Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-09-19

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the second meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader

[02] Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan stated that the Greek Cypriot sides determination for solution will be tested

[03] The Liberal Democrats of the European Parliament are holding contacts in Turkey

[04] Soyer calls on the Greek Cypriot side to cooperate with the occupation regime for restoring the building of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery

[05] Gagavuz officials visited occupied Cyprus and signed education protocol

[06] The 1st International Olive Caricatures Competition is taking place in occupied Keryneia with the participation of 43 countries

[07] Four more persons involved in human trafficking have been arrested

[08] The Missing Bus documentary on Turkish Cypriot missing persons will compete at the Golden Orange Film festival in Antalya

[09] Stolen antiquities were found in a private house in occupied Keryneia

[10] OIC Secretary-General supports Turkeys UNSC candidacy

[11] Toptan expresses Turkeys readiness to fulfil its obligations in the Nabucco project during his meeting with EU Liberals delegation

[12] Turkish and Russian customs officials sign protocol

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] From the Turkish Press of 18 September 2008

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the second meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader

Under the title Tension in statements, Kibris reports in its first page that the two Cypriot leaders, who met yesterday in the framework of the comprehensive talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem, observed the press blackout and did not make any statements about the negotiations. However, they made sarcastic statements in the shadow of the talks.

According to the paper, President Demetris Christofias in statements he made prior to the meeting, said, inter alia, that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, says one thing at the negotiation table and other thing outside of it. He also said that a solution cannot be reached unless a common language is found between the two sides.

On his part, Mr Talat replied to President Christofias statements and speaking to the journalists following the end of yesterdays meeting stated that the one that says that the negotiations are moving slowly must look at the mirror before alleging this. We cannot say things like we made a concession, from now on we cannot make any other concession. Every issue is on the table and we are discussing every issue. Our aim is to find a solution the sooner possible, he stated.

Mr Talat also stated that the issues of "administration and power sharing" were taken up during the meeting, adding that the discussion on these issues was not completed yet and that they will continue to talk about them on the next meeting which will be held on the 8th of October. He also stated that discussion on the issues of "administration and power sharing" will continue at the next meeting which will start at 16.00 and added that executive which is a subheading will be taken up as well.

Replying to a question Mr Talat stated that the property issue will be discussed after completing the "administration and power sharing". He also said that by saying completing it does not mean reaching an agreement but negotiating all its aspects and added that they will note down what they have agreed upon before going to the property issue. Asked if they are still discussing the rotation of power sharing, Mr Talat said that they are discussing this and other issues which are under the issues of "administration and power sharing".

Replying to another question, Mr Talat stated that the progress is not fast but at the same time the talks are not fruitless.

Kibris, reporting further about the meeting yesterday writes that it lasted for about five hours and that the next meeting will be held on the 8th of October.

The rest of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers report on the issue under the following titles:

YENI DUZEN Five-hour meeting.

VOLKAN: Christofias: Talat speaks in one way inside and in another outside.

VATAN: There is no progress!

HALKIN SESI: Who is telling the truth?

KIBRISLI: Talat: Look at the mirror.

AFRIKA: Talat Christofias meeting: There is no progress.

SOZCU: Christofias: Talat speaks in one manner inside and in a different outside.

GUNES: Christofias: Talat acts in a double-faced manner.

BAKIS: Continuation of the negotiations.

ORTAM: Christofias: Talat acts in a double-faced manner. Talat: Let Christofias look in the mirror.

(CS)

[02] Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan stated that the Greek Cypriot sides determination for solution will be tested

Mr Babacan stated that the TRNC, as he called the occupation regime, demonstrated its will for the solution at the referendum which was organized for the UN Plan and added: The will for solution of the Greek Cypriot side and its determination will be tested. We will see if there is or not a strong will, he said.

(CS)

[03] The Liberal Democrats of the European Parliament are holding contacts in Turkey

Mr Sezer made these statements yesterday, during a meeting he had with Andrew Duff, member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) who visited the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

On his part Mr Duff stated that in case the Cyprus problem is not solved, Turkey faces the risk of never becoming member of the EU. He also stated that Liberal Democrats of the European Parliament always support Turkeys EU membership and noted the importance of the development of basic rights and freedoms in Turkey.

