Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-09-29

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding Turkey

[02] European Parliament postponed vote on Additional Protocol

[03] Tan: We cannot accept any other formula than full membership

[04] Erdogans reaction to EU Parliament resolution

[05] Gul conveyed Turkeys unease to Straw on the EU Frame Document

[06] Rehn: Postponement will have no effect on beginning of negotiation process

[07] Baykal evaluated European Parliament Resolution as 'trap'

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press see the developments regarding Turkeys EU accession process

[09] Izzet Izcan accused Talats self-styled government of following the policy of the previous governments as regards the Cyprus problem

[10] KIBRISLI: Smell of Cannabis

[11] Turkish Minister of Sports will pay an illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus in order to participate in a Sport Council

[12] 0rsen Küçük to stand as a candidate for National Unity Party s chairmanship.

[13] Turkey and Republic of Congo signed a military cooperation agreement

[14] A deputy resigned from Republican People s Party

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding Turkey

An amendment, which was voted under the resolution, calls on Turkey to recognize the so-called Armenian genocide.

Meanwhile, another amendment submitted by the Christian Democrats for assessment of 'constructive probabilities'' in parallel with full membership was rejected.

The parliament voted 356-181 to adopt the resolution which says on the one hand that Turkey has fulfilled all necessary criteria to start entry talks with the EU, but criticizes Turkey's releasing a declaration about Cyprus on the other.

The resolution claims that prevention of Greek Cypriot planes and vessels from using airports and ports in Turkey was a violation of the Ankara Agreement. It says that any failure of Turkey to implement the Ankara Agreement completely would have a serious impact on the negotiation process.

The resolution calls on Turkey to give priority to the implementation of Customs Union in 2006.

Expressing regret over failure in efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue, the resolution calls on Turkey to maintain its constructive approach and invites the parties in Cyprus to resume talks under the UN plan.

Noting that recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey would be an important component of the negotiation process, the resolution says that Turkey's refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus could cause suspension of the negotiations.

Referring to the decision of the EU Council to lift economic isolation of the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, the resolution calls on the EU to keep its promises to this end.

Referring to the lawsuit filed against prominent (Turkish) author Orhan Pamuk, the resolution says that the lawsuit was a violation of articles of the European Convention on Human Rights about freedom of expression.

Reiterating that negotiations would be ''open-ended'', the resolution notes that the process would not automatically result in full membership.

Referring to decisions of 1993's Copenhagen Summit, the resolution says that the EU's absorption capacity (of Turkey) would be examined.

[02] European Parliament postponed vote on Additional Protocol

After the Christian Democrats proposed not to approve the protocol, the Parliament voted 311-285 to postpone the vote.

Sixty-five MEPs abstained.

Socialists and Greens strongly reacted to the statements of Christian Democrats Group leader Hans-Ger Poettering rejecting Turkey's full membership perspective during a debate on Turkey.

Socialist group leader Martin Schultz said to Mr Poettering: You should say openly if you don't want Turkey. Don't you want to accept Turkey because it is a Muslim country? Schultz also said they wanted the EU to be honest to Turkey.

Meanwhile the Greens group leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit said there should not be "religious and cultural racism". He said: We should ask the question whether or not accepting Turkey --as a member-- is in EU's interest, particularly after September 11th attacks.

[03] Tan: We cannot accept any other formula than full membership

Mr Tan told reporters: On the other hand, the Greek Cypriot administration has been trying to get some concessions from the EU by exploiting its EU membership. We do not exercise to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration; instead we exercise to start negotiation process for a joint future with Europe. It is already known that negotiation process will be long-standing and difficult. However, any deviation from full EU membership is unacceptable. On numerous occasions, we conveyed such unacceptable elements in the negotiating framework document to our European counterparts. Since we have fulfilled all necessary criteria, we expect the EU to keep its promises now. After the negotiating framework document is clarified, we will assess it and take our final step.

