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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-04-14Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No. 69/09 14.04.09[A] NEWS ITEMS
[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis
[A] NEWS ITEMS[01] Talat stated that a serious give and take process in the negotiations will start in AugustAnkara Anatolia news agency (13.04.09) reports the following from occupied Famagusta:Turkish Cypriot president expressed hope Monday a peace plan would be voted in a double referendum by Greek and Turkish Cypriots in early 2010 to end the division of the eastern Mediterranean island. "There will be some serious give-and-take process in our talks starting in August and the Turkish Cypriot side is planning a referendum in early 2010 just before election campaigns begin for our presidential elections in April," Mehmet Ali Talat told a conference at a Turkish Cypriot university. Talat and the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias have been holding a series of negotiations since last September when they decided to resume peace talks. Talat said Christofias had been rejecting to set a specific time frame for course of the negotiations and for a possible referendum. "However, the level we have reached in the negotiations points to the opening of a new stage and a new course which also consists a referendum," Talat said. On the same issue illegal Bayrak television (13.04.09) broadcasts the following: President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that serious convergence has been achieved on many issues discussed as part of the full-fledged negotiations continuing between the two sides, but added that active contribution of the international community was needed on the issues on which differences still remained. President Talat delivered a speech at the Eastern Mediterranean University on the `Latest Developments concerning the Cyprus issue`. In his speech, Mr Talat said an important stage has been reached at the negotiations being conducted by the two sides since the 21st of March last year. Reminding that three chapters have been taken up since the launched of the full-fledged negotiations in September, he said important differences came out between the positions of the two sides during the discussions on the executive power, which was bought to the table under the topic Governance and Power Sharing. On the property issue, he said the sides reached agreement in principle on the topic and that the issues of property compensation, exchange and restitution were also discussed. The President explained that the Turkish Cypriot Side was in favor of the establishment of a new partnership, while the Greek Cypriot Side wanted to turn the `Republic of Cyprus` into a federal structure. Pointing out that the issue of economy would be brought to the table in the coming days, he said `territory, security and guarantees were to follow discussions on this topic. He stated that the objective of the Turkish Cypriot Side was to complete the discussion and review process as early as May. The President noted that the negotiation process was moving in a good direction, adding that the Turkish Cypriot Side has no intention, to leave the negotiation table. [02] The self-styled chief prosecutors office to appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Justice for the Ergenekon caseIllegal Bayrak television (13.04.09) broadcasts the following:Following Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyers filing a request with the Chief prosecutors office demanding an investigation into allegations of a link between the TRNC and the Ergenekon case in Turkey last week, the Chief Prosecutors office launched a new initiative today. Chief Prosecutors office decided to appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Justice for providing information and documents. The initiative to provide information and documents will be carried through the TRNC Ministry of Interior. Speaking to TAK News Agency the Chief Prosecutor Akan 0lgen said the
necessary initiatives have been launched in line with the legal
cooperation with Turkey after documents that have been sent by Prime
Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer on the 8th of April were examined.
Mr Bagis, who will illegally visit the occupied areas as guest of the
Cyprus Policies Centre, will deliver a speech on Thursday at the
illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) on Turkey during its EU
accession process. The paper reports that the date of Bagis arrival has
not yet become definite.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister Mr Bagis said that the Cyprus President
Demetris Christofias should be motivated and encouraged not only by
Turkey and Greece but from all the EU countries on the issue of the
solution. Mr Bagis, in a statement to a Turkish newspaper, said that
they have doubts on the issue of whether the Cyprus President Demetris
Christofias is motivated enough for reaching an agreement during the
ongoing negotiations. Noting that the South Cyprus, as he described the
Republic of Cyprus, is an EU member and that per capita income in the
government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus is much higher
than the income in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Bagis alleged:
Therefore, at this point it has not a lot of reasons for a solution of
the issue.
(DPs)
The leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), Mr Mehmet Cakici,
during his meeting yesterday with the Union of Subcontractors, said
that they are against any kind of illegal workers and businesses and
added that in case they come to power they will stop all these
immediately. Mr Cakici also added that they are determined to support
the small and medium-size enterprises against the unfair competition.
