Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-11-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish diplomatic sources brand as unethical and unfortunate the decision of the Council of Europe on the European Court of Human Rights verdict in the Loizidou case.

[02] The Turkish Prime Minister visited illegally the territories of Cyprus under the occupation of his country´s troops.

[03] Address by the Turkish Cypriot leader during the parade for the UDI.

[04] Erdogan met with the Turkish Cypriot political party leaders; Akinci gave him a file with cases of persons given ^Ócitizenship^Ô arbitrarily.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Erdogan^Òs illegal visit to occupied Cyprus.

[06] Statements by the leader of the main opposition in Turkey during his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus.

[07] On the anniversary of the UDI Gul discloses a letter by the US calling on the Islamic countries not to recognize the pseudostate.

[08] Reference to Cyprus by Gul during statements at Kayseri.

[09] The illegal Settlers^Ò Association has been divided into two groups.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Denktas´ adviser calls the decisions of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights a shame for Europe.

[11] Commentary in SABAH assesses the information about Turkey preparing a new plan for Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish diplomatic sources brand as unethical and unfortunate the decision of the Council of Europe on the European Court of Human Rights verdict in the Loizidou case

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent on Friday that the decision of COE about the Loizidou case, the only court verdict which has not been put into practice yet, was an obstacle that should be removed to record progress in Turkey's European Union (EU) adjustment process.

Recalling that Turkey had maintained its initiatives for exclusion of the case from the agenda till November 12 and a compromise had been reached in principle on the issue of frame except for wording, sources said that COE's taking the fourth decision while Turkey had still been waiting for a response to its proposals was an unethical attitude.

Referring to the latest decision of COE including a time restriction, sources described it as unsatisfactory, and expressed their regret.

''However, it is not the end of the world,'' they commented.

Sources said that the decision should be neither underrated nor exaggerated.

Stressing that Turkey had preserved its will to maintain initiatives for exclusion of the case from the agenda, the sources said that consultations and deliberations had been continuing.

''We are still hopeful that the process would result in compromise,'' they noted.

Referring to an expression in the decision saying that necessary measures would be taken if Turkey failed to comply with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), sources said that such necessary measures, in fact, existed neither in the status no in the regulations of the Council of Europe.

''However, the method of exposing could be used or Turkey could be put under pressure in its bilateral or multilateral relations,'' they said.

The Sources added: ''If the Committee decides to take measures, this decision will require a consultation process of months. After a compromise is reached to take measures, the Committee can put its decision into practice.''

Noting that finding a solution to the issue till mid-2004 was of critical importance, the sources said that a decision would be taken in this period for Turkey's EU membership process.

On November 12, the Delegates Committee of the COE, which convened at the level of ambassadors, asked Turkey to pay a compensation to Greek Cypriot woman Loizidou till November 19 at the latest as a requirement of the decision of the ECHR, concludes A.A.

[02] The Turkish Prime Minister visited illegally the territories of Cyprus under the occupation of his country´s troops

Ilegal Bayrak television (15.11.03) broadcast live the following statement made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the parade held to mark the 20th anniversary of the UDI in occupied Nicosia on 15 November.

^ÓOn the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the declaration of the `TRNC´, which symbolizes the Turkish Cypriots' will to lead a free and humane existence, we feel extremely happy and elated for being once more among you.

On the occasion of this meaningful anniversary, we feel greatly honoured to share the Turkish Cypriot people's justified pride and joy. You, our brothers, should know that the entire Turkish nation is wholeheartedly participating in your excitement.

As you know, this year we also celebrated with great exuberance the 80th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. With its developing economy, huge potential, young population, and dynamism, Turkey has greatly contributed to the prevalence of security and stability in the region for the last 80 years. Our aim is to raise the living standards of the Turkish people and instill in them a greater confidence in the future. Naturally, the `TRNC´ and the Turkish Cypriot people too are included in this vision.

Because of the close historical ties with all the elements in our geography, ties that are now developing on the basis of mutual interest, Turkey has a weighty position in its region. Turkey continues to remain a factor of stability in this region replete with conflicts and risks. Turkey is a surety for peace and tranquility in the Balkans, Aegean, East Mediterranean, Middle East, and the Caucasus. Turkey occupies a central position in its region as regards the energy networks, and transportation and communication routes. Full membership in the EU is Turkey's fundamental strategic objective. Our aim is to raise our people's living standards and instill in them a greater confidence in the future. Undoubtedly, the Turkish Cypriot people and the `TRNC´ are included in this vision.

