Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-02-21

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] VATAN: Green Light from Tel Aviv to direct flights to the TRNC

[02] Talat to visit Brussels for the Direct Trade Regulation

[03] Soyer will visit Germany in the coming months

[04] The self-styled minister of finace stated that controls at border gates will be tightened

[05] A contagious virus in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] The self-styled assembly convened for an extraordinary session on the Cyprus problem

[07] Self-styled Foreign minister Turgay Avci is going to Ankara tomorrow

[08] State Minister Babacan hopeful on start of talks on four chapters by July

[09] Straw says the British Government will continue its efforts to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots

[10] Erdogan: Kirkuk Referendum must be delayed

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Serhat Incirli: Is it Israel´s plan or is it a conspiracy theory?

[12] Columnist in Today´s Zaman argues that Turkey´s moves in the Middle East can break the Cyprus - Lebanon energy axis

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] VATAN: Green Light from Tel Aviv to direct flights to the TRNC

During Olmert´s meeting with the Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and the Foreign Minister Gul, direct flights to the TRNC was on the agenda as well.

Erdogan and Gul raised this issue in the context of steps towards removing of isolations on the TRNC and, following this request, Olmert said that something could be done on this.

Pointing out the EL AL which was privatized recently (Olmert) said: You know we have recently privatized the EL-AL. They are a trading company now. You know we have opened up the path before the businessmen and we will continue to do so. We do not meddle in their affairs. We do not talk to them but you can go and talk to them. Olmert went on and added: Go and talk to them, we will not be in your way.

As for the TRNC´s request to open a trade or tourism office in Tel Aviv, Olmert said: I have received your request, I will look into it and I will reply as soon as possible. It became known that Mr Olmert will evaluate this request from the point of common undertakings that exist between Israel and the EU.

[02] Talat to visit Brussels for the Direct Trade Regulation

Mr Mehmet Ali Talat will go to Brussels next week for talks with EU officials. The President will explain the Turkish Cypriot Sides position on the Direct Trade Regulation during his contacts with EU officials.

He will also reiterate the Turkish Cypriot Sides readiness to work towards bringing about an immediate and just solution to the Cyprus problem under the aegis of the United Nations.

Speaking at his weekly press conference today, the Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica announced that the President will be leaving the TRNC next Tuesday, the 27th of February, for Brussels for a series of contacts with EU officials.

Mr Ercakica said that the President is due to start talks in the city on the 28th of February but added that his program will be set in the coming days.

He said that President Talat will convey the Turkish Cypriot Sides sensitivities on the Direct Trade Regulation as well as reaffirm the Turkish Cypriot Sides readiness to work under the auspices of the United Nations to bring about an immediate and just solution to the Cyprus problem.

Responding to a question on whether talks between the Presidential Undersecretary Rasit Pertev and Tasos Tzionis- an aid to the Leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration are continuing or not, Mr Ercakica explained that the UN Secretary Generals Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller was abroad and that the deadlock on the setting up of technical committees has not yet been breached.

But, the spokesman noted that it will not be right to say that the talks have been suspended due to these reasons, adding that progress was slow at the talks, which he said, will continue once Mr Moller returns to the island.

Asked to comment on a statement by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yorgos Lillikas that common interests of the two peoples of the island should be improved, the spokesman said `I should openly say that we fully agree with Mr Lillikas on this`.

But, he pointed to the difficulties being created by the Greek Cypriot Side to prevent Turkish Cypriots from taking part in all kinds of international organizations in the fields of sports, trade and tourism and said that Mr Lillikas statement is very interesting.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia (20.02.07) news agency reported the following on the same issue:

The presidential spokesman of the TRNC Hasan Ercakica announced that TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat would travel to Brussels to hold talks with officials regarding the "direct trade regulations" on EU agenda.

Ercakica stressed Talat would underline which principles the direct trade regulations should be based upon and communicate to the EU officials that the TRNC wanted an early and extensive solution to the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the UN and was ready to take action towards that end.

Ercakica in the weekly press briefing said despite the stagnant atmosphere in the process of solution to the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the UN, there were exciting developments in the international relations of the TRNC.

Ercakica noted these developments created good opportunities for them to promote (in the international arena) the righteous cause of the Turkish Cypriots and their wish for a just solution (that is acceptable for both sides) to be reached via bilateral talks.

Spokesman Ercakica stated TRNC was ready for measures to be taken to facilitate the lives of the people living in both sides until an extensive solution is reached, as was proposed by the UN in February 2006.

[03] Soyer will visit Germany in the coming months

Mr Soyer, who delivered a speech last night at the occupied village of Ayia as the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said also that in the near future there would be other important developments, by adding: Wait.

