Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-10-03

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Hasan Ercakica stated that the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus is legal

[02] Talat criticised President Papadopoulos speech at the UN General Assembly

[03] Eroglu: If I were in the place of Mr Ertugruloglu, I would have resigned from the post

[04] The 6th International Cyprus Research Congress will take place in occupied Cyprus

[05] The international Olive Festival is starting next Friday in occupied Keryneia

[06] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation stated that they approach with good intentions the meeting that will be held tomorrow between them and the Cyprus Football Association.

[07] Ahmet Yonluer became the chairman of the Movement for Politics for the People

[08] Statements by Gul before leaving for France to attend PACE meeting in Strasbourg

[09] Statements by Mr Rene van der Linden to Sabah newspaper on Cyprus

[10] Sometimes the US soldiers do stupid things

[11] Turkey to launch a new diplomatic Middle East campaign

[12] Kurdish politician responds to General Buyukanits statements

[13] Claudia Roth comments on General Buyukanits statements

[14] New group of European intellectuals created to defend Turkey in EU

[15] Air and Missile defence systems and helicopters to be purchased by Turkey. The Russian S-400 has reportedly divided the Tactical Airforce Command

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Hasan Ercakica stated that the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus is legal

Mr Ercakica also said the following: The comprehensive solution is not something to be afraid of. On the contrary, division, which is the scariest thing, will appear in front of us when the efforts for a comprehensive solution come to an end and the hopes will be eliminated. The antidote to the division is a just and comprehensive solution, he stated.

Mr Ercakica also said that the Turkish Cypriot side aims, with the application of the 8th of July decisions in an active form, at the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible, and for a solution to the Cyprus problem by the end of 2008.

(CS)

[02] Talat criticised President Papadopoulos speech at the UN General Assembly

Mr Talat said that this is what Mr Papadopoulos wants to achieve and added: Either he is concerned to say this, because he feels reluctant in front of his peoples reaction, or he thinks that the whole world is stupid, mentally retarded, he said. Mr Talat said that at least the Turkish Cypriots understand the attitude of the Greek Cypriot leadership and added that as Turkish side will continue the policy towards the solution of the Cyprus problem. As he said that is why they continue to do everything possible for this direction and added that they do not plan to abandon the people.

Mr Talat made these statements during a meeting he had with the chairman of the Public Servants Trade Union KAMU-SEN, Mehmet Ozkardas.

(CS)

[03] Eroglu: If I were in the place of Mr Ertugruloglu, I would have resigned from the post

Reporting on the same issue Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.10.07) writes that Mr Eroglu stated that if he was in the place of Mr Ertugruloglu, he would have resigned from his post.

In addition Kibrisli reports that Mr Tahsin Ertugruloglu went again to Ankara and had a private meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. The paper invoking Ankara backstage information, writes that Erdogan asked for this meeting in order to discuss with Mr Ertugruloglu the issue of the boycotting of the assemblys session in occupied Cyprus on behalf of the UBP.

The paper writes that the partys organs will be informed on the meeting and next week UBPs officials will again go to Ankara for contacts.

The paper notes that these visits of UBP to Ankara are evaluated by political backstage as follows: The Justice and Development Party (AKP) has put UBP under supervision.

(CS)

[04] The 6th International Cyprus Research Congress will take place in occupied Cyprus

(CS)

[05] The international Olive Festival is starting next Friday in occupied Keryneia

(CS)

[06] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation stated that they approach with good intentions the meeting that will be held tomorrow between them and the Cyprus Football Association.

Mr Okutan stated, inter alia, that their wish is for the football players, the referees and other persons who deal with sports to be able to play football with other clubs in the same green field and for foreign teams and athletes to participate in games organised in occupied Cyprus

(CS)

[07] Ahmet Yonluer became the chairman of the Movement for Politics for the People

In statements in the Turkish press Mr Yonluer said, inter alia, that he will work for the people in occupied Cyprus with the help of which he hopes that the political movement that his is leading will soon become a party.

(CS)

[08] Statements by Gul before leaving for France to attend PACE meeting in Strasbourg

President Abdullah Gul left for Strasbourg to attend the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) autumn meetings, on Tuesday.

