Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-07-01

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica stated that the Turkish sides position for a timetable has been accepted by the international community

[02] BKP: The ECJs verdict on the Orams case was a necessity of the international law

[03] Columnist in Cyprus Today wonders why Greek Cypriots do not go to the Turkish military camps to claim their occupied properties

[04] Turkeys National Security Council stated that the solution in Cyprus should be a new partnership established by two founder states under equal status, within the framework of bizonality and political equality

[05] Matthew Bryza argues that Turkey supports a bizonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus

[06] Talat stated that the project aiming to bring water from Turkey will be beneficial once a solution is found to the Cyprus problem

[07] Six persons have tested positive for swine flu in occupied Cyprus

[08] Turkey opens taxation chapter. Statements by Bagis on Cyprus veto and Halki seminary school

[09] PM Erdogan addressed the Turkish nation: We cannot accept any other goal but full membership at any stage of the negotiations with the EU

[10] Top US general in Ankara for talks

[11] Turkeys term Presidency at UN Security Council has ended

[12] Navy Col. Dursun Cicek was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to discredit the government

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] A Columnist in Hurriyet assess Obamas new policy and his expectations from Turkey

[14] Sabah Athens correspondent: There are many countries within the EU that will give the green light for the Taiwan model

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica stated that the Turkish sides position for a timetable has been accepted by the international community

According to Kibrisli, Hasan Ercakica stated that the high level visits performed in Cyprus during last week need to be considered as an indication of the increased interest the international community shows in the Cyprus problem and expressed satisfaction that high ranking officials from the EU and the USA come to the island and listen to the views of the Turkish Cypriot side, and, therefore, the Turkish Cypriot side is given the opportunity of expressing from first hand its commitment to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Pointing to the agreement reached between the two leaders on the opening of occupied Limnitis crossing point which has created excitement and pleasure between the sides which desire for a solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr. Ercakica said that in this framework, the visits to Cyprus paid by the President of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Gunter Verheugen and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Matthew Bryza, were positively assessed.

Mr. Ercakica said further that the Turkish Cypriot side attaches great importance to another development: The fact that the representatives of the international community have started to utter more loudly that 2009 is the right time to bring a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem and that this is a stance which is often expressed not only by the US and the EU officials, but also by the officials of states which exhibit interest in the Cyprus problem.

This stance is an indication that in the international arena President Mehmet Ali Talats policy that it is possible for a solution agreement to be reached in 2009 and that the negotiation process could not continue forever because of natural timetables is accepted, Hasan Ercakica stated and continued as follows: We hope that those who do not want to see this reality and try to prolong the process, or to make the process unfruitful, will understand that the expectation of the international community is not in this direction and that the responsibility of the two sides in Cyprus is to reach to a fair and lasting solution the soonest.

(ML)

[02] BKP: The ECJs verdict on the Orams case was a necessity of the international law

Mr Zeki Besiktepeli, Foreign Relations Secretary of the BKP, issued a written statement yesterday noting that those who say that the verdict of the ECJ on the Orams case was political are not right and that this decision was a legal decision and a necessity of the international law.

Mr Besiktepeli argued that the statements made by the Turkish side, which argues that the ECJ took a side on the issue because its President was Greek and that the decision was political, show that they (the Turks) are unaware of how the ECJ functions and of the international law. He pointed out the following: It is not the President who takes the decisions of the ECJ. The decisions are taken unanimously by eleven judges. Moreover, the decisions are based on the grounds of the international law.

Mr Besiktepeli expressed the view that the protests of some NGOs and associations against the ECJs decision are efforts in vain and added: Those who bear the responsibility for the ECJs decision today, and protest should be directed against them, are the separatist mentality and leadership who, by rejecting the international law, distributed title deeds and passed the Housing, Landownership and Equivalent Property (ITEM) laws. The decision taken by the ECJ regarding the Orams case is the declaration of the bankruptcy of the property structure established in northern Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Columnist in Cyprus Today wonders why Greek Cypriots do not go to the Turkish military camps to claim their occupied properties

A new border crossing is to be opened at Yesilirmak [occupied Limnitis] in the far north-west. It will bring permanent land access to the historic Turkish Cypriot enclave of Erenkoy [occupied Kokkina] and allow locals to go south without the need to drive about two hours to Lefkosia.

Do I rejoice at this news? Well no, actually, because it will also make it easier for more Greek Cypriots to come to the North and start throwing their weight about.

We had a little taste of things to come in Lapta [occupied Lapithos] last week. My wife spotted a stranger wandering up and down the gecit, or little lane, which runs between our place and our neighbors. She asked if she could help him and was told he was looking for his land.

Oh, she said, and which bit is yours then? The stranger threw open his arms and declared: All of it!. He beetled off and a note was made of the registration number of his big blue BMW 4x4 (KUK 029-Lapta police, please note).

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we live in the same area as Linda and David Orams that encourages these try-on. Anyway, our belligerent visitor will have to get in the queue with the various other Greek Cypriots we have had making similar claims. Funny how we havent had too many of them walking up to Turkish army camps to reclaim ownership.

