Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-01-11

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Koizumi: We do not impose embargo on North Cyprus

[02] Talat repeats his accusations against the Greek Cypriots

[03] Feast of Sacrifice was celebrated in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[04] Three Iranians arrested by the police

[05] Pegasus Airlines will fly to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] Sezer returns part of the University bill to the TGNA

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Erdogan: If Bargains are conducted a new plan is needed

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Koizumi: We do not impose embargo on North Cyprus

HURRIYET reports that during the Erdogan Koizumi meeting, Mr Erdogan raised the so-called embargo imposed on the illegal regime in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr Erdogan, writes HURRIYET, said: They consider unfair this embargo imposed on the TRNC. In his turn the visiting Japanese Prime Minister said that as Japan they do not impose embargo on the TRNC.

Moreover, MILLIYET reports that during the same meeting the Japanese Prime Minister said: We are not imposing economic embargo on North Cyprus as the European Union does. Japanese diplomats in their turn said that there were no obstacles before the Turkish Cypriot businessmen in selling goods to Japan or to launch flights.

[02] Talat repeats his accusations against the Greek Cypriots

Mr Talat accused President Papadopoulos and the government of the Republic of Cyprus of not wanting the solution of the Cyprus problem and alleged that the spirit of EOKA returned, as the Greek Cypriots want to extend their sovereignty to the entire Island.

He claimed that because the Greek Cypriot side does not want the solution, the Turkish Cypriots have to ensure the support of the international community. He noted that they will continue struggling for the lifting of their so-called isolation and therefore they are giving a response to the legal attacks by the Greek Cypriots. What is our aim? It is to show to the Greek Cypriot side that the solution of the Cyprus problem is necessary, he added.

Responding to a question regarding the legal struggle launched both by the Greek and Turkish Cypriots at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Mr Talat expressed the opinion that the Cyprus problem will be solved with political means and not in the legal field.

Asked about the new so-called law regarding the occupied Greek Cypriot properties, Mr Talat said that they have to prepare the other elements of the law such as the regulations and the Committee. He noted that they have not yet established the Committee, which will have five or seven members. He said that they are planning to complete this work before the three months period, given by the ECHR, ends.

Replying to a question, Mr Talat said that he agrees with the amendments of the constitution submitted to the self-styled assembly of the TRNC (occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus), but he does not think that they are enough. He added: First of all, we have to change the articles of the constitution which put the rules regarding the amendment of the constitution. We cannot have such an unchangeable constitution. It has become like the Koran. Is it possible to have such a constitution? The harmonization with our times is not possible with this constitution. .

[03] Feast of Sacrifice was celebrated in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat issued a message wishing everyone a happy Bayram.

Mr Talat said: We always celebrate Bayram with the same aim. That is to have peace at home, peace in the world and friendship.

Calling on the Turkish Cypriots to unite under the same purpose, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat said that he would continue working hard so that the Turkish Cypriots could integrate with the international community.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriots are now in a better position than they were a few years back, be it economically or their acceptance by the international community, Mr Talat said that he would continue working so that the Turkish Cypriots could have a better future and to solve the Cyprus problem.

Stressing that he was working towards securing a solution on the island that would protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and equality, Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots could achieve this through unity and solidarity.

Explaining that he would continue to offer a hand of peace and friendship to the Greek Cypriot side, Mr Talat said: Whoever doesnt take the hand of friendship will lose.

In line with the Bayram tradition Mr Mehmet Ali Talat and his wife Oya Talat accepted well wishers at the so-called Presidential Palace this morning.

The commander of the Turkish Occupation Forces Lieutenant General Hasan Memisoglu also accepted well wishers separately at the headquarters of the contingent in occupied Lefkosia.

Meanwhile many political parties and civilian organizations have issued messages wishing all Muslims a very happy and peaceful Bayram.

[04] Three Iranians arrested by the police

arrested three persons of Iranian origin because they entered illegally the Turkish occupied part of the Island.

The Iranians, who were arrested the day before, came on a boat to the coast in the area of occupied Akanthou village. The police continue their investigation on the issue, writes KIBRIS.

[05] Pegasus Airlines will fly to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

On 7 January a press conference was organized in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus by Pegasus Airlines to explain its activities there and inform the Turkish Cypriot tourism agents about them.

Mr Zeki Ziya, the companys representative in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, and Mr Orhan Tolun, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Travel Agents Union, spoke at the briefing. The first flight of Pegasus Airlines will take place on 25 January from Istanbul to illegal Tymbou airport.

According to the paper, Pegasus Airlines was established in 1990 in Istanbul by the companies named Aer Lingus, Silkar Investments and Net Holding. In May 1990 it conducted its first flight and at the beginning it had two airplanes. Now its fleet consists of 14 airplanes.

[06] Sezer returns part of the University bill to the TGNA

Returning the bill to the TGNA, President Sezer explained that in appointing Presidents the Supreme Educational Council (YOK) has the authority and not the political power. Sezer explained: Scientific autonomy includes administrative autonomy as well.

Administrative autonomy and scientific autonomy complement each other, it has no meaning to speak about scientific autonomy where there is no administrative autonomy. With this quality, the scientific and administrative autonomy, provides for the University administration to execute their duty in decision taking process, not to be under influence either though preserve, or suggestion or commendation.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Erdogan: If Bargains are conducted a new plan is needed

Which files were opened during the security summit that was held at the Prime Minister's Office? What did the commanders say and what did the prime minister reply? Even though Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attended the dinner that was given by Yeni Safak writer Fehmi Koru for the journalists, avoided giving us clues, it is possible to say that we were able to have an impression.

