Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-02-26

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul met with European MPs of Turkish origin

[02] Gul met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister in Islamabad

[03] Statements by Gul in Islamabad

[04] Opposition leader Baykal declares partition in Cyprus permanent

[05] Statements by Erdogan on his way to Saudi Arabia

[06] Soyer to visit Germany at the invitation of Jurgen Walter

[07] Statements by Soyer in occupied Kyrenia

[08] Soyer criticizes the Greek Cypriot political parties during a tour of occupied Famagusta

[09] Soyer said that the occupation regime looks like Malta

[10] Statements by Turgay Avci

[11] Turkish Cypriot businessman trading with the free areas is missing. Strong resembling businessman Guzelyurtlu, who also traded with the free areas

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul met with European MPs of Turkish origin

Gul hosted a working lunch on Saturday for 23 representatives from the European Parliament and the parliaments of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.

The meeting focused on these countries' approach towards Turkey's EU membership and problems of Turkish people living in these European countries.

"Turkey is your home of course. You are parliamentarians in Europe but have strong ties with Turkey. Although some of you were born in Europe, your homeland is Turkey. Therefore, you have responsibilities for these lands," Gul said at the meeting.

Noting that there is lack of information in Europe about some of Turkey's arguments, Gul said: "Your advocacy regarding Turkey's arguments is very important for us."

Emin Kir, a Belgian MP, made a speech on behalf of other parliamentarians and said he really has strong ties with Turkey.

Kir stated that they would have some contributions and advices to Gul.

[02] Gul met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister in Islamabad

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, who is currently in Pakistan for an international conference on Middle East, met Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Oil exploration deal between Egypt and Greek Cypriot administration was discussed at the meeting and parties decided to have delegational visits, said sources.

Sources said the matter was broached by Egyptians to explain the issue clearly to the Turkish side.

"We will not do anything that would harm Turkey's benefits," Aboul Gheit told the meeting.

After the meeting, Gul affirmed delegational visits between the two countries.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said the meetings among countries in the region on "exclusive economic zones" in Mediterranean do not seem to be possible because of the countries in dispute.

Gul and Aboul Gheit's meeting focused also on Iraq's neighbouring countries' meeting.

The two ministers expressed their consensus on the meeting to be held in Baghdad with the participation of high-level officials and a meeting at ministerial level in Cairo.

On the other hand, Secretary General Amr Moussa of Arab League invited Abdullah Gul to Arab League's meeting to be held in March."

[03] Statements by Gul in Islamabad

Gul who is in Pakistan to attend an international meeting on the Middle East answered questions on Sunday regarding the recent issues on the agenda on his way from Turkey to Islamabad.

"I hope Europe and NATO see how Greek Cypriots take steps in a time when there is a great need for cooperation and solidarity" said Gul.

Stressing that Greek Cypriots do not represent the whole island, Gul asked "If they represent the whole Cyprus why do not they have police or officers in Girne (occupied Kyrenia) or Karpaz? (occupied Karpass peninsula)"

"Greek Cypriot initiative to share the surroundings of an island which it does not totally represent is a great provocation. I am sure they (EU and NATO) are aware of it," Gul stated.

When reminded of interviews about the terrorist organization PKK that were broadcast in Denmark, Gul said they have taken steps regarding it. "We document these and we make our applications but we have other activities regarding these."

Regarding the committee that is expected to be sent to investigate the construction works around al-Haram al-Sharif, Gul said that this is not the issue of only Palestinians but all Muslims.

"Of course al-Haram al-Sharif is Palestinian land. There are old agreements in Jordan, there is a foundation there. Committees will come to Turkey from Jordan and Palestine. They will inform us regarding the issue. We will ask the essence of the issue to them and then act accordingly," he said.

Upon a question regarding the visit of European parliamentarians of Turkish descent, Gul said: "These Turkish citizens settled in Europe, they worked and became parliament members, ministers. This is the first time we remember them."

Gul said he reminded the guests that although they are German MPs, Belgian ministers or senators they have a debt to Turkish lands. Gul added: "They are already aware of this."

Gul said that he will be in central Anatolian city of Kayseri when Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands pays a visit to this city.

FM Gul added that such a visit would be beneficial in terms of showing that Turkey does not consist of only Ankara and Istanbul. "They will see how modern and developed the city is and how efficient its industry is and this would change the image of Turkey."

[04] Opposition leader Baykal declares partition in Cyprus permanent

"Tragedy in Iraq is Turkey's prior issue. Iraq has been split on ethnic and sectarian grounds. It should not be spread to here (Turkey)," Baykal said in an interview on private TV channel Kanal B.