It has taken them a while to catch on, but now the Orthodox Church is getting in on the act. Metropolitan Bishop Iseas is the titular head of the area that covers St Barnabas Monastery near Salamis.

He has filed a lawsuit against Turkey at the European Court of Human Rights, claiming he has been deprived of his religious rights and expelled from his place of worship by force. His application has been accepted and is awaiting a date for hearing.

There can be no doubt at all about the outcome. Once again Turkey will be slammed, ordered to pay about a million euros and told that the Bishop must be allowed to return.

The Orthodox Church in Cyprus is a truly wicked organization which conspired with the Eoka terrorists who sought to wipe the Turkish Cypriots from the face of the earth. There will be no mention of this in Strasbourg.

I began to wonder; just how have the Greek Cypriots convinced themselves that they still own the whole of Cyprus? For one thing, their leaders have encouraged this myth for the past 35 years. Thousands still describe themselves as refugees, even though they live in comfort, many on Turkish Cypriot land. Then, theres the phenomenon of the virtual local councils which elect mayors and members, and meet regularly to decide on things over which they have no jurisdiction, like the street lighting in Gazi Magusa [occupied Famagusta].

Regular readers will know I call this the Back to Kyrenia syndrome, or in the case of Christofiass latest demands, back to Kyrenia, Guzelyurt [occupied Morfou] and the Karpaz [occupied Karpass peninsula].

The other reason is that we in the TRNC have allowed it to happen. In many ways it is astonishing that the Turkish side is always painted as the aggressor in Cyprus. To my mind they have been far too subservient.

Ankaras initiative in opening the border in 2004 wrong-footed the Greeks, its true, but look at what has happened since then.

It saddened me to see how swiftly the Greek menus went up in Girne [occupied Keryneia] harbor and elsewhere. Of course our hard-pressed traders needed the customers, but it was as if the events of the previous thirty-odd years had never happened.

Five years on and the Turkish Cypriots have become second-best once again. Trade is more or less one-way, with very little Turkish Cypriot produce deemed acceptable. The Souths taxis may cross carrying fare-paying passengers but ours may not go the other way. Most ludicrously of all, every day coach loads of tourists visit Girne and Bellapais, led by a Greek Cypriot guide pouring poison in their ears. Of course no Turkish Cypriot tour guide may operate in the South.

Why do we allow it? It only perpetuates the view that the Greek Cypriot Republic is a legitimate state while this is not.

Our new Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun says he is considering ways to prevent Greek Cypriots coming over here to make claims on land. Quite rightly, Mr Ozgurgun says they are trying to impose the laws of another state. Dont worry, minister, should Turkey and the TRNC ever join the EU, youll get used to that.

Instead of wasting precious parliamentary time, which ought to be used to deal with the countrys economic crisis, drawing up new legislation, may I offer a simple and far more effective solution: the Greek Cypriots have abused their right to visit North Cyprus, so lets put a stop to it. Shut the gates.

And before you throw your hands up in horror, ask yourselves honestly: Does a trip to IKEA mean that much to you? How often do you use Larnaca airport?

When it comes to the border, it is perhaps time for all of us to ask ourselves: Whose side are we on?

The choice of goods in the shops has increased immeasurably in the last five years, so shopping is hardly an issue any more. Anyway, what price freedom from harassment versus a pack of Camembert from Carrefour?

On the other front, I am quite prepared to put up with Cyprus Turkish Airlines, which can only improve with planned privatization.

The international community will cry foul, but so what? The Useless Nations and the Equally Useless (EU) will never support this side anyway.

No, it is time for a show of strength. Nothing would better demonstrate who is in control here. It is not the fantasists of Kyrenia Municipality.

AND another thing: I dont want to hear any more Zorba the Greek at social functions. Cant we get it into our heads that these people are no friends of ours?

The next time I hear some wretched bouzouki music and an invitation to do the syrtaki, I shall be tempted to throw my plate.

[04] Turkeys National Security Council stated that the solution in Cyprus should be a new partnership established by two founder states under equal status, within the framework of bizonality and political equality

The National Security Council (MGK) of Turkey expressed on Tuesday reactions to recent statements and reports. The council held its regular monthly meeting under the chairmanship of President Abdullah Gul in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The MGK meeting at the Presidential Palace lasted almost eight hours.

The MGK has expressed views and reactions to recent statements and remarks aiming to harm our state institutions, and reaffirmed that such acts will be no use to our country, a statement released at the end of the meeting said.

In the meeting, the MGK stressed that it will continue, with the confidence and support of our nation, its fight against every type of activity aiming to harm the integrity of our country and unity and tranquility of our nation, the statement said. Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug held a press conference on Friday regarding the alleged anti-government plot document published in the Taraf daily, following the decision of the Military Prosecutor's decision not to launch prosecution regarding allegations as it assessed that the document was not drafted at General Staff Headquarters, and such a document did not exist.He severely criticized news reports over an alleged anti-government plot document as part of a campaign to smear the armed forces. We believe that this piece of paper has been forged by certain circles to wear out and smear the Turkish Armed Forces, Gen. Basbug was quoted as saying. Gen. Basbug also said during the press conference that he and other commanders would carry the issue to the MGK meeting. Basbug met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday ahead of today's MGK meeting.