We believe that security, peace, and stability are of vital importance for our region and we are serving these objectives. In this context, it is our primary objective to overcome the fault-lines and secure a climate of understanding and cooperation in the East Mediterranean. It is a source of pride for us to see the Turkish Cypriots standing upright for 40 years and the `TRNC´ for 20 years.

The Turks of Cyprus have always known how to surmount every difficulty, and by showing the courage of self-determination, have chosen the path of a free and honourable life on the basis of equality. The Turkish Cypriot people crowned their historic struggle by declaring their independence on 15 November 1983. Since then, the `TRNC´ has become the fundamental element of peace and stability on the island. The recognition of this reality also forms the foundation of a lasting agreement on the island. The pluralistic democratic structure they have created with its government and opposition, is the greatest gain and wealth of the Turkish Cypriot people. Today, there exists in the northern Cyprus a peaceful, political, and legal system that respects human rights, and meticulously preserves contemporary values. The Turkish Cypriot democracy is a source of pride for the Turkish people of Cyprus. With its dedicated people, modern educational institutions, independent judiciary, and established democracy, the `TRNC´ enjoys an evolving and growing state structure. This success has been achieved with your efforts. And the Turkish Republic will not abandon you on this path but will provide every political and economic support.

My valuable brothers, we are passing through an important period as regards the future of the Turkish Cypriots. The processes in this critical period make it incumbent upon us to preserve our unity and solidarity as regards the Cyprus problem, which is our national cause. The determination shown by Turkey and the Turkish people of Cyprus in successfully preserving their unity and solidarity lies at the foundation of the distance covered so far in the struggle for existence and freedom waged hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart for nearly half a century. The duty that befalls us today is to continue in the same path with the same resolve. Soon the Turkish people of Cyprus will go to elections. We are certain that the elections will be held in a climate of transparency and democracy and the Turkish Cypriots will emerge from these elections with their democracy further consolidated. Elections are individual democratic steps in the life of a society. It is of course natural to wage election struggle within the bounds of democracy. The Turkish Cypriots' main strength emanates from their ability to maintain their national unity and spirit of solidarity within democratic rules. This factor should always be kept in mind.

Yes, the Turks of Cyprus want peace. They desire a just and lasting solution. The steps taken and initiatives launched recently by esteemed President Denktas are a clear proof of this desire.

I must openly state that it is impossible to move toward a solution solely with the steps taken by only one side, by the `TRNC´, in Cyprus. We believe that the initiatives launched by the Turkish Cypriot side provide a means and an opportunity for peace that should not be wasted. With these initiatives, we believe that the mutual trust could be reestablished, thus facilitating a just and lasting solution. The path to a solution in Cyprus will have to pass through equality, it will have to pass through the acceptance of the realities by all involved.

It is the common desire and objective of the Turkish Cypriot side and of the Turkish Republic to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. We do not regard the nonsolution in Cyprus as a solution. However, a solution to be reached has to ensure a climate whereby the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots could live side by side in peace and security.

Today, there exist in Cyprus two peoples equal in every respect but different in religion and language, two separate democratic orders, and two separate states. Hence, efforts for a solution in Cyprus must be based on these realities. Turkey and the `TRNC´ have constructive and common views and positions, based on past experiences and current realities, on how to secure a just and lasting solution on the island of Cyprus.

As the Turkish side, we have managed to bring the Cyprus problem to a certain stage with determination and resolve. With their democratic and legal structure, the Turkish Cypriot people are today in a position of becoming an equal partner in any comprehensive solution to be reached in Cyprus. Peace and stability has been reigning on the island for the last 29 years. The important thing, then, is to reach a lasting solution that would preclude new incidents and tensions on the island. A solution at all costs cannot be considered. For, it is impossible for such a solution to survive. If we want a lasting solution, there are primary elements to it: The security of the Turkish Cypriots, equal status, preservation of the political equality, and the maintenance of the bizonality. A solution should be based on a new partnership that would take into consideration the Turkish-Greek balance under any circumstance. Proceeding from this position, the Turkish side has always supported the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General. It will continue supporting it. Of course, it is the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people that would shape--and I emphasize this--the final solution. But as a guarantor state and as the motherland--and I emphasize this too--, the Turkish Republic enjoys historical and treaty rights and responsibilities in Cyprus.

