Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-07-06

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Protests against the economic measures

[02] Kucuk the economic measures; Unprofitable Saray Hotel to be leased

[03] Eroglu draws strength from the people in occupied Trikomo

[04] Turkey denied a meeting between Minister Bagis and President Christofias

[05] International folk dances festival in occupied Cyprus; First place for Turkish Cypriot dance group at Dance Grand Prix Italia

[06] Anniversary of Kutlu Adalis assassination

[07] Top Turkish court lacks power to decide on reforms, rapporteur says

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] Columnist says Turkey renews call for Cyprus conference

[09] From the Turkish Press of 5 July 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Protests against the economic measures

Moreover, using eggs and bottles, protesters besieged the headquarters of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce which had expressed its support to the decisions of the government.

According to the paper, the warning strike organized yesterday by the trade unions, in parallel to the rally, paralyzed life in the occupied part of Cyprus. The self-styled assembly was not able to convene, travels to the occupied ports were hampered and the public service did not operate. The trade unions are preparing for a strike for an indefinite period as of Friday 8 July.

The paper writes that the self-styled minister of labour and social insurance Turkay Tokel started to visit the trade unions in order to convince them on the necessity of the measures. Tokel stated that a salary deduction of 50-100 Turkish liras does not influence the employees.

Commenting on the issue in its column Letter from Afrika, the paper writes, inter alia, the following under the title Eggs for the assembly, nothing said for the occupier:

The rally yesterday was one of the most massive rallies held recently. According to some people, 5000 persons participated while others say participants were more. However, this crowd could not be directed. As if it had no target. Some things were said against the AKP government in the speeches, but no reference was made to Turkeys occupation here. In spite the fact that we are in a worse situation than in the past, the rally was not very different from past rallies. It was even worse. There were protesters who carried Turkish and TRNC flags. And there was only one placard which was saying no to Ankaras money, package and employees. And it was strange that this placard belonged to the United Cyprus Party (BKP). The party, which until recently accused the National Unity Party (UBP) of being an enemy to the AKP government. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the government to resign. What will it happen if it does resign? Who will replace it? Do we have such an alternative? Our choices are known: The CTP, DP, TDP and ORP. What will happen if they come?

Protesters threw plastic bottles and eggs yesterday against the assembly and the police. Not a single bottle and egg fell in the garden of the embassy [of Turkey in the occupied part of Lefkosia]

Let anyone say whatever he wishes. This rally benefited Ankara again. It could take the video of this rally, copy it many times and send it to the world saying: Look at the democracy of the TRNC. Where else have you seen such democracy? Let those who say that northern Cyprus is under Turkeys occupation see the reality once more! Turkey could even boast with our rally...

Irsen Kucuk is also satisfied with the rally, they say. He even wanted everybody to shout a little bit more so that Turkey reasons and let loose its purse strings

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.07.10) refers to the same issue under the title You have betrayed this community, resign and reports that trade unions and associations of pensioners marched towards the assembly and called on the UBP minority government to resign. The paper writes that the protesters strongly reacted against the economic measures of the UBP minority government and condemned the package imposed by Turkey. Addressing the rally, Ali Bicakli, chairman of Turk-Sen trade union, said the UBP had come to power saying it would not touch the acquired rights of employees and once it won the elections it started to implement its unpopular policies. The UBP does not represent even 30% of the people today and it has no authority, he claimed.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (06.07.10) reports that the personnel department of the breakaway regime announced that the participation rate of the employees in the rally was 14.7%.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Kucuk the economic measures; Unprofitable Saray Hotel to be leased

Kucuk made these statements on Sunday (04.07.10) dunning a program on Kibris Television station, evaluating the latest developments in occupied Cyprus.

The self-styled prime minister said that if these measures were not taken, the job of 5000 civil servants would have been dismissed. He also said that he will propose a 10% reduction to the salaries of ministers and MPs.

He added that revenue of hotels belonging to Evkaf has decreased and cited the example of Saray Hotel which, though it runs a casino, it operates with one million euro losses per year. For this reason he said the Hotel will be leased.

(CS)

[03] Eroglu draws strength from the people in occupied Trikomo

Eroglu said that the Iskele Festival conveyed the message to the world that those who settled in occupied Trikomo are determined to protect their existence.

He concluded saying that such events organized by the TRNC - though under embargoes, create opportunities for the youth of the country to meet with young people from foreign countries.

[04] Turkey denied a meeting between Minister Bagis and President Christofias

According to Greek Cypriot media, A.A. says, at the meeting Christofias said that Greek Cypriot side could give the green light to open new chapters in Turkey's accession negotiation in return for the closed town of Varosha.

All these reports are untrue and fabricated, the Secretariat-General said in a statement. It said Christofias' interlocutor could only be Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu.

