Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-10-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] BUGUN newspaper reports a 200% increase in the construction sector in occupied Cyprus.

[02] Talat on the Finnish initiative.

[03] AFRIKA writes that Talat, echoed Ankara when he proposed Varosha to the Greek Cypriots for lifting the isolation.

[04] Hasan Ercakica opposes EU involvement in the Cyprus Problem.

[05] Extracts from President Sezer´s address of the Turkish Parliament. Reference to Cyprus.

[06] Upon press reports that Turkey recognized the Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterates that this is out of the question.

[07] Environmentalists demonstrated against the developers who destroy the forests.

[08] Statements by Olli Rehn on Cyprus to the Finnish television.

[09] Erdogan and government ministers among the founders of the Islamist Foundation.

[10] The US apologized to Turkey for Kurdistan map

[11] Erdogan and the Turkish Police on Ocalan´s call for ceasefire.

[12] Turkey to rank 20th in GDP by 2007 according to IMF reports.

[13] Turkey is reportedly annoyed because the Finnish proposal had not been conveyed to the Turkish Cypriot side as well.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] BUGUN newspaper reports a 200% increase in the construction sector in occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, construction permit was given to 1700 cases in 2004; the number increased by 200% during the first seven months of 2006 when 3800 permit have been given in a country with a population of 200.000 people. For 2005, construction permit was given to 3200 cases.

A great role for this increase was played by the incentives introduced by the government towards the investors, while until the end of the year, the total number of construction permits is expected to reach 4.000, with the main interest coming from Turks, Israelis and British, as BUGUN reports.

The residences are constructed between the areas of occupied Lefkosia and Kyrenia.

(M/L)

[02] Talat on the Finnish initiative

As the Finnish EU Presidency works on a new proposal on the Cyprus issue, `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat has made it clear that it is the Turkish Cypriot people who is to take decisions about its future and on the Cyprus issue.

Speaking on a program on Bayrak Television today, the `President´ made the Turkish Cypriot Sides position clear on the new initiative by the Finnish EU presidency.

Referring to the EU presidencys new initiative, the `President´ said that Finland has been putting forward new formulas to prevent any possible `train crash` in Turkeys EU membership process.

Pointing out that the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ is being represented in all EU institutions, he reminded that although the Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja held discussions with his Greek Cypriot Counterpart Georghios Lillikas in South Cyprus, he did not meet with officials of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´.

The `President´ pointed out that Finland which is only in contact with the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ got the impression that the Cyprus issue was a problem directly interesting Turkey, and thinks that it could succeed in forcing Turkey to accept to give some concessions on the Cyprus issue to prevent any `train crash` in its EU negotiations process.

`President´ Talat said that Finland had been having discussion on its proposal with Turkey, Greece and South Cyprus, instead of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´, as it had been misled by the Greek Cypriot Side.

He also added that the Turkish Cypriot Sides position towards the proposals was made clear when the EU term presidency contacted with the Turkish Cypriot Side which earlier rejected to consider the proposal seriously as it had not been informed about it.

`We informed the EU presidency that Turkey will find solutions to its own problems, and we are going to decide on ways of bringing about solutions to our own problems`, he said.

The `President´ also noted that no proposals which get the approval of Turkey but not that of the Turkish Cypriot People, will be accepted.

Stressing that the issue of Maras (occupied fenced city of Famagusta) could only be solved as part of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, he warned that the hand over of Maras (occupied fenced city of Famagusta) could result in the continuation of the Cyprus problem.

The `President´ added that Maras (occupied fenced city of Famagusta) could only be handed over if all kinds of restrictions on the Turkish Cypriot people were lifted.

Pointing out that there is a limit to how much the patience of the European Union can be stretched, he said the Greek Cypriot Sides demands will one day end the Blocks patience.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the subordinate to Ankara regime set up and maintained by more than 40,000 Turkish troops in occupied northern Cyprus)

[03] AFRIKA writes that Talat, echoed Ankara when he proposed Varosha to the Greek Cypriots for lifting the isolation

The paper argues that it was Ankara that made Talat say this and notes that despite the fact that nothing is heard from AKP anymore, this proposal was made by Ali Babacan, Turkeys Minister Responsible for the EU negotiations. AFRIKA quotes Babacans remarks that Some steps must be taken by the end of the year for the solution.