I address the international community from this podium: We want to save the future of the East Mediterranean, that is, our common future, from uncertainties and potential destabilizations. We are for peace and stability. And for this we are always ready to do our part. We also know that the Turkish Cypriot people too share these positions and expectations of ours.

My brothers, the Turkish Cypriot people have accomplished highly important achievements despite suffering the prolonged unlawful embargoes and unfair obstructions on trade, economy, communication, tourism, sports, and on every other domain. There is no other example in the world of a people run by democracy that has suffered such prolonged embargoes. We are against embargoes, and we want them to be lifted too.

Despite the embargoes and obstructions, the level attained by the `TRNC´ has been achieved with your efforts. We believe that the Turkish Cypriot people possess the energy and strength to ensure economic development and growth. We are not going to desert you on this path.

As regards the energy and water problems, you know that after the commissioning of the mobile power plant recently we are now making preparations for an energy project that would be more lasting and investment oriented. At the same time, we are making preparations for water transportation from Anamur. God willing, energy and water too will soon reach the daughterland from the motherland.

We must work hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder if we want to radically resolve the problems facing the `TRNC´ economy. In economic summits held recently even during the previous week, with the administrators of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Exchanges [TOBB] we discussed investments in Cyprus. With the investments they would make in our northern Cyprus, I believe that the 12 percent unemployment here would rapidly be minimized, transforming the north Cyprus into an entirely different place of attraction.

It is our basic objective to restructure the `TRNC´ economy in such a way that it could compete internationally. Within this framework, we are continuing, and will continue, our financial and technical support for the maintenance of the economic programs being applied since 2000.

Also, within the special incentive model framework, a final shape has been given to 17 projects to be financed through the Turkish Development Bank credits, which are given for major investments, so as to transform the `TRNC´ into an attractive place for investments. We see that pleasing developments have been recorded in the jointly run infrastructure projects like tourism, energy, communication, ports, higher education, and forestry. These projects are being rapidly completed, and new ones are added to them. Major developments have been achieved in `TRNC´'s communications infrastructure, and the highway network has mostly been completed. I especially believe that the `TRNC´'s expectations for investments would rapidly materialize once the energy and water projects go into effect here.

Dear friends, our government is closely interested with the augmentation of the investments in northern Cyprus. Indeed, before coming to Nicosia, I examined this matter over and over again with my colleagues. And my minister friends are personally pursuing these matters. We are seeking ways of solving the existing economic problems together with the `TRNC government´.

The `TRNC´ and the Turkish Cypriot people will always find the motherland on their side no matter what the conditions may be. We see you as the daughterland. I believe that you, in turn, see Turkey as the motherland. The ties between the daughterland and motherland would further consolidate and last forever.

With these feelings and thoughts, I ask God's mercy and compassion for our beloved martyrs who made the `TRNC´ possible. I thankfully remember our heroic fighters and war veterans. In conveying my love and respect to you, my brothers, I greet, in the name of my nation, the valuable people of the entire `TRNC´ in the person of the esteemed `President´, and wish you a lasting bright future.^Ô

[03] Address by the Turkish Cypriot leader during the parade for the UDI

^ÓWe are marking the 120th, I mean, the 20th, anniversary of our State -- and I hope we will mark the centennial anniversary as well -- together with the members of distinguished delegations that represent motherland Turkey's highest offices, the Presidency, National Assembly, Government, and Armed Forces. Well, when God wants you to say something, he definitely makes you say it.

I believe that esteemed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech removed the questions you had in mind and fear for your future. Our motherland Turkey and north Cyprus, which is our mini homeland, cannot be separated. We will walk and work together for peace.

We did not undermine the peace on the island. Turkey did not undermine the peace. We resisted to support the establishment of peace for many years. However, peace could not be established. Motherland Turkey sacrificed its sons in its search for peace. It brought peace to the island. We have maintained the peace it established for 30 years. The absence of bloodshed in Cyprus must have probably made various circles uneasy. The durable peace in Cyprus must have probably made various circles uneasy. It seems to me that the friendly coexistence of the peoples in Cyprus in confidence has made various circles uneasy. That is why a concerted effort has been made to remove our State. That is why an effort has been made to see the two sides as only one entity on the island. However, peace will be easily established in Cyprus if they realized the realities and complied with them -- in other words, a reconciliation will be easily reached.