Upon a question about Austria's insistence on ''privileged partnership'', Tan said: We cannot accept any other formula than EU full membership.

When asked whether Turkey would veto participation of the Republic of Cyprus in international organizations, Tan said that Ankara had already expressed its stance towards this matter and they had launched necessary initiatives.

[04] Erdogans reaction to EU Parliament resolution

Prime Minister Erdogan held a meeting with the journalists and replied to their questions in Abu Dhabi. Naturally, he was asked to comment on the resolution the European Parliament passed today (yesterday). Recalling that the European Parliament cannot impose its decisions on the process that will lead to Turkey's EU membership, he said: The resolution will not affect the EU process. We will proceed on our path. Whether or not the European Parliament passes a resolution does not concern us.

Asked whether the resolution created hesitation, Erdogan said: No that is out of the question.

Prime Minister Erdogan said that what is important is the meeting the EU Foreign Ministers will hold tomorrow. He also said that the framework for the talks on Turkey's accession to the organization will be important.

Assessing the EU counter-declaration's argument that Turkey's declaration is not a legally valid document, Prime Minister Erdogan said: That also applies to them. We said that [Turkey's] assessment was a legal viewpoint. They, too, outlined a legal viewpoint.

Another question was related to a press report that concerned Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul today. He was quoted as saying: We will not visit Luxemburg before we see the document on the framework of the talks.

Prime Minister Erdogan responded: I discussed the matter with Abdullah Gul a short while ago. He informed me that he did not make such a statement.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (28/09/05) reported from Abu Dhabi that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said during the press conference in Abu Dhabi: Membership of Turkey having a predominantly Muslim population will set up a bridge between the EU and the Islam world. It will be the beginning of the alliance of civilizations. If the EU is not a Christian club, then it should prove it.

Following the press conference, Prime Minister Erdogan left Abu Dhabi for Dubai. He is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai on Thursday. After holding several bilateral meetings, Erdogan will return to Turkey later in the same day.

[05] Gul conveyed Turkeys unease to Straw on the EU Frame Document

Ankara is uneasy about the developments in connection with the negotiation framework document. Foreign Ministry officials are saying that the last draft of the document contains several unacceptable elements as far as Turkey is concerned. The first among them is the option of privileged partnership, something Austria is insisting on.

Another condition Turkey finds unacceptable is the clause that bans the veto on the membership of EU member countries in international organizations.

Another source of frustration is the speech Foreign Secretary Straw plans to deliver at the start of the negotiations.

We have learned that on Monday [26 September], Foreign Minister Gul called Straw on the telephone and personally informed him of Ankara's unease and concern. Gul also asked that the approval of the framework document not be left to the last moment. Straw indicated that he would try to ensure that.

Preparations are being made in Ankara based on all possibilities. It is being said behind the scenes that if the negotiation framework document is not approved by 3 October, or if it contains elements that are unacceptable to Turkey, then Ankara may choose not to go to Luxembourg.

A Foreign Ministry official confirmed to NTV that the option of not going is, indeed, being considered.

[06] Rehn: Postponement will have no effect on beginning of negotiation process

Rehn said that they expected both the European Parliament and the Turkish parliament to approve the additional protocol soon.

Meanwhile, Rehn sent a letter to European Parliament Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Elmar Brok about the protocol and Turkey's declaration about Cyprus on September 22nd.

In his letter, Rehn said that he would ask information from the Turkish parliament about approval process.

The content of the letter caused uneasiness at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Later, MFA conveyed its displeasure with some expressions in the letter.

Turkish diplomatic sources told the A.A that the letter triggered the request of the Christian Democrats for postponement the ratification of the protocol.

[07] Baykal evaluated European Parliament Resolution as 'trap'

Asserting that Turkey will be confronted with similar traps in the form of demands in the future, Baykal noted: Many conditions have been put to Turkey. However, no condition exists to guarantee Turkey's accession to the EU as a member. Unfortunately, the EU creates problems in its assessment of Turkey's accession to the organization.

