Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-12-02

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] "Turkish Cypriot State" reportedly to be declared after the Geneva meeting; the issue tops Eroglu's secret agenda

[02] Eroglu urges the Islamic countries to launch relations with the Turkish Cypriots

[03] Rauf Denktas wants Turkey to state more strongly and frequently that it prefers Cyprus to its accession into the EU

[04] Unions react against new working hours; statements by political leaders

[05] Water transfer to "TRNC" by 2014

[06] BKP and YKP to attend ELP assembly in Paris

[07] Eroglu's meeting with "YODAK"

[08] The majority of the Turkish Cypriots find the so-called government "unsuccessful"

[09] Goods confiscated at the Green Line

[10] International backgammon tournament in occupied Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] "Turkish PM threatens to sue US diplomats over leaked claims"

[12] "Turkish political parties decide to distance themselves from US diplomats"

[13] Turkey nominates Ercin as OSCE Secretary-General candidate

[14] The first meeting between Gul and Aliyev after US document leaks

[15] CHP to hold extraordinary convention on 18 December

[16] Greek Orthodox Patriarchate asks Ankara to return more properties

[17] Turkey and Ecuador sign commercial cooperation deal

[18] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] "Turkish Cypriot State" reportedly to be declared after the Geneva meeting; the issue tops Eroglu's secret agenda

The paper points out that the Turkish Cypriots will continue their way under the name by which the 57 members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) have recognized them. "The leaders will search for a federal solution in Geneva, where the UN gave a rendezvous. Even if the result is negative, the TRNC will soon be abolished and we will continue our way with the Turkish Cypriot State", reports Star Kibris, describing the meeting in Geneva as "the last tango".

According to the paper, even if there is still no intensive preparation for the declaration of the 'Turkish Cypriot State", the issue tops Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu's secret agenda. Most of the parties represented in the "assembly" of the breakaway regime are in favour of the establishment of the "Turkish Cypriot State", writes the paper.

However, Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP) said that the "TRNC" should be defended. He stated that the "Turkish Cypriot State" and the "Greek Cypriot State" were envisaged in the Annan Plan to replace the "TRNC" and the Republic of Cyprus respectively, because they were necessary for the establishment of the "United Republic of Cyprus" through virgin birth. He noted that the ongoing process is not focused on such a basis.

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that his party was the first which supported the "Turkish State" and put forward this project for its recognition in the Arab countries and its promotion in the world. "We could make ourselves accepted by the world with this", he argued. Cakici noted that at the end of the process a federal state will emerge. "The TRNC will become a Turkish state, but not independent. It will be one of the two statelets of a superior state", he added. Cakici said that if the Greek Cypriots are found to be wrong and the Turkish Cypriots right [after Geneva], the latter could obtain the right to create the "Turkish Cypriot State" and the issue of lifting the "isolation" and "embargo" will be solved more easily.

Turgay Avci, leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), alleged that the UN will withdraw from the process in Cyprus, if a result is not reached at the meeting in Geneva, which he described as "the last round and last chance". "What should be done if the Greek Cypriot stance continues is to establish the Turkish Cypriot State again", he alleged. Avci said that the "road map" of the Turkish Cypriot side and the way to open up to the world from now on, is the "Turkish Cypriot State" as it is accepted by 57 member-states of the OIC and included in the UN reports and the Annan Plan.

Ferdi Sabit Soyer, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that the Turkish Cypriots have a "state" since 1975. "This state will be a founding state in a federal state and its name will be Turkish Cypriot State", noted Soyer adding that there is no Plan B for him. "I consider these debates before the Geneva meeting as a blow to the solution process", said Soyer alleging that no one should play the game of the Greek Cypriots who "usurped the Republic of Cyprus" and "want to show that the Turkish Cypriots are separatists".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu urges the Islamic countries to launch relations with the Turkish Cypriots

Eroglu sent a message yesterday to the four-day international conference on "Islamic Civilization in the Mediterranean", organized jointly by OIC's Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) and illegal "Near East University" (YDU) in the occupied areas of Cyprus. The message was read out at the opening ceremony by Eroglu's spokesman, Osman Ertug.