Two peoples exist in Cyprus. Their languages, religions, and national loyalties are completely different. They have lived together for many centuries. But, they have never been able to integrate to become one nation. Two peoples exist on the island. They are the components of two nations. We have observed during the past 40 years the designs drawn up to hand over Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots, who are regarded as the majority. We have not yielded. They should abandon their designs. We sincerely want the differences to be reconciled. The reconciliation to be reached must be based on equality. That is unavoidable. There must be equality at the negotiation table. Equality must be a reality.

The world must inform the Greek Cypriots, who undermined the partnership republic, as follows: You are not the Government of the Turkish Cypriots. You cannot be their Government. You will never be able to be their Government. You imprisoned those people in areas that made up only the 3 percent of the island through terrorist activities. You left them hungry and forced them to live in besieged areas. You buried them in mass graves. However, they did not surrender to you. They did not accept you as the legitimate Government. You left them without a State. They waited. They made an effort to have a partnership established under equal conditions. Cooperating with their motherland, they maintained a flexible approach. But, you failed to take the right course. Using the title of legitimate Government, you maintained your design to place Cyprus under your control. In an effort to prevent you from running away with Cyprus as a whole, the people you left stateless established their own State to symbolize their rights to sovereignty and independence. That is how they established the `TRNC´.

I always liken the establishment of a State to the birth of a child. The process is painful and bloody. It takes time. It needs sacrifices, patience, and trust in God. Those who wage such a struggle must believe that they will achieve freedom and establish security for themselves.

The declaration of the `TRNC´ was at the expense of hundreds of martyrs and thousands of disabled war veterans. It was the outcome of the suffering, resistance, and strenuous effort of a heroic people for many years. None of us want the sacrifices that granted us our State to be nullified. So, the two former equal partners should solve the island's problem by establishing a new partnership based on their two States. They should then find a formula to have Cyprus represented in the world. However, that depends on the willingness of the Greek Cypriots to renounce their ambition to convert Cyprus into a Greek Cypriot island. Those who very recently claimed that the road to the EU will lead them to indirect ENOSIS [union of Cyprus with Greece], distributed photographs depicting ENOSIS to their young people, argued that they achieved their objective, and congratulated each other for achieving indirect ENOSIS, claimed that Turks and snakes in Zoos cannot be trusted must realize that unification in Cyprus can only be possible through the acceptance of the fact that two sides exist on the island. The effort made to patch the Turkish Cypriots to the Greek Cypriot side through claims that only one Cyprus, one sovereignty, one State, and one government exists failed to yield a result. So, the influential countries, our friends, must inform the Greek Cypriot administration, which they view as the only Government on the island regardless of the existence of two administrations, as follows: Pull yourselves together. You must relinquish your ambition to use the EU to accomplish what you failed to achieve through the use of arms, terrorist activities, mass graves, and embargoes. The Turkish Cypriots want to join the EU. They support Turkey's wish to become a part of the EU. So, do not maintain the cunning initiatives you make to place Cyprus as an obstacle against Turkey's accession. Such a criterion does not exist. If Cyprus is to be used as an obstacle, then it should be used against you and Greece. You created the Cyprus problem by disregarding international agreements. You have delayed the solution of the Cyprus problem for 40 years by hiding behind the title of Cyprus Government, which you usurped. Your design is quite clear. Turkey maintains a friendly approach toward Cyprus and Greece. Greece might significantly benefit from Turkey's friendship in Cyprus if you abandon your policy of placing the entire island under your control, view the Turkish Cypriots as the second equal and sovereign people, and agree to the establishment of a new partnership.

Dear fellow countrymen, I discussed all that for a long time because they are the points you have to consider as you approach the crossroads ahead. Esteemed Prime Minister discussed almost similar points to inspire confidence in you. Motherland Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people cooperated with affection toward each other to solve many problems. Retreating from where we stand at the present time is impossible. Our State does not have a reverse gear. We will move ahead and develop. We will definitely experience better days in the future. That is our objective. That is what we work for and that is what we hope to achieve.

