Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-11-06

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Foreign Ministry is uneasy. It plans to brief Erdogan on the Cyprus problem

[02] Five Banks in the pseudostate were put up for sale

[03] Sorakin: The fact that the committees have not been established shows the lack of will on behalf of the Turkish administrators to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[04] Military maneuvers in the area of Hamit Mandres village

[05] Top bureaucrats to brief Erdogan on EU membership process

[06] Deniz Baykal: With regard to Cyprus there is no ^Ógive it, get rid of it^Ô understanding

[07] JDP Deputy Chairman does not want EU involvement in Cyprus

[08] Angolemli: The pseudoassembly must establish a Committee in order for the parties to maintain an active role in the development of the Cyprus Problem

[09] Denktas^Ò adviser supports a Cyprus settlement based on various models

[10] US envoy visited the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas

[11] Recep Tayyip Erdogan: We hope that a strategic and ideological meaning will not be attributed to the Cyprus problem

[12] Abdullah Gul explains how the JDP understands the Belgian model

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Foreign Ministry is uneasy. It plans to brief Erdogan on the Cyprus problem

^ÓThe Foreign Ministry, assessing the statements the leader of the Justice and Development Party (JDP), Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has started to make on critical foreign policy issues as ^Óblunder^Ô, said that the issue of an urgent diplomatic briefing by bureaucrats has come on the agenda. The statement made by Erdogan to Greek television in which he proposed the Belgian model with ^Óthe two communities living together^Ô, has caused concern in the Foreign Ministry.

The ^ÑPresident of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus^Ò Rauf Denktas has proposed a mixed model in the talks ^Ñtaking as example Switzerland for the internal affairs and Belgium for the external affairs^Ò. The proposed model provides for the creation of two sovereign states with clear borders as in the Swiss cantons, while its international representation was compared to Belgium^Òs.

According to this model the co-founders may have the right to act independently from the common state in their relations with international institutions.

The reason why Denktas does not want the Belgian model only is because the Walloons and Flemish who constitute the two communities, live together and not in separate areas. Turkey and the ^ÑTRNC^Ò set as pre-condition that the principle of the bizonality of the new state to be established must not be violated^Ô.

[02] Five Banks in the pseudostate were put up for sale

According to the paper, the local and foreign investors who would like to make an offer for the banks can do so by the 14th of November.

[03] Sorakin: The fact that the committees have not been established shows the lack of will on behalf of the Turkish administrators to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

During a press conference at Turkish Cypriot so-called Public Servants^Ò Trade Union (KTAMS) headquarters, Mr Sorakin read a text with the views of ten Turkish Cypriot trade unions and political parties, among which are, in addition to KTOS and KTAMS, the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), the Patriotic Unity Movement (PUM), United Cyprus Party (UCP) and Revolutionary Workers^Ò Union (DEV-IS).

The ten organizations called on ^Óall sides concerned^Ô with the Cyprus problem to contribute to the initiative of the UN Secretary ^Ö General for peace and not follow policies, which will darken the future of the Turkish Cypriots. The organizations supported also that the developments during the 12 December Copenhagen Summit will directly affect the existence of the Turkish Cypriots on the island.

Mr Sorakin said also that they are planning on organizing some gatherings within the following month and called on everybody who wants peace to support these acts.

[04] Military maneuvers in the area of Hamit Mandres village

According to the paper, during the maneuvers the soldiers did no harm to the environment. On the contrary, after the maneuvers they cleaned a grove in the area, which acquired a better appearance than before.

[05] Top bureaucrats to brief Erdogan on EU membership process

Turkey's two top bureaucrats regarding foreign affairs, Vural and Ziyal will deliver a briefing about the current point on the EU membership path and the future steps of Turkey at the JDP headquarters.

Meanwhile, JDP is seeking to boost its ties with EU diplomats and holding talks at every occasion. Its leader Erdogan will attend a dinner at Denmark's Embassy in Ankara today and meet ambassadors of the EU countries.

As the party says its most urgent issue is the EU membership, Erdogan recently said that he would send his colleagues to Europe without waiting to receive the mandate to govern the country.

On the other hand, the U.S. Ambassador in Ankara, Robert Pearson is expected to visit Erdogan at the Party headquarters tomorrow.