Kaya Turkmen, Turkey's self-styled ambassador to the occupied part of Lefkosia, Bakary Drame, OIC's deputy General Secretary, Muhhammed Alhamdani, Iraq's Cultural Counsellor and Hasan Bozer, self-styled speaker of the "assembly" were among those attending the opening ceremony yesterday.

In his message, Eroglu alleged that since 1878 efforts have been exerted for the weakening and even the annihilation of the Moslem Turkish Cypriots, but the latter tried to preserve their Islamic culture in spite of all these. Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriots are living freely and securely in the northern part of the island under the roof of the "TRNC" and thanked the OIC for "showing commitment to the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots" in its decisions on the Cyprus problem. He said that the conference organized at the "YDU" is a sign of the commitment of OIC and added: "We urge the Islamic countries and their organizations to fulfil their promises by launching cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots in the political, economic and cultural fields".

Eroglu alleged that the cooperation of the Islamic countries with the Turkish Cypriots will "encourage" the Greek Cypriots to be more conciliatory at the negotiating table.

Addressing the conference, Hasan Bozer said that most conflicts in the world are taking place in Islamic countries and alleged that the world treats the Islamic countries unjustly. "[The countries of the world] behave with hostility against the Islamic countries", claimed Bozer citing as example the situation in Palestine and the "embargoes" on the Turkish Cypriots. "If an examination in depth is held, it will be seen that the factor of religion lies in the root of this", he alleged, arguing that efforts are exerted to cause Islamophobia in the world.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Rauf Denktas wants Turkey to state more strongly and frequently that it prefers Cyprus to its accession into the EU

Addressing a conference at a university in Turkey on the "Importance of Cyprus in the negotiating process with the EU", Denktas alleged that if the Greek Cypriots' approach is accepted in the meeting in Geneva, this will mean that Cyprus is lost.

Referring to the history of the Cyprus problem, Denktas expressed the hope that the Turkish side will not abandon the "TRNC".

Responding to a question on the influence which his disagreement with the AKP government had on the Cyprus problem, Denktas said: "Our disagreement was in the Annan Plan period. I did not want to cause difficulties to the Turkish government then. Seven years passed since then. They have not been able to solve it. Now they are taking again a decision which had been taken in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) before the Annan Plan. I wish that we are all careful when we make new moves".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Unions react against new working hours; statements by political leaders

The protests continue also with KAMU-IS and HUR-IS call for industrial action from 09:00 to 12:00. HUR-IS chairman, Yakup Latifoglu called Union members to participate in a march to the "prime ministry" in order to deposit a black wreath.

Moreover, the Unions' Platform, consisting of 36 trade unions, yesterday discussed the new measures announced by the "council of ministers" and decided on civil disobedience. It was also decided to continue their action even if strikes are banned. The decision also said the UBP government, which passed the measures through the "assembly", does not represent the people any longer. The platform also said the measures are imposed by the AKP government and that they will exhaust the Turkish Cypriots.

Turgay Avci, the general chairman of Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) commenting on the new working hours said that the decision taken creates a chaotic environment and that the country's infrastructure potential is not ready for such conditions. Ferdi Sabit Soyer, general chairman of Republican Turkish Party- United Forces (CTP-BG), said that this decision only creates chaos and that it should be revoked. Social Democracy Party (TDP) leader, Mehmet Cakici said in his statement that the new regulation is not correct and not feasible.

On the other hand, the independent so-called MP, Ejder Aslanbaba, criticized trade Unions saying that they do not know what they want and that they should decide whether they want EU or not, and what type of working hours they want. The so-called prime minister of the breakaway regime also commented on the unions' statements that the measures are imposed by Turkey saying that it is a "big shame" and that they do not serve "the national cause". In his written statement, he also said that a survey was carried out last September regarding the "single working hours" and that 80% gave positive answers.

[05] Water transfer to "TRNC" by 2014

Asked whether the water will be used to cover the needs of the whole island, the minister replied: "Our government will decide, but my personal conviction is that if there is reconciliation and tranquillity and peace is established, why not? This is related to the stance of the Greek Cypriots."