Stressing that Turkey has found itself in a difficult situation because of the policy it maintained and because of its relations [with the EU], Baykal criticized the Government by saying that the party warned it in the past. He noted: However, they believed that things would be put right on the way. That was a serious mistake.

Baykal will have dinner with the representatives of many Turkish associations and civilian organizations in London this evening.

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press see the developments regarding Turkeys EU accession process

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (29.09.05) reports that Europe scored a last minute goal against Turkey and refers to the provision of the decision of the EP which demands Ankara to officially recognize the Armenian genocide.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the developments regarding Turkeys EU process under the title Austria insists on the privileged partnership. The paper writes that Britain will exert efforts to convince Austria, while the different opinions on the negotiation framework, which is expected be formed at todays meeting of COREPER, are still continuing.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the developments under the title Day of decisions! and writes that today will be a day of decisions both for Turkey and the EU. The paper writes that today the negotiation framework is expected to be submitted to the Council of the EU.

Under the title Europe has been confused! Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (29.09.05) reports that Austria asked an extraordinary meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU on 2 October, the EP postponed the approval of the supplementary protocol and Britain stated that the EU must not turn its back to Turkey.

Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the developments under the title One condition after the other from the Europeans to Turkey.

Turkish Cypriot daily GUNES newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the issue under the title Turks Surrender and writes that according to some allegations the EU is following a tension strategy in order to force Turkey to surrender.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (29.09.05) uses the title It is not OK Europe.

Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the developments under the title Between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Turkish Cypriot daily CYPRUS TIMES newspaper (29.09.05) reports that The European Parliament postponed vote on protocol but said yes for negotiations.

Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (29.09.05), under the title Again the genocide condition writes: The European Parliament made two decisions yesterday which would lead to a serious crisis between Ankara and Brussels: 1- Turkey must accept so-called Armenian genocide to join the EU. 2- Turkey should recognize Greek Cypriots and withdraw troops from Cyprus.

The Christian Group in the EP postponed the vote on ratification of the additional protocol showing as a pretext Turkey's declaration refusing to 'recognize Greek Cypriots'.

Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (29.09.05) under the title Oct. 4th crisis with the EU, writes: The European Parliament (EP) postponed the ratification of the additional protocol showing as an excuse the declaration issued by the Turkish parliament regarding Cyprus and triggered the first crisis of the post-Oct. 3rd, when the accession talks between Turkey and the EU are due to start. The postponement, which came onto agenda by the initiative of the Christian Democrats doesn't have a binding effect.

Turkish daily SABAH newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the issue under the title 'We should not act in a racist way. The paper notes that Daniel Cohn-Bendit, leader of the Greens Group in the European Parliament (EP), said that Turkey's EU membership was to the interest of EU after Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. According to the paper, Mr Bendit said: ''We can't act with cultural, racist feelings...Some oppose to Turkey's EU membership because it is a Muslim country. Islam is the third biggest religion in Europe.

Turkish daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (29.09.05) reports the following: Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy leader Onur Oymen said, the Turkish government lacked seriousness in its policy about European Union (EU). He said: The resolution of the EP should not be disregarded. Even if the decision is not binding presently, it reflects the political climate in Europe. Lecturer Yasar Hacisalihoglu from Istanbul University said that the decision of the EP would constitute a reference during negotiation process.

Turkish daily RADIKAL newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the issue under the title Ministry of Foreign Affairs: There should not be any deviation and publishes statements by the Ministrys spokesman Namik Tan. RADIKAL publishes also the statements of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said that ''the EP's decision has nothing to do with Turkey's EU accession process. This decision will not affect the EU process.''

Turkish daily TURKIYE newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the issue under the title Ankara does not make any concessions and writes: Ankara stays strong about its EU goal after the recent attempt of the EP to bring new conditions for starting accession talks with Turkey on October 3rd. Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said that it was not possible for Turkey to accept another formula than full membership.

