Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-04-06

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat commented on his contacts in Sweden and France. He said that the Cyprus problem could and should be solved until the end of 2009

[02] Talat admits in statements to Yeni Duzen newspaper that at the Cyprus talks the Turkish Cypriot side wants more than the Annan Plan

[03] Avci discussed with Bagis the Cyprus problem in Ankara

[04] AKSAM paper publishes an estimation regarding the upcoming elections

[05] Eroglus UBP the first party with 43,2% according to a public opinion poll conducted by KADEM

[06] Resignations from the United Cyprus Party

[07] Members of the ORP and HIS resigned from their parties and joined UBP

[08] Soyer met with the British High Commissioner to Cyprus

[09] The applications for registering residences in the occupied areas have increased

[10] Solana: The right approach would be to get everybody together and work hard to make 2009 the year of solution

[11] A case filed by the occupation regime against the British Civil Aviation to be heard at the English High Court later this month

[12] Historic artifacts were found in the occupied areas of the Republic

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Sami Kohen argues that Turkey insists on using the NATO card against the Greek Cypriot Administration

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat commented on his contacts in Sweden and France. He said that the Cyprus problem could and should be solved until the end of 2009

President Mehmet Ali Talat has returned to the TRNC upon the completion of his contacts with some leading international figures in Sweden and France.

Mr Talat held meetings with the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt in Stockholm and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Paris to discuss the current situation in Cyprus.

Evaluating his contacts on his return at the Ercan [occupied Tymvou] Airport, the President said his contacts had been important in terms of directly presenting the Turkish Cypriot views over the negotiations process.

Reminding that Sweden prepares to take over the next EU term-presidency in June, Talat said he met with the Swedish Foreign Minister upon Bildts invitation.

`I explained the Swedish Foreign Minister the disappointment we have been feeling because of the ongoing international isolation- which the EU earlier promised to lift`, Talat said.

President Talat underlined the need for motivating the Greek Cypriot side for a solution as a unilateral member of the EU.

He told the Minister that the removal of international isolation and inspiring the Greek Cypriot side for a solution within the EU institutions are necessary for the Greek Cypriot motivation.

Reminding the Minister of the fact that the EU has earlier promised to adapt the solution of the Cyprus problem as to be agreed by the two sides, Talat said this promise carries great importance in terms of maintaining the legal envisagement and safety of the political agreement.

Then touching upon his meeting with Ban in Paris, Talat stated that he repeated the Turkish Cypriot demand for a more active role of the UN at negotiations. He said he had a very fruitful meeting with Mr Ban.

Later the President was asked to respond to a question on trusting the EU over its promise to adapt the solution to be reached in Cyprus. `In order to make the solution last, adaptation is essential. The EU has promised on this. If it fails to keep this promise, then the EU will be preventing the solution of the Cyprus problem with its own hands` Talat responded.

On statements by Talat in Istanbul regarding his contacts, Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.04.09) reported the following:

President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Saturday that the Cyprus issue could be and should be solved until the end of 2009.

Talat arrived in Istanbul from France, after completing his talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Commenting on his meeting with Bildt, Talat said he had quite fruitful talks with the Swedish foreign minister, during which he had the chance to explain TRNC's stance on the solution of Cyprus issue.

Talat also said that the latest situation in the Cyprus problem was discussed during his meeting with the UN head. "We have expressed during the meeting that we desired UN to play a more active role in the process," he said.

Upon a question on UN SG's reaction to such request, Talat said Ban Ki-moon listened to his remarks, rather than expressing his own opinion.

Commenting on whether the Cyprus issue could be solved this year, Talat said: "There is no reason for not concluding this matter. The Cyprus issue can and should be solved until the end of 2009".

After replying to questions, Talat and the accompanying delegation proceeded to TRNC. Upon his arrival at Ercan airport, Talat briefed the Turkish Cypriot press on his recent talks as well.

Talat said the European Union (EU) had made a promise to make the necessary "adaptation" regarding the solution to be found in Cyprus.

"If EU does not make such an adjustment, it will hamper the solution process with its own hands," Talat said.

Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.09) also reported the following from Paris:

President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) met with Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon in the French capital of Paris on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Talat said that he expected the UN to partake in the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus in a more active way.

Noting that it was not possible for the parties in Cyprus to reach an agreement on all matters, Talat said UN was the address for a solution.

Talat also said that the Greek Cypriot party's efforts to hamper Turkey's EU membership process would not yield to any results.