Esteemed brothers, an unexpected incident cast a shadow over our jubilant day today. The puppets of foreign forces carried out a violent action in Istanbul. They killed innocent people and wounded many of our beloved brethren. We wholeheartedly share our motherland's grief. We condemn those who resorted to such an action. They must realize that they cannot achieve anything in that way. They must realize that they will lose what they want to achieve. No one has succeeded to achieve his objectives through terrorist activities. May God's blessing be upon the souls of those who died. We convey our condolences to their families and the people in Istanbul. We hope that the wounded people will quickly recover.

Motherland Turkey, you cried with us when we suffered. You did not abandon us even during your most difficult days. You looked after us and helped us to create the conditions we needed to laugh, rejoice, live in freedom, and avoid being buried in mass graves. We are grateful. Naturally, we share your pain and suffering, which have been caused by the incidents in Istanbul. We share your anger. I want to extend our condolences again to our great nation and beloved brethren.

My dear people, We are marking our State's 20th anniversary. We will mark many more in the future. Motherland Turkey is marking its 80th anniversary. I hope that similar anniversaries will be marked many times. I wish you happiness.^Ô

[04] Erdogan met with the Turkish Cypriot political party leaders; Akinci gave him a file with cases of persons given ^Ócitizenship^Ô arbitrarily

Mr Erdogan held a joint meeting with National Unity Party and Democratic Party leaders, Dervis Eroglu and Serdar Denktas. Afterwards he had a joint meeting with the opposition party leaders, Mustafa Akinci (Peace and Democracy Movement), Mehmet Ali Talat (Republican Turkish Party) and Ali Erel (Solution and EU Party) and finally he met with the leaders of the other minor right wing parties.

Responding to questions after the meeting, Mr Eroglu said they did not discuss the separate plans Turkey and the occupation regime are reportedly preparing towards the solution of the Cyprus problem. ^ÓWe very often say what elements should be included in a permanent solution. Today esteemed Prime Minister stressed the same things. ^ÅAll parties are concentrating on the elections. Neither the Prime Minister nor we thought of discussing or commenting on the Annan Plan or bringing it onto the agenda^Ô.

In his statements, Mr Serdar Denktas said: ^ÓWe understood once more today that the problems we have diagnosed after the appearance of the Annan Plan are still there. The stance of the government of Turkey is in full harmony with the views we have expressed here. This satisfies us as it is demonstrating to us that we are in the right way^Ô.

On his part, Mr Talat said they had a good meeting with Mr Erdogan and added: ^ÓI think that it was a very useful meeting. We set forward our perspective for a solution. We stressed the importance of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem until May 2004 from the point of view of the integration of the Turkish Cypriots with the EU and of the opening of Turkey^Òs course towards the EU^Ô. Mr Talat said that they did not discuss the Cyprus problem with Mr Erdogan and noted that the December ^Óelections^Ô were important for finding a solution to the problem until May 2004, because afterwards the Greek Cypriot side will allegedly lose its enthusiasm for a solution.

In statements after the meeting, Mr Akinci said that he stressed to Mr Erdogan the necessity of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem until May 2004 and of conducting democratic and fair ^Óelections^Ô in December. Mr Akinci noted that they gave to Mr Erdogan a file with facts regarding the arbitrarily granting of the ^Ócitizenship^Ô of the regime and added: ^ÓWe have given this because people who are turned into voters are not coming from places such as Tanganyika. They are coming from Turkey. ^Ó Finally, Mr Erel said that they agreed with Mr Erdogan that the ^Óelections^Ô should be transparent and fair and that the pseudogovernment, which will be created after the ^Óelections^Ô will have two important duties: to solve the Cyprus problem and make the necessary preparations for the harmonization with the EU.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Erdogan^Òs illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

KIBRIS: Under the title ^ÓOur vision is the EU^Ô, the paper writes that Mr Erdogan revealed Turkey^Òs strategic targets, by saying that ^ÓFull EU accession is Turkey^Òs basic strategic target^Ô.

KIBRISLI: Under the title ^ÓWhich of them is the national (policy)?^Ô writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas continues defending the non-solution whereas Mr Erdogan defends the solution.

CUMHURIYET (North Cyprus): Under the title ^ÓA viable solution^Ô writes that ^ÓPrime Minister Erdogan noted that there are two separate states with different language and religion in Cyprus and stressed that the solution in Cyprus must be based on these realities^Ô.

BIRLIK: Under the title ^ÓThe TRNC will live for ever^Ô, writes that Prime Minister Erdogan said: ^ÓThe solution in Cyprus passes from the acceptance of the equality and the realities^Ô.