Elsewhere under the title EP'S Armenian game, the paper writes: The EP didn't keep the promises given to Turkey at the EU Summit on Dec. 17th, 2004 and asked Turkey to recognize the so-called Armenian genocide by the pressure of France before Turkey joins the bloc. The decision of the EP has a recommendatory character. However, it will come to agenda during accession talks between Turkey and the EU after October 3rd.

Turkish daily ZAMAN newspaper (29.09.05), under the title Baykal: Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities, keep your promise, reports: Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal strongly reacted to the European Union (EU) which insists on the recognition of 'Greek Cypriot administration' by Turkey prior to October 3rd. Baykal said Turkey did all the homework given at the Helsinki summit, and called on the EU to be honest.

Turkish daily YENI SAFAK newspaper (29.09.05) refers to the issue under the title Turkeys membership divides the EP.

I/Ts.

[09] Izzet Izcan accused Talats self-styled government of following the policy of the previous governments as regards the Cyprus problem

Mr Izcan, who made a written statement, also noted that the government, following the 24 April Referendum, has grown a distance from the vision of solution and added that the self-styled coalition government do not follow a realistic policy as regards the lifting of the isolation and the embargo of the Turkish Cypriots. Mr Izcan calls on the self-styled government to do everything possible in order to protect the benefits, the identity and the existence of the Turkish Cypriots and to carry out policies for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr Izcan also criticised the self-styled government for spending the time and noted that he will continue to react against the policies that aim to change the demographic structure of north Cyprus.

C/S

[10] KIBRISLI: Smell of Cannabis

The paper reports that there is information that a short time before the boat had capsized a speed boat docked to it and took a bag in which there was 12 kilos of cannabis.

KIBRISLI further reports that, the self-styled police force in the Turkish occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus received a tip off yesterday and immediately took action. With specially trained dogs the police searched number of places in the occupied Davlos region. The paper reports that the police put the speed boats under surveillance.

Meanwhile, reports the paper the police in Mersin, Turkey had arrested two seamen who were involved in the smuggling of the illegal immigrants in the capsized boat.

The selfstyled police will continue its operations today as well.

M/Y

[11] Turkish Minister of Sports will pay an illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus in order to participate in a Sport Council

The paper writes that Mr Sahin will be accompanied by important persons during his visit and notes that the Chairman of the Turkish Olympic Committee Mr Togay Bayatli and the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Sports Editors Mr Ugur Tenekecioglu will come along with him to OTRC.

C/S

[12] 0rsen Küçük to stand as a candidate for National Unity Party s chairmanship.

In a written statement, Mr Küçük expressed his belief that it is time to serve his country as a party leader.

On Monday, another member of the UBP, Mr Tahsin Erturulolu also announced his decision to stand as a candidate for party chairmanship.

C/S

[13] Turkey and Republic of Congo signed a military cooperation agreement

Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hilmi Ozkok and Minister of the Presidency in Charge of National Defence General Jacques Yvon Ndolou of Republic of the Congo signed the agreements.

Turkey has signed similar agreements with 46 countries so far. We signed the 47th agreement today with Republic of the Congo. We attach great importance to establishing relations between the Turkish Armed Forces and armed forces of different countries. I believe that the agreements we signed today will accelerate the existing relations between Turkey and Republic of the Congo, General Ozkok said.

Meanwhile, General Ndolou said on his part that they wanted to share experiences of Turkey. Turkey has made a great progress in defence industry. We need Turkey's experiences to modernize our armed forces, he added.

The agreements envisage further development of military collaboration between the two countries.

[14] A deputy resigned from Republican Peoples Party

So, the number of CHP MPs decreased to 157, while the number of independent parliamentarians rose to 8.

Below is the current distribution of the seats at the Turkish Great National Assembly:

AKP (Justice and Development Party): 355

CHP (Republican People's Party): 157

ANAVATAN (Motherland Party): 17

DYP (True Path Party): 4

SHP (Social Democrat People's Party): 4

HYP (People's Ascendance Party): 1

Independent: 8

Vacant: 4

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