[06] Deniz Baykal: With regard to Cyprus there is no ^Ógive it, get rid of it^Ô understanding

Baykal met with Erdogan at JDP headquarters in Ankara yesterday, after which Erdogan stated his party may consider cooperating with RPP on accession to the EU due to the short time period before the Copenhagen Summit.

Erdogan also stated Baykal will join him in attending a meeting with European Social Democratic party leaders in Warsaw on November 14, lending support to Turkey's accession to the EU. Erdogan indicated that JDP would seek a date for EU negotiations from the Copenhagen summit. "Getting a date for negotiations from the Copenhagen summit is our primary objective in the upcoming period," Erdogan said.

Baykal stated he will affirm Turkey's commitment to EU membership when he visits European politicians on November 14. "Our perspective is very clear. Accession to the EU is not a party or government issue. This is Turkey's issue. We, as the opposition party, will act in the best interests of Turkey," Baykal said.

Asked whether there would be a joint document on the EU, Baykal said the agreement between the two parties was so clear that there was no need for such a document.

Baykal conceded that while Turkey has many steps to make before EU membership is reached, these were not a prerequisite for a date to start negotiations. "We will assist and support JDP. We have a very clear and common understanding on the EU issue and will push to get a date to start negotiations. This is Turkey's right. We have to convince our EU counterparts," Baykal said.

When asked whether JDP will include a RPP member in the delegation to visit EU countries, Erdogan said, "Presently, there is no need. If the need for support arises we will not hesitate to ask." Joint leader visits to EU countries were not ruled out. "Lets focus first on the preliminaries. We may do if the need arises," Erdogan said.

Erdogan stated that the JDP will govern alone and that this position has both advantages and disadvantages. The JDP would work to transform disadvantages into advantages, coordinating with RPP, parties outside of the Parliament and NGOs.

Erdogan suggested his meeting with Baykal was a good start which he wished to continue.

Baykal stated that the JDP would prove a constructive and well-intentioned opposition. "We will give our support to solve the country's problems," Baykal said.

Baykal indicated that parties must have mutual understanding and responsibility. "We will do our job according to our democratic understanding. We will discuss Turkey's problems systematically and criticize mistakes," Baykal said.

Erdogan said the JDP have not yet asked for an appointment for president.

Baykal said in regard to Cyprus there is no "give it, get rid of it" understanding.

[07] JDP Deputy Chairman does not want EU involvement in Cyprus

Yakis speaking to Anatolia News Agency and Turkish Daily News (TDN) separately, indicated that his party received positive signals from Europe.

Yakis mentioned that Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sent messages to JDP leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Yakis indicated that Berlusconi invited Erdogan to Italy but there is no date fixed yet. It will be decided by the Italian authorities. Yakis indicated that they will make many diplomatic meetings in order to speed up Turkey's accession process to the EU.

"We prefer to start our relations with Greece," Yakis said and indicated that they also plan to make a European tour including Rome, Madrid, Paris and London. Yakis stated that two Greek officials will visit Turkey to discuss the details of an Erdogan-Simitis meeting. Yakis pointed out that Erdogan will meet EU ambassadors on Wednesday for dinner as he did before the election.

Asked by TDN whether the JDP prime Minister, not yet chosen, would make his first visit abroad to Athens unlike previous examples to the ^ÓTurkish Republic of Northern Cyprus^Ô (TRNC), Yakis stated that it has not been decided yet.

"We do not want to have a mistake for not starting negotiations," Yakis said and mentioned that Turkey made big progress on harmonizing EU reforms with the national program but has not satisfied the EU fully.

Yakis mentioned that the EU questions how a political leader can be imprisoned just for reciting a poem and said: "I do not mean making necessary amendments which will save Tayyip's political career. I also mean fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria. There are laws and implementations which do not meet the Copenhagen Criteria."

Yakis stated that there are still problems in the regulations. "Torture is banned but there is still torture. We want to eradicate it with more efficient measures. I mean we aim for a Turkey without torture. We want this not because the EU asks but because this must be the standard of Turkey," Yakis concluded.

Yakis stated that JDP will go to EU countries to ask for their suggestions. Yakis indicated that the Party will be open to any EU suggestion mentioning that the Party might oversee to regulate some implementations but the EU might advise us.

Yakis indicated that the Cyprus issue is not part of EU affairs and stated that there is some work going on in the U.N.. Asked by TDN whether JDP would support a U.N. initiative, Yakis stated that the Party is in favour of U.N. involvement rather than EU involvement. "We do not want the EU to get involved in the Cyprus issue because Greece is in the EU but not us. However we both take part in the U.N.," Yakis said and stated that JDP would not be against U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to present a proposal if it includes Rauf Denktas' views.