[02] Talat admits in statements to Yeni Duzen newspaper that at the Cyprus talks the Turkish Cypriot side wants more than the Annan Plan

In statements during an interview with Aysu Basri, Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots want to have a sound constituent state. He expressed the opinion that gathering the most of the powers in the central government will create a problem, because the Greek Cypriot side, which has more population, will be stronger. He said that they could not accept the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the presidential system, which is not discussed in the Annan Plan.

Mr Talat argued that the first round of the negotiations might be completed by the end of April or, the latest, in the beginning of May. Noting that the give and take procedure will then start, Mr Talat alleged that during this procedure the arbitration of the international community will definitely be needed. We definitely want the UN to get into action, he said and reiterated the view that the process should be speeded up.

Given that we will not be able to agree on every point, let us agree from now on the involvement of the UN. I am not talking about arbitration from now, but in the future even this will be needed, he alleged and argued that the international community should play a role in convincing the Greek Cypriot side on this issue.

The natural time limit is the end of this year. If there is no solution until then, a serious disappointment will be created, he noted.

Mr Talat alleged that the demand for Turkey to open its sea and airports to Cyprus has no relation with the Cyprus problem and argued that it is not possible for Turkey to open its ports before the solution. He claimed that such a development will not contribute to the Cyprus problem and added that to contrary, in case Turkey normalizes its relations with the Republic of Cyprus as it is expected from it, the Cyprus problem will end with the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the Island. Mr Talat described this demand of the EU as so unethical that it could not be considered and alleged that this situation will turn the Turkish Cypriots into a situation worse than being a minority.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Avci discussed with Bagis the Cyprus problem in Ankara

Deputy Prime Minister Foreign Minister Turgay Avci who flew to Ankara has met with the Turkish Minister of State and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis.

The two came together yesterday to evaluate the latest stage reached on the Cyprus issue and the developments that have taken place within the European Union. The meeting was held at the EU General Secretariat in Ankara.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Foreign Minister Turgay Avci said that without Turkeys support, Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus couldnt exists or be independent. Avci thanked Turkey for its unconditional support in all fields.

For his Party Turkish Minister of State Egemen Bagis said the Cyprus issue is a national issue for Turkey. Whether we are the government or the opposition the Cyprus issue is a national cause for everyone he added.

Noting that the Turkish government and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were working hand in hand for the Turkish Cypriot people, Mr. Bagis said the TRNC and Turkey were working in coordination for this to become realized.

[04] AKSAM paper publishes an estimation regarding the upcoming elections

(DPs)

[05] Eroglus UBP the first party with 43,2% according to a public opinion poll conducted by KADEM

The report is as follows:

Some 1,878 people were interviewed face to face... Some 1,878 people were interviewed face to face in five districts during the survey the KADEM [Cyprus Communal Research Center] carried out for Kibris from 20 to 29 March. A total of 646 homes were visited in Nicosia, 459 in Famagusta, 349 in Kyrenia, 240 in Guzelyurt [Morphou], and 185 in Iskele [Larnaka]. One member of the family was interviewed in each house. According to KADEM, the margin of error in the survey is 2.32 percent at the most.

The UBP [National Unity Party] controlled 43.2 percent of the votes in the KADEM survey in February. The strength of the party increased to 44.6 percent in March. The votes of the CTP-BG [Republican Turkish Party-United Forces] decreased from 28.2 percent in February to 27.4 percent in March. The Democratic Party [DP] was supported by the 12.2 percent of the votes in February. The party's strength slightly increased to 12.4 percent in March. The Communal Democracy Party [TDP] votes decreased from 8.2 percent to 7.4 percent and Freedom and Reform Party [ORP] votes decreased from 4.1 percent to 4.8 percent from February to March. The votes of the United Cyprus Party-Jasmine Movement [BKP-YH] increased from 2.4 to 2.5 percent and the Politics for People [HIS] Party votes increased of 0.8 percent to 09 percent in the same period.

The survey in February shows that 13.8 percent of the electorate would cast preference votes. The figure increased to 18.1 percent in March. The survey in March shows that the 13.4 percent undecided voters decreased to 12.9 percent.

