Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-11-23

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The illegal regime is to apply to the British aviation authority for establishing direct flights between London and occupied Tymbou Airport.

[02] Ozkan Murat: The moratorium on constructions is a fabricated allegation.

[03] Reactions to the law which provides for prison sentences for those who are trading the occupied Greek Cypriot properties.

[04] Namik Tan: No change in Turkeys approach towards the Finnish proposal.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the incident at the English School.

[06] The EU High Level Contact Group arrives in Cyprus.

[07] The Union of the Citrus Fruits Exporters calls for the opening of the Karavostasi port.

[08] Babacan: Worst case scenario with EU unlikely to happen; Solution of the Cyprus problem at the UN.

[09] The Finnish Foreign Minister Tuomioja welcomes the positive respond to Mr Gambari´s letter.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The illegal regime is to apply to the British aviation authority for establishing direct flights between London and occupied Tymbou Airport

As talks between Finland and Turkey continue in Helsinki in a move to overcome the deadlock on the Cyprus issue, the ´local Turkish administration´ has already completed its contingency plan in case the talks fail to find a solution: international arbitration. 

In the Plan B for the quest to end its economic isolation, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Mehmet Ali Talat's administration plans to apply to the British aviation authority for direct flights between Ercan Airport (occupied Tymbou) and London. If rejected, international experts have told the local government that this would clear the way for resorting to international arbitrat ion in an unspecified court. 

Ankara contacted London, which has neither opposed nor encouraged the planned initiative. The Turkish government, however, is wary of a positive out come, fearing that the political loss in such a tactic might diminish the success in terms of justice. 

But the patience of the Turkish Cypriot leadership is growing thin with the lengthy diplomatic talks and the Turkish Cypriots' disappointment is increasing daily as the European Union fails to keep its word of easing Turkish isolation while pressuring Turkey to open its ports to Greek Cypriot shipping with threats to derail Turkey's EU membership bid. 

In the event that the Finnish EU presidency does not succeed in finding a solution that includes the opening of Ercan Airport (occupied Tymbou) to international traffic, the Turkish Cypriots plan to apply to the British Aviation Authority to enable Turkish Cypriot Airlines to fly directly between Ercan Airport (occupied Tymbou) and London. 

According to research by Turkish Cypriot officials, there is no legal obstacle for the application, since the airline is a Turkish firm. The airline needs two documents in order to go ahead with the application. First, approval from the Turkish Aviation Authority. Second, separate approval from the relevant authority which states that Ercan (occupied Tymbou) is technically sufficient for direct flights between Ercan (occupied Tymbou) and London. 

Ankara contacted London in an effort to test the possible reaction. The British government has not categorically opposed such an initiative. It has not, however, encouraged it either. The reception to the idea was rather cool and London also was said to be questioning the timing of the initiative, reminding that the EU's efforts to ease sanctions against northern Cyprus continue. 

The Turkish Cypriot administration, which has sought the advice of international lawyers, seems to be prepared to bear the consequences of a possible refusal from British authorities. Talat's administration is reportedly confident after consulting with international lawyers that the tactic would result in a positive verdict if it winds up in the hands of an international court. 

Despite some reticence, Ankara, is assisting its allies on the island in preparation of the new initiative. The government will send a team from the aviation authority to the island by the end of this month to check the technical specifications of Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport.

[02] Ozkan Murat: The moratorium on constructions is a fabricated allegation

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reactions to the law which provides for prison sentences for those who are trading the occupied Greek Cypriot properties

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.11.06) reports the following from occupied Lefkosia:

Stating that the Southern Cyprus Greek Cypriot Administration's law calling for up to seven years imprisonment for Turkish Cypriots and foreigners using former Greek Cypriot property abandoned in the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] was "playing with fire," KKTC President Mehmet Ali Talat said that should the law be put into effect this would effectively close down the `borders´.

In a statement he made on the Bayrak TV this evening, Mr Talat said that the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos intended to increase tensions between the two communities by means of this law. "He is playing a very dangerous game," he said.

Noting that if the Greek Cypriots were to continue with this attitude of theirs this would only exacerbate the divide, Mr Talat emphasized that what was happening here was an attempt to make the Cyprus problem impossible to solve.