State Minister Cemil Cicek as well as Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin accompanied Gul.

Holding a press conference prior to his departure at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Gul said that Republic of Turkey is one of the founder members of Council of Europe, which was set up in 1949.

He said that Turkey sincerely adopted the Council's fundamental values, which are democracy, supremacy of law and respect to human rights. Our adherence to the Council had important contributions to the settlement and development of democracy culture and principle of supremacy of law in Turkey, added Gul.

Noting that he will hold meetings with high-level officials of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Gul said, I will also meet representatives of Turkish associations this evening.

President Gul will address PACE General Assembly on Wednesday.

[09] Statements by Mr Rene van der Linden to Sabah newspaper on Cyprus

Q: The Cyprus problem is in a deadlock after the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan. Some European Parliamentarians say that the time for recognizing North Cyprus came?

A: No.

Q: Will the recognition of the TRNC not secure the unification of the island under the EU roof?

A: No. We must exert pressure on both the South and the North in order for them to find a mutual solution. I hope the EU will exert pressure on both sides for finding a mutual and final solution.

Q: Is the solution not difficult with Papadopoulos?

A: I have seen that politicians who come to the end of their political careers are pigeons of peace.

Q: It is difficult to persuade Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots on this!

A: Yes, but two persons are needed for tango. The North and the South!

Q: Has the North not proved that it is ready for tango by saying yes in the referendum?

A: I believe that it would be much more beneficial if the influence of the politicians was more than the influence of the army.

Q: Is there a need for Papadopoulos to remain outside the game, just like Denktas, for a solution (to be found)?

A: I cannot say who needs to be in the game. But, it is important who is powerful in the game. I think that sometimes the army which is behind the scenes is much more powerful than the politicians who are in font.

Q: If it were so, in any case the Turkish Cypriots would not be able to say yes to the Annan Plan!

A: They said and we appreciated it. For this, we invited two Turkish Cypriots to participate in the Assembly. I hope that they will say yes to every plan which provides for the unification of the island.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Sometimes the US soldiers do stupid things

(I/Ts.)

[11] Turkey to launch a new diplomatic Middle East campaign

Turkey will launch a new diplomatic Middle East campaign during Foreign Minister Ali Babacan's tour of Israel and Jordan this weekend.

The Middle East peace process and Iraq are on his agenda along with other regional issues. This trip by Foreign Minister Babacan is to show how Turkey pays great importance to its relations with our neighbours in the region, said a diplomat to the Turkish Daily News (TDN). Babacan is expected to visit eight countries this month, including Iraq.

Turkey will host an international summit on Iraq in Istanbul early November. Babacan will host this meeting and will express Turkey's expectations, diplomatic sources told the TDN.

The Istanbul meeting is seen one of the crucial gatherings for Iraq's stabilization and normalization. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hosyhar Zebari attached great importance to this meeting, and said, [...] it will be a meeting of concrete proposals and not of rhetoric, in an interview with the Associated Press last week.

For its part, Turkey also sees this meeting as a crucial tool for increasing its influence both regionally and in relation to Iraq, hoping to put an end to a long period of diplomacy that bore no fruit. Turkey's relations with Iraq have been on a bumpy road for a long time due to the status of oil-reach Kirkuk and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists, and relations have been particularly bumpy with Iraqi Kurdish groups.

We attach great importance to the Istanbul meeting. It is very clear that the stabilization of the region requires stability in Iraq. As a country in the region we want to make our contributions in the best way possible, a Turkish diplomat told the TDN.

Talks are still underway to determine Babacan's final program. But the trip is also expected to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt.

During his trip, the Middle East peace process also will be high on Babacan's agenda. The problems of the region cannot be seen separately. Therefore we want to be as contributive as possible, the diplomat said.

Subtitle: Peres and Abbas to visit Gul:

Meanwhile, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas are expected to visit Ankara mid-October accompanied by Tony Blair, the Middle East envoy working on behalf of the United States, Russia, the U.N. and the European Union. The three are to visit President Abdullah Gul and discuss his personal contribution to the Middle East Peace Process. A date has not been set yet, according to diplomats.