[06] BKP and YKP to attend ELP assembly in Paris

The YKP delegation is composed of executive committee members Murat Kanatli and Nevzat Hami and so-called parliamentarian Faika Deniz Pasa.

[07] Eroglu's meeting with "YODAK"

Explaining that "the presidency will do everything it can to assist YODAK", Eroglu stressed the importance of overcoming some of the problems faced by universities as well as recognition of their diplomas. "There are still some doors that need to be opened especially in Europe", said Eroglu, adding that if these difficulties are overcome the problems will come down to a minimum.

[08] The majority of the Turkish Cypriots find the so-called government "unsuccessful"

The surveys shows that the majority of Turkish Cypriots (55.2%) believe that the financial measures taken by the so-called government are "wrong", while a 56% find the current "government" "unsuccessful" and only a 39% finds it "successful".

[09] Goods confiscated at the Green Line

[10] International backgammon tournament in occupied Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] "Turkish PM threatens to sue US diplomats over leaked claims"

Speaking during a municipal ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan called on the US administration to take action to discipline the diplomats who "slandered" him in the leaked State Department documents.

"This is the United States' problem, not ours... Those who have slandered us will be crushed under these claims, will be finished and will disappear," the prime minister said in his first comprehensive comments about the WikiLeaks release. Erdogan said. "We have discussed these issues with the U.S. administration. They have extended their apologies, but it's not enough. They have to take all necessary measures against these diplomats."

One leaked cable, signed by former US envoy to Ankara Eric Edelman claimed that Erdogan had eight secret accounts in Swiss banks, without giving further evidence. Other documents accused Erdogan of reaping personal gain from a billion-dollar privatization.

Erdogan also slammed the Turkish media and the head of the main opposition for publicizing the allegations. Saying he does not have a single penny in Swiss banks, Erdogan said: "Now I tell the opposition leaders that the moment they prove otherwise, I will resign. But will they remain in their places [if they cannot prove it]?"

Accusing Edelman and other former U.S. diplomats of expressing their personal hatred against him and his government, Erdogan repeated his statement that the opposition's use of these claims for political purposes was shameful. He also called on the public to wait and see what the purpose was behind the leaks as the situation was still very new.

[12] "Turkish political parties decide to distance themselves from US diplomats"

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have reportedly banned their members from having backstage talks with US diplomats. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is also expected to bring such a ban soon.

A senior AKP official, speaking to the paper on condition of anonymity, did not confirm the ban but he said he does not think any AKP member will have a meeting with a US diplomat from now on. "None of our members will either honour an invitation by US diplomats or have talks with them. We do not even feel the need to bring such a ban. I think everyone drew a lesson from this incident. Everyone's perception of diplomats has changed in Turkey. Not only are US diplomats but also all others included in that," he said.

Noting that US diplomats used to exchange views with deputies ahead of parliamentary talks on every critical legal amendment, the same official said that although such meetings were not seen as inappropriate, it will be difficult for US diplomats to even get an appointment with members of Turkish political parties.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly ordered the party's parliamentary group deputy chairmen to take measures to prevent party members from meeting with US diplomats. Sources said Erdogan's decision will be conveyed to party members soon and that members will be obliged to inform the party administration about any meetings with US diplomats. The party will also record the main topic of any such meeting and its content.

The MHP kept its distance from US diplomats even before the WikiLeaks disclosures. MHP leader Devlet Bahceli had refused to meet with former US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson despite the former ambassador having asked for an appointment ahead of the 2007 parliamentary elections many times. Bahceli received Wilson later on after a number of MHP officials intervened. Following the recent disclosures, Bahceli introduced a strict ban on MHP officials meeting with US diplomats.

The CHP was also disturbed by the action of US officials though it has not banned its members from meeting with US diplomats, the party plans to warn deputies who frequently have talks with US diplomats.

[13] Turkey nominates Ercin as OSCE Secretary-General candidate

Gul said that Ercin is also his special consultant for European security. He added that he has been introducing Ercin to leaders during the international summits and meetings held in the recent months. Ercin is currently Turkey's ambassador to Brazil.

Gul said the three essential principles of OSCE are solving problems on political and military issues, spread of democracy, law standards and respect to human rights as well as economic cooperation. "Political and military issues are in the forefront of those principles," Gul note.

