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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-06-02
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH PRESS
AND OTHER MEDIA
No.102/04
02.06.04
[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] The foreign Minister of Turkey warns against attempts to change the
demographic structure of Kirkuk while Turkey continues to implement the
policy of islamizing and Turkifying the territories of Cyprus under
Turkish military control.
[02] Turkish Cypriot daily says that the UN Secretary - General Kofi Annan
"slaps" the Greek Cypriots with his report for Cyprus.
[03] Sener Levent is giving a press conference in the free areas of
Cyprus.
[04] The former President of Sudan paid an illegal visit to the occupation
regime.
[05] KIBRIS accuses the occupation regime for 'prosecutes' Turkish Cypriot
journalists while the real criminals are out in the streets.
[06] Erdogan: Government not to push university reforms.
[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[07] Turkish Cypriot newspaper: "The EU acts as though Cyprus is not under
occupation".
[08] Former Turkish Foreign Minister assesses General Basbug´s speech and
points out the contradictory policy of Turkey over the state structure
in Iraq and Cyprus.
[09] Ozker Ozgur accuses the so-called government of the occupation regime
of not wanting now a solution on the basis of the Annan Plan and of
trying to get the pseudostate recognized.
[A} NEWS ITEMS
[01] The foreign Minister of Turkey warns against attempts to change the
demographic structure of Kirkuk while Turkey continues to implement the
policy of islamizing and Turkifying the territories of Cyprus under
Turkish military control
Ankara TRT 2 Television (01.06.04) broadcast that Mr Abdullah Gul,
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, has said that Turkey's
reaction to attempts aimed at faits accomplis and at changing the
demographic situation in Kirkuk will be clear, adding: "I am clearly
stating that it is dangerous to play games with regards to Kirkuk."
Gul, who concluded his official visit to Saudi Arabia, has returned to
Turkey. In a statement at Esenboga Airport, Gul said that Saudi Arabia
is extending extensive political and economic support regarding Cyprus.
He added that concrete steps were taken at the Organization of Islamic
Conference (OIC) foreign ministers conference in a bid to lift the
so-called economic and trade isolation of occupied Cyprus. In reply to
a question on attempts to disrupt the demographic structure in Kirkuk,
Gul said that the government is closely following the developments.
Mr Gul said: "There are certain rumours. We are following the
authenticity of these rumors in place. Naturally, Turkey's reaction to
conscious attempts directed toward creating a fait accompli and changing
the demographic structure there will be very clear. This issue does
not concern Turkey alone, it concerns the other neighboring countries as
well. From this point of view, Saudi Arabia has similar concerns in
that direction. I am clearly stating: Playing games with regard to
Kirkuk is dangerous."
[02] Turkish Cypriot daily says that the UN Secretary - General Kofi Annan
"slaps" the Greek Cypriots with his report for Cyprus
Under the banner front-page title "Annan slapped the Greek Cypriots with
his report", Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (02.06.04)
publishes in English the Cyprus report that the UN Secretary - General,
Kofi Annan is expected to submit to the Security Council. The paper says
that in the report Mr Annan gives "positive messages" for the Turkish
Cypriots and strongly criticizes President Papadopoulos.
According to HALKIN SESI, Mr Annan asks the Council to decide the end of
the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots and notes that the Greek
Cypriots, by voting "no" at the referendum for the Annan Plan, have
rejected the solution of the Cyprus problem. He also supports that the
Turkish Cypriots expressed their will for the reunification of the
island and abandoned the efforts for the recognition of their illegal
regime as a separate state.
[03] Sener Levent is giving a press conference in the free areas of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (02.06.04) reports that its
editor-in-chief, Sener Levent is giving a press conference today at the
Holiday Inn Hotel, in the free areas of Cyprus, regarding the charges he
is about to file against the Republic of Cyprus for not accepting his
candidature in the elections for the Cypriot members of the European
Parliament.