[05] International folk dances festival in occupied Cyprus; First place for Turkish Cypriot dance group at Dance Grand Prix Italia

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (06.07.10) reports that a 16-member Turkish Cypriot dance group, together with choreographer Osman Ates, attended the Dance Grand Prix Italia 2010 which took place in the city of Bologna in Italy. According to the paper, the team named Show Dance Team of Cyprus won first place. As it is reported, 50 choreographers from 15 countries, including Finland, Malta, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland, took part in the contest.

(EA)

[06] Anniversary of Kutlu Adalis assassination

(CS)

[07] Top Turkish court lacks power to decide on reforms, rapporteur says

The Constitutional Court should dismiss a case brought against the package of constitutional reforms because the referendum process has not been completed, the rapporteur assigned to examine the merits of the case said Monday.

The main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), had applied to the countrys top court seeking the annulment of the government-led constitutional amendments, which were passed by Parliament and approved by President Abdullah Gul in early May and are set to be put to a referendum September 12.

According to the Constitution, the votes of at least seven of the 11 members of the top court would be required to annul the reform package. The same number of votes would be required to dismiss the case, according to the non-binding report distributed to the courts members Monday.

If the court votes to proceed, Constitutional Court President Hasim K1l1c will set a date to start hearing the case.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar1nc said Monday that he believed the court would make a decision in line with the law. I hope the reform package will go to a referendum and the public will freely say yes or no in the vote, he said.

The Constitution allows the Court to examine the reform package only on procedural and methodological grounds, but some legal experts say determining whether the packages content harmonizes with the unalterable articles of the Constitution and the principles of the rule of law falls under the scope of such an assessment.

In an earlier decision that annulled a government-sponsored bill to end the headscarf ban in universities, the court was similarly authorized to do a procedural examination but also looked at the substance of the matter. Some experts say this decision could prove indicative of future action.

The two articles most likely to be scrutinized by the top court in terms of their content are the controversial ones dealing with the restructuring of the Supreme Board of Prosecutors and Judges (HSYK), and the Constitutional Court.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] Columnist says Turkey renews call for Cyprus conference

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review early Sunday in an interview on his plane returning from Kyrgyzstan that participants would be the three guarantor countries, along with Turkish and Greek Cypriots and the United Nations. Davutoglu said this was also the case in the Burgenstock talks in 2004 on the Annan Plan, pointing out that Turkish and Greek Cypriots attended the meetings as equal partners.

Demirtas writes that Greek Cypriots oppose the idea of an international conference and a breakthrough is unlikely, due to the parties uncompromising demands. The article argues that while Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are pressing to conclude talks by the end of the year, Greek Cypriots are seeking to postpone a deal until the European Union meeting in December when Brussels will review the full membership talks with Turkey.

Recalling that the U.N. Secretary-Generals report released in early June suggested a deadline, welcomed by Turkey, the article refers to reports that he U.N. Secretary-General is preparing to invite parties for a meeting in November.

The issue will be discussed this week during Davutoglus meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London.

[09] From the Turkish Press of 5 July 2010

a) Turkeys foreign policy issues

In the aftermath of the meeting in Canada between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Barack Obama, Asli Aydintasbas writes in Milliyet that this was "the most disappointing" meeting held between the two leaders. During the meeting, Aydintasbas reports, Erdogan explained Turkey's position regarding the ties with Israel and Turkey's vote against the sanctions on Iran, while the United States asked Ankara to tone down its reaction to Israel. Apparently, Aydintasbas remarks, Obama turned down Erdogan's request to receive Predator type unmanned planes, saying that it would be difficult to get Congress approval for such a request given the "current atmosphere." Regarding US-Turkey relations she concludes that: 1. Ankara should not perceive the US capital as 'Obama is good, his entourage is bad,' because the changing atmosphere in Washington will also influence Obama. 2. Ankara should not push the US Administration to the point of 'choosing between Israel and Turkey, because then the answer would be Israel. 3. Both in Europe and in the United States, Turkey should talk about the 'overture' as well, and not only about a military solution. 4. In interpreting Washington's position, it is necessary to view the political atmosphere as a whole, and not focus only on the good news. Even if there is no question of a crisis, it is necessary to openly accept that there is a difficult situation in terms of the US public opinion."

Milliyet columnist Riza Turmen refers to the question of identity, especially ethnic-religious identity, in foreign policy. He maintains that "the Justice and Development Party (AKP), government is trying to furnish the society with a Sunni-Muslim identity rather than the secular-Western identity of the republic. Foreign policy is an important tool used by the AKP to implement this goal. Therefore, when one evaluates the AKP government's foreign policy, one must establish the connection between the transformation of the Turkish society and foreign policy." It is important for the AKP to receive EU support, because this acts as a shield against its opponents at home and ensures the support of the liberals. The AKP wants to be admitted into the EU with its Islamic identity, and does not view the EU as a civilization with which we share the same values, Turmen argues. He says that the AKP's stance toward the EU is also to blame for the impasse in the EU accession process. On the other hand, Turmen remarks, "we see a great activity in the AKP government's policies toward the Middle East and Iran," with Turkey becoming a party to the regional conflicts. He states that "religious identity is shaping the AKP's Middle East policy," suggesting that this policy does not necessarily conform with Turkey's interests. Turmen says Iran's acquiring nuclear weapons, for example, runs counter to Turkey's interests.

