Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-02-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cancellations of illegal purchases of land and houses in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[02] KIBRIS published an opinion poll conducted by KADEM

[03] A member of the EP will attend a graduation ceremony at EMU

[04] Avci visited the Turkish envoy in occupied Lefkosia

[05] Talat sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General

[06] German deputy: We have to put pressure on the Greek Cypriots regarding the embargoes

[07] Reactions to the registration of HALLOUMI as a Cypriot trade mark

[08] Gul is holding contacts in Washington. The focus on N. Iraq

[09] Egemen Bagis: Turkey needs no permission to launch military operation

[10] Turkish MPs are lobbying in the U.S. over Kirkuk. Efforts to manipulate developments in N. Iraq to Turkeys favour

[11] More controversy over the murder of Hrank Dink. Statements by the leader of the Workers´ Party

[12] Istanbul Police Intelligence Chief dismissed over Dink murder

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cancellations of illegal purchases of land and houses in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

The paper reports also that although there was an increase in the construction sector in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus following a British courts decision in the Orams case, new problems have arisen recently. Foreign buyers have started to cancel their purchase agreements for houses or plots due to the Republic of Cyprus laws that foresee imprisonment of up to seven years for anyone convicted of building on Greek Cypriot property, buying or selling Greek Cypriot property or living in a Greek Cypriot house in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus. Another deterrent factor for buyers is the new amendment to Article 159 of TRNC Constitution, as well as the new decree, which will limit the purchase of land in the occupied areas of Kyrenia and Bogazi in order to protect the environment. These areas are preferred most by foreign buyers.

(DPs)

[02] KIBRIS published an opinion poll conducted by KADEM

According to the paper, the opinion poll was carried out with face-to-face interviews using a sample group of 857 persons in 2006 and 500 persons in January 2007. Interviewees were asked about the Cyprus problem, perceptions about identity, religious preferences, politics, social activities, trust in state institutions and expectations from the government.

On the Cyprus issue, 66,8% of respondents said the type of Cyprus settlement must be two separate states, while 20,1% favour federation/ a unitary state autonomy.

On the identity issue, the majority of respondents 40,3% - feel they are Turk as well as Cypriot to an equal extent while 4,4% feels only Turk and 3,2% feels only Cypriot.

The overwhelming majority or 95% of respondents trust the army, 76,9% the police and 75,7% the courts. Only 26,8% trust the EU and 27,2% the UN.

(DPs)

[03] A member of the EP will attend a graduation ceremony at EMU

(DPs)

[04] Avci visited the Turkish envoy in occupied Lefkosia

(DPs)

[05] Talat sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General

(DPs)

[06] German deputy: We have to put pressure on the Greek Cypriots regarding the embargoes

(DPs)

[07] Reactions to the registration of HALLOUMI as a Cypriot trade mark

The paper notes that the government of the Republic of Cyprus has published an announcement in the Turkish Cypriot press informing those who have any objections that they should submit them in writing within 30 days.

According to KIBRISLI, the Turkish Cypriot Halloumi producers are expected to be influenced from this. It notes that the Turkish Cypriots export more than 17 thousand tons of Halloumi cheese annually, especially to Arab countries and lately to the EU member countries.

The paper notes also that Mustafa Gunduz, General Secretary of the Chamber of Industry, said that the issue is very important and that in case the HALLOUMI cheese is registered as a Cypriot trade mark, the Halloumi cheese produced in the occupied areas of Cyprus would not be exported to the world market under the name of Hellim. Thus the economy will suffer a great blow, he argued. Gunduz said that the three of the five firms which conducted the most exports from the occupied areas are dairy producers.

Furthermore, the director of Meric Hellimleri (Halloumi cheese producers), Candan Avunduk told KIBRISLI that his firm exports a thousand tons of Halloumi annually.

He noted that within the coming days they will participate in a fair in Dubai and try to sell their products there. He added, inter alia, the following:

However, these developments worry us. The government must not sleep on this issue and it must support its producers. It must be by our side in Dubai. They (Tr. Note: The Greek Cypriots) try to prevent us everywhere. We try to export the products of this country by overcoming these obstacles. .

(ITs)

[08] Gul is holding contacts in Washington. The focus on N. Iraq

Prior to the meeting, Rice said that she was pleased with hosting Gul in Washington as the foreign minister of a significant allied country like Turkey.

On the other hand, Gul the highlighted the importance of Turkey's relations with the United States.

Gul is expected to deliver a speech at the National Press Club later in the day.Yesterday, Gul held talks with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.07) reported the following also from Washington: "Certain developments on terrorist PKK are likely to take place as desired by Turkey", said Abdullah Gul, Turkish FM and Deputy PM, on Monday.

