the fight against terrorism.

De Hoop Scheffer and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana have recently stepped up contacts, and diplomats say the two bodies work better on the ground than they do in Brussels. But most member countries want to see better cooperation when it comes to Kosovo, alliance diplomats said.

EG/

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