Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-05-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Soyer announced preliminary figures of the census.

[02] Talat says that the road of the Turkish Cypriots leads towards strengthening their institutions and argues that it is not possible for Russia to play a leading role.

[03] Ferdi Soyer met a delegation of the German Social Democratic Party.

[04] Karetta Tourism decides to change the dates of the tourist tour to the free areas.

[05] Serdar Denktas visits Slovakia.

[06] Through Turkey Russian tourists are to tour Cyprus.

[07] Eighteen illegal immigrants from Syria were arrested in occupied Cyprus.

[08] More EU money for the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation.

[09] Data about the constructions in occupied Cyprus during the last four years.

[10] With British Assistance Gary Robb back to continue the usurpation of the properties of the victims of the Turkish invasion and develop the infrastructure of the occupied areas.

[11] Ocalan's appeal rejected by court.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Soyer announced preliminary figures of the census

Speaking at a press conference where he announced the preliminary results of the population and housing census conducted in occupied Cyprus on 30 April 2006, Mr Soyer reminded that according to the results of the population census in 1996 the population of the TRNC had been 200 thousands 587 persons. This number increased by 31.7 % during the recent census, he added.

Mr Soyer said that 84 thousand 893 persons live in occupied Lefkosia, 64 thousand 426 in Famagusta, 61 thousand 192 in Kyrenia, 31 thousand 568 in Morfou and 22 thousand 90 in Trikomo. He pointed out that the highest increase of population (58.1 %) was recorded in Kyrenia where only 38 thousand 715 persons lived in 1996. The increase of population in the other regions is as follows: Lefkosia 36.3 %, Famagusta 21.9 %, Trikomo 15.2 % and Morfou 14.5%.

Mr Soyer alleged that the census was conducted according to the EU and international principles and argued that 20 thousand 602 Turkish Cypriot students go to the primary schools of the occupied areas, 18 thousand 385 to the secondary schools and nine thousand 877 to the universities.

Asked about the number of the settlers from Turkey, Mr Soyer said that the final number of the population of the occupied part of Cyprus will de jure be announced after five months. He alleged that those who came to the Island thirty years ago and their children and grandchildren are now citizens of the TRNC and added: There is no subject of the human rights in the world that a person who lives somewhere for thirty years to be regarded as foreigner.

Responding to another question, Mr Soyer said that the tourists, the foreign workers and the students are included in the de facto number of the population of the TRNC and added that 47 thousand 601 persons (foreigners) work in the occupied areas having secured a work permit. He said that 29 thousand students among whom 26 thousands 551 students form Turkey and two thousand 860 foreigners are included in the above mentioned number.

(I/Ts)

[02] Talat says that the road of the Turkish Cypriots leads towards strengthening their institutions and argues that it is not possible for Russia to play a leading role

In statements to YENI DUZEN, Mr Talat alleged, inter alia, the following: Our basic target is a solution on the Island. The lifting of the isolations and improving our internal structure independently of all these will, of course, help for this, because the better our internal structure is the more our people will be at ease and will be unified with the Greek Cypriot side by protecting our rights in case of a solution will be more easy. .

Asked what the road of the Turkish Cypriots is, Mr Talat said: Our road is to strengthen our institutions, to bring the various state units into the position of serving the people the best way they can, to work for this, to develop democracy, to respond more to the needs of the people, to strengthen our economy and to create a modern and democratic state structure.

Asked to comment on statements by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Demitris Christofias that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, could play a decisive role towards finding a solution in Cyprus which will be guaranteeing the human rights of both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Mr Talat argued, inter alia, the following:

It seems that it is not very possible for Russia to play a leading role. For various reasons. Because the Annan Plan supported by Russia as well was rejected by the Greek Cypriots and Russia prevented the Greek Cypriots from being condemned at the UN Security Council and prevented the lifting of the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, as long as Russia does not prove its impartiality in Cyprus, it cannot play a leading role. .