VOLKAN: Under the title ^ÓTRNC is our pride^Ô, writes that Mr Erdogan fully supported the pseudostate and Rauf Denktas.

AFRIKA: Under the title ^ÓA file from Akinci to Erdogan^Ô, refers to the file given by Mr Akinci to Mr Erdogan regarding the issue of the arbitrarily granting of the ^Ócitizenship^Ô of the pseudostate.

ORTAM: Under the title ^Óthere is nothing new on the Erdogan front^Ô, writes that Mr Erdogan said nothing new and repeated his usual statements on Cyprus. ^ÓErdogan who included to his speech yesterday the cliché ^Ñsolution but^Ò, behaved in a very restrained manner^Ô, adds ORTAM.

HALKIN SESI: The paper gives Mr Erdogan^Òs statements under the title ^ÓErdogan: The solution passes through equality^Ô.

YENI DUZEN: Under the title ^ÓWe do not regard the non-solution to be the solution^Ô, the paper underlines the statements of Mr Erdogan regarding the strategic target of Turkey and the importance of equality for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[06] Statements by the leader of the main opposition in Turkey during his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

In statements, Mr Baykal said that he will be participating in the anniversary celebrations upon the invitation of Rauf Denktas. He further noted that new initiatives are needed in Cyprus, and added:

^ÓNaturally, new steps are needed to overcome the existing obstacles and show that all the people living in Cyprus can do so in peace and cooperation. We welcome and support such initiatives. The important thing, however, is to achieve this without disrupting the gains of the political formation.^Ô

Morever, in statements to illegal BRT television on Saturday 15.11.2003, Mr Baykal said that he had come to Cyprus with a large delegation from the Party to demonstrate that they support their citizens living in north Cyprus, that they are in solidarity with them and to express to them that they support their struggle. Baykal noted that in the EU^Òs progress repot Cyprus was put as a precondition before Turkey and it is not possible to accept this.

Claiming that Turkey^Òs EU membership and the solution of the Cyprus problem were two different things, Baykal alleged that mixing the two different things together is the biggest mistake that one could commit.

Branding the EU^Òs progress report as a political pressure exercise, Baykal said: ^ÓWe have no other choice but to shoulder this political pressure^Ô.

The leader of the Republican People^Òs Party (RPP) Deniz Baykal further said that they aim at peace in Cyprus. However, he added, it is not possible to provide peace with the Annan plan whose aim is not peace in Cyprus. He claimed that without Turkey^Òs EU membership and by bringing the Greek Cypriots into the north as well as giving Greece freedom of movement in Cyprus including the north , the Annan plan will reduce the Turkish Cypriots to minority status which eventually in the absence of Turkey, ^ÓGreece will settle in the island and annihilate the Turks in Cyprus^Ô.

[07] On the anniversary of the UDI Gul discloses a letter by the US calling on the Islamic countries not to recognize the pseudostate

It has been revealed that just when the EU was placing Cyprus as an obstacle to Turkey's membership to the Union the US administration called on Islamic countries "not to recognize the `TRNC´". The US attitude led to surprise in Ankara, which is working hard to find a solution for the Cyprus issue.

The United States sent letters conveying the "do not recognize the `TRNC´" message to OIC representatives, who attended the OIC ministerial meeting held in New York on 18 September parallel to the meeting of the UN General Assembly. The ^Óscandal^Ô occurred when Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who is the foreign minister of the only country that recognizes and supports the `TRNC´, also received a copy of the letter. Gul was very surprised to have received the letter and the Minister reacted to America's strange attitude by lamenting to the people close to him, "This is too much."

Debates concerning the future of Cyprus had made their mark on the OIC ministerial meeting held in New York on 18 September. The fact that the report, which had been drafted by the OIC's Tunisian General Secretary Abdelouahed Belkeziz while the meetings were still underway, contained the words, "The Greek Cypriot administration is recognized as the government of Cyprus," led to the outcry of Turkey and the `TRNC´. There were claims that the report had been drafted under US pressure.

However, common sense had triumphed by the end of the meetings and the final declaration of the OIC ministerial meeting had contained the view, "The OIC supports the just cause of the Muslim Turkish Cypriot people." Thus, US initiatives in New York failed to bear fruit, concludes the paper.

