Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-08-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat replies to statements made by President Papoulias during his visit to Cyprus

[02] Turgay Avci replies to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs Erato Kozakou Markoullis

[03] Cetinkaya football club, in consultation with Talat, exerts efforts for the lifting of the embargo in the field of sports

[04] Rauf Denktas said in 1976 that the Greek Cypriot immovable properties in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus belong to those in the name of whose they are registered in the land and surveys department

[05] Messages issued to mark the 1st August ceremony in occupied Cyprus

[06] A person in whose possession an icon was found was arrested by the police

[07] Columnist in MILLIYET on the Russian Troika Dialog bank which operates in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[08] The Turkish Cypriot Youth Centre will be represented in three folklore dancing festivals abroad

[09] A bilingual map of Cyprus has been printed for the promotion of tourism in the occupied areas of the island

[10] The four expectations of the EU from Ankara

[11] Turkish Spokesman on the complaint against Austria, MoU with Iran and the initiatives with the Greek authorities in the Aegean Sea

[12] Erdogan to visit Britain and France

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[13] The Turkish Press on Buyukanits statement that he stands behind previous statements regarding the elections

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat replies to statements made by President Papoulias during his visit to Cyprus

Commenting on the statements made by the Greek President Karolos Papoulias who during his recent visit to Cyprus, said that our European partners will, sooner or later, have to be interested in the Cyprus problem and that Turkeys endeavour to join the EU is a turning point for the Greek side, Mr Talat claimed that Mr Papoulias revealed once more the policy of the Greek and Greek Cypriot side, who instead of finding a just and early solution to the Cyprus problem, they prefer extending the problem into the time and wait for pressure to be exerted by the EU on Turkey.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turgay Avci replies to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs Erato Kozakou Markoullis

It is obvious that we cannot expect a different and a constructive approach by Markoullis, who with the same unsound views was carrying on a policy of enmity against the Turks in the centres she served during the past years, claimed Mr Avci. He argued that Turkey is their only support for the lifting of the political and economic restrictions applied on the TRNC. He alleged that the Turkish occupation army is an indispensable element for the security of the Turkish Cypriots in front of the armaments of the Greek Cypriot side within the framework of the Military Doctrine with Greece.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cetinkaya football club, in consultation with Talat, exerts efforts for the lifting of the embargo in the field of sports

In statements during the meeting, the press representative of Cetinkaya, Basaran Duzgun said that during the past three months the club carried out very important work regarding the embargo in spots applied on the Turkish Cypriots and added that in August they will hold several contacts in places such as Britain and Switzerland.

Mr Duzgun thanked the state officials who support them in this struggle. In his statements, Mr Talat said he is happy because of the efforts of Cetinkaya on the issue of the embargo and noted that the administrators of the club always consult with him on this issue.

They have taken my views as well on the issue of the way to be followed in the contacts which will be carried out. I wish them success in this struggle and I thank them, he noted. The chairman of Cetinkaya, Zeki Ziya said that August will be a very important month for them and pointed out that he is hopeful that their contacts will be fruitful.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Rauf Denktas said in 1976 that the Greek Cypriot immovable properties in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus belong to those in the name of whose they are registered in the land and surveys department

In his letter Mr Denktas noted that the above-mentioned properties belonged to those in the name of whose they are registered in the land and surveys department and warned that no transactions should be made with documents except those belonging to the above-mentioned department. The paper notes that Mr Denktas pointed out that the reason for sending the letter was the fact that some persons were trying to present the Greek Cypriot properties as properties which had been sold to British citizens before the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Messages issued to mark the 1st August ceremony in occupied Cyprus

protects the country without giving any concessions. He alleged that the Greek Cypriots have not taken any lessons from history and that they are trying to realize the unification with Greece with political means today. Major Orsdemir noted that the GKK exists for the protection of the land of the TRNC, for maintaining the existence of the TRNC and for providing security to its citizens. The statements of the major are the main topic in GUNES and VATAN newspapers as well.

On the same issue, illegal BAYRAK television (01.08.07) broadcast the following:

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci has issued a message to mark the significance of the day.

In his message, Mr Avci said that the Turkish Cypriot People is determined to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in every field without forgetting the difficulties endured in the past.

Political parties, societies and organizations have also issued messages to mark the significance of the day.

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci in his message said that the anniversaries of three separate important events are once again being celebrated proudly.

He said that the Turkish Cypriot People is determined to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in every field without forgetting the difficulties and suffering endured in the past.

In its message, the Freedom and Reform Party stated that the Turkish Cypriot People had come a long way in its struggle for existence waged since 1571.

The National Unity Party, in its message, said that the Turkish identity which was brought to Cyprus in 1571 will never be wiped out despite all the ill intentions and efforts of the Greek Cypriot Side.