Gul talked to the press corps after meeting the United States Vice-President Dick Cheney and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

"Both meetings were fruitful. You all know the important topics. The future of Iraq, Armenian resolution and the fight against terrorism were among them," said Gul.

Asked if Vice-President Cheney promised the closure of PKK camps in north of Iraq, Gul replied that he saw a serious approach from VP Cheney to the terrorist PKK problem.

"It is not possible to explain the presence of a terrorist organization in a friendly country (Iraq) and which is controlled by allies," remarked Gul.

In response to a question on the postponement of the referendum in Kirkuk, Gul indicated that Kirkuk is an Iraqi city and that sectarian violence should not be spread into this city. "It is highly important for everyone to live in peace in Kirkuk," underlined Gul.

In reply to a question on the resolution related to the so-called Armenian genocide (which was submitted to U.S. congress), Gul underscored that the Bush administration will do what it takes on this matter.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that Gul-Cheney meeting lasted longer than planned. The two men discussed regional issues, especially energy and security problems.

Gul also met representatives of prominent Jewish organizations in Washington D.C. on Monday. Jewish leaders expressed their satisfaction regarding the role played by Turkey in the region, and Turkey's relations with Israel.

Abdullah Gul is scheduled to meet the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday.

On Mr Gul´s contacts in Washington The New Anatolian newspaper (07.02.07) reported the following:

Turkey could finally see some of the steps it has long sought against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), said Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul late Monday.

At a press conference after meetings with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and President George Bush's National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, Gul characterized both meetings as constructive.

Diplomatic sources said that Gul and Cheney discussed regional issues, and especially energy and security problems.

Stressing the importance of the topics during his visit to US, Gul said that they talked about the future of Iraq, an Armenian resolution at the U.S. Congress and the fight against terrorism in their meetings.

Asked if Cheney promised to close PKK camps in northern Iraq, Gul replied that he saw a serious approach from Cheney on the terrorist PKK issue.

"The presence of a terrorist organization in a friendly country (Iraq) which is controlled by allies is inexplicable," Gul underlined.

Gul said that the oil-rich city Kirkuk is an Iraqi city and that sectarian violence should not spread there. "It is highly important for everyone to live in peace in Kirkuk," he added.

Talks with Rice

Gul also met with the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday. Gul and Rice talked about possible cross-border operations as well as Iraq, the Armenian genocide claims, Iran, the Cyprus issue, and the European Union.

"Gul sought U.S. support in cracking down on the PKK terrorists," said one diplomatic source. "It's a major security concern for Turkey."

Turkey has been unhappy with the level of cooperation in rooting out militants from the PKK, holed up in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.

Ret. Gen. Joseph Ralston, a former NATO supreme allied commander, has been coordinating U.S. efforts for countering the PKK.

"Ralston is working to decrease those tensions on both sides of the border between the Iraqis and the Turkish," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters Monday.

"We are engaging in diplomacy so that you don't end up with an armed confrontation in northern Iraq. I don't think anybody really wants to see that."

'Resolution would be a blow'

The Bush administration is alarmed that the congressional resolution could disrupt efforts to repair strains stemming from perceptions in Ankara that regional instability caused by the U.S.-led war in Iraq have harmed Turkish interests.

Asked about the resolution introduced by U.S. lawmakers, Gul told reporters that the Bush administration would do what it takes on this matter.

State Department officials say the administration will work with members of Congress to head off the resolution.

"A congressional resolution would be a tremendous blow to our bilateral relationship," said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew J. Bryza. "We're working harder than usual."

But Bush will have to persuade the new Democratic-controlled congress, which does not need presidential approval for such a non-binding resolution. Members behind the resolution have said they expect a push by the administration and lobbyists working for the Turkish government to keep the resolution from a full vote by the House.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will decide whether to offer the resolution for a full vote if, as expected, it is approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed support.

[09] Egemen Bagis: Turkey needs no permission to launch military operation

Bagis, who received a group of university students at the Turkish Parliament, also rejected any discrimination between terrorists organizations.

"To the citizens of the Republic of Turkey, PKK is what al Qaeda or Zarqawi is to the Americans," Bagis said.

The only point Turkey and the USA could not agree on was the Iraq issue, Bagis acknowledged but he expressed hope for an improvement in this issue after Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's visit to Washington D.C.

Bagis noted his government was trying to avoid "steps" which did not yield concrete results in the fight against the terrorist organization in the past.

"We are trying to come up with solid solutions to this problem," he said.