(C/S)

[04] Hasan Ercakica opposes EU involvement in the Cyprus Problem

"Cyprus question is considered within the scope of Turkey-EU relations and this seriously harms efforts to find solution to the Cyprus issue," stated Hasan Ercakica, spokesman of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)´ `Presidency´, while assessing EP's recent Turkey report.

Ercakica noted that all parties accepted that the address of a solution is the UN, adding that making the Cyprus issue a part of Turkey-EU relations is limiting the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the process.

"Recently, the Cyprus question is taken up in EU organs in various ways. Many paragraphs in EP's Turkey report are related with the Cyprus question, and also EU President Finland presented a proposal to overcome problems which are created by the Greek Cypriot administration in Turkey-EU relations," said Ercakica.

He noted: "The main factor in this process is that the Cyprus question is taken up within the scope of Turkey-EU relations. Although all parties agreed to solve the Cyprus question under the UN and through talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides, considering this question within the scope of Turkey-EU relations is seriously deteriorating efforts for solution."

[05] Extracts from President Sezer´s address of the Turkish Parliament. Reference to Cyprus

Addressing the parliamentary general assembly President Sezer, inter alia, said: "I want to refer to the recent arguments over secularism. There is a functional definition about secularism in our Constitution. When we examine modern countries, which adopted secularism as a way of life, we see that all of them shaped this principle in line with their own social realities. As it was pointed out in several verdicts of the Constitutional Court, secularism is different in each country according to their historical, political and social conditions."

"The Republic of Turkey has adopted the principle of secularism with its most appropriate context by taking into consideration traditions, social structure, social realities and social conditions of the Turkish nation. Our Constitution takes under guarantee secularism with its constitutional context. According to the Constitution, holy feelings of religion cannot be involved in state affairs and politics. Secularism is the basic principle preventing religion from becoming a social, political and legal force."

"The principle of secularism is the milestone of all values which form the Republic of Turkey. Also, according to the several verdicts of the Constitutional Court, religion cannot prevail over state affairs, and religion cannot be allowed to affect social life."

"Besides citizenship, modern countries have a national identity. This identity is composed of common interests, common enthusiasm, common feelings and a common language."

"The understanding of nationalism in our Constitution is based on solidarity and co-existence with the same honor, enthusiasm and rights instead of racist and religious factors. Therefore, a unifying understanding was adopted by considering all citizens of the Turkish state as Turk. This does not mean rejection of ethnic identities. On the contrary, it provides equality among all citizens and prevents people from different ethnic origins from becoming 'minority'."

President Sezer added: "In multi-cultural societies, 'unity' is provided with national state, and 'single nation' is considered the most important element consolidating the unity. This enables us to bring all citizens under the roof of the single nation by protecting differences."

On the growth of population President Sezer said:

"Development technology has increased the importance of structure and quality of population. Also, population affects sectoral structure and the economy and growth rate. Population policies are indispensable parts of economic, social and cultural development. The basic target is to increase the quality of life standards for our people. And we can achieve it only with a sustainable development," he said.

Noting that the annual rate of population growth decreased from 18.1 percent to 14.1 percent in the period of 1990-2000, President Sezer said: "However, Turkey has the highest population growth rate among the European countries. Turkey's population is expected to become nearly 90 million in 2025. This will clearly cause much more poverty. Therefore, Turkey should attach great importance to develop an influential family planning since more than 20 million people live below the poverty line."

On the threat of fundamentalism, the Turkish President said:

"Another threat targeting our security is fundamentalism. Fundamentalist threat aims at changing the basic characteristics of our state. The key point in our fight against fundamentalism is secularism. The fight against fundamentalism entails us to protect the secular structure of our Republic, to prevent the use of religion and religious values for political purposes and to inform our people," he said, President Sezer emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces is the guarantee of the existence and continuity of the Turkish state and political regime.