[08] Reference to Cyprus by Gul during statements at Kayseri

Gul, who met with administrators of economy services of some newspapers in central Kayseri province, made evaluations about EU membership, the Cyprus issue and economic developments.

On the Cyprus problem Mr Abdullah Gul said that they believed a sincere and new initiative should be launched in Cyprus and that preparations were underway in this respect.

When Gul was recalled that opposition in the occupied areas of Cyprus thought differently from Rauf Denktas regarding the solution, he said: "The initiative will be launched together with those who win the `elections´ in `TRNC´. Preparations continue for the time being. The initiative should be toward a serious negotiation and compromise. Of course the compromise should have two sides. The other side should show the same understanding. Turkey will do what is necessary.

The realities on the island will be taken into consideration while doing this."

When asked what he meant by saying a new initiative in Cyprus, and about the developments that would occur in case the opposition wins the ^Óelections^Ô, Gul said: ^ÓThe Turkish Cypriots will take a decision after the elections. It is clear that elections will take place in an honest way. Those who have doubts may go and follow the elections. We sent invitations to international institutions to come and watch the elections. They should go and observe the elections so as not to say anything after the elections. What I mean to say is this: This is a new period. Everybody should pull himself together. This is not a period to act with enmity, slogans and excitement. A serious analysis should be made and long term efforts should be exerted. A result can be reached in case the other side shows the same sincerity, efforts and honesty.

The other side may not exert the same efforts and show the same honesty. They may think: 'we have taken our step in the EU.' In this case, there is nothing to say. We continuously warn the EU. We say 'you cannot expect everything from Turkey".

Stating that both sides should take steps to reach an accord, Gul said: "The EU had already made a mistake in the past. It accepted a controversial country. The EU had to tell the Greek Cypriot side to come after solving the problems. But it did not. A timetable had been set in 1999, and we have come to the end of this process."

[09] The illegal Settlers^Ò Association has been divided into two groups

The extraordinary meeting took place on Sunday with the signatures of 250 members of the Association, at occupied Famagusta. During the meeting a new administrative committee was elected consisting of Emin Bilgen, Adnan Ates, Mehmet Ersoz and Osman Ince. Subsequently, the elected members accompanied by the pseudo police and the so-called inspector of Famagusta district, went to the Association^Òs building, took the keys of the other administrative committee and entered the building. There the first meeting of the Association under the new administrative committee took place and Mr Hakan Yozcu was elected as the new chairman of the Association.

However, the first chairman of the illegal settlers Dr. Nuri Cevikel stated that the chairman of the Association is himself and that there is only one Association for the settlers who came from Turkey. Mr Cevikel, also stated that the National Unity Party and the Democratic Party were behind this ^Óillegal^Ô action. ^ÓThe Eroglu and Denktas government and those who support them will not manage to silence us^Ô, he said. He also stressed that the new administration committee is ^Óa so-called committee^Ô, which was formed without the knowledge and the will of the Association. He also added that the members of the association will never stop fighting in favour of solution and peace. .

Speaking during the extraordinary general assembly, Mr Yozcu commented on the Annan Plan and stated that contrary to what is said, the persons who came from Turkey will be harmed by this Plan. Mr Yozcu accused Mr Cevikel of taking advantage of the Settlers^Ò Association which elected him as its chairman because he alleged in the past that he will never get involved in something as dirty as politics. However, after this he became a candidate ^Óof a party that said that in the first chance we will be embarked on a boat like sheep and be sent back^Ô, said Mr Yozcu.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Denktas´ adviser calls the decisions of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights a shame for Europe

^ÓMeeting in Strasbourg, the Delegates Committee of the Council of Europe [COE] has reportedly warned Turkey that if it does not pay the $900,000 indemnity to Mrs Loizidou by November 19 "the Ministerial Committee will take the necessary measures against Turkey." It is not hard to predict the voices that will rise in our media. To enhance the insecurities of a nation that is already awash in insecurities, gentlemen with even greater insecurities will immediately take up their pens and say: "Pay without delay. You have no right to embarrass this country any further."

They will write these without really knowing what lies behind this lawsuit that was filed out of political motives by someone who complained to the European Court of Human Rights [ECHR], after she was arrested during a demonstration near the border, that she "could not go to her property in Kyrenia."