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot administration was being intransigent here, Mr Talat said that care needed to be taken. He said that the clause in the law stating that any Turkish Cypriot using Greek Cypriot property would be put on trial would prevent Turkish Cypriots from entering southern Cyprus. He added that this "would effectively close the ´borders´."

Noting also that there were no Turkish Cypriots that were not involved with Greek Cypriot property in the north of the island, Mr Talat said that he could not imagine what kind of position the Turkish Cypriots, who until now had been very peaceful, would adopt in response to this development.

Stating there was nothing more that could be done other than stating that this was completely irrational, Mr Talat said they would make the necessary representations at the EU and the UN.

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriots were beginning to ask, "What is being done for a settlement?" Mr Talat emphasized that Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos aimed to increase tensions between the two communities by means of this law.

Stating that the new law would further increase tensions between the two communities, Mr Talat said that with Turkish Cypriots being prevented from entering southern Cyprus new seeds of discord would be sown between the two communities.

Mr Talat noted that keeping the two people's apart would reduce the will for a settlement. He said what was being done was an attempt to make the Cyprus problem unsolvable.

Mr Talat noted it was very interesting that this law should be passed at a time when United Nations Secretary-General Assistant for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari's letter was on the agenda together with pressure on Turkey to open up its ports and the matter of direct trade. "While all these things are being lumped together in one neat package attempts are being made in southern Cyprus to add extra ingredients to a meal that has already been cooked," said Mr Talat. "The intention here is not a good one."

Stating that the Greek Cypriot's intentions were inarguably malevolent, Mr Talat said the only thing to do was end the isolations, which he said was the only way to foil Papadopoulos' policies.

In reply to a question Mr Talat said it was very unfair to pressure Turkey into opening up its ports to the Greek Cypriots, and that Turkey was doing what it had to. He said it was not normal to ask Turkey to normalize its relations with the "Republic of Cyprus," which had taken on an abnormal structure.

Mr Talat said that an investigation was underway into the "off the program" speech given by an officer during the parade on 15 November marking the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the KKTC. Noting that such a speech was not correct even if it had been on the program, Mr Talat said that on that date, the anniversary of the founding of the KKTC, it was the president who had the right to speak.

Mr Talat underscored that Mehmet Ali Talat was the President of the KKTC and that nobody should have hijacked this event.

Referring to Mr Soyer´s the evaluation of the new law, illegal Bayrak television (23.11.06) broadcast the following:

The Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has returned to the republic after completing his contacts in London.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Mr Soyer reacted to the adoption of a new law by the Greek Cypriot House of Representatives which stipulates detention and prison sentences for those residing in - and using former Greek Cypriot property left over in North Cyprus in 1974.

Mr Soyer described the move as a sign of ill intention which will help worsen the relations between the two Peoples of the island.

He said the move will also help deepen the division of Cyprus and said the one that has to be detained is the Greek Cypriot Leadership who urged its people to reject the Annan plan.

Calling on the Turkish Cypriot People not to panic, Mr Soyer said that if the adoption of the new legislation is confirmed the Turkish Cypriot Side will have no other option but to retaliate.

Meanwhile, commenting on the same issue in statements to the Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (23.11.06), the General Secretary of AKEL and President of the House of Representatives, Dimitris Christofias said that only those who sell or buy occupied Greek Cypriot properties will be charged and not those who live in them.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (23.11.06) referring to the issue, reports that the chairman of the so-called Human Rights Foundation, Mrs Emine Erk argued that with this law the aim of the Greek Cypriots is to give a blow to the purchase of property in the TRNC.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (23.11.06) reports that Mr Talat described the law as Shirt made of fire, while Mr Soyer called on the Turkish Cypriots not to pay attention to it. Mr Soyer alleged that those who must be arrested is the Greek Cypriot leadership, which led Cyprus into a disaster in 1963 and rejected the UN solution plan.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (23.11.06) refers to the issue and publishes statements by the deputy chairman of the Union of the Building Contractors, Soner Yetkili, who said: 80% of our people are connected to Greek Cypriot properties. It is a very great danger for everybody.