Assessing the developments in foreign policy, Mr Sezer said:

"There are important developments in the foreign policy. In line with our national interests, we have to provide a convenient atmosphere around us with the aim of sustaining our development in security. Turkey's unique position between the west and the east entails us to pursue a realistic, influential and multi-dimensional foreign policy," he said.

Referring to the EU membership process, President Sezer said: "Our target of EU full membership is one of the priorities of our foreign policy. The EU has put forward a strategic point of view by formally opening entry talks with Turkey. We believe that progress of our accession process without interruption will also make valuable contributions to global peace. However, some circles oppose to our membership on the basis of cultural and religious differences, and support Greek Cypriot efforts for opening of Turkish ports and airports to the Greek Cypriot traffic. They encourage the uncompromising attitude of the Greek Cypriot administration. The EU should direct the Greek Cypriot administration to a comprehensive solution based on political equality and bi-zonality in line with the United Nations' parameters."

"Our target of the EU full membership and the bilateral relations with the United States are leading topics of our foreign policy. Our relations with the EU and the United States complete each other and form the European-Atlantic tie. Current conditions in the world has increased the importance of the Turkish-American relations. We attach great importance to our cooperation with the United States in the fight against the terrorist organization. Creation of a zone of harmony and stability is one of our essential targets," he said.

On relations with neighbouring countries, he said:

"I believe that development of Turkish-Greek relations on the basis of mutual confidence and friendship will help efforts to resolve the bilateral problems. Any progress to this end will also have a positive impact on the Mediterranean region. We expect Greece to fulfil its commitments stemming from the international agreements and to resolve problems of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace."

Highlighting the importance of stability in the Balkans, President Sezer said: "Turkey attaches great importance to creation of a peaceful atmosphere in the Balkans on the basis of mutual understanding and cooperation, and will continue maintaining its contributions to protection of regional stability."

Referring to relations with Russia, President Sezer said: "Turkey and Russia maintain their cooperation to reach their joint target of a multi-dimensional partnership. Development of the cooperation between Turkey and Russia, two important countries in Eurasia and the Black Sea region, will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the whole region."

"One of the most important targets of our foreign policy is to make Eurasia a region of stability and cooperation. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline became a meaningful symbol of the regional cooperation. This cooperation will extend to the Central Asia after participation of Kazakhstan in the project. We aim at creating an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation in southern Caucasus," he said.

[06] Upon press reports that Turkey recognized the Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterates that this is out of the question

Referring to the decision of the Council of Ministers number 2006/10895 under the title Decision on the Principles regarding the Application of the Customs Union Established between Turkey and the European Community, Mr Aygun alleges that with this decision Turkey opens its ports to the Republic of Cyprus.

While we are expecting the lifting of the isolations applied on the TRNC, we gave the Greek Cypriots all the tramp cards we had by lifting with our own hands the isolation applied on south Cyprus, he argued adding that international agreements should be approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia (29.09.06) reports from Ankara the following on the issue:

Turkey's policy towards the Greek Cypriot administration regarding Customs Union is not changed, and it is out of question to recognize Greek the Cypriot administration, stated Turkish Foreign Ministry officials on Friday.

Upon news stories claiming that Turkey included the Greek Cypriot administration in the Customs Union, Foreign Ministry officials said that Turkey's stance about this issue is not changed.

Officials recalled that Turkey extended Customs Union to Greek Cypriot administration besides 10 countries (recently joined EU) on October 2nd, 2004. They added that the Foreign Ministry stated on May 1st 2004 regarding EU's enlargement that the expression "Cyprus" refers to Greek Cypriot side only, not Turkish Cypriots or the whole island.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said that the decision of the Council of Ministers which was issued in yesterday's Official Gazette does not bring any new element about Greek Cypriot administration regarding Customs Union. They added that the decision is Turkish Customs Under-secretariat's technical arrangement regarding the origin of commercial goods which are included in the Customs Union. Officials noted that this technical arrangement covers EU countries and Morocco, Tunisia and Israel with which Turkey has free trade agreement.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN (02.10.06) keeps on covering the issue on its front page and writes that the expression Cyprus which was included in the decision of the Turkish Council of Ministers, on the 28th of September 2006, is giving an advantage to the Greek Cypriots to apply to the EU Court of Justice.

