Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-09-05

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat Visit to Pakistan.

[02] Ferdi Sabit Soyer-Youth Forum in Istanbul.

[03] Serdar Denktas Economic Forum in Poland.

[04] Serdar Denktas-Future of coalition.

[05] Orams case-Decision tomorrow.

[06] VOLKAN newspaper: Summonses in Karpasia.

[07] Michael Möller met with Cemal Bulutoglulari.

[08] Fatma Ekenoglu New members of the Turkish Embassy.

[09] A five-day international conference is underway in occupied Cyprus.

[10] Remains which are believed to belong to missing persons were found yesterday.

[11] Ali Babacan-Cyprus problem and the Turkish Public opinion.

[12] Kofi Annan visit to Ankara.

[13] Abdullah Gul on Turkeys EU membership bid.

[14] EU Parliament Report on Turkey.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist in CYPRUS TODAY examines the issue of Koran lessons in mosques in occupied Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat Visit to Pakistan

In addition Turkish Cypriot HALKIN SES0 newspaper (05.09.06) refers to Mr Talat s visit to Pakistan under the banner front - page title The TRNC will launch cooperation with Pakistan and writes that in statements to Pakistan s state television Mr Talat alleged that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is not only unjust, but at the same time it is an element which strengthens the division of the island. According to the paper, President Muserref expressed full support to the policy followed by the Turkish Cypriots and added that they will be on the Turkish Cypriots side under any conditions.

The Turkish press also reports today (05.09.06) about Talats visit to Pakistan.

HURR0YET s correspondent in occupied Cyprus Ömer Bilge refers to Talat s visit to Pakistan and notes that the self-styled president of the occupation regime was invited to the country by the President of Pakistan Pervez Muserref in the capacity of the president of the occupation regime. Talat will ask from Muserref the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and economic co-operation. Muserref offered dinner in honor to Talat at his presidential palace last night. Bilge notes that until this day Talat held meetings in the capacity of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. Talat met yesterday with the Pakistani Minister of Tourism Nilufer Bahtoyar from whom he asked the starting of direct flights in the framework of the lifting of the isolation towards the occupation regime and co-operation in the area of tourism. Today he will have more contacts with Pakistani officials.

MILLIYETs correspondent in occupied Cyprus Sefa Karahasan writes in the papers internet edition that Talats visit to Pakistan alarmed both Nicosia and Athens which tried hard to make Pakistan accept Talat, not as TRNC president but as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. According to Karahasan Pakistan did not reply to the initiatives of Nicosia and Athens on this issue and did not take a back step on accepting Talat in the capacity of the TRNC president. The Pakistani government applied a state protocol towards Talat on his arrival in the airport. MILLIYET also writes that Talat held a meeting yesterday with the President of Pakistan Pervez Muserref and informed him about the latest developments in the Cyprus problem. On his part Muserref stated that he will support the Turkish Cypriot policy regarding the lifting of the isolation and stated that Pakistan will be on the side of the Turkish Cypriots under any conditions.

On the same issue RADIKAL writes in its internet edition that Talat toured around Islamabad with the TRNC flag and he was presented in the Pakistani Television as TRNC president. Talat stated that they do not expect recognition but this visit must be a serious warning for the Greek Cypriots. He added that they have decided to develop co-operation in the filed of tourism with Pakistan and the ministers of the two countries to exchange visits. Commenting on the reactions of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the fact that he handed out the trophy to the winner of the Formula 1, Talat stated that he knew that the Greek Cypriots will get angry, but he would not have thought that they would try to stop the organisation of the Formula 1 in Turkey.

(ITs-CS)

[02] Ferdi Sabit Soyer-Youth Forum in Istanbul

(ITs)

[03] Serdar Denktas Economic Forum in Poland

The Cyprus problem will be among the topics to be taken up at the Forum where the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be represented by the self-styled deputy-Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas.

Mr Denktas left occupied Cyprus this morning for Poland to attend the four day Krynica-Zdoj Economic Forum which is to be held in the southern town of Krynica.

The Cyprus problem will be discussed on Wednesday at a panel titled `the Way towards a Single Standard; the European Union, Turkey and Cyprus`.