Kibris also writes that Oktay Vural, the deputy chairman of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) stated that a solution of the Cyprus problem must be found if the existence of two people in Cyprus is taken into consideration. Mr Vural made these statements speaking during a meeting his party had with a delegation of the ALDE who are visiting the Turkish Grand National Assembly, headed by its chairman, Graham Watson.

Mr Vural reminded that the Turkish Cypriot side said yes to the Annan Plan but the Greek Cypriot side, despite the fact that it did not accept the plan, it became member of the EU. He also said that it was announced that the embargo on the Turkish Cypriot side would be lifted, but nothing happened.

Mr Vural went on and stated, inter alia, the following: A solution to the Cyprus problem must be reached taking into consideration the existence of two people in Cyprus. An approach different than this, does not reflect the realities of the island.

In addition, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (19.09.08) reports on the visit of the member of the European Parliament, Mr. Marios Matsakis, to Ankara as member of the delegation of ALDE. The paper refers to the meeting the delegation had yesterday with the Prime Minister Erdogan. The paper stresses the fact that Mr. Marios Matsakis is the person who stole the Turkish flag in Cyprus in 1995 and comments that there was an interesting name of a person participating in the delegation.

(CS/AK)

[04] Soyer calls on the Greek Cypriot side to cooperate with the occupation regime for restoring the building of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery

As soon as the church puts an end to the fights within itself, we can begin the restoration of this historic work of art together. We have made every work for the restoration of the Monastery, but the fights within the Church, is an obstacle to the process. If a bad development takes place tomorrow, we will not be responsible for it, he stated. He also noted the importance of maintaining the historic assets and added that it is not right to make politics over them.

(CS)

[05] Gagavuz officials visited occupied Cyprus and signed education protocol

Moreover, under the title Cooperation in education with Gagauzia the paper reports that an education protocol was signed between the self-styled national education and culture minister, Mrs Canan Oztoprak and Mrs Poberejnaie Tatiana. During the signing ceremony, Mrs Oztoprak stated that Gagauzia and the TRNC are sister countries and reminded that a second protocol in the field of culture and art was signed between the two counties in the past. Mrs Oztoprak stressed that the signing of the education protocol will strengthen the ties of the two countries.

(EA)

[06] The 1st International Olive Caricatures Competition is taking place in occupied Keryneia with the participation of 43 countries

The 1st International Olive Caricatures Competition organized within the framework of 7th International Olive Festival has been completed.

A total of 372 works by 207 caricaturists from 43 countries have contended in the competition held under the theme of olive trees, their cutting down, olive branches, olives and olive oil.

Anton Buzeti from Slovenia took first place at the competition organized jointly by the Girne [occupied Keryneia] Municipality and the Cyprus Turkish Caricaturists Society while Dechko Nikolov from Bulgaria came second.

Valdimir Stankovski from Serbia came third.

Works which received awards will be exhibited during the 7th International Olive Festival to be held between the 10th and 16th of October.

[07] Four more persons involved in human trafficking have been arrested

(EA)

[08] The Missing Bus documentary on Turkish Cypriot missing persons will compete at the Golden Orange Film festival in Antalya

The Missing Bus documentary which was directed by Fevzi Tanpinar will compete at the national documentary contest at the 45th Golden Orange Film Festival which will take place between 10-19 October 2008 in Antalya.The documentary which is about a bus carrying Turkish Cypriots which went missing on the 13th of May 1964 after taking off from Larnaca was produced on the basis of eyewitness accounts of the bitter events of the past.The missing bus event is only one of several dramatic events of the past that cost the lives of many people in Cyprus over the last 50 years.

The Missing Bus documentary is competing with 26 other documentary films.The 55 minute documentary which was produced by a 44 member team was written by Rasit Pertev and the music of the film was composed by Ahmet Okan.

[09] Stolen antiquities were found in a private house in occupied Keryneia

[10] OIC Secretary-General supports Turkeys UNSC candidacy

In an exclusive interview with the A.A correspondent, Ihsanoglu said Turkey has become very active in foreign policy and its geo-strategic importance gradually increased.

Ihsanoglu said: "We also think OIC should be a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Efforts are underway in the past 2 years on the matter."