The paper writes that the Greek Cypriots might appeal to the EU Court of Justice and they can secure a decision regarding Ankaras opening ports and airports to Cyprus traffic, based on this decision that it was published on the 28th of September 2006 in Turkeys Official Gazette.

In the decision which has been published also on the 2nd of October 2004 and in which the countries included in the Custom Union are mentioned with their official names, a references was made to Cyprus with the name Cyprus instead of the Republic of Cyprus. Thus the entrance of the Greek Cypriot ships into the Turkish ports under the name of Republic of Cyprus was prevented, writes VOLKAN.

(C/S-I/Ts.)

[07] Environmentalists demonstrated against the developers who destroy the forests

A Group of Environmentalists has staged a demonstration in Bogazkoy in protest at the destruction of the forests for the sake of buildings.

The group which was supported by many other environmental associations opened placards protesting the government and construction companies which are engaged with housing development in the area.

They also called on the government to be more sensitive on the issue.

[08] Statements by Olli Rehn on Cyprus to the Finnish television

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn has appealed to the parties involved in the Cyprus Problem not to obstruct efforts aimed at averting a crisis over Turkeys EU accession talks over the Cyprus Issue.

Speaking to a Finnish TV channel, Mr Rehn called on all the sides concerned in the Cyprus Problem to refrain from vetoing Turkey every step of the way and to stop hampering efforts aimed at preventing a crisis over Turkeys refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot traffic.

Explaining that Finland which holds the current EU term presidency has several proposals aimed at preventing a crisis, Mr Rehn said that these proposals were currently being evaluated by Turkey and the Greek Cypriot Administration (Republic of Cyprus).

The EU commissioner for Enlargement also advised the concerned parties to be more constructive and open minded on proposals made by Finland.

Meanwhile Mr Rehn will be visiting Ankara tomorrow.

The EU commissioner is expected to evaluate the developments and progress Turkey has achieved since its started accession negotiations with the block one year ago tomorrow.

[09] Erdogan and government ministers among the founders of the Islamist Foundation

The Birlik Foundation which attracts attention with its anti-secular policies, which seeks freedom for the Islamic headgear, and which wants to clear the path of the imam-hatip schools is full of AKP members. The name of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is among the members of the Founders Council and there are three important ministers from the government in the High Consultation Council. It is noteworthy that there are ministers and deputies from the AKP among the 40 members of the Founders Council. In 2004 Ismail Kahraman, chairman of the Founders Council of the Birlik Foundation, had reportedly described secularity as one of the labyrinths that they have encountered and in 2005 he had announced that the principle of secularity is merely found in the Turkish Constitution.

The 21st general session of the Birlik Foundation that was established in 1985 was held at the general headquarters of the foundation in Cemberlitas yesterday. The general session which was held with the participation of Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun was closed to the press. A file was distributed to each member of the foundation during the session. The names that take place in the file in relation to the foundation show that the Birlik Foundation is full of AKP members. There are three ministers from the AKP in the High Consultation Council which consists of seven members. The names of the AKP ministers who are among the seven members of the High Consultation Council -- among them Ismail Kahraman -- are as follows: "Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu, Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, and Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun."

There are 11 AKP members in the Foundations Council which consists of 40 people. In addition to Aksu, Cicek, and Coskun, the name of Prime Minister Erdogan is also among the members of the Founders Council. The AKP members who take place in the 40-people list, among them Omer Dincer, under secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, are as follows: "Zeki Ergezen, former public works and settlement minister; deputies Azmi Ates, Irfan Gunduz, and Mehmet Ozyol; Bergama Mayor Rasit Urper, and Kocasinan Mayor Bekir Yildiz."