Mr Denktas, a project coordinator at the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation Sylvia Tiryaki and the Editor in Chief of the Turkish Daily News Yusuf Kanli will deliver speeches at the panel.

[04] Serdar Denktas-Future of coalition

(ITs)

[05] Orams case-Decision tomorrow

(ITs)

[06] VOLKAN newspaper: Summonses in Karpasia

According to the acquired information, the Property Compensation Commission, which acts within the framework of the Annihilation Law, has begun sending summonses for properties which were abandoned by Greek Cypriots 32 years ago in Ayia Triada, Yialousa and Rizokarpasso, but their title deeds were given to the citizens by the state. Within this framework, in a summons sent to a citizen named Gencali Kirmiziyuz from Ayia Triada village, it is announced that the three plots of land the title deeds of which he holds had been demanded by their Greek Cypriot former owner and that for this reason he should come to the Property Compensation Commission for a meeting.

Gencali Kirmiziyuz, who complied with the summons, was told by the officials of the Property Compensation Commission whom he met that: The Greek Cypriot former owner of the property has sold it to a Briton named George and he wants the return of the property. A hearing will take place and decision regarding the return or compensation of the property will be made. You should know this.

It was known that Kirmiziyuz, who was very surprised and reacted to this situation, spoke as follows: I hold a TRNC title deed in my hands. The state allotted to us this property according to our laws. We use these properties for 30 years. With what right you will take them away from us and give them to the Greek Cypriots?

Meanwhile, it was made known that summons have been also sent by the Property Compensation Commission to one more family in Yialousa and five families in Rizokarpasso, but acquiring the names of the persons to whom the summons were sent was not possible.

It was made known that the villagers are being prepared to show great reaction in case the summonses, which cause great concern and anger within the people of the area, continue to be sent.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Michael Möller met with Cemal Bulutoglulari

Mr Bulutoglulari added that after the opening of the crossing point at the Ledra Street, he would also like the opening of the crossing point at the Pafos Gate. Noting that he found the opportunity to discuss with Mr Möller bi-communal matters, Mr Bulutoglulari said that the UN looks positively to this kind of projects.

Mr Möller, on his part, said that the UN will support the bi-communal projects and that he shares the same view with the Turkish Cypriot Municipality of the occupied Lefkosia on the opening of the crossing point at the Ledra Street. He also added: The crossing point at the Ledra Street must open shortly.

Mr Möller sent the message that he wants to cooperate with Mr Bulutoglulari in some projects that will contribute positively to the rapprochement of the two communities.

(D/Ps)

[08] Fatma Ekenoglu New members of the Turkish Embassy

Mrs Ekenoglus words came during a visit paid to her yesterday by the Turkish Ambassador Aydan Karahan who was accompanied by the newly appointed Turkish Embassy Undersecretary Ibrahim Yagli and Consultant Sipahi Ozkara.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs Fatma Ekenoglu pointed to the close relations between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots and reminded that Turkey had brought stability to the island by the 1974 Turkish peace operation, which she said, was carried out in line with her rights stemming from standing international agreements.

Expressing the hope that positive outcomes will be achieved in the Cyprus negotiations process, Mrs Ekenoglu accused the Greek Cypriot Side of distancing itself from efforts aimed at resolving the Cyprus problem because of its unilateral EU membership and has been creating obstacles in the way of a solution.

Underlining the need for a joint struggle with Turkey to show the real intentions of the Greek Cypriot Side to the world, she stressed the need for an immediate resumption of the Cyprus negotiations process under the aegis of the United Nations.

For his part, the Turkish `Ambassador´ to occupied Lefkosia Aydan Karahan said that Turkey will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots and the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

[09] A five-day international conference is underway in occupied Cyprus

Speeches will be delivered during the first two days of the conference which will be followed by three days of workshops.

The five-day international conference and workshops at the Near East University is organised by the North Cyprus Mediation Association with contributions from the so-called Ministry of National Education and Culture, the UN Development Program and the Global Issues Resources Centre.

