Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-11-15

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Message by Talat on the anniversary of the TRNC.

[02] Talat met with foreign journalists who are in the occupied areas. He criticizes the Finnish initiative.

[03] Soyer met the head of the Arab Affairs of the OIC.

[04] The head of the Arab Affairs of the OIC is in Cyprus.

[05] Turkish General Yoney: The TRNC will live forever.

[06] YENI DUZEN: Connection with Turkey in the forged identity card incident!

[07] The illegal authorities acquitted Gary Robb in the case of money laundering.

[08] Pakistani MP illegally visits the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[09] Reference to Cyprus by Gul in the Turkish Assembly. Pejorative remarks for the Finnish initiative. He assessed Talatīs contacts as de facto cognition.

[10] Statements by Gul before leaving for the occupied areas.

[11] Turkish Minister speaks of blockade by Greek Cypriots of the territories of Cyprus under occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops.

[12] Statements by Onur Oymen.

[13] The Luxembourgian Minister of State, responsible for EU Affairs met with Ali Babacan.

[14] The leader of SHP met with Romano Prodi.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Message by Talat on the anniversary of the TRNC

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that Turkish Cypriots, by establishing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, have, in effect, declared to the world their wish to become a People governing itself and who is not a local extension of another authority from the outside.

The President, stressed, in his Republic Day Message broadcast on Radio and Television Bayrak today, that Turkish Cypriots do not feel obliged to prove to anyone that they are not visitors in Cyprus, but the owners of the house.

In his keynote speech marking the establishment of the TRNC, the President of the Republic Mehmet Ali Talat said the Turkish Cypriot People do not necessarily have to try to prove to the Greek Cypriot Administration that they are partner sharing the sovereignty of Cyprus.

Similarly, the Turkish Cypriots do not feel obliged to prove to the European Union, that they are a European community he said.

Mr Talat said: We have been living in this house, and will continue to do so in the future. Turkish Cypriots get their right to self-governance from their own history.

The Greek Cypriot side has, itself, disproved - by rejecting the solution Plan for Cyprus its own claim that Turkish Cypriots were the stumbling block in the way for a solution to the Cyprus problem:

He said the Greek Cypriot sides rejection of the Annan Plan was the result of a state-sponsored campaign against a solution to the Cyprus problem and peace.

Reminding that even the UN Secretary-General has clearly said that the rejection of the plan was not the rejection of the blueprint alone, but also of a solution to the Cyprus problem; Mr Talat also recalled how the UN Secretary-General had, then, complained of having been deceived by the Greek Cypriot leader who, he said, had said he would support the Plan.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot administration of challenging the whole international community by blocking the efforts aimed at lifting the international isolation of North Cyprus, President Talat said the Greek Cypriot side is trying to alter the parameters - agreed upon in more than fifty years or so.

Mr Talat said the Greek Cypriot leadership even took the impudent step to announce at the UN General Assembly - its intention to assimilate the Turkish Cypriot People as a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Im declaring openly here: for everyone to hear, and Mr Papadopoulos himself, that the Turkish Cypriot People has no intention whatsoever to surrender, or to let-go of its legitimate rights he said, stressing that a solution to the Cyprus problem will and can only be found within the United Nations framework.

Underlining the importance of the fact that the Turkish Cypriot People will be the only collocutor of the Greek Cypriot side in such process, Mr Talat stressed that the Turkish Cypriot People cannot be represented by anybody else other than its democratically elected representatives.

How long will the Greek Cypriot administration continue to isolate the Turkish Cypriot People and, in doing that, how long will it continue to benefit from the advantages of being a member of the UN and the EU, he asked.

Repeating that the Turkish Cypriot People has been waiting for the international community and the European Union to act to end the unjustified isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People, the TRNC President reminded that on numerous occasions the Turkish Cypriot side has expressed its readiness to take part in serious negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

We are determined never to let Mr Papadopoulos caricaturize the Cyprus issue, and play with the future of the islands peoples by sinisterly trying to delay a solution to the Cyprus problem and link any settlement to Turkeys process of EU accession, he said.