Asked by TDN whether JDP would start relations with Armenia, Yakis indicated that the Party is in favour of improving relations and that it will take the initiative. "We will not follow a passive policy," Yakis said for relations with Armenia but did not openly state whether JDP will open a border gate with Armenia.

[08] Angolemli: The pseudoassembly must establish a Committee in order for the parties to maintain an active role in the development of the Cyprus Problem

Mr Angolemli made this statement in a meeting with the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), Mehmet Ali Talat, within the framework of his visits to political parties with seats in the pseudoassembly, to evaluate the latest stage reached in the Cyprus problem.

According to the paper, Mr Angolemli stressed that the non-establishment of the Committees, which were decided upon during the New York summit in October, due to Denktas´ illness, creates a bad impression to the foreigners who follow the Cyprus problem. Therefore the ^Óassembly^Ô must be called and the Committee must be established in order for the will of the Turkish Cypriots to be represented.

On his part the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), Mehmet Ali Talat, said that he agreed with the establishment of the Committee but he stressed that this should not be done by the so-called assembly, since it is not, recognized by the international community. As he said, after Mr Denktas illness the foreigners turned to the Turkish Cypriot leader^Òs consultants and talk with them. ^ÓThe consultants took Denktas´ place^Ô, he said. Mr Talat also said that he would have a meeting with the special envoy of the Secretary- General of the UN, Alvaro De Soto regarding this issue.

[09] Denktas^Ò adviser supports a Cyprus settlement based on various models

Ergun Olgun, who is in New York with the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, said to the journalists that it is not possible to copy entirely one model for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and that they could benefit from other examples too.

^ÓOur preference is to benefit from various models in order to reach a model, which is suitable for Cyprus^Ô, Olgun said.

^ÓThe Belgian state, which is based on groups / people with two basic identities, includes the two people and their authorities for carrying out EU and international relations; they must have the right to negotiate separately on matters that come under their jurisdiction. In addition to that both authorities have the right to provide education only in their language in their territory. Particularly from the Belgian model a part of its provisions can be applied in the new partnership state that will be founded in Cyprus, such as the right of the authorities to have separate representatives in order to use their jurisdictions in the international fields and generally the decisions must be taken with the consensus of both sides. For example, the authorities of the Flemish and Walloons in the Belgian State can represent Belgium at the EU on a rotation basis on matters that are under their jurisdiction and the decisions, which are connected to Belgium, are taken by mutual agreement by both sides. When we look at the Belgian model from this angle, then the Belgian model with various aspects is one of the models that we can benefit for reconciliation^Ô, Olgun added.

Referring to the cantons of the Swiss model, Olgun said that it is another model that they can use as well as the federal model of USA. ^ÓAt the negotiations we proposed that the citizens of the founding states in the new partnership state in Cyprus must be also citizens of the partnership state. Finally, our aim is to find a model that will apply to the conditions of Cyprus benefiting from various models.^Ô

[10] US envoy visited the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas

[11] Recep Tayyip Erdogan: We hope that a strategic and ideological meaning will not be attributed to the Cyprus problem

In reply to Kilinc's question on what kind of a method he will adopt for naming a prime minister, Erdogan says that the JDP would like to listen to the president's suggestions on the kind of work the party should conduct for forming a government and his advice on how to secure mutual conciliation. Erdogan continues: "There is the fact that Article 109 says that the prime minister shall be appointed by the president. This authority has been given to our honourable president. There is, however, another aspect to this article, a hidden spirit behind this article. It concerns appointing a deputy who can get a vote of confidence. I believe that Mr. Sezer, who is a man of law and has become distinguished in law, will act in line with the article, the hidden spirit behind the article, and the reality."

Responding to Kilinc's question on whether he will also put forward suggestions at the meeting with Sezer, Erdogan says: "I am in favour of continuing with such meetings. I will request such meetings from the president. I will convene our authoritative bodies after listening to the advice of our president. I will request another meeting from our president after the meeting with the party's authoritative bodies."