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (14.04.09) reports that the
leader of Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and so-called prime minister,
Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer, who visited yesterday the occupied villages of
Rizokarpaso, Ardana and Agios Andronikos, said that the works for the
opening of the faculty of the Istanbul Technical University at the
occupied villages of Rizokarpaso and Kokkina have been completed. Mr
Soyer also informed them about the investments that they are planning
to do in the occupied area of Karpasia.
The leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), Mr Dervis Eroglu, during
the UBP meeting held last night at occupied village of Trikomo, said
that those who lead all the sectors to bankruptcy will leave from power
and bright days will come. Mr Eroglu claimed that the CTP stole the
votes of the people with the support of the EU and the USA. He also
said: We are exerting efforts in order for our people to live in peace
and prosperity in the TRNC which we have established.
The leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) and so-called deputy
prime minister and foreign affairs minister, Mr Turgay Avci,
participated last night in the programme Free Area broadcast by the
Turkish Cypriot local channel ADA TV. Mr Avci criticized harshly the
leaders of the UBP and DP. He argued that they have done nothing for
the country for so many years for and added that they can do nothing
from now on as well. Mr Avci also argued that ORP will be in the
coalition government after the election.
Moreover, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (14.04.09) publishes a
commentary by its columnist Sami Kohen under the title The TRNC is at a
turnout. Sami Kohen reports in its commentary, inter alia, the
following:
The Cyprus problem was kept in the background among a series of
problems which dominate in the foreign policy of Turkey during the past
few weeks. However, now Cyprus or more correctly the future of the TRNC
came into prominence for two reasons.
One of these reasons is related with the general elections which will
be held here next Sunday and in respect of their results, it is
expected to lead the Turkish Cypriots to a turnout.
The other reason is the sensation created by the allegations regarding
the leg of the Ergenekon indictment in the TRNC, which has exploded
like a bomb in the middle of the election campaign. The elections in
the TRNC drew the attention this time because of the possibility of a
change in the government. The last independent public opinion polls
show that the opposition National Unity Party (UBP) of Dervis Eroglu
could receive 46% of the votes and the Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
of Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer around 25% of the votes. Of course,
the officials of these two main parties give different percentages in
their favor. The supporters of the CTP speak of a head to head race.
The supporters of the UBP claim that they will reach their goal of
50%+, which they have turned into a slogan.
Kohen goes on by analyzing the possibility of the UBP coming to power
and concludes as following: Of course the important thing is what kind
of changes will be made in the TRNC in case the UBP comes to power, as
the public opinion polls show, and especially in which way the solution
of the Cyprus problem will be affected by this. We shall discuss this
tomorrow. (DPs /AK)
(ML)
The seminar is being organized under the aegis of the OIC General
Secretary, Prof. Dr. Eklemeddin Ihsanoglu, and with the cooperation of
the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Islamic
Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(ICCI) and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training
Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
According to a statement released by the self-styled deputy prime
ministry and styled foreign ministry, Mr Ihsanoglu will not be able to
attend the seminar due to health problems. Ambassador Sukru Tufan,
Director General of the Cabinet and Advisor to the office of the
General Secretary of the OIC, and Ambassador Nabika Diallo, Assistant
Secretary to the OIC, will represent OICs General Secretary. Ministers
of Tourism and high ranking officials from twelve OIC countries and
experts from institutions related to the OIC and international and
regional organizations will participate in the seminar.
The seminar, which will begin on Thursday 16 of April, at 10 a.m., will
last for three days. The opening speeches will be delivered by the
self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister Turgay Avci, the
OIC Chief Advisor Sukru Tufan who will represent the General Secretary
of the OIC, the self-styled tourism minister Erdogan Sanlidag, the ICDT
Director General Allal Rachdi and the head of the self-styled religious
affairs minister Dr. Yusuf Suicmez.
(EA)
(I./Ts.)
Dozens of suspects were detained yesterday in police raids targeting
the Ergenekon terrorist organization, including three former and two
current university rectors and members of the Ataturkist Thought
Association (ADD), the Support for Modern Life Association (CYDD) and
the Modern Education Foundation (CEV).