[04] The former President of Sudan paid an illegal visit to the occupation
regime
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (02.06.04) reports that the
former Sudanese President Mr Abdurrahman Saurel da han, who was
President of Sudan in the period 1985-87, paid an illegal visit
yesterday to the occupation regime. Mr Saurel da han, who was invited
to the occupied part of Cyprus by "Our Party", met with the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktas and the so-called Prime Minister of the
occupation regime, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Denktas stated that Mr Saurel da han has
invited the so-called Minister of Foreign Affairs of the occupation
regime, Mr Serdar Denktas, to visit Sudan. He also stated that Sudan has
always supported the pseudostate in the international field. On his
part, Mr Talat said that the relations between the pseudostate and Sudan
are very good. He also added that the Turkish Cypriots are trying to
find their place in the Islamic Conference, the Islamic world and the
world in general. In addition the former Sudanese President expressed
his support to the occupation regime and called on the Turkish Cypriots
to make investments in Sudan.
[05] KIBRIS accuses the occupation regime for 'prosecutes' Turkish Cypriot
journalists while the real criminals are out in the streets
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (02.06.04) under the title "The
bombers are on the streets, the journalists are in trials", accused the
occupation regime that 'prosecutes' and 'files charges' against Turkish
Cypriot journalists while the real criminals and those who put the bombs
are out in the streets.
The paper writes that the occupation regime continues its prosecutions
against some Turkish Cypriot journalists who wrote about the conducting
of a symbolic referendum which took place on the 25th of March in the
occupied Elia village. 'Charges' were 'filed' then against the chief
editor of KIBRIS Mr Basaran Duzgun and the columnist Hasan Hasturer,
while the general publication manager of the paper Mr Suleyman Erguclu
was also accused for giving permission for the events' publishing. In
addition similar 'charges' were 'filed' for the same case against the
columnist of ORTAM newspaper Hasan Kahvecioglu and the general
publication manager of ORTAM Mr Mehmet Davulcu.
The occupation regime, which wants to try the journalists at the court
martial, opened new 'law cases' yesterday against the administration of
KIBRIS and against the AN-GRAPHICS LIBRIS LTD, which is a firm of the
KIBRIS media group. The general secretary of the AN-GRAPHICS LIBRIS LTD,
Mr Fehim Nevzat faces 'charges' that can put him to 'jail' for 21 years
while Mr Basaran Duzgun faces 'charges' that can put him to 'jail' for
10 years, Mr Hasan Hasturer faces 'charges' that can put him to 'jail'
for 21 years and Mr Suleyman Erguclu faces 'charges' that can put him to
'jail' for 21 years.
Besides, Mr Mehmet Davulcu faces four new 'suits' for articles that were
published in his paper written by the columnist Hasan Kahvecioglu in
which he accused the occupation regime and the occupation army. Speaking
to KIBRIS Mr Davulcu stated that he does not accept these accusations
and added that his paper holds a very important place in the Turkish
Cypriot press. He faces charges that can put him to 'jail' for 88 years.
Speaking to KIBRIS, Mr Erguclu stated that the status quo "is living its
last moments" and strongly criticised the pressure of the occupation
regime against the mass media and the journalists in occupied Cyprus
which has been increased. He said that these actions have various aims,
to affect the press, to give a bad impression as regards Talat
"government" to the eyes of the public and to create troubles towards
Turkey's accession to the EU. He said that the journalists and the paper
will continue to fight and stressed: "We will go to 'jail' if we have to
but we will not stop fighting", he said.
Writing about the situation in his daily column "Backstage", Mr Basaran
Duzgun stated that he spoke about the incident with Mr Mehmet Ali Talat,
who said that these actions are "a step in the back for the Turkish
Cypriots".
The Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union and the BASIN SEN Trade Union,
strongly criticised the new accusations against the journalists.
[06] Erdogan: Government not to push university reforms
Turkish mainland HURRIYET newspaper (02.06.04) reports that the Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that they were right in the
Higher Education Board Law that was vetoed by President Sezer but will
keep the law pending for a while. However he called on everybody to
respect the majority in Parliament, which reflected the will of the
people.
Addressing his party group at the Turkish Parliament, Erdogan said that
the postponed problem of Turkey was a healthy democracy, law and
justice. He said that there was unfair competition from education to
working life and this equality should be established in all fields.
He said that providing these "Might sadden some who are not like the
people, who do not share the grief of people" and that these sections
saw democracy as a preference in their favour.