According to the outcome of the research, the UBP will have 26 deputies elected to the Republican Assembly with the support of the 44.6 percent of the electorate. The CTP-BG will have 16 deputies elected with the support of the 27.4 percent of the electorate, the DP will have 6 deputies elected with the support of the 12.4 percent of the electorate, and the TDP will have 2 deputies elected with the support of the 7.4 percent of the electorate. The ORP, which will be supported by the 4.8 percent of the voters, BKP-YH, which will be supported by the 2.5 percent of the voters, and HIS, which will be supported by 0.9 percent of the voters, will not be able to surmount the election threshold.

Stamped and Preference Votes for Political Parties:

The UBP secured 35.8 percent of the votes that were stamped to support the political parties, 4.6 percent of the preference votes, and 4.2 percent of the undecided votes in March. The CTP-BG secured 18 percent of the votes that were stamped to support the political parties, 5.6 percent of the preference votes, and 3.8 percent of the undecided votes. The electorate's votes for the other political parties are as follows:

DP: Stamped votes 5.8 percent, preference votes 4.2 percent, and undecided votes 2.4 percent

TDP: Stamped votes 4.5 percent, preference votes 2 percent, and undecided votes 1 percent.

ORP: Stamped votes 2.3 percent, preference votes 1.3 percent, undecided votes 1.2 percent

BKP: Stamped votes 2 percent, preference voted 0.3 percent, undecided votes 0.3 percent.

HIS: Stamped votes 0.6 percent, preference votes 0.2 percent, undecided votes 01 percent.

Deputies To Be Elected in Districts:

According to the KADEM survey, the UBP will have 26 of its candidates elected -- eight from Nicosia, seven from Famagusta, five from Kyrenia, three from Guzelyurt, and three from Iskele.

The CTP-BG will have 16 of its candidates elected -- five from Nicosia, four from Famagusta, three from Kyrenia, two from Guzelyurt, and two from Iskele.

The DP will have six of its candidates elected -- two from Nicosia, one from Famagusta, one from Kyrenia, one from Guzelyurt, and one from Iskele.

The TDP will have two of its candidates elected -- one from Nicosia and one from Famagusta.

[06] Resignations from the United Cyprus Party

Meanwhile, on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (06.04.09) reports that these thirteen members of the BKP are of Kurdish origin and they resigned from the party due to pressures. The paper also reports that these BKP members have been receiving threats to resign from the party in order to wear out the Jasmine Movement. They have also received a lot of threats due to their participation in a protest in front of the Turkish embassy at the occupied part of Lefkosia. The leader of BKP, Mr Izzet Izcan, is expected to make a statement today regarding the resignations.

(DPs)

[07] Members of the ORP and HIS resigned from their parties and joined UBP

Meanwhile, a deputy candidate for the upcoming elections and member of the party council of the Politics for the People Movement (HIS), Mr Gulten Demircanli, resigned from the HIS and joined also the UBP.

(DPs)

[08] Soyer met with the British High Commissioner to Cyprus

According to the statement issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of the self-styled prime ministry, the meeting took place on Friday at the self-styled prime ministry at 11:30 am. Main issue was the Cyprus problem. The meeting was also attended by Mrs Yonca Senyigit, advisor to the so-called prime ministry.

(EA)

[09] The applications for registering residences in the occupied areas have increased

(DPs)

[10] Solana: The right approach would be to get everybody together and work hard to make 2009 the year of solution

Question: I remember very well that we quite frequently spoke with you about Cyprus in 2004 and 2005. You were very keen on finding a solution at the time. Unfortunately, it did not come about. The EU decided back in 2006 to look into the developments in 2009. Is 2009 a deadline on Cyprus?

Answer: It is a moment to look at how the situation has evolved. I would like to say that a new process has been put in place in 2008 led by the UN. In the last several days, the two sides have started to talk about issues related to the EU, which is, I think, very good news. You know how much I will like to see this historical crisis resolved. I did my best in all the positions I had in international and European politics to contribute to the solution.

Question: Some members want to see 2009 as a deadline. Is this interpretation correct?

Answer: I think it is an important date in which, without any doubt, an analysis has to be made about how much the process has moved. I hope we arrive to that date with the problem solved.

Question: If the talks between Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias do not go well, will you freeze another five or six chapters?

Answer: I think this is not the right approach. The right approach would be to get everybody together and work hard to make 2009 the year of solution. Then, all the questions you're putting to me now will be irrelevant.

Question: Don't you sometimes think that it would have been much better to admit a unified island rather than a divided one?

Answer: I don't think we will benefit a lot if we keep looking into the past. The situation right now is as it is. To speculate on how it could have been done does not lead anywhere but to certain melancholy. It is not a good exercise to look back and see what could have been done. The right approach would be to handle the present and future properly. The past, unfortunately, cannot be removed.