We are a European People which has governed itself for 450 years, and which considers Cyprus its homeland at least as much as the other communities of the island he said.

Mr Talat added that as the Turkish Cypriot People is fully capable to govern itself, it is also determined to continue to work to achieve political equality in a future federal Cyprus, and, eventually, take its place among other members of the European Union.

(Tr. Note: Resolution 541 (1983) of the UN Security Council condemns the UDI in occupied Cyprus and asks for its withdrawal.

The Security Council,

Concerned at the declaration by the Turkish Cypriot authorities issued on 15 November 1983 which purports to create an independent state in northern Cyprus,

Considering that this declaration is incompatible with the 1960 Treaty concerning the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus and the 1960 Treat of Guarantee,

Considering, therefore, that the attempt to create a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is invalid, and will contribute to a worsening of the situation in Cyprus,

Taking note of the Secretary-Generals statement of 17 November 1983,

1. Deplores the declaration of the Turkish Cypriot authorities of the purported secession of part of the Republic of Cyprus;

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

[02] Talat met with foreign journalists who are in the occupied areas. He criticizes the Finnish initiative

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that Finnish proposals was an unbalanced initiative, both in method of presentation and its contents and could only be discussed if and when changes were made.

The President was briefing foreign press members who are in the TRNC to observe and cover the Republic Day celebrations on the latest developments on the Cyprus Problem.

Speaking at the Ataturk Cultural Centre, President Mehmet Ali Talat said the presence of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus was not to intervene in the states political affairs or decision-making process but to maintain peace and security on the island.

He added that all political decisions in North Cyprus were taken by the government, independently, of any force or authority.

Underlining the need to solve the Cyprus Problem, which has been dragging on for more than 40 years, under the UN Umbrella, President Talat said that this notion was reconfirmed by the UN Secretary Generals statements made during a press conference in Istanbul yesterday.

Explaining that some positive changes in favour of the Turkish Cypriot people took place following the 2004 referendum, Mr Talat however pointed out that the international isolation of North Cyprus continued despite the EU Councils 26th of April decisions.

He complained that the Greek Cypriot Administration was deliberately trying to obstruct all efforts put forward by the UN towards a solution and accused it of trying to drag the issue onto the EU platform.

The President drew attention to the fact that both the Greek Cypriot Administration and Greece were members of the EU and therefore could not act as an impartial mediator to the problem.

He also accused the Greek Cypriot Side of using its membership to obstruct Turkeys EU accession process thus indirectly depriving Turkeys support to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Explaining that the TRNC was not against EU membership, President Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots continued unhindered to support and work towards a solution and EU membership.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot KIBRIS newspaper (15.11.06) reports that in his statements during the press conference to the foreign journalists who are visiting the occupied areas for the celebrations of the UDI, Mr Talat said that they expect a letter from the UN Secretary Generals advisor on political affairs, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, who will inform them on how the negotiations will start and how they will proceed. He stated that with the Finnish proposals, the EU proved that it could not be an impartial mediator and added that the Cyrus problem must be discussed in the framework of the UN, which is proportionally more impartial in spite of the problems that came up. Responding to a question, he said that they will be celebrating the establishment of the TRNC and the fact that they are a state until the solution of the Cyprus problem and the establishment of a new state. Asked about occupied Varosha he said: If the Turkish Cypriots give Varosha and take nothing in return, why should they give it?

Turkish Cypriot AFRIKA newspaper (15.11.06) publishes on its front page the statement by Mr Talat regarding Varosha and writes that Talat as well has the mentality of we took it with blood and we are not giving it at the table. The paper writes that Mr Talat accused the EU as if it speaks on behalf of the Greek Cypriots and that he argued that proposing the return of Varosha, which is a part of the comprehensive solution, is not right. He expressed the opinion that the Finnish proposals are not balanced because they give to the Turkish Cypriots only the right to conduct exports from the Famagusta port and because the direct flights, the lifting of cultural and sports embargo and the limitations in travelling are not included in them.