He said intelligence reports showed that terrorist acts in Turkey were nourished from north of Iraq, and added: "So, what does it indicate? It indicates that formation in there becomes a mainstay that affects and directs activities aimed at dividing Turkey."

Noting that this situation is not a secret anymore, but is appeared in a challenging style, Baykal said the government in Turkey did not conceive this threat.

Upon a question on the Cyprus issue, Baykal said Cyprus has been divided when Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan.

"No more unity (in the island), some people do not understand it," he said.

Baykal also touched on Turkey's EU process and stated that nobody talks about Turkey's membership for 10-20 years period in the future.

"We should not fool ourselves. We have to make policies which assume Turkey would not join the EU. Why would I give Russia, China the cold shoulder, if you won't let me in?" he asked.

[05] Statements by Erdogan on his way to Saudi Arabia

Following are Mr Erdogans replies to questions:

Question: Is there a change in Iraq policy?

Answer: It is essential that we generate a new policy. A state like the state of the Republic of Turkey cannot have any problems such as being unable to speak with someone. But when it is said that we will meet, people think that Recep Tayyip Erdogan or [Foreign Minister] Abdullah Gul will meet with them. The representatives of the state will meet. Indeed, they are meeting, and have met in the past as well. When you talk, you get results.

Question: With what purpose will we meet; what are we expecting?

Answer: We are expecting a solution; for instance, on the issue of territorial integrity, we have to convince them. We have to convince them on the issue of political unity, and the question of the status of Kirkuk. Otherwise, an infrastructure of difficulties for the future of Iraq would be created. Moreover, it is wrong to say that Turkey has no right to speak regarding the future of Iraq. We have rights arising out of the treaties of 1926 and 1946. We want to bring a halt to the Sunni/Shi'ite conflict. With this goal in mind, we continue to meet with Iran and Syria; this now takes place via telephone, and by invitations.

Question: It is being suggested that there is a disharmony on Turkey's Iraq policy among the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Office of the Chief of the General Staff. Can we say that harmony was achieved today?

Answer: For one thing, it is not possible to accept that there has been disharmony. In addition, it is the government that will make the final decision. The MGK is a consultative body. It makes suggestions, and the Council of Ministers then decides.

Question: Is a suggestion going to come from this MGK?

Answer: Yes, there is a provision pertaining to terrorism.

Question: Are you getting news regarding the Armenian [genocide] resolution?

Answer: Yes, good reports are coming, but we will see. In the meantime, a great many visitors are coming. I showed [California Congresswoman] Jane Harman, who came from the United States, two [Ottoman Imperial] decrees that [Prime Ministry Adviser] Nabi (Avci) brought and I put up in my office at Dolmabahce. These decrees pertain to Armenian orphans in 1876, and to 1,000 liras in assistance, in the money of that time, to the Armenian hospital at Yedikule in 1916.

[06] Soyer to visit Germany at the invitation of Jurgen Walter

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer is due to pay an official visit to the German State of Hessen under the title of CTP leader and Prime Minister in May.

Mr Soyer was invited to Germany by deputy-Chairman of the SDP Parliamentary Group - MP with the Social Democrat Party from Hessen Jurgen Walter.

The Prime Minister said that he was pleased to accept the invitation and had informed Mr. Walter that he was looking forward to carry out the visit in the first week of May.

Earlier in the year, a delegation from the State of Hessens Social Democrat Grouping had visited the Republic as guest of the Republican Turkish Party and had expressed its desire to continue dialogue between the two parties.

The state of Hessen is one of Germany's primary commercial centers.

[07] Statements by Soyer in occupied Kyrenia

Stating that the Republican Turkish Party has always been a leading political party and vanguard in the Turkish Cypriot peoples struggle to achieve freedom and democracy, Mr. Soyer reiterated his partys determination in continuing its mission to achieve that goal.

Touching upon the economy in occupied Cyprus, Mr Soyer reminded that the gross national product of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (the subordinate to Ankara regime) has reached 2 billion Euros.

Referring to the recent visit to the island by the President of the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly Rene Van Der Linden, Mr. Soyer said that that PACE President had strongly criticized those who opposed a solution on both sides of the island.

He said that the statements Mr. Linden made during his meetings on both sides of the island gave important messages to the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Turkish Cypriot research organization KADEM which indicated that there was shift in the Turkish Cypriots´ outlook towards a solution, he strongly criticized the claims that the Turkish Cypriots had lost the political will they had demonstrated during the 2004 referendum towards a finding a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution.

