Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-02-27

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat to meet Moller on Friday; Reports on the opening of Ledra Street crossing point

[02] Talat says the Annan Plan should be the starting point of the new procedure

[03] Talat speaks to Hurriyet and reiterates his view for parthenogenesis

[04] Jack Straw and Joan Ryan express satisfaction for the results of the presidential elections in Cyprus noting that they could influence positively Turkeys EU accession course

[05] Oktay Kayalp held contacts in Brussels regarding the EPs Petition Committee report on the occupied closed city of Varosha

[06] Bahceli comments on President Christofias election

[07] Salih Cosar points out that it is unjust to expect so many things from President Christofias before even he gives his oath

[08] Ertugruloglu reiterates the demand for early elections

[09] Statements by the Turkish and Albanian FM at a joint press conference

[10] EU calls Turkey to respect Iraqs territorial integrity

[11] Turkish Minister on water use in Middle East in Water Forum in Jordan

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat to meet Moller on Friday; Reports on the opening of Ledra Street crossing point

Kibris reports also that Mr Moller has welcomed the intention of the newly elected president of the Republic, Mr Demitris Christofias, towards the rapid commencement of a negotiations process for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. He expressed the hope for the two leaders to meet as soon as possible and pointed out to his readiness to assist them.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (27.02.08) refers to the Talat-Moller meeting under the title The UN has started the discussions and reports that the UN made its first step after the election of President Christofias.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (27.02.08), under the title The first job, Lokmaci [Ledra Street crossing point] is opening, reports that the election of President Christofias has already started to give its first fruits.

During the telephone conversation Christofias and Talat had, the two leaders agreed on the opening of Lokmaci [Ledra Street area] gate within the week, notes Afrika adding that Talat will meet with Moller on Friday and that the date for the meeting of the two leaders will be determined. The paper writes also that the two leaders will be present at the opening of Ledra Street crossing point and have their picture taken there.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat says the Annan Plan should be the starting point of the new procedure

He said that the election of a new President in south Cyprus provides a new opportunity for the reunification of the Island. Mr Talat expressed the belief that the Cyprus problem could be solved until the end of 2008. Noting that time is very limited, Talat said:

We must use the window of opportunity within the next few years, because it could be the last window of opportunity. I really believe that. He said that the Annan Plan is the last suggestion which is on the table and argued that the start should be done from there.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Talat speaks to Hurriyet and reiterates his view for parthenogenesis

As the paper writes, Talat who seemed shocked about the decision of Mr Christofias to support no just like Papadopoulos in the 2004 referendum, said: The case is not a question of trusting or not, it is further than that. We are firm on the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots and the creation of a new state; that is parthenogenesis. We will hold contacts under the UN parameters. Our position is very open and clear.

The paper continues under the subtitle, The meeting to take place next week and reports that the UN Secretary-Generals Cyprus Special Representative, Mr Michael Moller, will meet tomorrow with Mr Talat. Mr Moller will then meet with Mr Christofias on Monday. The meeting of the two leaders will take place after the contacts of Mr Moller under the auspices of the UN.

(EA)

[04] Jack Straw and Joan Ryan express satisfaction for the results of the presidential elections in Cyprus noting that they could influence positively Turkeys EU accession course

Mr Straw stressed the results of the presidential elections in Cyprus and expressed his great satisfaction for the fact that an administration which wants and supports a solution came to power. He said that we should support the people who have good intentions and really want a change. He noted that in case peace is achieved in Cyprus, an important obstacle in the way of Turkey towards the EU will be moved away. He reiterated the support of his party to Turkeys EU accession process.

In her statements, Mrs Ryan said that Turkey and the Turkish community living in Britain are very important for them. She described the result of the presidential elections in Cyprus as positive and said that we have a great opportunity to proceed on the way of a solution and achieve the reunification of the island.

Mrs Ryan alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side showed its will for a solution with its stance at the referendum and argued that after the elections the Greek Cypriot side has also joined this will. The next ten months are very important. We have a lot of work to do, she said. Mrs Ryan noted that they should support the result of the elections in Cyprus and that this will create a great difference in Turkeys EU accession process.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Oktay Kayalp held contacts in Brussels regarding the EPs Petition Committee report on the occupied closed city of Varosha

Mr Kayalp participated in the session of the committee yesterday and stated that some members of the committee prevented the discussion of the issue of the report on the occupied closed city of Varosha with the pretext that they had not the opportunity to study it as required. Noting that the draft of the report will be discussed in the session of the committee in April, Mr Kayalp argued that the committee must prepare a balanced and just report taking into consideration the sensitivities of the two communities and the realities on the island.

According to information acquired by the municipality, Mr Kayap told Mr Libicki that they consider the report to be balanced and just in spite of the fact that it includes elements which worry them. He noted that they want for this balance to be preserved at the final report as well.

Mr Kayalp reiterated that they regard Varosha as a part of the comprehensive solution in Cyprus and added that they were satisfied from the fact that this opinion was included in the draft of the report.