Explaining that there are reports that Erdogan will appoint a "caretaker" so that a "powerful person will not pose a threat to him in the future," Kilinc, then asks: "What kind of a person do you have in mind?" In reply, Erdogan says: "I would like to say openly that my goal was never to work with weak staff members. I have always aimed to work with strong staff members. It is easy to manipulate a weak staff member, but, the end is disappointment. One has to work with strong staff members in order to get successful results."

In reply to a question on whether a strong personality may pose a danger for Erdogan in the future and whether he has such a concern, Erdogan says: "No. Why should I have such a concern? On the contrary, we have to give back to the people the power that they gave us."

"In other words," Kilinc asks: "you are saying that you do not want a caretaker?" "Absolutely not," answers Erdogan, and continues: "We have to think first of what the nation wanted from these elections. I believe that the nation assigned a duty to Tayyip Erdogan when electing the JDP. The result of this election shows that Tayyip Erdogan is also assigned a duty." Explaining that the duty assigned by the nation is being suspended or postponed from various reasons, Erdogan adds: "The JDP, in turn, has to look for ways to organize this process along the lines of the wishes of the nation."

In reply to another question on whether the JDP will undertake the steps for lifting the bans with the Republican People's Party, Erdogan says: "Of course, we would like to carry out this in line with a joint political will."

Explaining that the JDP will "most definitely lower the number of ministries to less than 25," Erdogan adds that the "work to this end has been completed."

In reply to a question on what the JDP will tackle first when it comes to power, Erdogan says: "We have the issue of public administration on our urgent action plan so that we can be on top of the situation. Without succeeding in this, we can not continue. When we say this, it should be clear that we do not intend to disrupt the state bureaucracy. It goes without saying, however, that we will place a just, experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy team with high morals in the high-level positions of the bureaucracy. This is, actually, the natural right of every political party and because we have to have results since we are locked on success. That is, it is impossible to work with a structure whose language we do not understand and that does not understand our language. Another issue concerns our second action plan, and that is finance administration. We intend to place this issue in safe hands, as well. Our third step is to speedily adopt the local administration reforms. In this way, Turkey will have undergone a physical change. Our goal on economy is to lift the monopoly. The stability in the market yesterday and today proves something. I believe that the atmosphere will be even more relaxed once the government is established. At first, we would like to activate the real economy. In this way, a solution will be found to unemployment. We intend to lower taxes and the Social Security Organization premiums so that they are just."

Responding to a question on his reasons for deciding to go to Greece first, Erdogan says: "The most important reason is the fact that Greece will assume the EU term presidency. A second reason is that Greece is our neighbour. Thirdly, Greece was the first one to congratulate us and they used the expression that they are ready to contribute to this process. In face of such an approach, it is only befitting for us to start with Greece."

Asked to comment on his views on the Cyprus issue, Erdogan says: "There are already steps taken on this issue. If I am not mistaken, Mr. Denktas talked to Kofi Annan about the meeting he held with Clerides. I do not know, however, if any response was received. The latest developments are positive. We hope that this issue will finally be resolved. We hope that a strategic and ideological meaning will not be attributed to the Cyprus issue. I believe that the Greek-Turkish relations will be settled once the Cyprus issue is resolved. I believe that, in this way, the Aegean continental shelf issues will also be eliminated. Cyprus constitutes the core of all these problems."

Expressing the hope that the Copenhagen summit will yield a favourable result for Turkey, Erdogan adds: "For this reason, I want to complete the work to this end and send a strong team to Copenhagen."

In reply to a question on how the JDP plans to stay in power, Erdogan says that the JDP addresses itself to the whole population, and adds: "The JDP is, actually, in the centre of politics with its conservative democratic identity." Erdogan continues by saying that the JDP has members from all sectors of the country.

[12] Abdullah Gul explains how the JDP understands the Belgian model

Under the so-called ^ÓBelgian Model^Ô there would be a single state formed by two separate sovereign entities, explained JDP^Òs Deputy Chairman Abdullah Gül on Tuesday.

^ÓWe said that the Belgian model can be a solution in Cyprus. In this model, there is a single state, but a single state model formed by two separate sovereignties,^Ô Gül said after a meeting of the JDP^Òs executive council. ^ÓThere is no doubt that the Foreign Ministry and experts will detail this issue.^Ô

He said that the JDP wanted to find a solution to the question of Cyprus and that it was up to Turkey to take the initiative on the issue.

^ÓOf course, a solution should satisfy us,^Ô he said. ^ÓIn this sense, we proposed the Belgian model in our election declaration.^Ô

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