[11] A case filed by the occupation regime against the British Civil Aviation to be heard at the English High Court later this month

The Minister of Public Works and Communications Salih Usar has announced that a hearing at the English High Court into the case filed by Cyprus Turkish Airlines against the British Civil Aviation will be heard later this month.

Commenting on the issue to the BRT during a trip to Kayseri, Turkey, the Minister said that the efforts to establish direct flights to and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were continuing.

He said that, within that framework, a case filed by CTA against the British Civil Aviation authority will be heard at the English High Court later this month.

Reminding that the two leaders in Cyprus were currently conducting negotiations aimed at reaching a political settlement, Minister Usar said that once a solution is found, direct flights will start, resulting in a serious competitive environment.

[12] Historic artifacts were found in the occupied areas of the Republic

Three historical artifacts were found by the TRNC Police Directorates Narcotics and Trafficking prevention Department yesterday. The artifacts were found at the lowland between Sazlikoy [occupied Livadia] and Mehmetcik [occupied Galateia] villages.

The three artifacts comprise of a gold hand written book dating back to 1500-2000 years ago, a vow statue and a stone with a Jesus embossed design on it.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the artifacts.

Yesterday the Gazimagusa [occupied Famagusta] District Court ordered the 4 suspects to be held for a further three days pending a further investigation.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Sami Kohen argues that Turkey insists on using the NATO card against the Greek Cypriot Administration

During the Cold War Turkey and NATO had almost interlocked with ties that had been based on mutual interests.

From the standpoint of Turkey NATO had been an effective assurance against the Soviet threat that had targeted it. Thanks to this alliance, Turkey had not only found the possibility to become the biggest military force of the region, but it had also assumed an important political position in the Western world headed by the United States.

From the standpoint of NATO in turn Turkey had been the Atlantic community's outpost that obstructed the spreading of the Soviet Union in the region. Thanks to Turkey NATO had not merely ensured Europe's security, but it had also prevented the Soviet Union from becoming influential in Eastern Mediterranean.

Immediately after the Cold War and in the years after the disintegration of the Soviet Union the ties between Turkey and NATO had maintained their vitality with the new roles assumed by the alliance. Turkey had actively participated in the NATO's peacekeeping operations as well as its humanitarian missions in the Balkans, in Africa, and in Afghanistan.

Not like the old times

Currently NATO constitutes the spine of Turkey's ties with the West. We have to admit, however, that both Turkey and NATO have changed since the Cold War.

As we noted in our yesterday's article, NATO is obliged to redefine and to reorganize its goals, tasks, and commitments in line with the new conditions in the world. This is exactly what NATO is trying to do on its 60th anniversary.

Turkey has given a new direction to its foreign policy. NATO's importance and even priority do not change in this new approach. Nonetheless, it is clear that Ankara displays a stand that insistently protects its own interests and views with regard to certain issues that appear on the agenda of the alliance.

The most daily issue that appears on the agenda of the alliance is associated with the election of Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen as NATO secretary general. Everyone knows by now that Ankara is not fond of this name. The "warning" that Ankara has transmitted through various channels to NATO capitals is as follows: If Rasmussen who has brought about anger and hatred in the Islamic world due to the caricature crisis is brought to this office, this will not be good for NATO. NATO is assuming certain new missions that require good ties with the Islamic world. For example, how will Rasmussen be greeted in Afghanistan, how influential will he become?

Different Approaches

Another complication is associated with France's return to NATO's military wing. Turkey does not oppose this in principle. Nevertheless Turkey intends to use this opportunity that it has seized against France during the process of the implementation of the decision -- during the appointment of the command cadres. Certain arguments may erupt then. Similarly there are disputes between NATO and the EU regarding cooperation in the fields of security and defense. Turkey insists on using the "NATO card" against the Greek Cypriot Administration which has tried to obstruct Turkey's membership in the EU.

Similar to many NATO members Turkey is also unwilling to send combatant troops to Afghanistan -- which is one of the most debated issues in NATO currently. Ankara believes that it is sufficient to continue making important contributions in various fields, without being involved in the war.

In short, it is seen that from time to time Turkey's interests and views do not overlap with its NATO allies. However the aforementioned problems will not undermine the traditional ties between Turkey and NATO. The ties are still strong and essential on the 60th anniversary of NATO.

EG/

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