Erdogan also said: "About 90 articles of the Higher Education Board law
have so far been amended but has been the unfair competition problem
solved? Is it abnormal when Justice and Development Party makes a
change? We can not serve for the good of this nation by keeping part of
it under an accusation."
Stressing that "No one has the right to be above the law," Erdogan
concluded: "The Higher Education Board Law will be evaluated in the
conscience of the people."
[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[07] Turkish Cypriot newspaper: "The EU acts as though Cyprus is not under
occupation"
Nicosia AFRIKA newspaper (31.05.04) publishes the following commentary
in the
"Letter from AFRIKA" column under the title: "Greek Cypriot veto
obstacle to negotiation date":
"Turkey let the `TRNC¨ down in European institutions twice in a very
short time.
There was a vote at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe, and another one at the European Council [Congress of Local and
Regional Authorities] on the local administrations.
On both occasions Turkey failed to stand in favor of the
representation of the `TRNC´. It did not support it. It ran away in the
first voting. In the second, it abstained.
Those who assume that these were unintentional or isolated cases are
mistaken. These moves are part of the comprehensive policy set on the
Cyprus problem.
Turkey cannot go beyond the present situation in Cyprus. It cannot
demand the recognition of the `TRNC´. It cannot engage in moves aimed at
strengthening the separate state here.
You may ask, why? If it does, it will risk its own position. It will
never get the date that it expects from Europe. Moreover, it will face
Papadopoulos' veto card. No one will be able to prevent the exercise of
this veto against Turkey.
Abdullah Gul had said before the public referendum, "We shall visit the
world to demand recognition for the `TRNC´." He did not keep his word.
He does visit, but he does not demand recognition for the `TRNC´.
Turkey got the "yes" that it expected from the Turkish Cypriots and has
retreated to its corner. This was what it wanted anyway.
The Greek Cypriot "no" in the public referendum added a separate flavor
to the problem. While Turkey was expected to be declared, after 1 May,
"Invader on EU territory," it suddenly got off the hook and,
furthermore, found itself in a justified position. One "yes" was enough.
The Greek Cypriots, rather than Turkey, started getting blamed.
Turkey has been declared as the party that wants peace without having to
withdraw a single soldier from here and without returning any land. In
the aftermath of the public referendum, the EU acts as though Cyprus is
not under occupation. It does not put pressure on Turkey to withdraw any
troops. It overlooks the presence of Turkey in North Cyprus.
Should Turkey feel it will be faced with the Greek Cypriot veto in
December, it will be able to get rid of the problem only in one way: by
satisfying the demands of the Greek Cypriots. Holding the veto card in
their hand, the Greek Cypriots hope to grab what they demand from Turkey
in this way. They expect Turkey to satisfy in December the objections
they made to the Annan Plan. It will not be easy for Turkey to get a
negotiating date in light of the Greek Cypriot veto.
As for us, we have cleared Turkey's [EU] course, but have blocked our
course all the more. Nothing has changed here. Those who think otherwise
should speak out!"
[08] Former Turkish Foreign Minister assesses General Basbug´s speech and
points out the contradictory policy of Turkey over the state structure
in Iraq and Cyprus
Istanbul HURRIYET newspaper (01.06.04) publishes the following
commentary by former Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Ilter Turkmen, under
the title: "Security symposium":
"The opening address of the Second Chief of General Staff at the
symposium at the War Academies on 27-28 May justifiably drew a lot of
attention. Gen Ilker Basbug, in his speech with a rich content in which
rather doubtful metaphors were included, mentioned security and defense
subjects, but actually he presented an extensive tour of the foreign
policy horizon.
This is something, which has not been done by the foreign ministers for
years. Thanks to Gen Basbug, the Turkish public found the opportunity to
obtain extensive information on the subjects of the basic problems and
aspects of foreign policy.
Most of the approaches of Gen Basbug were balanced and pragmatic and his
diagnoses were appropriate. It was extremely appropriate for him to
state that no matter how wrong the Iraqi policy of the United States is,
it is Turkey, which would be harmed the most, from chaos or a civil war
in Iraq.