At least 50 people were detained. The CYDD and ADD are remembered as
the organizers of massive protests against the ruling Justice and
Develop Party (AK Party), known as republican rallies, in the year
2007. Two other individuals, Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Istanbul
deputies Necla Arat and Nur Serter, who were not deputies at the time,
were also among the organizers. However, the prosecutors, who believe
Ergenekon was involved in the planning of the rallies, have not started
any legal action against the two deputies because they are protected by
parliamentary immunity. Analysts note that this link alone is enough to
explain why the CHP has insisted on defending Ergenekon suspects and
dismissed the investigation as groundless.
Bulent Orakoglu, former head of the National Police Departments
intelligence unit, said, There is also the Parliament leg of this
business, while remarking on the recent detentions. However, it
currently appears unlikely that deputies will be brought to trial.
The current detentions were based on evidence found inside the homes of
retired Gendarmerie Force General Commander Gen. ^ener Eruygur and
retired Gendarmerie Intelligence Command head Gen. Levent Ersoz. Both
retired generals were detained earlier in the investigation. Eruygur is
also the head of the ADD.
At least 14 members of the CYDD were detained yesterday. However, the
prosecution did not issue a detention warrant for CYDD President Turkan
Saylan, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Branches of
the association in the East and Southeast were under particular
scrutiny in yesterdays operations. The police have also closely
examined scholarships and educational funding provided by the CYDD to
individuals in these cities who are suspected of links to the terrorist
Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). There have been allegations that PKK
militants who were given scholarships by the association were being
used for various plots of the CYDD. Police searched the house of ADD
Deputy Chairman Mustafa Yurtkuran in Bursa. He is also the former
rector of Uluda University. The founding president of the ADD, Yekta
Gungor Ozden, who is also a former head of the Constitutional Court,
may be called to testify in the investigation, observers note.
Link between Manisal1 and Ersoz
Former Istanbul University Professor Erol Manisal1 s house was also
searched during yesterday s operations. Manisal1 is remembered for his
strong criticism of Turkey s European Union accession process.
Officials said a phone conversation between Manisal1 and Ergenekon
suspect Ersoz was recorded during the course of the investigation.
These conversations indicate that Manisal1 s relationship with Ersoz
and Eruygur, who are being accused of having devised two coup plans
while they were serving in the military, is much stronger than the
prosecution previously thought. These generals were also planning to
set up local television stations across the country, the evidence
indicates. Sources say the operation will soon extend to include some
executives from the Local Television Stations Union.
Instructors and former and current rectors of 19 May1s University,
Uludag University, 0nonu University, Harran University and Dicle
University were also detained in yesterday s operations .
a) 'Normalization' of the Relations with Armenia
In a commentary entitled "Genocide Discussion" in Milliyet, Taha Akyol
refers to President Obama's comments in Turkey that he will give
priority to the Turkish-Armenian relations when he writes that the
"genocide claim in the political and academic world is spreading! Obama
also believes in this, he is only not using this term now from
'political' reasons." Taha Akyol concludes his column by calling on
Turks and Armenians to show "mutual empathy" in order "to develop the
political and humane relations and move step by step toward a
solution."
In his commentary in Milliyet, Semih Idiz writes about the
normalization of relations with Armenia and PM Erdogan's recent
statements to the effect. Explaining that there are "serious issues"
between Turkey and Armenia, Idiz adds: "However, the silent contacts
conducted by the diplomats for a long time took up the manner in which
these issues can be surmounted. These efforts were conducted with the
understanding and along the lines of 'mutual interest.'" Noting that it
was evident that this would be a "difficult process" because of the
extreme nationalist elements in both sides, Idiz notes that Erdogan
"raised the bar" in the process under way with Armenia after Azerbaijan
President Aliyev "boycotted" the Alliance of Civilizations forum in
Istanbul and adds: "To put the brakes on the searches for normalization
with Armenia now will cause a headache for Erdogan and Turkey in their
relations with Europe and the United States and its consequences will
be felt very soon. Meanwhile, the Armenian Diaspora, who are not at all
happy with the positive process between Ankara and Yerevan, will have
regained an area for action." Idiz concludes by expressing belief that
"Erdogan and his staff" are definitely not happy with Aliyev's
intervention. Getting out from this quagmire depends on the diplomatic
dexterity of the government."