Referring to Turkey's active role in OSCE, Gul said that Turkey assumed an important role particularly in the solution of political problems in Europe through peaceful means.

[14] The first meeting between Gul and Aliyev after US document leaks

Following the release of a large number of sensitive US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks, Gul met with Aliyev on the sidelines of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Kazakhstan, where they discussed the currently stalled Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on the sidelines of the summit in Astana, G?l said Aliyev expressed his dismay over the cables presenting him as being critical of Erdogan. "He denied the veracity of the documents and expressed his sadness," Gul said.

[15] CHP to hold extraordinary convention on 18 December

Noting that the congress will be held according to the current bylaw of the party, Kilicdaroglu said that however, if delegates submit motion and it is accepted, then there will be a sheet list.

Kilicdaroglu said a younger and more dynamic structure, is needed adding that CHP wants to gain the confidence of public. CHP has 101 seats at Parliament.

[16] Greek Orthodox Patriarchate asks Ankara to return more properties

The patriarchate once had 90 churches in Istanbul and on the islands of G?k?eada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos), the deeds of which belong to foundations of each church. The Foundations General Directorate arbitrarily assumed the management of 24 of these foundations, together with their property and claimed to have the right to rent or transfer these properties -- churches, schools, etc. -- to third parties.

[17] Turkey and Ecuador sign commercial cooperation deal

A written statement by Turkey's Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said the agreement was signed by Foreign Trade Undersecretary Ahmet Yakici and Ecuador's Foreign trade and Economic Integration Deputy Minister Francisco Rivadeneria. The agreements aim at boosting cooperation between Turkey and Ecuador and enabling the parties to assess cooperation opportunities better.

Turkey's exports to Ecuador amounted to 29.5 million USD in January-October 2010 over the same period of 2009 while imports reached 68 billion USD. The agreements are expected to add momentum to commercial relations between Turkey and Ecuador.

[18] Highlights

a) WikiLeaks documents

Milliyet columnist Taha Akyol believes that the remarks attributed to the various Turkish and international statesmen in the documents are true. He dismisses conspiracy theories that documents are leaked by the US "deep state."

In his article in Milliyet, Melih Asik ridicules the doubt expressed by Turkish officials about the authenticity of the documents while the United States has acknowledged their authenticity and has even apologized. Asik describes the leaks about Erdogan's Swiss bank accounts as serious allegations, urging the prime minister to make a statement on the issue and the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office to launch an investigation.

In his article in Star, columnist Samil Tayyar maintains that the leaks are part of an this operation aimed at rendering President Obama ineffective, redistributing the cards in the game of global competition, and bringing Turkey into line.

Beril Dedeoglu in Star considers the leaks as a sort of second 9/11 for the United States and writes: "The goal is to cause extensive damage to the global relations of the United States, to place the United States in a difficult position vis-a-vis its allies. Moreover, we are faced with an activity that aims to trample upon the perception that the United States is great and powerful. The owner of the website disseminating the documents is well known. However, those who want to place the United Sates in a difficult position and who are part of this process are unknown."

Vatan columnist can Atakli comments on the WikiLeaks documents pertaining to the missile shield system, arguing that they have revealed that none of Turkey's demands were accepted at the Lisbon summit, that contrary to claims the missile shield issue was being discussed between Turkish and US officials for some time now, and that Turkey "was very pleased that the base would be established on our territory."

b) Al-Qaddafi Human Rights award

Mehment Yilmaz of Hurriyet views the al-Qaddafi Human Rights Award granted to Prime Minister Erdogan and argues that it is a very appropriate award given by someone who has total disrespect for human rights in his country and who can bomb a plane full of innocent people, to someone who has filled the prisons of his country with journalists, who has been unable to prevent torture, and who can be friends with the Sudanese president accused of crimes against humanity. In conclusion, Yilmaz underlines that the understanding these two individuals have regarding human rights is similar.

In an article in Cumhuriyet, Bekir Coskun ridicules the al-Qaddafi human rights award to Prime Minister Erdogan and draws attention to the double significance of the award saying that the one granting the award is a dictator, concluding: "And the one receiving? I leave that up to you." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article