Let us immediately point out that Erdogan uttered neither the name of any commander, nor the term security summit. Nonetheless, he issued these two messages during the conversation:

It Is Included in the AKP's Program

Responding to the opposition to the use of the term "the Kurdish problem," Erdogan recalled that this description is included in the party program that allocated two and a half pages to the chapter on the southeast. This way, Erdogan implied that "they had already talked about this issue in the past as well." As a result of the dialogue, the prime minister got the impression that his interlocutors are not quite concerned about this issue.

The Concerns About Further Concessions in Cyprus

Evidently, the probability that the government will make new concessions in Cyprus as a result of EU pressure constitutes the source of the real concern. Erdogan, however, is determined not to open the Annan plan to bargains. If bargains are to be conducted, a new plan is needed. The ports and the airports will be opened and the additional protocol will be taken to the National Assembly only if the isolation imposed on the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] is lifted.

The other messages issued by the prime minister on the southeast are as follows:

A General Amnesty Will Not Be Passed for the PKK

The prime minister does not look favorably at the amnesty proposed by DYP [True Path Party] Chairman Mehmet Agar in relation to the southeast problem. In addition to the reaction that will be displayed by the families of the martyrs, certain photographs that were put before him and that showed how the PKK beheaded the soldiers and how it scooped out their eyes also affected this decision.

The Desire for a Solution Is Not Sincere

The prime minister's analysis of Semdinli was quite balanced. He did not accuse anyone. This means that his conscientious opinion in this regard has not yet been formed. Nonetheless, the impression he received from Semdinli and Yuksekova is that "certain nongovernmental organizations do not sincerely want a solution." He believes that otherwise, they should have pursued different policies.

As for domestic politics, the prime minister views 2006 as the year, during which preparations will be made for the elections that will be held in 2007.

His Program Is Full of Congresses

The AKP is beginning to hold district congresses. The province congresses and the general congress are next in line. The prime minister will attend these congresses as much as he can and he will motivate the organization. He does not want the presidential elections to appear on his agenda or on the organization's agenda. He has given instructions "to remove the presidential elections from the agenda."

The Feeling That They Are Being Obstructed

The prime minister believes that certain relations that had been very good until 3 October have deteriorated since then. He feels that the government is being "obstructed." He believes that the reports on the alcohol ban are unjust. He draws attention to the unease he felt due to the fact that these reports were also featured by international press organs.

It Is the Law, Rather Than the Process, That Is Wrong

The trials of Orhan Pamuk and Yucel Askin, Article 138 of the Constitution, and Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code...

The prime minister focused on the judiciary at length. Let us summarize his expectations from the media and the opposition: It is useless to criticize the process. Legal amendments should be made for the sake of the society and the opposition should not avoid cooperation.

Intra-Party Opposition

According to the prime minister, it is quite noteworthy that the intra-party opposition is expressed only when he is abroad. He believes in the method of resolving the problems through bilateral talks. Furthermore, he reported that a meeting will be held with the participation of party administrators and the AKP group in the parliament.

Erdogan is not too concerned about the international world:

Merkel Is Coming in October

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Turkey in October. The AKP is certain that the relations with Merkel will develop considerably on the basis of European People's Party Group (EPP). In 2006 Abdullah Gul and Ali Babacan will visit Europe more frequently and the close marking will intensify.

The Problems Related to Syria and Iran

The prime minister believes that the problems related to Syria and Iran are not as important as they appear, adding that these problems have been exaggerated. He also believes that Turkey will continue to have good relations with the administration that will come to power after Sharon in Israel.

Emphasis on the Freedom of Faith

According to Erdogan those who are confident about their faith do not have to be afraid of freedom of faith. There are 5,500 mosques and small mosques in Germany. It is impossible to open new churches in Turkey. He therefore puts much emphasis on the restoration of the Akdamar Armenian Church, and explains that he visited and toured the church on his return from Semdinli.

Three Impressions

The items that appeared on the agenda of the journalists who sat on the right and the left sides of the prime minister's crescent table were also different. The leftist front demanded further democracy en route to the EU, while the rightists imposed pressure for the Islamic headgear and coefficient [in the university selection exams].

Nazli Ilicak who writes for the Bugun Newspaper reported that her political ban ends in 2007 and requested that the elections be postponed to next year. Milliyet writer Hasan Cemal remained quiet and took notes throughout the evening. As a result, everyone joked asking "whether or not he is writing a new book."

Who Attended the Dinner?

Five Chief Editors

The dinner given by Fehmi Koru from Yeni Safak at the Feriye Restaurant began at 1930 and lasted approximately four hours. The chief editors who attended the dinner are as follows: Ekrem Dumanli (Zaman); Fuat Bol (Turkiye); Mustafa Karaalioglu (Yeni Safak); Mustafa Celik (Kanal-7), and Serdar Turgut (Aksam).

Thirteen Writers and One Cartoonist

The writers who were invited by Fehmi Koru are as follows: "Gulay Gokturk; Hasan Cemal; Mehmet Barlas; Taha Akyol; Nazli Ilicak; Okay Gonensin; Ali Bayramoglu; Selahattin Sadikoglu; Mehmet Altan; Oral Calislar; Salih Memecan; Mehmet Emin Kazci; and Ahmet Hakan."

The prime minister's advisers Akif Beki and Yalcin Akdogan as well as AKP Deputy Egemen Bagis also attended the dinner.

ES/

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