In a commentary entitled "Post-Obama Lassitude Is Very Dangerous" in
Sabah, Omer Taspinar stresses the importance of "extra efforts" both
the EU and Turkey should exert "in order to improve relations with the
EU." Noting that a "very difficult year awaits Turkey," Taspinar
continues by advising Turkey "not to relax" just because Obama paid a
visit to Turkey and not to have an "unexpected crisis with the United
States when things are bad with the EU." Explaining that Turkey will be
in a worse situation than the 1990s with regard to relations with the
United States and EU if a crisis erupts on April 24, Taspinar adds that
Turkey, unfortunately, has tied the normalization of its relations with
Armenia on the Karabakh issue and warns that "any delay in the
normalization process with Armenia" may end with a "surprise" that
President Obama can issue on April 24. Taspinar concludes: "At present,
the most positive thing we can do is to share the Armenian people's
deep pain and wait for the fruits of the reconciliation process between
Turkey and Armenia."
b) Ergenekon Investigation
In a commentary in Sabah, Umur Tali points out to a "strange situation"
emerging in the Ergenekon investigation in which all those who are
"supporters" of those who are described as "Ergenekon suspect,
detained, and defendant" are personally being followed and have files
opened against them. He adds that all around the world, such practice
is described as "threatening and blackmail."
c) Kurdish Problem
In an article entitled "A Few Words to the AKP Concerning the Kurdish
Issue", Yeni Safak columnist Hakan Albayrak links the rise in the
Democratic Society Party's popularity indicated by the results of the
29 March elections to the ruling AKP's criticism of "identity politics"
during the election run-up in southeastern provinces like Diyarbakir,
the "disappointment" it created in the region by rejecting calls for a
general amnesty for the PKK, and the impression among the people of the
southeast that the AKP is not ready to adopt a "totally new" stance on
the "Kurdish issue." Albayrak also asks the Erdogan government
acerbically when it will realize that the PKK is "one of Turkey's most
institutionalized social realities" and that no formulas determined
without factoring in "the PKK's social roots" can ever help establish
peace in this country.
d) Obamas visit to Turkey
In an article entitled "How Obama Crossed the Minefield", Zaman's
Washington correspondent Ali H. Aslan asserts that "looking at the big picture" following Obama's visit to Turkey, US observers are mostly satisfied both by the president's performance and the results of the visit despite lingering concern over the possib
ility that concrete steps toward a Turkish-Armenian rapprochement may fail to be taken before Obama's 24 April speech because of Azerbaijan's objections to Turkey opening its border with Armenia. Aslan claims that having already been a first-hand witness
to the occasionally "suffocating" character of Turkish diplomacy, as demonstrated in the "crisis" over Rasmussen's appointment as NATO secretary-general, Obama must have realized that it will take a lot of effort and skill on Washington's part to persuade
Ankara on a number of contentious issues. He also asserts that there is no dramatic difference between Obama's messages in Ankara and former US administration's policies toward Turkey before he proceeds to note "the huge difference in credibility between
Bush and Obama."
In an article entitled "Obama's Support for Democracy in Turkey Most
Welcome", Today's Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay lauds Barack Obama for
"forcefully conveying] the message [during his visit to Turkey] that
the enemies of democracy in Turkey, ranging from those who conspire to
overthrow the legitimate government to those who despise democratic
rule, will from now on find no sympathy in the White House."
In an article entitled "Obama's 'Soft Power' Illusion", Milli Gazete
columnist Abdullah Ozkan asserts that Obama's recent visit to Turkey
provided clear examples of how the new US administration is trying to
use "soft power" to achieve foreign policy objectives that the previous
administration failed to secure by relying on "hard power." He refers
to the visit as a successful exercise in public relations which has
created a widespread public "illusion" in Turkey by causing attention
to focus on Obama's remarks about the Turkish basketball players in the
United States rather than on the US demands from Turkey that Obama
voiced in Ankara.
/ES
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