[11] Toptan expresses Turkeys readiness to fulfil its obligations in the Nabucco project during his meeting with EU Liberals delegation

Turkish Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said on Thursday that Turkey supported NABUCCO project and expressed readiness to fulfil all obligations on the project.

Speaking at a meeting with Graham Watson, the leader of the Alliance of the Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) at the European Parliament and an accompanying delegation, Toptan said Turkey attached high importance to relations with the EP and national parliaments of Europe.

Toptan said Turkish parliament fulfilled many reforms last year as well as legal reform, "works are underway in the parliament to ensure continuation of reforms," he added.

Watson said the Alliance was closely monitoring the developments in Turkey, adding that they always supported Turkey's EU bid.

Watson said they established "Turkey's Friends Group" in the EP, noting that the group would be in contact with the members of the Turkish parliament and monitor the developments.

A Finnish member of the delegation congratulated Turkey over its international efforts to restore stability in the Middle East and asked Toptan whether NABUCCO Project could be finalized in political means. In response, Toptan said, "it seems that oil and natural gas will continue to be an energy source in the next 50-100 years. Turkey and the European countries should continue works to finalize this project without considering the cost. Turkey continues talks with the EU on NABUCCO. Diversification of energy is also important for us."

Toptan said, "Turkey has positive relations with all countries in its region. Caucasus has already been an important field of interest of Turkey. Turkey endeavours to do its best to restore peace and tranquillity in the Caucasus by also opening a window of detente with Armenia."

The Nabucco pipeline is a planned natural gas pipeline that will transport natural gas from Turkey to Austria, via Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. It will run from Erzurum in Turkey to Baumgarten an der March, a major natural gas hub in Austria. This pipeline is a diversion from the current methods of importing natural gas solely from Russia. The project is backed by the European Union and the United States.

[12] Turkish and Russian customs officials sign protocol

Sources from the Turkish Embassy in Moscow said that the talks actually began on Monday and were completed on Thursday.

Undersecretary of Turkish Customs Emin Zararsiz and Chairman of the Customs Department of the Russian Federation Andrey Belyaninov signed the protocol on Thursday.

Authorities have not made any statement regarding the content of the protocol.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] From the Turkish Press of 18 September 2008

a) Lighthouse Fraud Case: In an editorial entitled "Turkey's test," Hurriyet columnist Oktay Eksi urges Turkish authorities to launch an investigation following a statement made by a German judge who said that three defendants who were yesterday given different prison terms for using a part of funds raised by Deniz Feneri (lighthouse), a charity which has branches in Germany and Turkey, for purposes not related to the organization's activities were receiving instructions from some executives of Kanal 7 television station, particularly from Zekeriya Karaman, Ismail Karahan, Mustafa Celik, and Zahid Akman who now serves as the chairman of the Radio and Television High Council, (RTUK). Eksi implies that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will not take action to reveal facts about the case despite his promise to fight corruption and fraud.

In an article entitled "German judge Moeller's remarks," Milliyet columnist Fikret Bila cites passages from remarks made by Johann Moeller, the German judge who presided over the fraud case, at the end of the trial. Bila stresses that judicial authorities in Turkey must launch a probe in order to bring people accused by the German judge of masterminding the scam to trial.

In an article entitled "An open letter to Prime Minister Erdogan," Milliyet columnist Hasan Cemal criticizes Erdogan for diverting attention from the charity fraud case by attacking the media rather than taking action in order to ensure that connections between the fraud case in Germany and Deniz Feneri Association's branch in Turkey are uncovered. He says: "Democracy cannot be reconciled with corruption as is the case for abnormalities in relations between politicians and the media. Your government must take the fight against corruption more seriously."

In an article entitled "Lighthouse," Sabah columnist Ergun Babahan says that the fraud case in Germany is a source of shame for Turkey. Pointing out that the German court's decision shows that the defendants had connections in Turkey, Babahan comments: "The Ministry of Justice must immediately take action and bring people in Turkey who were involved in the scandal to trial as soon as possible." Babahan also criticizes some Turkish newspapers for distorting some facts about the case and claiming that the Turkish government put pressure on Germany in an effort to hide some facts, adding that those allegations were denied by the German judge.