Moreover, Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (23.11.06) in its front page, under the banner headline Talat: The Greek Cypriots are playing a very risky game, reports on the reaction of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to a new law adopted in the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus that provides for prison sentences of up to seven years against individuals convicted of building on, purchasing or selling Greek Cypriot-owned property in the occupied part of Cyprus. Talat said that it is the reason for triggering anger in the TRNC. MILLIYETs correspondent in the occupied Lefkosia, Sefa Karahasan writes that Talat said: With this law the Greek Cypriot Administration aims to increase tension between the two communities. Mr Talat also warned that this law will lead to the closure of the checkpoints. He also added that this is very bad for Turkish Cypriot journalists, who are going to the south and for Turkish Cypriots who work there.

Moreover, Dr Tufan Erhurman a professor at Near East University in remarks to the paper, said that this new law will pave the way for creating great anxiety among Turkish Cypriots. He said Greek Cypriots will be able to arrest Turkish Cypriots who cross into South Cyprus for work, for trade or for a visit, however, the arrest of the Turkish Cypriots within the EU is out of question. Dr Erhuman also added: Ten thousand Turkish Cypriots are working in the South. Half of the Turkish Cypriots reside on Greek Cypriot property. This will open the way to fear among the Turkish Cypriots. If the Greek Cypriots apply this law, then they will have to arrest thousands of Turkish Cypriots who cross to the South. The people, who know this, will fear crossing into the South. In this way, the crossings will come to an end. Dr Erhuman said that the Greek Cypriot Administration aims with this to deal a blow to the economy of the occupation regime.

(I/Ts. DPs)

[04] Namik Tan: No change in Turkeys approach towards the Finnish proposal

Turkeys position towards the Finnish proposal was also made clear by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik Tan during his weekly press conference.

Responding to a question on the European Commissions decision to make a recommendation on the Cyprus dispute in the first week of December, Mr Tan said that Ankaras position on the issue was made clear by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul after their meeting yesterday.

He said that it is out of question for Ankara to accept deadlines set with the aim of dictating their own point of view.

Responding to a question that Finland has made changes to its proposal and excluded the issue of Maras (occupied fenced city of Varosha), he said that there is no change in Turkeys approach towards the proposal.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (23.11.06) reports that commenting on the fact that the Finnish term presidency has given Turkey a period until 6 December to fulfill its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus and the EU, the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said yesterday that they cannot understand the policy of trying to corner Turkey by setting dates and this is not the language that they understand. We did what we have to do. From now on, let those who have to do their duty do it, he alleged.

On the same issue, the paper reports that the spokesman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Namik Tan also said that Turkey will not allow deadlines to be put and some things to be dictated to it.

Furthermore, the paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat alleged that Turkey cannot normalize its relations with the side that is not normal and added that Turkeys EU accession course cannot be stopped. He argued that the Greek Cypriots have not the state which possesses the characteristics to demand the opening of Turkeys port to it under the name of the Republic of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the incident at the English School

KIBRIS under the title Racist attack by people wearing black shirts, reports that a group of Greek Cypriots wearing masks and black shirts raided into the English School in the free part of Nicosia and attacked Turkish Cypriot students who study there. The Turkish Cypriot students named Mustafa Okur and Anil Ari were beaten up by a group of 20 Greek Cypriots, reports the paper adding that after the incident security measures were taken around the school and the Turkish Cypriot students were led to the Ledra Palace barricade with an escort. The paper writes that it is estimated that the incident took place because of a press report in a Greek Cypriot newspaper which said that a Turkish Cypriot student beat up a Greek Cypriot student because he wore a cross. AFRIKA refers to the issue under the title They resisted together to the attackers and reports that Greek Cypriot students helped their Turkish Cypriot friends against those who attacked them. The paper notes that President Papadopoulos condemned the incident and described those who attacked the Turkish Cypriots as brainless bandits. The five Turkish Cypriot students who were slightly injured refused to be taken to a Greek Cypriot hospital. HALKIN SESI refers to the issue under the title Turkish Cypriot students were attacked in the south. The paper reports that the self-styled Prime Minister Soyer called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to find those who conducted the attack and lead them before justice. Soyer argued: Those who encourage racism must show the capability of putting back into the bottle the jinni they have taken out of the bottle. YENI DUZEN refers to the issue under the title We are thirsty for peace, not for fight. The paper reports that the police arrested six persons and that the families of the students met yesterday with the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and held a meeting last night. The director of the English School Stuart Hagget said that the security of the students is ensured and complained about the instigations of the media. ORTAM refers to the issue under the title Shameful incident! CUMHURIYET refers to the issue under the title It is enough any more and alleges: We are proclaiming moratorium with decrees and they are trying to arrest us. We say peace and they put their fanatics to attack our children. GUNES refers to the issue under the title The Greek Cypriots are making things the Greek Cypriots do. VATAN covers the issue under the title Look at the Greek Cypriots, look at the Greek Cypriots. VOLKAN reports that They crushed from the beating the Turkish Cypriot students. The paper alleges that a group of 50 Greek Cypriots attacked the Turkish Cypriot students.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The EU High Level Contact Group arrives in Cyprus