The Democrat Party in its message issued on the occasion, stated that a lasting peace on the island can only be reached if the existence and political equality of the two sides is accepted.

Messages issued by other societies and non-governmental organizations have stressed the importance of upholding and protecting the sovereignty and independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

[06] A person in whose possession an icon was found was arrested by the police

(I/Ts.)

[07] Columnist in MILLIYET on the Russian Troika Dialog bank which operates in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Mr Munir says, inter alia, the following:

I was surprised when I read that one of the four offices of the Russian Troika Dialog abroad, which together with its Kazakh partners tried to purchase Petkim, one of Turkeys eleven biggest companies, is in the (Greek Cypriot) Republic of Cyprus. Troika Dialog is one of Russias oldest and biggest investment banks. It possesses the majority of the shares of the partnership which made the highest bid during the auction for the privatization of Petkim, which took place some weeks ago. The other offshore offices of Troika are in New York and London, the biggest financial centres of the world, as well as in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, which is considered to be the back garden of Russia. But, Cyprus, what connection does it have? Look at what I found out when I was looking for the answer to this question:

Cyprus is one of the countries that make the most foreign investments in Russia. It was the third country in 2002 after Germany and the United States. However, those who made investments in Russia were not Greek Cypriots, but Russians hidden behind the subsidiary companies. Cyprus is one of the biggest centres for Russias money laundering. Not only Russians, but Slobodan Milosevic as well established thousands of subsidiaries offshore companies in Cyprus, taking measures against the embargo imposed on Yugoslavia before declaring war against Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s. According to the United Nations the war was financed with the money in those companies.

The chairman of Frances Committee for Preventing Money Laundering, Roger - Louis Cazalet in an article published recently in Financial Times accused Cyprus, which is a member-state of the EU, of not taking the necessary measures against money laundering. Cazalet said that by adopting the euro next year, Cyprus will become a paradise for the terrorists who want to transfer wealth in the European Union, the organized crime organizations and other people dealing with money laundering.

When I was conducting my research I did not find any evidence that Troika Dialog plays a role in these dirty affairs in Cyprus. However, it would be interesting to find out why it has established an office in a country where such dirty affairs take place, known as a centre of Russian money laundering and what businesses is this office doing. .

(I/Ts.)

[08] The Turkish Cypriot Youth Centre will be represented in three folklore dancing festivals abroad

(I/Ts.)

[09] A bilingual map of Cyprus has been printed for the promotion of tourism in the occupied areas of the island

(I/Ts.)

[10] The four expectations of the EU from Ankara

The EU expects the following from Ankara:

The amendment of article 301 of the new Penal Code. The EU demands the amendment of this article which limits the freedom of expression and thought.

The Vakif (religious foundations) Law: The religious foundation law is very important from the point of view of transferring the properties of the minorities to the foundations. The EU sees this law as lifting of the obstacle for the religious freedom of the minorities.

The Government Audit Department Law: With the amendment of this law military expenses will be under civilian control.

The Ombudsman: The EU expects the establishment of the Ombudsman system in Turkey.

(CS)

[11] Turkish Spokesman on the complaint against Austria, MoU with Iran and the initiatives with the Greek authorities in the Aegean Sea

Bilman said that the Austrian government has not yet given a satisfactory answer following Turkey's initiatives about the case.

Riza Altun, who is one of the leaders of the terrorist organization PKK in Europe, was detained on July 4th while entering Austria, but later released on July 13th by decision of a court. Altun was allowed to go to Iraq's Irbil city from Vienna.

Turkey harshly criticized Austria over the release of Altun, a PKK member wanted by the Interpol through a red notice.

Bilman reminded that Turkey lodged complaints against Austria at several international organizations, including the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Bilman added that they have officially requested the extradition of Altun from the Iraqi government but could not get an answer yet.

"The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Turkey and Iran in the area of energy last month does not contradict any UN resolution regarding Iran," Bilman said, on the other hand.

"Turkey will pursue its policies aiming to ship energy to international markets through various routes," he reaffirmed.

Meanwhile, Bilman said that Turkey launches the necessary initiatives with Greek authorities whenever violations occur in the Aegean Sea.

"There is difference of opinion between the two countries regarding violation in the Aegean, and these results from Greek interpretation of international law according to them," Bilman stated.

Turkey will launch the necessary initiatives in Greece after it studies the new Greek press law in detail, Bilman added.

[12] Erdogan to visit Britain and France

After forming the new cabinet, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom and France.

These visits show that Erdogan's new policy would be with a stress on foreign affairs.

The visit to United Kingdom will give the opportunity to the premier to have his first face to face meeting with his British counterpart Gordon Brown.