Turkey's contribution to the peace process, however, is not limitless. The US has not invited Turkey to a very important summit on the matter that will take place in November.

[12] Kurdish politician responds to General Buyukanits statements

The pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DPT) on Monday responded to a statement by Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit calling for legal measures to stop the DTP, which is represented in Parliament.

In a speech Monday morning at the Istanbul Military Academy, Gen. Buyukanit recalled statements from DTP members refusing to acknowledge publicly that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is a terrorist organization, saying: These statements are grave, and precautions should be taken against them. Hours later, the head of the DTPs parliamentary group, Ahmet Turk, responded in a speech at a parliamentary reception, claiming that his party was being made a target.

We are faced with a mentality that does not call the terrorist organization terrorist, that defines members of the terrorist organization as our brothers and that refers to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as separatists, asserted Buyukanit. A solution within the law absolutely has to be found, the military chief stressed, calling for legal action to be taken against the DTP.

In his reaction later that evening, Turk asserted: We are being turned into targets for thinking differently. We are the ones who make an effort to put an end to violence and clashes, but they are trying to make us seem like the ones responsible. We have turned into a party that is being made a target, as if we are the reason for all of this (separatist violence).

Both Turks later statement and Buyukanits earlier speech made their mark at the evening reception in Parliament yesterday. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared to disagree with the top general. He said he had not seen the complete text of the generals speech, but added: Those who are in Parliament have come here through a legal process. They come here by legal, not illegal, means. If there is any situation that is outside the law, then the judiciary will take the necessary action. Has the Supreme Election Board made any negative decision (about the DTPs participation in Parliament)? No.

In response to a question about what course of action his party would take in regard to possible moves to lift the legislative immunity of the DTP deputies, Erdogan said it did not make sense to announce a stance for a still-hypothetical situation. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli also responded to questions from the press concerning the statements made by the DTP, saying, These people (DTP members) do not know what they are saying, and accusing them of not having remained loyal to their parliamentary oaths.

[13] Claudia Roth comments on General Buyukanits statements

Claudia Roth, Co-chairperson of the German Alliance 90/Green Party and vice chairperson of the German-Turkish Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group, said Tuesday that terrorist organization PKK and Democratic Society Party (DTP) should not be put on the same par.

Roth held a press conference at the German Embassy in Ankara to assess her talks in Turkey.

Roth said she was pleased to see DTP in Turkish parliament, noting that it was a positive signal for Turkish politics.

I think DTP may play an important role in Turkish politics, she said.

About DTP parliamentarians' remarks that caused reaction in Turkey, Roth referred to Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit's speech he delivered at War Academies on Monday.

I see efforts to discharge democratically elected politicians from the parliament. I believe that bridges should be built in the society. Such expressions in the opening day of the parliament would not serve that goal, she said.

Buyukanit said in his speech that Turkey has faced with a mentality that does not call terrorists as terrorists, recognizes terrorists as brothers and sisters, and refers to the Turkish Armed Forces as 'separatist'.

Roth added that PKK should lay down arms as soon as possible and serve for peace.

Stating that Turkey must continue to carry on reforms within the framework of EU process, Roth said efforts for democratization should speed up.

Pointing out constitutional amendments, Roth said, all we know is that the constitution should be changed. Also, we strongly emphasize that article 301 of Turkish Penal Code should be abated.

[14] New group of European intellectuals created to defend Turkey in EU

A new group made up of influential European intellectuals is to act as ombudsman in Europe on behalf of Turkey and its EU membership bid.

The group, formed at the initiative of the Open Society Institute (OSI), includes London School of Economics Professor Mary Kaldor, former Portuguese President Mario Soares, daily Le Mondes foreign news editor Daniel Vernet, Open Democracy Web site editor Anthony Barnett, Europes World magazines Editor-in-Chief Giles Merritt, Oxford University Professor Kalypso Nicolaidis, Finland Scientific Academys former President Raimo Vayrynen, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers in Paris Professor Genevieve Schmeder, International Crisis Group analyst Hugh Pope and former Spanish Defense Minister Narcis Serra.

The group members will come together twice a year and share their views with the public and will warn the European Union not to diverge from its principles. The groups intellectuals will also make impartial evaluations on controversial issues such as conditional membership status and open-ended negotiations, read the statement issued by the OSIs Turkey branch.

