Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-11-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Erkki Tuomioja on developments in Finlandīs initiative.

[02] Erdogan and Matti Venhamen discussed developments over the phone.

[03] Gul: There is not the appropriate environment for overcoming difficulties over Cyprus.

[04] Stateemnts by Gul on Finlandīs initiative before leaving for Moscow.

[05] Stements by Gul after meeting Lavrov in Moscow.

[06] Hasan Ercakica accuses the Greek Cypriot side of not wanting a comprehensive solution to the problems faced by the Cypriots as a result of the Turkish invasion.

[07] Statements by Rasit Pertev on the Finnish proposals.

[08] The commander of the 28th Division of the occupation forces discussed the latest developments with the self-styled prime minister.

[09] Soyer will visit Chile to participate in the meeting of the Socialist International.

[10] Turkish Cypriot ministers to participate in a fair in Bologna between 16 and 20 November.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Erkki Tuomioja on developments in Finlandīs initiative

The Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs- Erkki Tuomioja has stressed that Finland is ready to host talks on the Cyprus issue which can provide a solution.

Speaking at a press conference, he expressed the hope that it will be possible to reach some conclusions in a near future.

Referring to the Finnish call for a meeting to take place in Helsinki next week between the parties concerned, Mr Tuomioja said no decision has been made on the issue.

[02] Erdogan and Matti Venhamen discussed developments over the phone

(C/S)

[03] Gul: There is not the appropriate environment for overcoming difficulties over Cyprus

Mr Gul conveyed the following on Turkeys latest attitude towards Finlands package of proposals:

Even if the Famagusta Port opens, the income to be earned will be very small.

Finlands package of proposals is covering a transition period. In this condition it cannot be a part of a plan on the territory problem.

Varosha, cannot be included in a European Union Plan. We will consider Varosha if permanent solution talks are held under the UN.

(C/S)

[04] Stateemnts by Gul on Finlandīs initiative before leaving for Moscow

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has expressed the hope that Finlands efforts on the Cyprus issue may result positively but said that there is no scheduled meeting on the issue in the coming days.

He was speaking at Esenboga Airport before leaving for Moscow to attend the 15th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stated that Turkey remains committed to its constructive stance on Finlands efforts on the Cyprus issue, reminding that Turkey always takes part in every effort aimed at contributing to a successful resolution of the Cyprus problem.

He also said that the United Nations is the only place where a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem should be sought.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides are the main parties involved in the situation, Mr Gul expressed his hope that Finlands efforts on the Cyprus issue will yield results.

[05] Stements by Gul after meeting Lavrov in Moscow

During today's meeting, an agreement envisaging construction of a beltway along the Black Sea was opened to signature. If this project is put into practice, economic and social aspects of the Black Sea will be changed considerably."

Gul recalled that BSEC Heads of State & Government Summit would be held in Istanbul during Turkey's presidency.

He said that he had the opportunity of holding bilateral talks with his Georgian, Romanian and Albanian counterparts.

Referring to his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Gul told reporters: "We exchanged views over our bilateral relations as well as political and economic cooperation. Trade volume between Turkey and Russia exceeded 15 billion USD this year. We hope that the trade volume will reach up to 20 billion USD by the end of the year. Our trade target for 2008 is 25 billion USD. Turkish companies' investments in Russia reached 4 billion USD. Also, Turkish firms have undertaken projects worth of 18 billion USD in Russia.

Turkey and Russia consider that the Cyprus issue should be solved under the roof of the UN."

"Russia thinks that the UN should be strengthened further. We are glad about it. Russian President (Vladimir) Putin and other Russian authorities consider that commercial relations between TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Russia should be boosted." Gul stated that representatives from Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade visited Russia last week and held several talks there.

Replying to a question, Gul said: "Lavrov and I also discussed Armenian issue. Lavrov welcomed Turkey's proposal that a history commission should be formed. He said that he would exert efforts on this issue."

Responding to another question on tension between Russia and Georgia, Gul underlined that Turkey considered that such matters should be solved through peaceful means and dialogue.

Answering a question on energy security, he noted: "There has been a great cooperation in the area of energy --especially in natural gas and oil-- between Turkey and Russia."

When he was reminded of criticisms from some EU countries that the pace of EU reforms has slowed down in Turkey, Gul stated: "Such criticisms are not true. The Turkish government is aware of the fact that the EU negotiation process will bring many favorable things to Turkey. The government and the parliament are working night and day. We have been fulfilling political reforms for our people. We have a great determination to continue this process."

Replying to a question on establishment of Pushkin University in Turkey and Turkish Culture House in Russia, Gul said: "2007 will be Russian culture year in Turkey and 2008 will be Turkish culture year in Russia. There will be such proposals which will boost relations between the two countries. We will exert efforts to strengthen cultural relations."

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a secessionist act imposed and maintained on the Republic of Cyprus through the force of arms of the Turkish military superiority by 40,000 troops. The United Nations and other international bodies condemned Turkeyīs violations of the international law and all the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Cypriots. By paragraphs 6 and 7 of resolution 541 the UN Security Council, (Quote):

6: - Calls upon all states to respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus.

7: - Calls upon all states not to recognize any Cypriot state other than the Republic of Cyprus.)