[10] Turkish MPs are lobbying in the U.S. over Kirkuk. Efforts to manipulate developments in N. Iraq to Turkeys favour

Terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants are flowing into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, carrying identity cards of Massoud Barzani's Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Jalal Talabani's Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Justice and Development (AK) Party dissident Deputy Turhan Comez said yesterday.

While Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's visit to the U.S continues, AK Party Balikesir Deputy Comez and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Tokat Deputy Orhan Ziya Diren went there yesterday to hold a series of talks.

Comez, during their joint press conference, stated that the aim of their visit is to change U.S. public opinion about Iraq, Kirkuk and Turkoman people. "We will attend several conferences at universities and meet representatives of some non-governmental organizations. We will explain Turkey's stance and expectations about Iraq and Kirkuk"

Comez, claiming the presence of PKK militants in Kirkuk, said, "Turkomans whom I regularly communicate with are reporting that scores of PKK terrorists are coming from Mahmur and other camps into Kirkuk and are carrying IKDP and IPUK identity cards."

"The terrorists were armed with heavy weapons and planned provocative attacks in Kirkuk. He did not elaborate where or when the terrorists might stage these attacks."

He stressed that there are some claims that Iraqi Embassies in France and Sweden are allocating identity cards to PKK terrorists living in Europe. "If it is true, terrorists could easily go to Turkey and Iraq for attacks. This is a very dangerous situation," he adds.

He also added that they will carry out lobbying activities about the resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide, which will be debated by the U.S. House of Representatives in the coming weeks. "We will hold talks with leaders and representatives of Armenian society to this end," he added.

Situation in Kirkuk

Political tension is on the rise in the oil-rich northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, due to a scheduled referendum late this year on its future status. The city has an ethnically mixed population with Kurds, Turkomans and Arabs. Both Turkomans and Arabs have accused the Kurds of trying to make the city part of the Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Last week, Iraqi Turkoman leader Sadettin Ergec survived an assassination attempt in Kirkuk without injury.

Turkey is calling for a major delay on a constitutional referendum planned for Kirkuk's status later this year, saying that at a time when the Kurds have altered the city's demographic makeup by bringing in more than 100,000 of their kinsmen, holding a census could lead to regional conflict. But seeking to make Kirkuk the capital of their region, the Kurds are insisting that the referendum be held this year.

Ankara is also concerned that the referendum would bring Kirkuk under Kurdish rule, since hundreds of thousands of Kurds have moved to the city in the recent years in what Turkey sees as a systematic campaign to change the demographic structure of the city to guarantee a favorable outcome in the upcoming referendum. Kurdish rule over Kirkuk, which sits over 6 percent of the world's known oil reserves, would boost prospects for the Kurds to establish an independent state next to Turkey's southern borders.

The Iraqi Turkomans claim to historically hold the majority in the city.

[11] More controversy over the murder of Hrank Dink. Statements by the leader of the Workers´ Party

Pieces of evidence showing that last month's Hrant Dink assassination was committed by a gang within the police department led by a controversial Islamic sect leader are being revealed one by one, claimed Workers' Party (IP) leader Dogu Perincek yesterday.

Perincek made the claims during a press conference, in which the IP leader asserted that the assassination was committed by followers of Fethullah Gulen, the leader of a large Islamic order.

Perincek also claimed that informer Erhan Tuncel was part of a team directly organized by Ramazan Akyurek, the former Trabzon Police Department head who was removed from his post following the murder, and that Tuncel was protected by Akyurek.

Perincek asserted that the assassination was committed not only by Ogun Samast but other people on the street at the time, but that these people and what he described as an organized murder is being covered up by police chiefs who are following Fethullah Gulen's orders.

On the issue of the photo of Samast taken with police and Gendarmerie officers, Perincek said that the Fethullah Gulen "gang," in a plot against the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), had leaked "misinformation" that the photo, which he claimed was really taken at the Samsun Police Station, was taken by the Gendarmerie. "This organization has been revealed by signs behind the assassination of Dink and moves following the murder," said Perincek. "The gang of Fethullah Gulen was appointed to these posts by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally and they are directed by him as well. The link between Erdogan and the gang was provided by Prime Ministry Undersecretary Omer Dincer."

[12] Istanbul Police Intelligence Chief dismissed over Dink murder

Ahmet Ilhan Guler, Director of the Intelligence Department of the Istanbul Security Directorate, has been removed from his post. According to information obtained by AA reporter from the Interior Ministry officials, Ahmet Ilhan Guler has been removed from his post within the context of the investigation launched by civil service inspectors in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Hrant Dink.

EG/

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