The members of the group first met on March 8 and later on September 29, in London.

The OSI has also been the leader in forming the Independent Commission on Turkey to examine the challenges presented by Turkeys possible membership in the EU. Chaired by former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari and known as the wise men, the commission members report in 2004 had examined the arguments in favour and against Turkeys membership and came to the conclusion that Turkey is a European country and eligible for membership if it fulfils the necessary membership conditions.

[15] Air and Missile defence systems and helicopters to be purchased by Turkey. The Russian S-400 has reportedly divided the Tactical Airforce Command

Turkey's planned purchase of four long-range air and missile defence systems has reportedly divided the Tactical Air Force Command over the type of missiles to be purchased.

Though the preference of the new Air Force Commander Gen. Aydogan Babaoglu regarding the type of missile defence systems to be acquired is not yet clear, his senior commanders are said to have been divided over the selection of either Russian S-400 missiles or US Lockheed Martin and Raytheon-made Patriot missiles. Half of the Tactical Air Force Command's top commanders are said to favour the Russian missiles. Russia, which had previously decided not to participate in Turkey's long-range missile defence project after seeking to hold state to state negotiations as a sole participant, has also reportedly changed its mind.

Russia is expected to deliver a proposal for the tender before the end of this year, said Turkish defence industry sources. Russia initially believed that there had been a political decision in Turkey to buy US Patriots and thus it would be futile to compete in the tender. In the meantime, despite Russias initial intention of offering S-300 missiles in response to Turkeys tender, it is now highly likely that Moscow will now propose the latest version, the S-400, upon Turkeys insistence.

Turkey released a request for information (RfI) in March this year for the acquisition of four long-range air and missile defence systems -- Turkish Long Range Air and Missile Defence System (T-LORAMIDS) -- to meet the air force requirements. The project is estimated to cost around $1.2 billion. Turkey has long been planning to acquire long-range missiles to strengthen its capabilities to deter both ballistic and conventional missile threats.

Meanwhile, the Undersecretariat for the Defence Industry (SSM) is not expected to issue a request for proposal (RfP) in the missile acquisition project in order to allow US companies to compete. Unlike an RfI, which involves mainly information gathering on the systems to be offered, an RfP imposes some conditions that make it more difficult for the US to compete in Turkish military tenders, such as high-technology transfers that US laws do not permit.

But unlike the earlier practice, the SSM has reportedly eased contract terms and conditions to open the way for more US companies to bid in the Turkish military tenders, according to US sources. US Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are bidding in Turkeys long-range missile project with a combination of Patriot 2 and Patriot 3 missiles under foreign military sales conditions.

Turkeys main concern in buying Russian systems is Moscows negligence in supporting the systems it sells in the long term with logistics and maintenance, said local defence industry sources.

Subtitle: Gokturk satellite project:

In addition to Russia, the US as well as French and South Korean companies declined to bid in Turkeys 0.8-resolution reconnaissance and surveillance satellite system acquisition project, code-named Gokturk and opened for competition in late 2006.

The UK EADS-Astrium, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Germanys OHB-SYSTEM and Italys Telespazio companies responded to the RfPs released on July 14, 2006, by the SSM and terminated on December 18, 2006. The project is estimated to cost around $250 million.

Subtitle: Italian Agusta to challenge Sikorsky:

After lengthy negotiations, the SSM is now considering the purchase of about 70 US Sikorsky S 70, Black Hawk utility helicopters, including 15 for the Gendarmerie General Command. Sikorsky plans to produce S 70 Black Hawk helicopters in EU member Poland and will market its helicopters via Warsaw to other European nations.

Turkey would manufacture some unspecified parts of the Black Hawk helicopters. In addition, Sikorsky would offer technology transfers to boost the Turkish defence industrys infrastructure. However, Italian Agustas 149 multipurpose helicopter model is expected to remain in the competition to force Sikorsky to come up with more local content offer.

The SSM Executive Committee, the top decision making organ in defence procurement, is scheduled to meet sometime in November to decide on, among other things, a utility helicopter acquisition project.

ES/

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