Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-10-16

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Still unclear when the Turkish Cypriot leader will leave hospital.

[02] The Spanish journalists incident is expanding into greater dimensions. The director of the so-called "Public Information Office" accuses them of "not behaving morally".

[03] The pseudostate prevented AFRIKA journalist to visit the free areas.

[04] Ergun Vehbi, the new general secretary of the Democratic Party.

[05] Young Businessmen/s Associaiton (Jaycee/s) elected a new president.

[06] HURRIYET/s foreign policy article writer says the bargaining for Iraq over Cyprus will go on until the Copenhagen Summit.

[07] The debate on war in Northern Iraq heats up in Turkey.

[08] CPC. Turkey prevents Russian and Kazakh tankers passing through the Bosphorus.

[B] COMMENTAREIS EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Sener Levent on Spanish Journalists who were "expelled" from the occupied area by the occupation regime.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Still unclear when the Turkish Cypriot leader will leave hospital

Olgun pointed out that the part of the hospital where Denktas is being kept under observation has been allocated to him only and that this part is like a hotel floor.

Asked when the Turkish Cypriot leader will leave the hospital, Olgun said: "He will leave when he feels comfortable. He has not yet reached that point".

[02] The Spanish journalists incident is expanding into greater dimensions. The director of the so-called "Public Information Office" accuses them of "not behaving morally"

In a written statement issued yesterday, Mr Emin alleged that the Spanish journalists did not exhibit goodwill and made a false statement while entering the occupied areas of Cyprus. Mr Emin noted that the Spanish journalists, who were allowed to enter the pseudostate with a tourist visa, participated in a meeting without getting permission for this. "The 16 Spanish journalists had no goodwill", claims Mr Emin adding that their aim was "to cause uproar".

Reminding that the "applications" from persons wishing to cross over to the pseudostate from the free areas of Cyprus must be submitted 48 hours earlier, Mr Emin said that the Spanish journalists had been allowed to enter the pseudostate despite the fact that they did not follow the above-mentioned "rule". Alleging that the Spanish journalists were making fun of the people working at the Ledra Palace barricade, Mr Emin claimed that they did not reveal their profession stating that they were priests, workers, cooks, teachers and professors.

Mr Emin concluded as follows: "If you are a member of the press you should say that you are a member of the press and apply the instructions given to you, whatever these instructions are. What are the instructions here? We would give them an employee to escort them and facilitate their job".

Meanwhile, Ali Erel, Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, made a statement yesterday noting that the above-mentioned incident would cause problems to Turkey and the pseudostate. Mr Erel underlined also the fact that Spain is an important member of the EU and called on the so-called "Minister of Foreign Affairs" to resign if his pseudoministry is responsible for the incident.

Furthermore, statements criticizing the fact that the Spanish journalists were prevented from doing their job, were issued yesterday by the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), the Patriotic Unity Movement (PUM), the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen's Association (ISAD) and the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS).

Describing the incident as "disgraceful practice" Huseyin Angolemli, chairman of CLP, noted that "this is a concrete example showing the dimensions of the oppression policy applied on the people by a regime, which shows the slightest respect for democracy and the human rights".

Murat Kanatli, Press and Foreign Relations Secretary of PUM, called on everybody to respect the freedom of the press.

Ozdil Nami, Chairman of ISAD, described the incident as "a blow" to the image of the pseudostate.

Ahmet Barcin, Chairman of KTOEOS, stressed that the incident "showed once more the bitter reality" of the occupied areas.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot papers continue to cover the issue extensively.

YENI DUZEN, under the front-page banner title "Resign", refers to the statement made by Mr Ali Erel, who called on the so-called "Foreign Affairs Minister" to resign, noting that they would have asked help from the Spanish journalists on several issues.

Pro-Denktas KIBRISLI, under the front-page banner title "Resign!" writes that the "expulsion" of the Spanish journalists, as it calls the incident, caused great reactions among the Turkish Cypriots and describes the pretext used for sending away the journalists as "old-fashioned views". "People note that these irresponsible behaviours would cause a great harm to our country and this harm will not be compensated for years", writes KIBRISLI adding: "Because of your stupid bans we seem to be wrong whilst we are right. This is a real treason!".