[04] The self-styled minister of finace stated that controls at border gates will be tightened

On the same issue Illegal BAYRAK television (21.02.07) broadcast the following from occupied Lefkosia:

Finance Minister says controls at border gates will be tightened within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.

The Minister of Finance Ahmet Uzun has announced that the TRNC government will be tightening its control on measures in force at border gates within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.

He said that the aim of the move was to protect the North Cyprus Economy from uncontrolled imports coming in from the South.

The Finance Minister said that the Turkish Cypriot Side remained committed to the Green Line Regulation but that it was putting an end to its tolerant stance on the one-sided trade that has been going on for the last 4 years.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Ahmet Uzun reminded that the Greek Cypriot Administration has been indiscriminately searching both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots crossing into the South.

He said that the TRNC government was forced to tighten controls at border gates between the two sides to prevent the one-sided trade from affecting negatively the North Cyprus economy.

Mr Uzun said that the TRNC remains committed to the Green Line Regulation which imposes a 350 Euros worth spending quota for individuals shopping on both sides of the island.

Stating that TRNC did not receive any tax, funds or VAT from any goods purchased in the South, Mr Uzun said that the aim of the measures was to create the necessary conditions making possible for Turkish Cypriot companies and enterprises to compete with the economy in the South.

Referring to the criticisms being made against the government for implementing a ban on meat and dairy imports from the South, Mr Uzun reminded that this was not a new practice.

[05] A contagious virus in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] The self-styled assembly convened for an extraordinary session on the Cyprus problem

The TRNC Parliament convened this morning for an extraordinary session on the Cyprus problem.

´President´ Mehmet Ali Talat also attended todays session during which MPs expressed their views on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

The session was originally scheduled to take place yesterday but was postponed for today due to the Presidents busy schedule.

Speaking to the press after the session, the ´President´ described the session as having passed fruitful and expressed his satisfaction with having received the positive energy and support he desired.

´President´ Mehmet Ali Talat had briefed the members of the parliament on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue at another extraordinary session held on the 12th of February.

[07] Self-styled Foreign minister Turgay Avci is going to Ankara tomorrow

Foreign Minister Turgay Avci will be leaving on an official visit to Ankara tomorrow to meet with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul.

The two foreign ministers are scheduled to come together at the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

As part of Foreign Ministers other contacts, Mr. Avci will also be meeting media representatives as well as appear as a guest on several televised programs.

Mr. Avci will be holding a press conference on Friday evaluating his contacts in the Turkish Capital before returning to the Republic on the same day.

[08] State Minister Babacan hopeful on start of talks on four chapters by July

Turkey hopes to open accession negotiations with the European Union on at least four chapters by July, State Minister Ali Babacan, who is also Turkey's chief negotiator for accession talks with the European Union, said yesterday.

"We are planning to open accession talks on at least four chapters if no unexpected development takes place," Babacan told a parliamentary session. He named the four chapters as enterprise and industrial policy, economic and monetary policy, statistics and financial control.

Citing Turkey's refusal to open its ports and airports to traffic from Greek Cyprus, the EU decided in December to suspend accession negotiations on eight of the 35 negotiating chapters. Talks on other chapters can be opened but not closed before the dispute over the ports is resolved.

Referring to troubles in Turkey's EU bid, Babacan said Turkey would not let its EU process be "hijacked" by those in the EU who oppose Turkish membership for political gain and urged patience in Turkey as Europe "is going through a complicated process."

"This is a transitory period. In the medium and long term, we will have a very different atmosphere," he said. "We have to abandon emotional approaches and maintain our membership process in a rational manner, keeping in mind that it was a hard-won right."

Ankara has so far completed talks only in one chapter, science and research.

[09] Straw says the British Government will continue its efforts to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots

The Leader of the British House of Commons Jack Straw has said that the British government will continue its efforts towards helping to end the international ´isolation´ on the Turkish Cypriot ´people´.

He said that the biggest disappointment he experienced during his term as Foreign Secretary was the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot Side.

In a speech to the British Parliament, Mr. Straw said his country shares the disappointment of the Turkish Cypriot ´People´ over the failure to lift its international ´isolations´ in spite of its approval of a UN peace plan during the 2004 referenda.

Reminding that the European Union had taken decisions to end the international ´isolation´ of the Turkish Cypriot ´people´ soon after the referenda in Cyprus, he said it wasnt possible to lift the ´isolation´ on North Cyprus but stated that the British Government will continue its efforts towards achieving this goal.

[10] Erdogan: Kirkuk Referendum must be delayed

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the message to Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi that the referendum on Kirkuk should be postponed to a later date.

Erdogan and al-Mahdi discussed recent developments in Iraq and joint fight against the terrorist organization PKK in their meeting held at the Prime Ministry building in Ankara.

During the meeting, Erdogan underlined the importance Turkey attaches to Iraq's security and stability, and said that Turkey supports Iraqi PM Nuri al-Maliki's plan aiming to ensure public order in Baghdad.