He said that the political will displayed during the 2004 referendum was a bridge that united the Turkish Cypriot people with the rest of the international community.

Occupied Kyrenia CTP self-style MP Salih Izbul, the only candidate running, was re-elected as the head of the CTPs occupied Kyrenia District Branch.

[08] Soyer criticizes the Greek Cypriot political parties during a tour of occupied Famagusta

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has expressed his disappointment over the Greek Cypriot political parties negative reactions regarding Rene Van Der Lindens visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Implying the AKEL leadership, the Prime Minister said he had difficulty in understanding why those who refrained from working towards a solution were now trying to obstruct the Turkish Cypriot Side from holding contacts with the international community.

Mr. Soyers words came during a tour of the old walled city of Gazimagusa where he chatted with local shopkeepers and business owners.

Speaking to reporters after the city tour, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness in seeing that the public in general handled the difficulties and problems they faced with great maturity, tolerance and understanding.

Pointing to the fact that the North Cyprus economy has been growing over the past few years, Mr. Soyer said that the government was regularly taking new measures to overcome the difficulties faced by the public.

Answering a question regarding his forthcoming visit to Germany, Mr. Soyer said that such foreign visits were simple and routine events which only gained importance due to difficulties constantly created by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Commenting on the criticisms directed towards the President of the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly Rene Van Der Linden for visiting the TRNC, Mr. Soyer said he was greatly disappointed by statements issued by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot political parties.

Mr. Soyer said that he was especially disappointed with the negative reaction given by the AKEL Secretary General and Speaker of the Greek Cypriot House of Representatives Dimitris Christofias, a colleague and friend as he said, who was believed to support bi-communal dialogue and a comprehensive settlement on the island.

The Prime Minister said that the Greek Cypriot political Parties should stop wasting valuable time and effort into trying to prevent President Mehmet Ali Talat from holding contacts with foreign diplomats and dignitaries, and should rather try to encourage the Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopoulos to return to the negotiating table.

[09] Soyer said that the occupation regime looks like Malta

Noting that Maltas population is as much as the population of the occupied areas, Mr Soyer added that Maltas Gross Domestic product, which is an EU country, was 4 billion Euro for 2005, so the prime aim of the occupation regime is to reach Maltas level.

[10] Statements by Turgay Avci

He was speaking to foreign journalists yesterday at the end of his two day visit to Ankara before moving onto the Saudi City of Jeddah to attend the Jeddah Economic Forum.

Speaking with reporters, Mr Avci accused the Cyprus government of creating the oil crisis to sabotage efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem but said that the TRNC (subordinate to Ankara regime in occupied Cyprus) and Turkey were in support of a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Touching upon the EU Direct Trade Regulation, Mr. Avci repeated that the Turkish Cypriot Side can never accept exporting its goods through EU ports.

He warned that a negative result in the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation will further shake the Turkish Cypriot peoples confidence towards the European Union.

Also commenting on the opening of a new crossing point at Ledra street, Mr Avci said that the Greek Cypriot Side showed no tendency towards knocking down the sentry post erected during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Moreover, TURKISH DAILY NEWS newspaper (24.02.07) publishes statements by Mr Turgay Avci.

We have to explain ourselves to the world. The era of sitting back in offices in Nicosia and waiting for the world to come and learn what we are, what is our struggle, what are our problems, what is the Cyprus problem and why we say legally and morally the (Tassos) Papadopoulos government in southern Cyprus cannot represent the entire population of our island is over. We have to go to the world and explain all these. They may have difficulty in understanding at first, but we should continue these efforts with determination. We shall open up northern Cyprus to the world, Mr Avci said.

Avci was talking about proactive marketing to the world concerning the Turkish Cypriot struggle for equality and to claim back their share in the sovereignty of the island through a just and lasting resolution to the Cyprus problem.

For that, he said, besides consolidating the existing Turkish Cypriot trade and cultural offices abroad, contacts were continuing for the opening of new offices in many countries while a special emphasis is attached to activate for the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people the Turkish Cypriot Diaspora, particularly those living in Britain. Though there are no official figures on the amount of the first, second and third generation Turkish Cypriots living in Britain, it is estimated that the Turkish Cypriot population living there is more than the population back home in northern Cyprus. Some say there are 150,000 Turkish Cypriots in Britain, some say the number is well over 250,000. In any case, we have a sizeable population there who are active in local politics, successful in business and who still have strong individual relations with northern Cyprus. We have successful businessmen of Turkish Cypriot origin who are active in international markets. We have to utilize this opportunity for the sake of our people. For that reason last week I was in London to talk with our people there, listen to their demands and ask their support for our state.