(I/Ts)

[03] Soyer met the head of the Arab Affairs of the OIC

Momani expressed the OIC's support for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and said that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should be lifted.

[04] The head of the Arab Affairs of the OIC is in Cyprus

The head of the department of Arab Affairs of the Organization of the Islamic Conference- Kamal Al-Momani, who is currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to take part in the Republic Day celebrations met with TRNC state officials today.

As part of his contacts, Mr Al-Momani met separately today with the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Deputy-Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci.

Speaking during his visits, Kamal Al-Momani emphasized that the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People must be lifted and reiterated the OICs support to the Turkish Cypriot People.

Also speaking during Mr Al-Momanis visit, Foreign Minister Turgay Avci underlined the need for more co-operation with OIC member-states.

Adding that it was necessary to improve and strengthen existing relations between the TRNC and the OIC, Mr Avci said the TRNC Foreign Ministry was working on setting up an Islamic Organization Task Force aimed at promoting and enhancing dialogue between OIC members countries and North Cyprus.

[05] Turkish General Yoney: The TRNC will live forever

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (15.11.06) reports that the representative of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in the celebrations for the UDI, General Orhan Yoney, said that the TAF will continue their duty in Cyprus as Peace Forces. He noted: The security of the Turkish Cypriot people is among the first priorities of the TAF. We are always with you and we know that the TRNC will live for ever and meanwhile the TAF will continue their support for the security here with great pleasure.

(I/Ts.)

[06] YENI DUZEN: Connection with Turkey in the forged identity card incident!

Thus, the number of the persons who are in custody regarding this case reached six. The police have sent an expert in Turkey to investigate the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The illegal authorities acquitted Gary Robb in the case of money laundering

In statements to Genc TV television, the self-styled minister of interior, Ozkan Murat said that the police and the attorney generals office completed the investigations and that no transaction regarding money laundering was established.

Robb stated to the paper that he learned about the completion of the investigations through his lawyer and that he had not been officially informed. He noted that within the next few days the decision for the freezing of his bank accounts will be lifted and he will begin again his economic activities.

I want to give good news to my customers who are waiting for the completion of the half-finished constructions in order to get their houses. The bad days full of uncertainty will remain in the past, he said.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Pakistani MP illegally visits the occupied areas of Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[09] Reference to Cyprus by Gul in the Turkish Assembly. Pejorative remarks for the Finnish initiative. He assessed Talatīs contacts as de facto cognition

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul denied allegations that Turkey made concessions in Cyprus.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission over the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year 2007, Gul said: "We consider the Cyprus issue a national cause. We have been doing everything in our power to protect rights of Turkish Cypriot people."

Giving information about recent developments in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Gul said: "National income per capita exceeded 10 thousand USD in the TRNC. The sector of construction has revived. On the other hand, deposits in banks have increased considerably. Recent economic developments in the TRNC are quite pleasing. Also, there are positive political developments.

President Mehmet Ali Talat of the TRNC held talks with foreign ministers of the United States, Russia, Britain and Germany. He also met the president of the European Commission and the EU commissioner for enlargement. He received a formal invitation from the Pakistani president. These seem like de facto recognition."

Taking into consideration all these developments, I am really amazed at those who claim that Turkey made concessions in Cyprus. If we had made concessions, we would have said yes to anything. Last year, foreign ministers of the EU-member states and ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) were scheduled to meet. However we cancelled the meeting since they were describing the TRNC as 'Muslim minority in Cyprus'," he said.

"Accession of the Greek Cypriot administration is against the basic principles of the EU. If we had pursued a sound policy about the Cyprus issue, we would have prevented accession of the Greek Cypriots into the EU," he said.

Referring to the recent initiative of Finland about the Cyprus issue, Gul said: "They have failed to convey us a document. Even they could not tell me their proposals."