In an article entitled "'Clean hands must begin in RTUK," Vatan columnist Gungor Mengi strongly criticizes the Turkish Ministry of Justice of delaying a possible investigation into allegations about Akman and others who are accused of masterminding the charity fraud case and urges the government to sack Akman.

In an article entitled "People who have made donations are innocent," Vatan columnist Rusen Cakir says that some people and groups who were disappointed by the Constitutional Court's decision not to close down the AKP now seem to have pinned all their hopes on the Lighthouse case. He cautions that attempts to exploit the case while disregarding its socio-cultural aspects could backfire and hinder an emerging process of self-criticism in the Islamic camp.

In an editorial entitled "Worst swindling case," Turkish Daily News columnist Yusuf Kanli urges Erdogan "to stop hiding realities from the people and disclose in earnest the relations between himself and those people who were sentenced by the German court yesterday."

In an article entitled "Lighthouse: What exactly is the problem?", Yeni Safak columnist Yasin Dogan argues that the corruption case against Lighthouse in Germany reflects European and Western annoyance at the growing influence of Turkish NGOs and charity organizations worldwide. Dogan also accuses Republican People's Party, CHP, leader Deniz Baykal of trying to use the German court case as a means of launching a political "lynching campaign" against the ruling AKP.

b) Turkish army Press relations: In an article entitled "A quitter, more open TSK," Turkish Daily News columnist Mehmet Ali Birand analyzes comments made by General Basbug which, he notes, indicated that the Turkish General Staff will be more transparent and stay away from politics in the future.

In an article entitled "Basbug's communication meetings," Radikal columnist Hasan Celal Guzel criticizes some comments made by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug during his briefings for journalists although he notes that he shares Basbug's opinions about the fight on terrorism. He says: "While I agree that terrorism is an issue concerning the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces], the General Staff actually functions as a second prime minister's office because it expresses its opinions about a variety of issues, including secularism, democracy, Kirkuk, Georgia, the EU, and the United States. Has not General Basbug tacitly admitted that the TSK has a branch similar to the executive by saying that the TSK would scrutinize every issue?" The columnist stresses that the Turkish Armed Forces should stop holding long briefings for journalists and acting like a "government within a government" in order to prevent itself for being exploited for political purposes.

In an article entitled "If General Basbug really believes in Democracy", Yeni Safak columnist Ali Bayramoglu criticizes Chief of Staff General Ilker Basbug for what he describes as recent statements suggesting that the Turkish military arrogates a political role to itself in the form of a responsibility to define the nation-state, make sure this definition is upheld by other players in the system, and take action against any moves or policies that conflict with that definition. Bayramoglu asserts that the military tutelage model appears set to continue during Basbug's term as Chief of Staff, with the Turkish Armed Forces, TSK, supervising the Government's policy on subjects like the Kurdish question and the Cyprus issue. He ends by calling on Basbug to "withdraw the army to the barracks if he really believes in democracy."

In an article entitled "The news media's real duty", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru interprets General Basbug's remarks at his recent news conference calling on the news media not to try to drag the TSK into politics as a warning to certain media outlets not to attempt to provoke the military into staging a coup based on Article 35 of the Internal Service Law by creating the impression that the Republican regime is under threat.

Under the banner headline, "Here are the accreditation criteria," Vakit carries a front-page report which asks whether newspapers or journalists should do the following to be accredited with the General Staff: 1. "Putting a Chief of Staff in a skirt," as the "media cartel" did to former Chief of Staff Dogan Gures before the 28 February process. 2. Publishing an obituary for a "terrorist chieftain," as the Cumhuriyet daily recently did for Dursun Karatas, the late leader of the terrorist DHKP/C. 3. Being a journalist "condemned" by a former Chief of Staff, like Cumhuriyet's Ankara representative Mustafa Balbay. 4. Having been convicted of publishing material with pornographic content, like Aydin Dogan. 5. Being a suspected member of a terrorist group, like Cumhuriyet columnist Ilhan Selcuk.

In an article entitled "How not to interpret Basbug's remarks", Vakit columnist Selahaddin Cakirgil criticizes General Basbug for expressing support for the 28 February process at his recent news conference in what amounted, he claims, to a reminder of the "sword of Damocles" over democracy. He also argues that given how the 28 February process saw the Turkish army pressure the judiciary "at gunpoint" into rendering rulings intended to protect the secular regime, Basbug's defence of this process conflicted with his remarks announcing that the military visit to two retired generals arrested as part of the Ergenekon probe should not been seen as a bid to influence the judiciary.