In a meeting held by the foundation in 2005, Kahraman had claimed that "Turkey is not in need of a liberator, but it is in need of being liberated from the liberator" and implicitly referring to the Turkish Armed Forces, he had stressed that "it is necessary to prevent the armed forces from intervening in politics."

[10] The US apologized to Turkey for Kurdistan map

The Pentagon has apologized to Turkey for a map of the notional "Kurdistan" shown by a colonel speaking at a seminar at the NATO Defence College in Rome on 15 September that included 18 of Turkey's provinces.

The US apology was conveyed personally by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen Peter Pace when he telephoned Turkey's Chief of Staff Gen Yasar Buyukkanit. Pace maintained that the maps had nothing at all to do with the United States. Pace's words beg the question just who within NATO is drawing up maps of a partitioned Turkey, and whether or not there are similar maps in existence. Turkey has initiated a comprehensive study so as not to encounter similar circumstances on other maps used within NATO and is closely monitoring all the organization's meetings and seminars no matter how large or small.

Turkey also got its diplomacy involved making its annoyance over the map known to the US Embassy in Ankara and to the US State Department.

[11] Erdogan and the Turkish Police on Ocalan´s call for ceasefire

Commenting on [PKK leader] Abdullah Ocalan's call for a ceasefire, Ismail Caliskan, spokesman for the Directorate General of Security, said that the PKK is not a negotiating partner for the Directorate and that the battle against terrorism will continue without compromise.

Caliskan said that the battle against terrorism will continue without interruption as far as the Directorate General of Security is concerned.

Caliskan said: "We have not stopped until now, and we will not stop in the future."

The spokesman added that the Directorate will not talk to the PKK and will not be concerned with what it says.

Caliskan said: "Regardless of who says what, the PKK is not our negotiating partner. The responsibilities of the Directorate General of Security are defined by laws. We will continue our battle against terrorism without compromise."

In a statement following Ocalan's call for a ceasefire, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that a ceasefire can exist only between states and that the terrorist organization "can only lay down its arms."

Erdogan said: "'Ceasefire' is the wrong word to use. The terrorist organization must lay down its arms. Our hope is that these arms will be laid down."

[12] Turkey to rank 20th in GDP by 2007 according to IMF reports

Turkey is expected to leave behind some EU-member countries such as Poland, Austria, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Finland and Portugal with its GDP in 2007.

[13] Turkey is reportedly annoyed because the Finnish proposal had not been conveyed to the Turkish Cypriot side as well

According to NTV, Ankara noted that it is ready to negotiate the proposal. NTV points out that the Finnish proposal provides for the beginning of direct trade between the EU and the northern Cyprus through Famagusta port, in return for the ratification of the supplementary protocol of the Ankara agreement by the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

The proposal also includes the return of the closed city of Varosha under the control of the United Nations, reports NTV noting that Ankara rejected similar proposals submitted by the EU in the past. According to the same source, European diplomats commented on Ankaras moderate stance saying that Turkey has finally understood the reality of the existence of great risk for its negotiations because of the ports issue.

However, adds NTV, there are some important points on which Ankara will ask for clarifications from Mr Olli Rehn, Commissioner Responsible for the Enlargement, during the latters visit to Turkey.

Ankara will ask who will control the direct trade between northern Cyprus and the EU and it will express the opinion that the control should be given to the UN. It will also ask how the EU will guarantee that the direct trade regulation will be applied without problems and whether or not direct flights will be a part of the direct trade. It will also express its wish to this direction. Furthermore, Ankara will stress that the issue of Varosha can be a part of a possible overall solution of the Cyprus problem and that this issue has no relation with this proposal which provides for a temporary solution.

According to NTV, Ankara will also express its annoyance because of the fact that northern Cyprus has been skipped over, while the Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs informed his Turkish counterpart, Greece and Cyprus on the proposals.

(I/Ts.)

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