"One of the most important problems and threats against Turkey is separatism. The fight against terrorism is our priority duty," said Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission over the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year 2007, Gul said: "Since we predicted the current situation in Iraq, we held the meeting of neighboring countries with Iraq. The world should appreciate Turkey's initiatives to this end. We attach great importance to Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity.

Protection of these are of vital importance for the Iraqi people. If Iraq is separated, it will lead to a new unbelievable dark era."

Recalling that the Iraqi prime minister would pay a visit to Turkey in the coming days, Gul said that all those issues would be taken up in detail during the visit.

Referring to the issue of PKK terrorism, Gul said: "One of the most important problems and threats against Turkey is separatism. Our government has been doing everything in its power in the fight against terrorism. Unfortunately, the northern part of Iraq has become shelter for the terrorist organization. Our government has displayed a determined attitude against it. We attach great importance to the United States' appointing a special envoy. We consider the fight against terrorism our priority duty. Therefore, we do not need a coordinator. However, we have appointed Edip Baser to head the Turkish delegation and to attend the meetings among Turkey, the United States and Iraq."

Upon a question on the presence of several maps separating Turkey, Gul said: "These are nothing but worthless rags."

Describing the Armenian issue as one of the most important problems of Turkey in the next decade, Gul said that they would launch all necessary initiatives.

Later, the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was approved.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (15.11.06) reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister Gul alleged that the Greek Cypriots are trying to shift the Cyprus problem from the UN to the EU and get unilateral concessions during Turkeys EU accession course. Speaking at the Planning and Budget Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Gul said: I want to state openly from here that this is a dead-end street and Turkey will never succumb to such blackmails.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (15.11.06) under the title We will not give in to the Greek Cypriot blackmail, refers to Mr Guls statements and writes that he said that no solution in Cyprus which is not based on the political equality will produce results.

[10] Statements by Gul before leaving for the occupied areas

Mr Gul also told reporters that the UN should find a comprehensive solution (to Cyprus problem). When he was reminded of some news reports which said that Turkey has been getting prepared to apply to the international law on the Armenian genocide, Mr Gul indicated that "a meticulous work is under way on this matter."

He also stressed that the so-called "embargo and restrictions (on the Turkish Cypriots) which don't have a legal ground must be ended as soon as possible." Mr Gul also told reporters that he would meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and other so-called authorities during his visit to the occupied by more than 40, 000 Turkish troops part of Cyprus.

Recalling that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited occupied Cyprus last July and significant decisions were made to boost the illegal regimes economy during this visit, Mr Gul indicated: "We are exerting great efforts for the Turkish Cypriot people to live in prosperity and tranquility."

"Although the TRNC has been experiencing some difficulties in the international platform, the point that the TRNC reached is praiseworthy," he underlined.

Replying to a question, Mr Gul noted: "If the Finnish authorities have the capability of finding a comprehensive solution (to the Cyprus problem), we can discuss it. But we always said that a comprehensive solution should be found under the roof of the UN."

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the occupation regime the Turkish Republic has set up in the territories of Cyprus under the occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops).

[11] Turkish Minister speaks of blockade by Greek Cypriots of the territories of Cyprus under occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops

"Blockade on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should be lifted to make the Turkish ports and airports opened to Greek Cypriots. Keeping the promises is a European value," Turkish Justice Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek said on Tuesday after Council of Ministers meeting.

When a journalist recalled that the EU Progress Report was announced, and that 1 month period was given to Turkey, Cicek said: "Our position and decisiveness on Cyprus is very clear. If they want our ports and airports opened to Greek Cypriot ships or planes, blockade on TRNC should be lifted. Promises should be kept. If we mention European values, keeping the promises is one of them. There is not much we can do about it. Besides, continuously bringing the topic in front of Turkey or Turkey's EU process in order to block this process will make the issue unsolvable."

(Tr. Note: Turkish Cypriot newspaper KIBRIS (19.09.04) quoted Mr Talat to have said: There is something I want you to know. No such promise was given. Before the referendum nobody promised that `we shall recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or we shall do this or thatī. They said only this: `If you act in line with the world you will gain, if you act against the world you will loseī. (See Turkish Mass Media Bulletin No. 180/04, 18-19-20.09.04).