Writing in Hurriyet Daily News.com, Serkan Demirtas views the efforts to repair the damage done to Israeli-Turkish relations, and the role of the United States and adds that the dissolution of the Turkey-Israel-United States triangle "will work for none of these three. It is only normal to expect more efforts in the coming days to stop further deterioration in ties that would serve as a basis for future attempts to put everything back on track."

In an article entitled "Who would have to pay for losing Turkey?", Yeni Safak's Washington correspondent Ali Akel poses the question how much of the forthcoming Obama-Netanyahu meeting in Washington will be devoted to discussing Turkey. He claims that while the Jewish lobby in the US capital has gone out of its way to persuade the White House to "openly confront" Ankara over its policy toward Iran and Israel, the Obama administration cannot afford to make a choice between Turkey and Israel in the Middle East and "more importantly" is not in a position to manipulate the workings of the Turkish or Israeli governments. He also argues based on what was discussed at the recent Obama-Erdogan meeting in Toronto that while Washington may differ with Ankara as to what methods to use to achieve peace, it shares the Turkish government's rather than the Netanyahu administration's outlook on the world.

In an article entitled "Getting Turkish-American relations right", Today's Zaman columnist Omer Taspinar disagrees with the perception that "Turkish-American relations have never been worse and that we are witnessing an all-time low." Explaining "what we are witnessing" in relations between the two countries, he claims that "a more democratic and more populist Turkey, where a free-market oriented and moderately pro-Islamist government managed the economy rather well, feels confident enough to challenge the superpower in areas where Turkish national interests differ from Washington. Is this a crisis for America? Not yet. This is not time for 'crisis-management.' But it is time for damage control."

b) Internal affairs issues

Under the headline, "Ms Kantarcioglu runs into Article 46," Yeni Safak publishes a front-page report which asserts that Constitutional Court Justice Fulya Kantarcioglu is being urged to withdraw from the deliberations over the constitutional amendment package appealed by the Republican People's Party (CHP), over her "confession" that she expressed her "advisory opinion" about the CHP's appeal in an intercepted phone conversation with Former Justice Minister Seyfi Oktay, thereby violating Article 46 of the Law on the Establishment and Duties of the Constitutional Court.

In an article entitled "Baykal and team not to be nominated as candidates", Milli Gazete columnist Sinan Burhan quotes an unnamed source as having told him that CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and CHP Secretary-General Onder Sav are worried about former CHP leader Deniz Baykal's "continuing influence" over CHP deputies and party cadres in general and that they are planning for this reason not to have Baykal and his team nominated as candidates for Parliament in the next elections.

c) Kurdish Issue

Kadri Gursel, in his column in Milliyet, claims that the PKK has escalated its terrorist actions because the "Kurdish overture" has come to an end when PKK militants entered Turkey via Habur and demonstrated that "they are politically autistic" with regard to the rest of the population. The Turkish public, maintains Gursel, has not shown particular interest in the solution of the Kurdish problem, but only seeks to get rid of the "terrorism plague" by seizing the PKK's weapons. As this has proven impossible, it is essential to correctly diagnose the problem and seek a solution, he maintains. Gursel adds that it was correct to propose the "overture," but the initiative was devoid of any substance. It is futile to expect the PKK to abandon its weapons now, he says, adding that the government should use its political tools to prepare the grounds for the PKK to lay down its weapons.

Referring to the PKK's connections with foreign elements in a column in Hurriyet Daily News.com, Cem Oguz says "it is unrealistic for Turkey to rely merely on foreign countries/allies in its fight against the PKK, particularly militarily. On the contrary, Turkey should realize it is on its own in combating the PKK. An effective strategy, based on national consensus, is what is essentially required at present."

d) Economy

Milliyet columnist Yaman Toruner praises the AKP government's economic achievements in the past seven years. Apart from 11.7 % growth in the first quarter of this year, he cites as reasons for the success: maintaining the balance in the budget; pursuing the inherited economic model without any changes; and accepting the economic management style imposed by international centres, allowing the inflow of capital. Moreover, success is owed to: political stability; upheaval on our borders, allowing Turkey to become the biggest seller to Iraq and Iran; good foreign relations; and greater initiatives by businessmen, especially Islamic businessmen.

AC/

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