The conference got underway at half past nine yesterday morning with opening speeches by the self-styled Minister of National Education and Culture Canan Oztoprak and the President of the North Cyprus Mediation Association Ali Yaman.

The Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus Garth Hunt was also present at the opening ceremony.

Speakers from many countries, including Turkey, the United States, Australia, Scotland, Bulgaria and Colombia will deliver speeches during the conference which will end on Friday.

The aim of the conference and workshops is to provide a platform for speakers to share information in the field of education.

[10] Remains which are believed to belong to missing persons were found yesterday

(ITs)

[11] Ali Babacan-Cyprus problem and the Turkish Public opinion

(C/S)

[12] Kofi Annan visit to Ankara

The paper also writes that the Cyprus problem is expected to come onto the agenda during Annans visit to Ankara. The Turkish side is expected to draw attention at the meeting on the issues of the Action Plan which is related to Cyprus and the invitation extended to Mehmet Ali Talat by Pakistan in the capacity of the president of the TRNC. Ankara will also express openly the view that the parameters regarding a bi-zonal political solution on the basis of the Annan Plan cannot be changed.

In addition, speaking to NTV television (04.09.06) the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the Cyprus problem will be discussed during the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans visit to Ankara. He has to hand over a good report to his successor, Gul stated.

(CS)

[13] Abdullah Gul on Turkeys EU membership bid

According to Gul, the Turkish side will find more supporters for the Cyprus problem if reforms are maintained and Turkey continues to adjust to the EU acquis.

Gul also said that the government will call on the parliament for an extraordinary session on September 19th to debate the developments on the road to the EU.

Meanwhile, FM Gul said that he does not see any crisis on Turkey's EU path till the end of this year. "Turkey is fulfilling its obligations. And, Turkey's expectations should also be met."

[14] EU Parliament Report on Turkey

The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament (EP) adopted the report on Turkey's progress towards accession on Monday. The report, prepared by Christian Democrat MEP Camiel Eurlings, was passed by 52 votes. Six MEPs voted against it, while eight abstained. The Committee added some paragraphs to the report which include harsher expressions against Turkey.

By a motion adopted during the meeting, the Committee reiterated their call to Turkey to recognize the so-called Armenian genocide before it becomes a full member. Before the vote, Eurlings said that Turkey has slowed down its reforms, and noted that the EP should give a serious message to Turkey with this report. On the other hand, Turkey-EU Joint Parliament Committee Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk said that the EP should not give Turkey the message that its negotiations can be suspended due to the Cyprus problem, and called on the EU to fulfil its commitments to the Turkish Cypriots. The report will also be voted at the Plenary Session to be held in Strasbourg at the end of this month.

The EP, in the report, reiterated its call for recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide prior to EU full membership of Turkey. The report claimed that Turkey committed genocide against Pontus Greeks and Syrians besides Armenians.

Speaking to A.A, Eurlings said that the report is positive and urged Turkey to take steps on the path to democratization. Eurlings said that he welcomed the report in general. Noting that the report strongly condemned PKK terrorism, Eurlings said that PKK terrorism couldn't be considered legitimate, adding that the report shows that they will never tolerate terrorism.

The report on Turkey's progress towards accession, adopted by the European Parliament's (EP) Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday, includes expressions that may harm Turkey-EU relations, said Turkey's Permanent Representative to EU Volkan Bozkir. Speaking to A.A correspondent, Bozkir said that about 300 motions for amendments are being voted tonight, and added: "We will assess the result of the vote more carefully. But it seems that members of the committee have not taken our warnings as serious."

On the other hand, Turkey-EU Joint Parliament Committee Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk said that he is not pleased with the outcome of tonight's vote, and said that the Armenian issue has taken its place in the report with harsher expressions. Lagendijk added that he is neither pleased with the motions added to the report regarding the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, German MEP Cem Ozdemir of Turkish origin said that the parliament has not assumed a different stance on the Armenian issue. It should not be forgotten that Germany wanted the Union to condition the Czech Republic's membership on taking back its resolution regarding the Germans expelled after World War II. However, the Czech Republic did not take this resolution back, and despite this it joined the EU. And it is an EU member today. This means that such decisions are political decisions. In my opinion, Turkey should continue its path to the EU without any deviation," he added.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist in CYPRUS TODAY examines the issue of Koran lessons in mosques in occupied Cyprus

Following are excerpts of the reportage:

In the aftermath of last week´s raid on a mosque, teaching and civil service unions have continued strong, public opposition to religious teaching outside school, claiming it is illegal and a threat to the TRNC´s secular system. Despite this opposition, which included a plea for urgent action, National Education and Culture Minister Canan Oztoprak said in a radio programme this week: The ministry is working to bring these courses into a legal framework without having to take radical measures, because they do not work.