The European Parliaments High Level Contact Group for relations with the Turkish Cypriot People arrives in Cyprus today for a series of contacts.

The 25 member group will be led by the Coordinator of the Contact Group Franscoise Grossetete during its two day visit to the island.

Members of the group will come together with representatives of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce at lunch tomorrow. Members of the Greek Cypriot Chambers of Industry and Commerce will also attend the meeting.

The visit will be the third of its kind.

Referring to the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister- Foreign Minister Turgay Avci has said the decision by the European Parliaments High Level Contact Group not to meet with the TRNC officials during its visit to the island has caused disappointment.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Prime Ministers Office and Foreign Ministry, Mr Avci said that its hard for the Turkish Cypriot Side to understand the reason behind the decision of the Contact Group which was set up with the aim of promoting relations between the Turkish Cypriot People and the EU institutions.

Mr Avci called it unacceptable for the High Level Contact Group not to hold contacts with the TRNC representatives who were elected with the free will of the Turkish Cypriot People who proved its willingness for a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem and to integrate with the international community.

He said such a move will not be contributing to the efforts aimed at bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[07] The Union of the Citrus Fruits Exporters calls for the opening of the Karavostasi port

(I/Ts.)

[08] Babacan: Worst case scenario with EU unlikely to happen; Solution of the Cyprus problem at the UN

"Worst case scenario with EU is unlikely to happen," said Turkish State Minister and chief negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan.

Mr Babacan evaluated relations with the EU and the recent developments in the economy in a TV program on the private STV channel last night.

Mr Babacan said they will continue talks until the last minute in order to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. The state minister said, EU is both the player and the referee in this case, that is why the best place for the solution is the UN.

"We are ready for every consequence," said Mr Babacan and stressed that Turkey will not act unilaterally for a solution in the island.

Upon a question about whether EU-Turkey relations would have a negative effect on international capital, the minister said he does not expect a negative impact.

Mr Babacan said the most important benefit from the EU has been predictability. With a more predictable economy, there has been an increase in the direct foreign and domestic investments. The minister also said that with the decrease in risks there has been a fall in interest rates and added: "One point fall in the interest rates provides 2 billion USD to the economy."

Mr Babacan touched on the developments in the economy, saying they fulfilled the Maastricht criteria in the budget deficit and added that they will meet the criterion for ratio of public debts to national income soon. Babacan said he expects this ratio to be 49-50 percent at the end of this year.

The chief negotiator for EU talks also said there has been a real increase in purchasing power since 2002 and that he does not expect any negative effect of the presidential elections on the economy in the coming years.

The ratio of public debts must be less than 60 percent according to Maastricht criteria.

[09] The Finnish Foreign Minister Tuomioja welcomes the positive response to Mr Gambari´s letter

The Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja has welcomed the positive response of the two sides in Cyprus to the UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambaris letter as an encouraging development towards reaching a positive conclusion in his countrys initiative on Cyprus.

In a written statement, Mr Tuomioja expressed the view that the success of the Finnish efforts will help the UN efforts and promote bi-communal negotiations aimed at bringing about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

He also added that the EU is ready to provide support to the UN confidence-building measures.

/SK

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