[06] Hasan Ercakica accuses the Greek Cypriot side of not wanting a comprehensive solution to the problems faced by the Cypriots as a result of the Turkish invasion

The Presidential spokesman Hasan Ercakica has accused the Greek Cypriot administration of deliberately delaying a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem as it tries to secure substantial gains on the issue by using its European Union membership.

Mr Ercakica responded to our questions this morning in a televised interview.

The Presidential spokesman said the reason of the slowdown seen in UN sponsored efforts aimed at achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem, is the Greek Cypriot sides desire to manipulate its EU membership to influence any Cyprus peace process.

He said the TRNC Presidents Office and the government, have both embarked on preparatory work in view of the possibility of a fresh round of Cyprus negotiations based on the unofficial draft ideas being discussed at the moment.

We believe that we must be ready and well-prepared in case these ideas turn out to be a serious package of proposals in time he said. As for the remarks by the Greek Cypriot foreign minister Mr Lillikas that the Greek Cypriot side hasnt received any invitation for the proposed Helsinki discussions; Mr Ercakica drew the attention to the contradiction in Mr Lillikas own statements who, he said, has always been speaking about continuous links and contacts with the EU Term President Finland.

He said it is worth to question how the Finnish foreign minister has decided not to invite Mr Lillikas while inviting both Mr Gul and President Talat for the meeting.

He said Mr Lillikas remarks are designed more - to support the image of an EU member nation negotiating with Turkey, which is the collocutor of Turkey as regards the Cyprus issue, and as if it is a member trying hard to pave Turkeys way towards membership and simultaneously trying to remind Turkey of her responsibilities.

The method the Greek Cypriot side appears to be more interested to follow, is osmosis, and they are sticking to this he said.

Mr Ercakica said the Greek Cypriot sides presentation of the Cyprus problem as one between itself and Turkey, is part of this policy.

He said the comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem as desired by the Turkish Cypriot side, should be one that envisages Turkish Cypriots integration with the rest of the world; that provides for Turkish Cypriots to be part of an internationally accepted legal state mechanism; and which will end the Cyprus problem as an obstacle that hinders Turkeys international relations.

The Greek Cypriot side, on the other hand, will never be in a mood supportive of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, as long as Turkey continued EU accession negotiations, he said, repeating his view that the Greek Cypriot side will continue to drag its feet towards any serious UN initiative on the Cyprus issue until it secures substantial gains through its EU membership.

[07] Statements by Rasit Pertev on the Finnish proposals

Mr Pertev said that Finland is now searching for a basis to bring the parties together and added that once that basis is formed, the proposal will be officially presented on paper and thus achieve a concrete form.

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot will for a solution in Cyprus, Mr Pertev stressed that the Turkish Cypriot Side will not give up on its interests while working for a solution.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot Side is presenting its view clearly during the process, he said the decision-maker in the process is not Finland and an agreement can only be reached between the parties concerned.

Accusing the Republic of Cyprus of using its EU membership against Turkey, Mr Pertev said: The Greek Cypriot Administration will be affected most if Turkey withdraws from its EU membership.

As for the opening of the Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot-registered vessels while the Turkish Cypriot ports remain closed, he said: The Turkish Cypriot People will be affected negatively as this will be the starting point of the economic integration between Turkey and the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Addressing a possible train crash in Turkeys EU membership process, Mr Pertev said the main train crash has already happened in Cyprus and underlined the need for the EU to amend the Turkish Cypriot wounds.

Answering a question on how close a solution to the Cyprus problem is, he called for patience and expressed the hope that a window of opportunity will be opened in a near future towards a settlement in Cyprus.

[08] The commander of the 28th Division of the occupation forces discussed the latest developments with the self-styled prime minister

The Commander of the 28th Division of the Turkish Armed Forces stationed in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Major General Sabri Demirezen paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer today.

During the meeting, the two men have exchanged views on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriot People feels secure with the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces in Cyprus which is contributing to their security and struggling for a solution based on political equality.

Pointing to the fact that the Turkish Cypriot People remains committed to its search for a solution based on political equality with the Greek Cypriot Side, Mr Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Peace Forces will continue to work together to achieve this goal.

He also added that all the necessary measures on security and other essential issues have been taken within this process.

(Tr. Note:Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus by 40,000 Turkish troops which the United Nations Security Council condemned by its decisions 541 of 18 November 1983 and 550 of 11 May 1984.

Paragraph 2 of Resolution 541 of the Security Council states (Quote):

2. - Considers the declaration referred to above as legally invalid and calls for its withdrawal.

Paragraph 3 of Resolution 550 states (Quote):

3. - Reiterates the call upon all states not to recognize the purported state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus set up by secessionist acts and calls upon them not to facilitate or in any way assist the aforesaid secessionist entity).

[09] Soyer will visit Chile to participate in the meeting of the Socialist International

The delegation of the CTP will be in Santiago between 6 and 7 November. Kutlay Erk, responsible for Foreign Relations and Unal Findik responsible for the Local Authorities, will participate in the delegation of the CTP.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Turkish Cypriot ministers to participate in a fair in Bologna between 16 and 20 November

The council decided, inter alia, to secure the participation of ministers and representatives of civilian organizations in the Agricultural and Stock Raising Fair, which will take place in Bologna, Italy, between 16 and 20 November.

(I/Ts.)

/SK

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