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ferdi Soyer met a delegation of the German Social Democratic Party

Mr Soyers words came during a visit paid to him by a delegation representing the German Social Democratic Party yesterday.

The visiting delegation also met with Mehmet Ali Talat today.

No statement was issued before or after the meeting.

Yesterday, the delegation visited the self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

Lale Akgun - leading the delegation - said the visit was intended to receive a briefing on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue and on the hardships being faced by the occupied areas of Cyprus.

For his part, Mr Soyer reiterated the Turkish Cypriot Peoples support for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution to the Cyprus problem based on the political equality of the two sides.

`Thats why the Turkish Cypriot people gave its backing to the United Nations peace plan`, he added.

Mr Soyer complained of the difficulties being faced by the Turkish Cypriot people because of Cyprus EU membership but he said this wouldnt affect the Turkish Cypriot peoples support for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[04] Karetta Tourism decides to change the dates of the tourist tour to the free areas

Mr Habes had earlier announced that the first trip of the tour will be realized on Friday, 19 May and that a twenty-man group will leave for the government controlled free areas of Cyprus. And this will be repeated every Thursday without any political consideration, just to fulfill the curiosity of the Turkish tourists for the Greek Cypriot administration of the south Cyprus.

(MHY)

[05] Serdar Denktas visits Slovakia

Mr Denktas is visiting Slovakia as a guest of the Slovakian Political Union, where he will give a conference on The Solution of the Cyprus Problem.

During his three-day trip to Bratislava, Mr Denktas is accompanied by his political advisor, Mr Kudret Akay and his assistant and self-styled Second Secretary of theForeign Ministry, Mr Ufuk Tuganer.

After his visit to Slovakia, Mr Denktas will leave for London, where he will have series of contacts.

(M/L)

[06] Through Turkey Russian tourists are to tour Cyprus

According to the Prime-Tass news agency, a travel agency has started preparing a tour to Ayia Napa for the Russian tourists who are visiting Turkey. In the news, it has been stressed that the Russian tourists, besides visiting the free territory of the Republic of Cyprus, can also pay a visit to the occupied Cyprus using the same travel agency.

The flight will cost 500 euros per person and it will depart from Istanbul.

The first trip will take place on 19 May 2006 and 20 persons will participate.

(M/L)

[07] Eighteen illegal immigrants from Syria were arrested in occupied Cyprus

The illegal immigrants were arrested at the occupied Panagra village after a search taken place in a lorry.

(C/S)

[08] More EU money for the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation

The 120 million euros worth of EU financial aid to the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´, which was subtracted from the 259 million Euros worth bigger aid package to North Cyprus due to the objections by the Greek Cypriot Side, has been approved by the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives to be made available again.

The president of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Trade - Erdil Nami has announced that the 120 million euros worth portion of the aid package, withdrawn earlier from the 259 million euros worth bigger package will now be put to the approval of the EU Council.

Erdil Nami said the news to that effect was delivered to him yesterday by the EU Term President - Austrias - Ambassador to Cyprus - Eva Heager.

Mr Nami told the B.R.T. that the rules and regulations on how and through what channels - the funds will be made available to the `TRNC´, will be discussed soon with the EU in detail.

He expressed the view that the EU Financial Aid Regulation will promote an interactive communication between the Turkish Cypriot side and Europe.

Mr Nami said he believes the implementation of the Financial Aid and Direct Trade Regulations will help remove the existing disparities between the economies of the two sides in Cyprus.

As for the sectors to be supported and funded by the EU financial assistance, Mr Nami stated that initiatives operating in the field of environment, independent small businesses, and quarries are some of the sectors that would be entitled to benefit.

Also speaking to the BRT, the Chief of the EU Coordination Centre at the Prime Ministers Office - Erhan Ercin said the decision by the EU to implement the program of funding is the proof of the rightness of the Turkish Cypriot People.