Pro-Denktas VOLKAN newspaper, under the front-page banner title "The TRNC is not free for all", alleges that the Spanish journalists were sent to the pseudostate in order to provoke. The paper claims that the journalists have been brought to the island by the government of the Republic of Cyprus, which had placed them in luxury hotels, covered all their expenses and even gave them pocket money. When they were sent to the occupied areas, continues VOLKAN, the journalists were given a list with names of collaborators of the Greek Cypriots, with whom they would meet.

ORTAM newspaper refers to the issue in its inside pages under the title "Strong reaction by the civilian organizations".

[03] The pseudostate prevented AFRIKA journalist to visit the free areas

The paper points out the so-called authorities did not give any explanation regarding their decision not to let Mr Tahsin participate in the round table.

[04] Ergun Vehbi, the new general secretary of the Democratic Party

[05] Young Businessmen/s Association (Jaycee/s) elected a new president

[06] HURRIYET/s foreign policy article writer says the bargaining for Iraq over Cyprus will go on until the Copenhagen Summit

Turkey is undergoing a deep economic and political crises. Turkey is also surrounded by international problems that urgently have to be solved. Turkish Daily News (TDN) interviewed some prominent Foreign policy writers about the conditions that the new government will face after the November 3 elections.

Hurriyet Daily foreign policy article writer, Ferai Tinc, thinks that there are two important issues for Turkey after the elections. These are the Cyprus issue and EU affairs together and a probable military strike on Iraq. "EU and Cyprus have first priority on Turkey's agenda. A military strike on Iraq will also influence Turkey. We do not know whether there will be an operation. We do not know how the U.S. will influence the U.N.," Tinc comments as one issue with many indicators and another with almost no information at all.

"Either there is an operation or not, UNSCOM entering Iraq unconditionally, will destabilize the region. This will result in opposition. This will give way to provocation in Iraq any time," Tinc points to the developments in the near future.

Tinc thinks that opposition in Iraq exists but is hidden. "The opposition will get widespread if people start to speak. Iraq leader Saddam Hussein will be under control if UNSCOM can get into Iraq. Saddam will not use violence to suppress opposition in Iraq" Tinc comments.

Tinc gives an example to indicate Saddam's pressure on the public:

"Turcomans in Kirkuk faced Saddam's violence recently. Saddam's troops performed an operation on a mosque. Turcomans objected to the operation and most of the Turcomans were arrested. Such actions will not happen when UNSCOM is in Iraq. There will be an environment for opposition. They will be supported by the U.S. against Saddam. Outside opposition will return to the country. Saddam will not arrest them or open trials against them because one of the U.N. resolutions urges Saddam Hussein to implement human rights and make the necessary changes." Tinc explains how Iraqi opposition will find appropriate conditions.

Asked by TDN whether Iraq had accused UNSCOM of being a spy for this reason. Tinc agreed and said: "UNSCOM always monitors the region. They used to do the same thing. They followed Saddam."

Tinc points out the aftermath of an operation: "Whether there is an operation or not this issue will be an important part of discussions. The hot topic will be 'Iraq but how'."

Tinc mentions Turkey's position as: "Turkey does not welcome the federal Iraq proposal. This issue will be on the agenda. This will be an emergency issue in case of an operation."

According to Tinc, there are many unknown points concerning the Iraq issue: "The future of the Kurdish autonomous administration/s relations with Turkey will be on the table. Changes in the region will affect all actors and criteria. The question will be the role of Turkey in the region," Tinc sums up.

Tinc has a scenario for the future: "Let's assume that Federal Iraq is established, relations with Israel are normalized. It is sure that Iraq will be asked to negotiate the Palestinian refugees with Israel. Israel has to solve the Palestinian refugee problem, to solve Palestine, the Middle East problem. Where will all these people go? Palestinians living abroad have to find a place as well. Iraq can be a settlement for these people. It is possible to have negotiations with Jordan since they went there before, but Iraq is more likely," Tinc says.

Subtitle: US will be more involved with Cyprus issue

According to Tinc, Cyprus was considered as criterion to have more political relations with the EU according to the summit declaration approved in Helsinki. "It does not state that Cyprus is a political criterion for Copenhagen. EU states that it will examine the side approaches to the topic. It will investigate who has the more constructive approach. This process is important for Turkey. Turkey has to lobby for this," Tinc says and points out Turkish-U.S. alliance.

"Once the EU guarantees Greek Cyprus accession to the European Union, then there is no need to apply pressure to Greek Cyprus. However I think that the U.S. will be more involved at this stage. I think Europe will increase the level of influence on both sides soon" Tinc says and explains that the U.S. is not in favor of Turkey being outside of the EU. "They stated this several times and said that for the stability of the region, Turkey has to be in the EU," Tinc mentions.