In an commentary entitled "The General Staff's 'Community'", Zaman writer Mumtazer Turkone argues that the description of the army as a guardian of secularism serves as an expedient to enable the military to perpetually interfere in politics. He also takes issue with General Ilker Basbug over his recently voiced objections to religious communities in Turkey. He argues that the charity work carried out by such groups cannot be characterized as anti-secular more than the fact that the Western NGOs operating in the southeast are extensions of Christian communities, can be interpreted as meaning that they are conducting missionary work.

c) Ergenekon case: A report entitled "Eruygur in critical condition" in Milliyet says that retired General Sener Eruygur who has been remanded in custody because of his alleged connections with a shadowy organization called Ergenekon is still in critical condition after he was injured in an accident in prison. The report quotes some sources as saying that Eruygur could undergo brain surgery due to continuing cerebral haemorrhage.

Under the headline, "Ergenekon fingerprints in attack on US Consulate," Zaman carries a front-page report which asserts that Erkan Kargin, one of the gunmen who staged the attack on the US Consulate-General in Istanbul on 7 July, has turned out to have had frequent phone conversations with some of the suspects in the Ergenekon probe.

d) World financial crisis and Turkey: In an article entitled "Either election populism or economic stability," Hurriyet columnist Erdal Saglam says that what he describes as the nationalization of AIG by the US government indicated that the current financial crisis is more serious than generally believed and will entail a very high cost and probably affect the outcome of the presidential election in the United States. Saglam also points out that the Turkish government does not make any move in order to cope with the crisis, adding that the ruling Justice and Development Party, AKP, will either take action to make the Turkish economy more resistant to an impending financial shock or increase spending in a bid to win the local elections scheduled for March 2009.

In an article entitled "What should be done on the economic front?" Taraf columnist Suleyman Yasar says that the global financial system averted a more serious crisis as a result of the Fed's decision to lend $85 billion to AIG. Pointing out that Turkey is among the countries affected by fluctuations in global markets, Yasar advises the government to speed up its privatization drive in order to emerge from the global crisis with minimum damage.

In an article entitled "How could the Global crisis spread to Turkey? What should be done?" Milliyet columnist Hursit Gunes cautions that Turkey could face serious problems if a part of foreign investors may sell their portfolios in Turkey as a result of liquidity shortage in the United States and foreign banks limit loans extended to Turkey. He says: "There are certain things that government officials in charge of economic affairs should do in the face of this huge risk. Firstly, they must maintain the tight monetary policy due to compelling reasons. But, it should be relaxed after the crisis is somewhat alleviated. Meanwhile, financial discipline should be rigidly maintained."

A report entitled "Business community calls for 'plan to intervene in crisis'" in Milliyet, highlights opinions voiced by some leading Turkish businessmen about the current recession in the Turkish economy and a statement issued by the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), which emphasizes that the government must draw up an action plan in order to deal with recession which is expected to continue over the medium term and to restore confidence in the Turkish economy. TUSIAD also says that the government should launch an IMF-backed adaptation plan in order to enable the Turkish economy to withstand external shocks.

Under the headline, "DIF [Depositors Insurance Fund] Period in America," Yeni Safak publishes a front-page report which asserts that the current state of the US financial markets resembles that of the Turkish economy in the 2000 crisis, with "major banks going bankrupt one after another" and many financial institutions being taken over by the FED and the FDIC.

In an article entitled "Wrestling between Global Capital and Nation-State", Yeni Safak columnist Akif Emre argues that the government bailouts in the latest financial crisis in the United States have given the lie to most Western "rhetoric" about the rules of the free market economy. He claims that there are many lessons in these takeovers for "na�ve politicians who believe the rules of the economy to be independent of any values or ethics."

Finally, an article entitled "End of the American century", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak asserts that the Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers bankruptcies in the United States are expected to have a domino effect on other well-known and reliable corporations. He also describes the latest financial developments in the United States as the herald of the collapse of global capitalism along with the breakdown of the US economy.

EG/

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