Following the visit to Great Britain Erdogan is to visit France, the country that openly opposes Turkey's membership to the European Union, and have a meeting with the French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] The Turkish Press on Buyukanits statement that he stands behind previous statements regarding the elections

In an editorial in Istanbul TURKISH DAILY NEWS, Yusuf Kanli attempts to place into context the affirmative response of the Chief of Staff to the question put to him by journalists on whether he still stands behind his statement regarding a president who upholds the principles of secular and democratic states. Kanli says that Buyukanit could not have answered the question in any other way.

Writing in Istanbul HURRIYET in his article, columnist Cuneyt Ulsever begins by advocating democracy "not only in words, but also in essence." Ulsever states that "whether we like it or not, we must all come to terms with the fact that the national will has granted the authority to elect the next president to the Justice and Development Party [AKP]." He also urges Buyukanit to recognize the fact that the "27 April memorandum" not only influenced the outcome of the elections, it actually assisted the AKP. Ulsever says that if Abdullah Gul is to become the next president, he would be embracing the whole of the country if his wife would don her headdress in the fashion of a "traditional headscarf" rather than an Islamic headdress.

Under the title "22 July supersedes 12 April," Cengiz Candar in a column in Istanbul REFERANS, writes that the outcome of the elections is a clear manifestation of the "people's will." Those who are unable to come to terms with this, he argues, are looking for crumbs to support their stand, as in the case of the recent remarks by the chief of staff. There is a non-statement by Buyukanit regarding the presidential elections, Candar says, adding that there was no other way Buyukanit could have answered the questions put to him. Moreover, Buyukanit cautiously expressed his personal view that the 27 April memorandum did not influence the elections, but "almost all parties and numerous commentators" beg to differ, he adds. Candar goes on: "The president will be elected by the current Turkish Grand National Assembly, which adequately represents Turkey and which was brought about as a result of the most recent choice of the people." The question of whether Abdullah Gul complies with Buyukanit's "12 April definition" is "inappropriate," Candar maintains, given that Gul is a person who has served as Turkey's prime minister as well as foreign minister. Candar states that the implication that Gul is not "secular in essence" is disrespect for the people, and no one has the right to put a lien on the parliament's authority to elect a president.

In an article entitled "It is a problem created by the journalists, not by the military", YENI SAFAK columnist Ali Bayramoglu focuses on comments made by Chief of the General Staff Yasar Buyukanit on 30 July about the military's approach to the presidential election in response to questions put by reporters whom Bayramoglu accuses of trying to provoke a new political crisis. Pointing out that the military's interventions in the political system in Turkey were legitimized by the media's encouraging efforts in the past, Bayramoglu says: "Journalists should not serve as a device causing crises. But, that is not the case in our country. Journalists are the real source of the problem."

In an article under the title: "His response referred to '12 April' although the question was about '27 April,'" VAKIT columnist Ihsan Karahasanoglu points out that General Buyukanit said that they were still holding the view about the president's qualifications that they had expressed on 12 April although a reporter had asked him whether or not the military was still sticking to opinions highlighted in a statement published in the website of the General Staff on 27 April. He comments: "The difference between the two dates referred to in the question and the response actually indicate that the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] changed its opinion again after 27 April. As far as I understand, the TSK sticks to its opinion expressed on 12 April rather than the one made public on 27 April." Karahasanoglu concludes by saying that the TSK could make mistakes like any other establishment, but it should ensure that such mistakes are not repeated and institutionalized.

In an article entitled "There was emphasis on 12 April rather than 27 April,", ZAMAN columnist Tamer Korkmaz also draws attention to General Buyukanit's last statement which, he says, included a very important detail overlooked by what he describes as the "pro-military" media. Pointing out that Buyukanit said that they were still holding the views expressed in their statement issued on 12 April without making any mention of the statement released on 27 April, Korkmaz says: "As I wrote several times in this column, the 'virtual statement' which unexpectedly appeared on the Internet at midnight on 27 April was not actually an ultimatum and it was not binding on the TSK."

Commenting on the same issue in his article entitled "What did Buyukanit mean?" ZAMAN columnist Mustafa Unal notes: "He has not made those comments in order to hinder Gul's candidacy or to prepare the ground for the candidacy of another person. Furthermore, Gul has not formally stated that he had announced his candidacy. He implied that he could be a candidate by taking account of the outcome of the general election and support expressed in pre-election rallies while Prime Minister Erdogan preferred to remain silent and it was a normal attitude. In addition, the process of electing the president has not started yet."

A report entitled "AKP unruffled by Buyukanit's comments" in TODAYS ZAMAN highlights AKP leadership's reactions to Buyukanit's comments and says that "they gave a measured response to remarks from the country's top general, in which he reiterated the military's wishes for the next president to uphold the country's secular values."

/ES

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