Erdogan emphasized that Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity should be preserved.

The normalization process, envisaged by the constitution, has not been achieved in Kirkuk yet, he stated. Therefore, Erdogan said, the referendum should be delayed.

On the other hand, al-Mahdi told Erdogan that Kirkuk is an important issue, and noted that efforts should be exerted to find a solution that satisfies all the parties.

Stating that some measures have been taken against the terrorist organization PKK, al-Mahdi said that they will not allow the terrorist organization to take shelter in Iraqi territories.

Al-Mahdi also said that it will take some time to fully ensure security and stability in Iraq, and described the security plan in practice as encouraging.

Noting that Iraq attaches importance to consultations with neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, al-Mahdi said that Turkey is a big friend of Iraq.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Serhat Incirli: Is it Israel´s plan or is it a conspiracy theory?

I found this allegation that ´it is Israel that did this plan in Cyprus´ interesting notes Incirli and says that The referenda in Cyprus were designed and held to provide political advantage to Turkey and to shut up the Greek Cypriots´ mouth.

Incirli then goes on and claims that once this political advantage was secured for Turkey, then the plundering of our occupied lands started. Do you know that Jewish or Israeli businessmen do not take risks?

Don´t you think that buying land in North Cyprus is a great risk?

Had it been a great risk would it be possible for big Jewish capital to flow to north Cyprus?

Israel had chosen Turkey as its supporter for its occupations and most probably arranged the referendum results as a favour.

I believe that this issue is a point that should be evaluated.

He then goes on and relates the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and United Forces (BG) to Israel. He says: I do not want to continue the conspiracy theory, however, I do see that behind the biggest deceit, which is the BG rendered to the honorable past of the CTP, is the Turkish-Israeli partnership.

The plan is a great one

Israel has drawn this plan very well.

I believe that we can change the result.

You think that I am crazy? If we Cypriots do not do something they will divide our island and the country.

What did you say, ´oil is not a coincidence?´

I do not know, I do not say anything.

[12] Columnist in Today´s Zaman argues that Turkey´s moves in the Middle East can break the Cyprus - Lebanon energy axis

In international relations, it is almost impossible to find the precise correlation between chances and necessities. For example, synchronized visits of the Turkish minister of foreign affairs and the Turkish chief of general staff to the US along with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmerts visit to Turkey must be a simple coincidence.

Another coincidence is the meeting between Olmert and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Israel just after these visits. We dont know exactly the substance of the talks but their similar content can be coincidental.

But the complementarity of these visits and their themes are a necessity rather than a chance. The main subject of the Turkish officials visits to the US was Iraq and northern Iraq. The two sides rhetoric is becoming similar and the mutual confidence is growing. The Turkish chief of general staff has said that the Turkish public should stop insulting the American commander in Iraq because of his role in the arrest of Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq in 2003, and he has affirmed that the US has now supportive attitudes on the PKK issue. The US helps Turkey by blocking European financial assistance towards the PKK and Turkey has decided to leave the resolution of the issue in northern Iraq to the Iraqis and Americans. The US administration has promised to do its best to prevent the recognition of the Armenian genocide by Congress, while Turkey is trying to cut international connections of radical Sunni groups. This groundwork is quite promising.

The talks with Israel are more covert but they have a similar agenda. The most important problem for Israel is the absence of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations because of the conflict between Fatah and Hamas. Mahmoud Abbas wants to negotiate with Israel, but Hamas doesnt agree, so they should be convinced. Israel, which has become an expert on construction business thanks to their experience with building walls and digging ditches, wants a Turkish contribution. Israel has tried to accelerate the realization of projects on oil, natural gas, electric and water transfer between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea which will serve not only Israel, but also Palestinians. Another important project is to create an Organized Industrial Zone in Turkey. These propositions are not only lucrative but they can also break the Cyprus-Lebanon energy axis. This can help to ease Palestinians distress and heal Israeli-Turkish relationship. In that case, Turkey should play a constructive role in establishing of equilibrium between Hamas and Fatah.

Meanwhile, as a great coincidence, Rice mediates negotiations between Israel and Abbas, seen as the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian Authority. But there are some incoherencies there. First of all, the main reason of the conflict between Hamas and Fatah is the latters proximity to the US. In other words, as much as Abbas approaches to the US, Hamas becomes more reticent about him. Maybe Turkeys role could prevent this reticence. Secondly, the US-Israel-Turkey triangle has a major problem. All three countries agree to reinforce their ties in order to stabilize the region, but their views on Iran differ. The US and Israel want to isolate Iran as much as possible but Turkeys decision is still unknown.

In this context, Prime Minister Erdoan s visit to Saudi Arabia must certainly be a coincidence.

EG/

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