The only institution in the TRNC to take firm action against the illegal lessons has been the police. However, head of the Religious Affairs Presidency Ahmet Yonluer claims that in mosques under his authority, only lessons on Islam were given, not courses on the Koran.

The Turkish Cypriot Teachers´ Union (KTOS), has staged protests against those organizing Koran courses and the ministry for not taking action to stop them.

Sener Elcil, general secretary of KTOS, said: Before 1974 we did not have a problem as such. In the Constitution of the TRNC, it is indicated that the state is a secular state, governed by the rule of law. All issues concerned with education are the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Any attempt to provide education outside schools needs permission from the Ministry of Education.

During the mid-´90s, the minister at the time, Ahmet Derya, showed great determination in closing Koran courses and he succeeded. The restriction was lifted after the National Unity Party (UBP) took power once again, and lessons resumed in some locations.

Mr Elcil claimed the recent courses started one by one after secret meetings between the Education Ministry and the religious Affairs Presidency.

He said there were 172 mosques in North Cyprus with officials working in them. Of these, 112 were under the authority of the Religious Affairs Presidency and Koran courses had started in all of them. In the remaining mosques, where there are officials from Turkey working under the relevant section of the Turkish Embassy, it was revealed that the courses were being held there as well.

Mr Elcil said Koran courses were illegal in the TRNC and claimed that after reaction on the issue, the courses given by imams from Turkey were stopped, but Mr Yonluer had allowed them to continue. There is also another aspect to the issue, which is the close relationship between Mr Yonluer and the Prime Minister of Turkey, said Mr Elcil. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan recently stated that there was a need for more mosques in Turkey.

Mr Elcil claimed that the launching of Koran courses was a systematic implementation because it started after Mr Yonluer was appointed and more interest had been shown in the issue after the AKP (Justice and Development Party) came to power in Turkey.

He said: In the investment budget prepared by Turkey and passed by the TRNC Council of Ministers, three million YTL has been reserved for education. The three million YTL will be used to construct more mosques and minarets, but there is an urgent need in the TRNC for more schools, teachers, computers, labs and basic educational infrastructure. This is a result of a systematic policy. The incumbent TRNC government is used by the government in Turkey, which makes the decisions on issues which they provide funds for, and our government cannot object to it. We do not need more mosques, we need more educational infrastructure because the future of our children depends on it.

Indicating what he described as the dangers of the courses, Mr Elcil said that the South was under the influence of a fanatical Church, which opposed the smallest reform in the education system and sought to create opportunities to spread its influence. The same kind of thought was also spreading in the North, which could result in new clashes between the two communities.

Mr Yonluer refuted claims that his administration was giving Koran courses in mosques and said it was only providing religious information to people who asked for it. Commenting on the police raids, Mr Yonluer said that the courts would decide whether the religious education given in mosques was legal or not.

He claimed that the courts would find their cause lawful as they were acting within TRNC law.

Mr Yonluer said three meetings had been held with the Education Ministry and with the religion counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Lefkosia to discuss the issues and find ways to bring them under control.

He said they attached great importance to religion courses in schools given by expert teachers, which the Education Ministry was making a move to bring from Turkey.

Mr Yonluer said the three million YTL from the investment budget reserved for religious affairs had nothing to do with his administration and they could not control how it was spent. The money would be used to repair mosques, restore old Ottoman monuments and construct mosques in areas where needed.

He dismissed the suggestion that his friendship with the Turkish Prime Minister had any relevance to developments in the TRNC.

/SK

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