What is at issue is a court decision that should be considered a shame for European jurisprudence. Successive governments in Ankara have been absolutely right by not complying with this decision--even as they have complied with hundreds of other ECHR decisions and paid penalties of billions of Turkish lira---because a great scandal is at issue.

`TRNC´ police arrested Mrs Loizidou when she crossed the border and a `TRNC´ court expelled her after trying her. Even so the judges in Strasbourg did not even discuss the existence of an administration operating with all of its organs in the north. Instead they took a political resolution by the UN Security Council, which "denies recognition of that state" and which cannot be used as a legal basis, as a departure point and found Turkey responsible because "its soldiers are there."

Ankara declared from the outset that it will recognize the authority of the Court only with regard to violations on its national soil. The Court disregarded this reservation. Yet the same Court refused to hear a complaint by Bankovic in connection with the bombing of Yugoslav television by NATO states on the grounds that "the violation was outside the national borders of those states."

Even more interestingly the COE (Council of Europe) solemnly attempted to drive a bargain using the judiciary to force the payment of the indemnity but later retreated from it.

The bargain offered was this: The Secretariat of the COE, which felt troubled as a result of the Loizidou decision, would persuade the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) to take a different "precedent-setting" decision in exchange for the formation of a property compensation settlement committee in the `TRNC´ and the payment of the indemnity. The said committee was formed, but the bargain was not executed because Ankara insisted on "paying after seeing the decision" and the Secretariat dragged its feet in persuading the ECHR to make such a decision.

It is interesting that those who persuaded the ECHR to make the Loizidou decision to settle the property compensation issue in a certain way in the past engaged in a bargain for a different decision in order to receive the indemnity payment. What is more shameful? Ankara's refusal to "fall into the trap" or COE's attempt to enter into such bargain using the judiciary?

Now that everything is so clear and so disgusting does it make sense to bow to threats of "we will take the necessary measures" when it is possible to embarrass those who should really be ashamed?^Ô

[11] Commentary in SABAH assesses the information about Turkey preparing a new plan for Cyprus

^ÓAnkara is seeking a new opening when it comes to the Cyprus problem, which was described in the EU Progress Report as: "The lack of a solution on Cyprus could constitute an obstacle to Turkey's EU expectations."

Firstly, one needs to state that in Ankara the government is not in favor of the problem being resolved as quick as a flash. It is closed to seeking such a formula. Not only this but it also has the view that the issue needs to be approached from a fresh perspective. In fact, it is insisting on this.

The dominant view within the government is that the Cyprus problem be concluded at the same time as full accession talks with the EU.

Just as Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stressed some time ago, he sees the giving of concessions in support of a solution on Cyprus followed by a failure to start accession talks with the EU in December 2004 as a disaster scenario. As a result, there is no formula for a solution in accordance with EU wishes by 1 May 2004, when the Greek Cypriot part of the island will become a full EU member, within Ankara's calendar. Not only that but the joint view held by Ankara and `Lefkosa´ is that a solution could be reached using a brand new plan not part of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan.

The plan, which has been worked on for some time in Ankara but which has yet to gain government approval, does have the support of `TRNC president´ Rauf Denktas.

Subtitle: The new plan

The new plan, which has also been verified by sources close to Denktas, does bear certain similarity to the Annan Plan.

The new plan first of all discards the Annan Plan's concept of a single state and presents a condition whereby a twin-state structure emerges.

It covers the ceding of more land to the Greek Cypriots than Denktas had earlier proposed.

The most striking part of the plan is the opening of Varosha to settlement, which had been voiced before, and the payment of reparations to the Greek Cypriots in exchange for them abandoning [any notion of] settling in the Turkish side of the island.

While the plan opposes giving any land concessions in the Morphou region it does cover handing over to the Greek Cypriots some land from the border region to the south of `Nicosia - Famagusta ´ road.

Furthermore, the opening up of Rizokarpasso to Greek Cypriot settlers, which the `TRNC´ had earlier been opposed to, is envisaged in the plan.

The plan does keep both airports in the `TRNC´.

`TRNC president´ Rauf Denktas, in reply to Mithat Bereket's questions on NTV on 13 November, indirectly mentioned that the plan would be put into effect after the December elections:

"I believe I am going to win the elections. The new administration after the elections will find a new method."

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul reportedly gave a few clues to the plan during the EU tripartite meeting in Italy at the start of the week.^Ô

/SK

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