[09] Data about the constructions in occupied Cyprus during the last four years

The paper writes that in the year 2000 an area of 607 thousand square meters was built in the TRNC, while in the year 2005 an area of four millions and 400 thousand square meters was built in occupied Cyprus.

Taking into consideration the average figures as regards the development in the construction sector, the development during the last four years reached a point that it should normally reach in 9 years, that is, in the year 2015. Speaking to the paper about the issue, Mr Osman Yilmaz, the President of the Chamber of Civil Engineers, stated that if someone looks at the figures of the last years and the progress that took place in the construction sector, one can see that they should have reached this stage of development in the year 2015. As he said the main problems faced in this sector are the inspections and the buildings which take place without any control.

(C/S)

[10] With British Assistance Gary Robb back to continue the usurpation of the properties of the victims of the Turkish invasion and develop the infrastructure of the occupied areas

Robb presented himself at the judicial branch of Nicosia Police station accompanied by his solicitor, Turkish Cypriot Mert Guclu and his close friend Glen Howie. He was greeted at the Ercan (occupied Tymbou) State Airport by the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Contractors Association Cafer Gurcafer.

Robb stated that the charges of money laundering in the UK against him have been dropped. Robb not only he denied all the charges bought against him in the `TRNC´, he also put forward some complaints himself. Police are also looking into these claims.

The police are investigating claims that Robb of AGA Developments arranged counterfeit documents and resold property to more then one persons, leaving the Country with these funds.

Robb was bought to court and set on bail on condition that he does not leave the country while police continue to investigate further. It is known that Robb had assured the Turkish Cypriot officials that he was willing to complete all his building sites and fulfil his contracts after his return.

Gary Robb is preparing for a press conference to answer the accusations bought against him.

Subtitle: Underworld-Greek Cypriot conspiracies

While talking to CYPRUS TIMES, well informed sources claim that the Greek Cypriot Administration sent secret service officers to Thailand claiming that there was a Euro Arrest Warrant issued against Mr Robb to persuade the Thai government to extradite the prominent businessman to south Cyprus and charge him for developing on Greek Cypriot Property. In the meantime some rivals of Mr Robb launched a well planned media campaign spreading other accusations about him.

While the Greek Cypriots were working for Gary Robb´s arrest in Thailand which would lead to his extradition, the mafia circles in the `TRNC´ were taking the opportunity to loot his assets.

Subtitle:British Assistance

Some other very high ranks sources in the `TRNC´ government told CYPRUS TIMES that considering the damage that these rumours and accusations would cause on the `TRNC´ economy, the government asked Britain´s assistance in solving the matter rapidly before more damage was caused. The British officials took on the case and used their influence on the Thai government and unveiled the fact that there was no Euro Arrest Warrant on Mr Robb, therefore him to be handed over to the Greek Cypriot Secret Service members would be nothing but a mistake. Being cleared of the accusations that lead to an alleged Interpol arrest warrant Robb returned to Northern Cyprus to fulfil his promises to the homebuyers and other contracts he was in.

Turkish Cypriot weekly CYPRUS TODAY (06-12.05.06) reports the return of Gary Robb in its front page leader as well as in inside pages 8 and 9 under the title AGA founder flies in, is acquitted by court, and promises buyers: You will get your homes Exclusive Gary Robb is back. Special Report More twists for Amaranda Valley.

The paper writes, inter alia, the following:

Property developer Gary Robb made a dramatic return to the `TRNC´ yesterday after nine months in Thailand and pledged to finish building work on his Amaranta Valley project, promising that all buyers would get their properties soon.

Mr Robb flew in from Thailand via Germany and was taken straight to `Lefkosia District Court´ where he answered allegations of money-laundering.

But he was allowed to go free by the court after testifying that money he had taken out of the country had nothing to do with illegal activities but was from installments paid by customers of his AGA Development construction company. He also made a number of complaints to the court about individuals involved with the project, and was ordered not to leave North Cyprus until the allegations had been investigated.