He said the Turkish Cypriot administration was compelled to knock on the doors of all governments and explain the reality of Cyprus and that the Greek Cypriot-run government in southern Cyprus since the 1964 ouster of the Turkish Cypriots from joint administration by force is not the legal and moral government of the entire island. In addition Turkish Cypriots are entitled to have their own administration as long as the Greek Cypriot side continued to refuse in sharing the administration and sovereignty with their equal partners under founding agreements and the Cyprus Constitution.

As President Mehmet Ali Talat has been stressing, our state is far more legitimate than the Greek Cypriot state.

Subtitle: Turkish Cypriot economy expanding:

Over the past three years the Turkish Cypriot economy has expanded so rapidly that per capita income has exceeded $10,000 from around the $5,000 level, he said, stressing that while the northern Turkish Cypriot administration was resolute in seeking a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, it was obliged to successfully do its homework and work to narrow the economic disparity between the north and the Greek Cypriot south, where per capita income is almost $20,000.

Economy and trade, he said, is the key that could open the door to a settlement on Cyprus as well. There are new hotels and other tourism investments being built in cooperation with the French, British, the Israelis and others. An Israeli businessman is building a huge marina. We are expanding business collaboration in northern Cyprus with foreign companies; we are expanding our trade relations Money recognizes no borders. Through economy and business and through explaining ourselves vigorously to the international community we are consolidating our state and thus forcing Greek Cypriots to give up their chronic allergy of not sharing sovereignty with us.

Avci stressed that while Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot state was against continuation of the culture of confrontation and would avoid taking reciprocal actions against Greek Cypriot provocations, the latest tension over oil exploration rights in the Mediterranean was no joke as it demonstrated the adamant continuation of the Greek Cypriot policy of denial of the existence of the Turkish Cypriots, their rights as well as Turkey's rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

We want this problem eradicated without further tensions, he said but warned that if the Greek Cypriots insisted on their position, that would place Mediterranean peace and security in peril.

Was that a threat? Avci stressed that military option was not yet on the cards.

It appeared to us that there is indeed a mental change in northern Cyprus. However, is it sustainable particularly in view of the current parliamentary boycott of the two centre-right opposition parties?

Finally, illegal BAYRAK television (25.02.07) broadcast that Mr. Avci is in Jeddah to attend the 8th Jeddah Economic Forum which kicked off last night.

According to a statement issued by the self-styled Foreign Ministry, Mr Turgay Avci expressed the demand for co-operation between the two countries Chambers of Commerce and Industry and for the maintenance of contacts in order to promote TRNC products in Saudi Arabia as well as in other Islamic countries.

Speaking during his meeting with the President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bin Apdallah Kamel, Mr. Avci explained that his aim is to present the Organization of the Islamic Conference and its member states with some projects of the TRNC in the fields of economy, trade and education.

For his part, the Chambers President Seyh Saleeh Bin Apdallah Kamel said that the Chamber, under the guidance of the OIC, will do its best for the promotion of TRNC products, adding that the Chamber will also contribute to the projects presented by the TRNC.

Praising the works of the TRNC Foreign Ministry, Mr. Bin Apdallah Kamel said he will call on all Islamic countries and institutions to provide support to the Turkish Cypriot People.

Mr Avci then attended the meeting of Turkey-Saudi Arabia Businessmen Association during which Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also present.

This was followed by the meeting of the 8th Jeddah Economic Forum during which a speech was delivered by Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

[11] Turkish Cypriot businessman trading with the free areas is missing. Strong resembling businessman Guzelyurtlu, who also traded with the free areas

Ahmet Mesut Kafkas was driving a salon car with registration number EC 647.

Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (26.02.07) refers to the issue under the title It has become a mystery and writes that the person arrested regarding the disappearance of Kafkas is Osman Bayir, a 30-years-old man. The paper also writes that the car Kafkas was driving is a Toyota Corona with registration number EC 647.

The paper also reports on how the Greek Cypriot press has covered the event.

Under the title One person was arrested, Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (26.02.07) refers to the issue and writes that the so-called police in coordination with the police of the British military basis is continuing the search for the missing Ahmet Mesut Kafkas from Pergamos.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (26.02.07) refers to the arrest of the 30-years-old man O.E. under the title Important development on the missing Mesut Kafkas

(M/L)

EG/

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