He said that they expect this to be reflected in the final report as well. Mr Kayap has held also meetings with members of the EP. He said that they are exerting efforts to lead occupied Famagusta to the future and that during these efforts they benefit from EU funds as well. He noted that they have materialized very important projects since 2003 using the financial aid provided by the EU Commission and pointed out that the aid of the EU to the Turkish Cypriots is not only the 259 million Euros of the Financial Aid Regulation.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Bahceli comments on President Christofias election

(I/Ts.)

[07] Salih Cosar points out that it is unjust to expect so many things from President Christofias before even he gives his oath

(I/Ts.)

[08] Ertugruloglu reiterates the demand for early elections

(I/Ts.)

[09] Statements by the Turkish and Albanian FM at a joint press conference

Turkish FM Ali Babacan said on Tuesday that the objective and scope of (Turkish) military operation into northern Iraq are well-known and the operation will continue till it reaches its goal.

Babacan and Albanian FM Lulzim Basha held a joint press conference in Ankara.

Turkey has been using all instruments at its disposal to fight against terrorism, Babacan said when replying to questions.

Asked whether Turkey would assign a representative to Iraq soon, Babacan said there have been mutual visits and talks between Turkey and Iraq. We will send a delegation to Baghdad nowadays within the scope of political dialogue process, he stated.

Babacan said Basha and he discussed the ways to boost current cooperation between the two countries. Turkey always supported Albania, an important country as far as peace and prosperity in Balkans are concerned, he said. Albania recorded great progress in its integration into the EU, Babacan added.

Turkey will keep assisting Albania's goal to become a NATO member as it did in the past.

Trade volume between the two countries exceeded 300 million U.S. dollars last year and Turkey and Albania should exert more efforts to boost commercial relations, he added.

Albanian FM Lulzim Basha said on Tuesday that the independence of Kosovo was a new chance for Serbia.

Taking the floor at a joint press conference with Turkish FM Ali Babacan, Basha said, our bilateral talks and personal friendship are indications of perfect relations between the two parties.

Basha said his formal visit to Turkey is an evidence of good relations between Turkey and Albania, noting that sincere ties between the two countries were further strengthened after Turkey recognized Kosovo's independence.

The guest minister stated that very important steps have been taken as regards the integration of the Balkans into Europe after recognition of Kosovo.

Turkey and Albania signed more than 100 agreements in the past 12 years, Basha said, adding that economic relations progressed particularly thanks to close cooperation between Albanian PM Sali Berisha and Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Basha said they were pleased to see Turkish entrepreneurs investing in Albania in areas extending from infrastructure to energy, and from agriculture to tourism and transportation.

Basha also thanked for Turkey's support extended during Bucharest summit for Albania to be a member of Euro-Atlantic structures. Turkey also extends support to Albania for modernization of military and army, he recalled.

Albanian minister also emphasized that Turkey has become a global actor.

On the other hand, Babacan said Turkey attaches importance to the preservation of stability in the Balkans.

Prosperity of the regional people must be enhanced to ensure a lasting peace in the Balkans, Babacan said, and noted that Turkey was ready to work with the regional countries to reach this goal.

Asked to comment on Kosovo, Babacan said, Balkans had to suffer for long years. Turkey respects the will of the people of Kosovo. Turkey also expends full support to NATO membership of Albania, Fyrom and Croatia.

[10] EU calls Turkey to respect Iraqs territorial integrity

Slovenia which holds the rotating European Union term presidency announced on Tuesday that they observe the ground operation of the Turkish Armed Forces in north of Iraq with great concern but they accept Turkey's need to protect its citizens from terrorism.

The presidency called on Turkey to respect Iraq's territorial integrity, human rights and the rule of law.

Slovenia also called on the Iraqi government and Kurdistan regional government not to let the use of Iraqi territory for attacks on neighboring countries.

[11] Turkish Minister on water use in Middle East in Water Forum in Jordan

Turkish Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu said Tuesday Turkey is working to enable fair use of water in the Middle East.

War will not erupt in the Middle East due to water, he told reporters after attending the Fifth World Water Forum in Jordanian capital of Amman.

Eroglu said Turkey, Syria and Iraq have reached an agreement for fair distribution of water in Mideast.

The Peace Water Project (Manavgat brook project) is under way, Eroglu said.

Eroglu also said a significant part of Dicle and Firat rivers is situated in Turkey.

But we do not perceive them as our rivers, and we wish to launch studies in line with interests of countries from which these rivers also flow, he told.

On the World Water Forum to take place in Istanbul in March 2009, Eroglu said they expect 20,000 people to participate in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation Abu Saud said that 70 million people will experience shortage of water in the Middle East in 2030.

The international solution of this problem depends on logical share of the water by regional countries. These countries should make arrangements about regional water transfer, he told.

Delegates from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Israel as well as Turkey and Jordan are participating in the meeting.

/AC

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