Subtitle: Cyprus and Iraq are interrelated

Asked by TDN: "Is it possible to have a bargain for Iraq against Cyprus?", Tinc said: "There are so many bargains going on in the region. Everyone has a card because everyone wants something. In fact everyone has something to give and take." Tinc mentions how countries are involved in the Cyprus issue and says: "This is the case for the EU, Germany, Greece, Britain and so on. Greece for example says it will veto the enlargement if Cyprus does not accede to the EU."

Asked by TDN whether there is an end to this chaos, Tinc replies: "I think negotiations will continue until the last day of the Copenhagen Summit. Cyprus and Iraq will be on the bargaining table up till the very last day until the summit declaration is made. Cyprus for sure but Iraq also -- not that significantly -- might be on the table. The deadline for important bargains is the Copenhagen summit declaration."

Subtitle: Turkey to have good relations with Greece

"Relations with Greece are related to EU relations. This issue will be an important topic of the next government. Former foreign minister Ismail Cem's policy must continue," said Tinc and mentions what the Helsinki summit indicates. Turkey has to solve problems with Greece so that Turkey can accede to the EU," Tinc interprets.

Subtitle: Oil brings trouble

Relations with the Caucasus are very important for Turkey. Tinc added: "The Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline construction has just started but it is not finished yet. Since we do not own oil, we do not have the culture of oil. Oil has its own curse by itself. It always causes problems. There are many games played behind the curtain, games being played about oil. The pipeline will constitute an important topic until it is finished. Countries with oil have no peace of mind with the exception of democratic northern countries. Oil is the source of energy for our era. It determines all developments but it is the source of conflicts and wars. Therefore there are many problems for the transportation of Caucasus oil to the Mediterranean Sea. Security is another issue. Regional balances have to be protected," Tinc elaborates. Tinc pronounces that relations with Russia are very important. "Turkey and Russia are in cooperation instead of competition on the central Asia issue since Russian President Vladimir Putin is in charge," she says that the new government has to develop relations. "If not, the cooperation can return to competition and already existing problems may deepen. The Armenia problem may increase. The government in Azerbaijan may change and we could find an opposition party in the Azeri government," Tinc warns.

Subtitle: Improving relations with Syria is key for regional development

According to Tinc, relations with Syria are good after Ocalan left. "Southeast Anatolia is an important market for Syria. People in the southeast have relations with Syria and Iraq. Iraq also is an important market. Improving relations with Syria and Iraq will make an important contribution to the development of people in the region," Tinc says. Tinc does not need to make many comments about Iran. "Iran is an important role player in the Caucasus besides Russia and Turkey. Iran is a powerful and big country. Turkey shall have good relations with Iran. We need energy and Iran has it," Tinc considers.

Subtitle: Turkey in EU will mean peace in the region

Tinc thinks that next era will be more peaceful if Turkey reaches the power it needs.

"Turkey will have normalized relations with neighboring regional countries once Turkey improves relations with the EU and once Turkey becomes a more democratic country with a powerful economy. Turkey's economic crises, political crises cause tense relations with neighbors. A strong Turkey also means a Turkey in peace with neighbours," said Tinc and adds that "Turkey now is aware of its problems. Turkey questions how to solve problems. This is an important period," Tinc says.

[07] The debate on war in Northern Iraq heats up in Turkey

The Iraqi operation is used as an election propaganda tool by the Turkish political parties as well. These parties running for the elections are delivering statements that are against an operation in Iraq and criticizing the government for acting hastily on this issue.

As center-left Republican People's Party (RPP) leader Deniz Baykal recently warned that Turkey, which was running for the elections, should not take part in a military operation against Iraq with the current government, Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel responded to Baykal by saying that everybody should come to their senses and should not deliver such statements. Baykal also said that the decision to be involved in such an operation should be made by the new government that will come to power after the November 3 polls.

Responding to questions from reporters in Izmir on Tuesday, Gurel noted that the real danger ahead of Turkey was such irresponsible statements in an environment where the government was fulfilling its duties properly. Gurel also stated that they were informing all political parties about the developments in the foreign policy field, emphasizing that the government had all the power to protect the benefits of the country.

Although Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu recently warned that Turkey could use military force to prevent the formation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, it is obvious that the lawmakers as well as the nation hope that there would not be such a need for the use of force.

Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi said that Kurdistan Democratic Party (PKK) leader Mesut Barzani was provoking Turkey to take part in a possible war. According to Izgi, Barzani wants a war in Northern Iraq but Turkey will not fall into such a trap. Izgi stressed that Parliament should stand against a war till the last minute and said that the election plans should be separated from this dangerous situation.

Some lawmakers, who will lose their seats, are expected to attempt to block the polls by calling on Parliament, which went into a recess till the upcoming polls, to reconvene on the Iraqi issue.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Board (HEB) chairman professor Kemal Guruz announced yesterday that Turkey could not accept the formation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, stressing that all the state universities would support all the measures to be taken by the government on this issue.

[08] CPC: Turkey prevents Russian and Kazakh tankers passing through the Bosphorus

According to a CPC press statement, reported by Kz-Today news agency, Turkey implemented new regulations preventing Russia and Kazakhstan from exporting oil through the straits.

Kz-Today indicated that Turkey had banned loaded oil tankers passing through the straits at night. The declaration stated that tankers have to be no longer than 200 meters to pass through the Straits and no longer than 250 meters for the Dardanelles. The Kz-Today states that this implementation will create obstacles for oil exportation.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Sener Levent on Spanish Journalists who were //expelled// from the occupied area by the occupation regime

The group of Spanish journalists who were expelled from north Cyprus will not forget easily what they have seen and experienced here in a few hours.

Here we have not one, but a number of things that we should be ashamed of: The first one is the administrative; the expulsion issue. The second, the worst one, is of ours: Telling lies to the Spanish journalists.

Can you imagine.

The chairman of the Journalists/ Union, Suleyman Erguclu, while telling the Spanish journalists that "in our country we do not have any problem as regards the freedom of press" the police entered in and announced its decision to the Spaniards:

-Gentlemen you have been expelled!

What do you do? Do you cry or do you laugh?

It seems the police intervened at the right moment!!! The police have just saved the Spaniards from hearing a series of oversized lies!!!

Had the police not intervened, the Spaniards would have been getting wrong impressions from here. They would have been of the idea that regarding the freedom of press there is no problem in our country. They would have thought, before coming here, that what they had heard about us was unfounded.

However, they were aware of what the AVRUPA daily had experienced. They knew that the paper was twice bombed, three times its equipment was distrained, and its journalists once accused of being spies, and at the end its journalists were jailed.

They were aware of the fact that Kutlu Adali was assassinated, as well as that 120 billion TL of compensation must be paid to Denktas from AVRUPA. As the case is this, our journalists still could tell them that regarding the freedom of press we do not have any problems. And the police, whose task is to execute orders without being aware of what it is doing, intervened at the very moment and spoiled the game!

Cenk Mutluyakali, who was present at that meeting, was very upset with what had happened there. Read what he was writing yesterday.

"They have asked us about the freedom of the press! We did not say /the press is not free, we did not want to say that, we were unable to say that! However, the Foreign Ministry with its action proved that there is no freedom of the press."

What a painful admission! So, the ministry spoiled everything. Cenk and others, do not tell the truth to the guest journalists, but they get angry with the "stupid" blunder of the administration that prevents them from telling the truth.

Cenk openly says; "Why did you intervene? We were just telling to our guests that we have no problem as regards the freedom of the press in our country".

Had the Spanish journalists asked them: "If there is freedom of the press in your country why then had they jailed the journalists?" Of course the answer to this question was ready:

-Their crime is not freedom of thought but slander. Or a more short-cut answer:

-They had colluded with Denktas and arranged their own imprisonment!"

Those who rule us are so lost that they have done something without being aware of, a very blessing thing this time!

They did not allow people to tell lies regarding the TRNC! In fact the Spanish journalists sent by the EU came here to learn the truth regarding north Cyprus.

They were almost leaving from here thinking that there is democracy and freedom of press here.

The administration at the last moment saved the situation. Now, the Spaniards left north Cyprus having two things in their minds. First, they have discovered that while they were thinking that Franco was dead, they found him here, in north Cyprus!

Secondly, they have seen the helplessness and the misery of those who were suffering under the whips of Franco.

And lastly:

The order to expel the Spaniards could only be given by the Turkish commander and not by Tahsin( Tr. note: the so- called Foreign Minister of the pseudostate).

I express my gratitude to the commander here! For stopping the disaster at the right time!!!...

/SK

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