But he criticized the envisaging of a loose federation in Iraq and said
the following: "Historical examples show that countries, which have
different ethnic and religious groups, can be kept together under a
stronger centralized administration". This is correct, but is this
possible other than with an authoritarian and arrogant regime similar to
that of Saddam Husayn? On the other hand, this view is completely
opposite to the thesis we have always defended for Cyprus, is it not?
Gen Basbug criticized the transition period law, which determines the
main outline of the future constitution of Iraq, for not giving a place
to secularity and said: "To say that countries, which have not
experienced a period of secularity and do not have this experience, can
easily attain a democratic structure, could not go beyond being a
claim". No doubt, secularity is a basic element of democracy. But still
it is not absolutely necessary for secularity to be in the constitution.
Even in Europe, there is not a decree on secularity in the constitution
of every state. If a reference were made to Christianity in the
constitution of Europe, which is presently being discussed, as some
countries want, then would Europe cease to be secular? Secularity is the
result of a historical evolution, which is much longer than the texts of
the laws. There is no constitutional secularity in the Muslim countries
other than Turkey.
Even in Turkey, if a leader with vision and political courage, such as
the genius Ataturk had not emerged, then there would be no
constitutional secularity. In contrast to this, for example, a Muslim
country such as Tunisia could be considered to be secular with its
general legislation and practices today, but it is not democratic. It is
an authoritarian state. It means that secularity, in its general
meaning, is a condition for democracy, but this is not sufficient. We
also know this very well from our own experiences.
What Gen Basbug said on the subject of Cyprus and relations with Greece
should also be dwelled upon. Gen Basbug emphasized that the relations of
Cyprus with Turkey are connected to the preservation of the rights and
interests of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. He did not describe
these rights and interests concretely.
It is not known whether or not he considers the Annan Plan, which was
accepted by the people of the `TRNC´ to be sufficient from this aspect.
On the subject of the Aegean, he is underlining the fact that "all
problems should be solved together", along with opening the door for a
petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Among all of the problems, are there also the problems of the islets and
rocks, which emerged during the Kardak crisis? That is also unknown. As
far as we can understand, the Greeks do not want to take this subject,
which they consider to be a sovereignty problem, to the ICJ. Whereas, it
is almost certain that we would lose at the ICJ.
Let Gen Basbug be an example for us. Let the representatives of our
other institutions make speeches, which both inform us and make us
think."
[03] Ozker Ozgur accuses the so-called government of the occupation regime
of not wanting now a solution on the basis of the Annan Plan and of
trying to get the pseudostate recognized
Writing in Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (02.06.04) Turkish
Cypriot writer and veteran politician, Mr Ozker Ozgur, wonders whether
the so-called government of the occupation regime is now eased and put
aside the "United Cyprus Republic", because the 76 % of the Greek
Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan in its present form. Mr Ozgur writes,
inter alia, the following:
"'They do not want to discuss why the Greek Cypriot side said 'no'.
There is no effort for creating the conditions for a second referendum
in the Greek Cypriot side. The head of the 'Solution and Conciliation
government' said: 'Only the Greek Cypriots know if they are going to
conduct a second referendum. However, I do not think that it will be
useful'. (HALKIN SESI newspaper 20.05.04).
If the 'Solution and Conciliation government' continues its vision for a
solution, are they contemplating the way by which the solution will be
reached? There are two ways towards the solution. Either renegotiating
the Annan Plan and giving it a form that both sides would accept or
giving the Greek Cypriot side the necessary assurances and achieving the
second referendum in the Greek Cypriot side.
The 'Solution and Conciliation government' says that the first
alternative 'could not be done'. Very well, what do the 'Solution and
Conciliation government' say about giving the Greek Cypriot side the
necessary assurances and achieving the second referendum in the Greek
Cypriot side? The major partner in the government says that 'this will
not be of any use'. The minor partner behaves more openly. It puts
forward the recognition of the `TRNC´. It supports and applies the
policy of the recognition of the `TRNC´. To this end, it organizes a
campaign to Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In brief, the solution, that is the 'United Cyprus Republic', has become
a matter of secondary importance on the agenda of the 'Solution and
Conciliation government'. While the major partner puts forward the issue
of lifting the isolation, the minor partner undertook the mission of
getting the `TRNC´ recognized. '".
/SK
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