[12] Statements by Onur Oymen

Speaking at the Planning and Budget Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Mr Oymen said that the pressure on Turkey was intensified lately and alleged that with Finlands proposals concessions even beyond the Annan Plan are asked from Turkey.

He reiterated that Cyprus is a national cause and that no unilateral concessions should be given. Going for interim, partial solutions in Cyprus is tantamount to loosing the case, he argued and pointed out that in case a train crash happens at Turkeys EU accession course, both trains will be damaged.

(I/Ts.)

[13] The Luxembourgian Minister of State, responsible for EU Affairs met with Ali Babacan

The Luxembourgian minister of state in charge of EU Affairs Nicholas Schmit has said that the free trade restrictions imposed on North Cyprus dealt a heavy blow to the Turkish Cypriot economy.

Mr Schmits words came during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan at the end of a meeting the two men held in Brussels.

The Cyprus problem was among the topics discussed during the meeting.

Speaking during the press conference, the Luxembourgian minister said that his country and the EU were very pleased with Turkeys openness towards a dialogue over the Cyprus Issue.

He said he expected progress to be achieved in breaking the current deadlock over the Cyprus Issue and Turkeys refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot traffic before the upcoming EU summit in December.

Answering a question as to what might happen if Turkey continues to refuse opening its ports, Mr Schmit said that the European Union was faced with a difficult situation but that there was no need to exaggerate the crisis being faced.

I am convinced that there will be a breakthrough he said, adding that everyone within the block was looking for ways out.

Also speaking at the press conference, the Turkish Minister of State and chief negotiator with the EU Ali Babacan said that he had found opportunity to explain the latest developments on the Cyprus Problem to the Luxembourg Minister in Charge of European Affairs.

Explaining that Turkey could complete its accessions chapters in the next 4-5 years, Mr Babacan said that he was optimistic that Turkey could be ready to join the block as early as 2014.

Mr Babacan said that a slow down in Turkeys accession negotiations was not caused by its reform process but because of injustices it faced from the European Union over the Cyprus Issue.

In addition Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.11.06) reports the following from Brussels:

"Criticisms that Turkey's reforms on its way to European Union (EU) membership slowed down stemmed from the inadequacy in implementation rather than the willingness of the government," Turkish State Minister and chief negotiator for EU said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint news conference after meeting Luxembourg's minister for EU affairs Nicolas Schmit, Babacan said he informed executives from Luxembourg about Turkey's efforts on reforms and developments about Cyprus.

"The 9th Reform Package will be concluded soon. We make a very rapid progress on human rights and freedom of speech," Babacan noted.

He said reforms continue in economy as well as in politics, stating that Turkey maintained a rapid growth.

"The approach of the EU (which is) against enlargement causes difficulty," Babacan argued.

The Turkish State Minister emphasized that the process regarding Turkey's EU membership could be concluded within 3-4 years, stating that Turkey would be ready for membership in 2014.

Replying to a question, Babacan said the fall back in Turkish public opinion's support to the EU did not stem from the reform process but from the statements of some European politicians against Turkey; adoption by the French national assembly of a bill making a crime the denial of so-called Armenian genocide; and injustice that Turkey has to face on Cyprus.

Mentioning the efforts of the EU Rotating President Finland on Cyprus, Babacan said: "There is nothing submitted to the parties. There are some ideas." He said Turkey would open its ports to the Greek Cypriot party in case the blockade on TRNC is lifted.

On the other hand, Schmit said they were pleased over statements of Turkey that it was open to dialogue on Cyprus.

"Turkey's accession to the EU is a long process. Such a process is necessary to make the societies understand each other better and to believe that this process is in their own interest. Schmit said the EU does not apply any sanction against the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and noted that lack of direct trade hampers TRNC's economic development.

[14] The leader of SHP met with Romano Prodi

(M/L)

/SK

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