Speaking exclusively to CYPRUS TODAY last night Mr Robb praised the marvellous `TRNC´ government for the way it had handled the issue.

My pledge to the Amaranta Valley customers is you will get your houses as I have always promised and sooner, now, rather than later.

Mr Robb added: I would like to praise the marvelous `TRNC government´, who have been a great help to me, and ultimately it is down to their intervention that the work can start again.

It will not be the last project I am involved in over here together with the government we have big plans to improve the facilities and infrastructure of the island.

On his part the chairman of the Construction Contractors´ Union and acting chairman of AGA Development construction has called on lawyers and officials of the company to put AGA´s customers first.

Cafer Gurcafer, who has been appointed by the government to head the board of the beleaguered developer, said the most important thing was not for people to make money out of the situation, but for customers to be able to take possession of their homes.

The absence in Thailand of AGA boss Gary Robb, claims of houses being sold twice, court orders and question marks over company cashflow and whether it has enough funds to finish off the contracted building work at its Amaranta Valley development, have all contributed to the soap opera which is sometimes referred to as the Aga saga.

Mr Gurcafer is heavily critical of solicitors who have brought recent cases relating to AGA, accusing them of being motivated merely to satisfy their own egos and earn more money out of clients of the firm.

He feels it is important that while the Greek Cypriots are targeting attacks on the `TRNC´ construction industry to thwart the development of the country´s economy, everyone involved in the industry in the North should try to win customers´ trust.

And he invited those involved to get together and contribute to resolving the AGA problem.

Until there is a solution to the Cyprus problem and the North becomes a part of the international system, the construction sector will remain the leading sector of our economy, and that´s why we have to support it strongly, he said.

Mr Gurcafer acknowledged that there were unresolved legal cases against AGA Development, but claimed they represented only a small proportion of the whole problem.

He said: There is no option but to finish these [Amaranta] houses and hand them over to the owners.

There are two dimensions to the subject. The first one is the investigation being carried out by the `Attorney-General´ into how this matter developed and came to its current situation. This aspect of the issue is not our business.

`The second dimension is the completion of the houses of many mistreated people and handing them over.

He added: If a house has been sold to two different individuals, that is an issue to be solved by the courts. But we will not delay works on the other 500 houses just because of this.

He said work had already begun on AGA´s Catalkoy (occupied Ayios Epiktitos) site. A feasibility study was being carried out to determine the dates on which the various Amaranta houses would be finished, and when the remaining installments should be paid.

Some will be finished in six months and some in three months. The additional contract will indicate the amount of the remaining debt to be paid on certain phases of the construction.

One solicitor in (occupied) Lefkosia, who did not want to be named, indicated to CYPRUS TODAY that his clients were ready to settle in exchange for a guarantee that they would get their homes.

Mr Gurcafer signaled that if any AGA customer demanded their money back, that demand would be met.

Turkish Cypriot newspaper VOLKAN´s (08.05.06) chief Editor Sabahattin Ismail, commenting on Gary Robb´s return wonders whether the occupied areas are a refuge for criminals sought by Interpol.

[11] Ocalan's appeal rejected by court

The Ankara 11th Criminal Court on Friday rejected an application for the retrial of Abdullah Ocalan.

Turkish prosecutors had argued they couldn't retry Ocalan, serving a life sentence since 1999, under current laws regardless of a European court finding that he was unjustly convicted. Ocalan demanded a retrial in January after the European Court of Human Rights ruled last year that his trial was unfair on technical grounds.

Ocalan's demand for a review of his sentence poses a legal challenge to the government because current laws do not allow for his retrial, although Ankara is under pressure to comply with the rulings of the Strasbourg-based court.

The European court ruled in May that the court that convicted Ocalan was not impartial because it included a military judge during part of the trial and because Ocalan and his lawyers lacked sufficient time and opportunity to prepare their defense.

Ankara has said it will respect the ruling, but authorities have so far failed to say how they will proceed.

/SK

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