Prime Minister Erdogan, who announced that the investigation into allegations would be carried out by civilian prosecutors, said all state organs had full confidence in each other and were loyal to the constitutional regime and democracy. Also, the council discussed internal and external developments affecting Turkey's security. The MGK also said finding a fair and lasting solution to Cyprus problem was important for ensuring regional security, stability and welfare. Therefore, Turkey supports the comprehensive settlement negotiations carried out within the framework of the good will mission of United Nations Secretary General, and the constructive efforts of the Turkish Cypriots, the statement said.

The MGK statement also said that a settlement in Cyprus should be a new partnership established by two founder states under equal status and within the framework of political equality and bi-zonal structure.

The statement also said that the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance should be retained, and a settlement should be taken under legal guarantee.In its statement, the MGK called on all concerned parties to refrain from stances that could harm the process, and to support the United Nations process and parameters.Also, the MGK said it discussed recent developments in Turkish-Iraqi relations including fight against terrorism.

[05] Matthew Bryza argues that Turkey supports a bizonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus

The US-deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza says he is hopeful for a solution in Cyprus by the end of 2009.He has yet expressed a cautious optimism towards a settlement by the end of this year, as he said the most difficult issues concerning the nature of the Cyprus problem will again be tackled at the end of the process.

Avoiding to give a certain deadline for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Bryza said the solution process cannot go forever.

The US-deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza held a press conference in the buffer zone today, to evaluate contacts he held both in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus and the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Matthew Bryza was received by the TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias as part of his contacts in Cyprus.

Bryza appreciated the two leaders joint willingness for a solution to the Cyprus problem and said both sides have been trying to understand each others perspective as part of heavy peaceful efforts. He said there has been a very dynamic negotiations process going on in Cyprus within the presence of a positive energy.

Offering his countrys support to the two parties in Cyprus in their efforts to reach a political settlement on their own, Bryza pointed out that current negotiations have a unique nature as this time the two sides are negotiating on a basis of ideas they designed themselves, without outside assistance.

There are serious differences of philosophical nature on some issues between the two parties such as the political justice and security, but I have been told that they can bridge the gaps, Bryza said.

Referring to the process of opening the Yesilirmak [occupied Limnitis] crossing point, he said the opening of the gate is not only a good development in terms of confidence-building measures but also a significant factor to accelerate efforts towards finding a solution. He noted that the US is ready to provide financial assistance for infrastructure works in the area.

Expressing support to the peaceful efforts of the United Nations into the Cyprus solution process, Matthew Bryza reiterated the Washingtons desire towards the establishment of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation to reunify Cyprus. We want all people of Cyprus to feel the sense of justice and human rights within a federal state he stressed.

We want the two sides to come up with a balance between the political minority and political majority where rights of both sides will be respected, Bryza added. Deputy Assistant Secretary said establishing such a balance is not impossible.

Responding to a question on Turkeys role in Cyprus, Mr Bryza emphasized that Turkey encourages a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on the island.

For another question on the Greek Cypriot Administrations oil exploration, which received the Turkish sides widespread reaction, Bryza said this issue is a commercial and legal one and expressed the hope that it will not have an impact on the negotiations.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (01.07.09) reports on statements made by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Matthew Bryza, during a press conference held yesterday at the Fullbright centre in Cyprus. As the paper writes in its front page, Mr. Bryzas reply that Turkey is a super power and therefore, the United States can not exert pressure on it, has caused a shock to the Greek Cypriots who wish for pressure to be put on Turkey.

(ML)

[06] Talat stated that the project aiming to bring water from Turkey will be beneficial once a solution is found to the Cyprus problem

A two-day water summit organized by the Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) funded by USAID has ended. The Water Summit focused on Critical Resources, Critical Questions: Focusing on Demand Management to Address Supply Constraints.

Todays session featured presentations and two panel discussions on developing and managing water resources. The summit started yesterday with opening speeches by President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat, US Ambassador Frank Urbancic and SAVE Project Manager Barbara Rossmiller.

The first to speak was Ms Rossmiller who said that existing ground water supplies continue to shrink while the demand for water supplies continues to grow. She said the key to solve this problem is to find a way to reduce the demand for water to match the existing sustainable supply.

US Ambassador Urbancic took to the stage next and said that the water summit was carried out with Turkish Cypriots for Turkish Cypriots, with the hope that they will find better ways to manage water supplies.

President Talat, for his part, stressed the importance of water for the island and underlined the need to conserve the water supply on the island.

He said there was a price to pay for the natural resources that were being used and this was reflected in the damage that it was doing to the land.The President said that everyone must be made aware that they will be paying the price for their water usages in the future.

Referring to the project aiming to bring water from Turkey, the President said that the project would be beneficial to all on the island once a solution is found to the Cyprus problem.

But, he noted that the most important thing is to use water resources carefully.

The last day of the Water Summit featured working group sessions and two panel discussions; `Water on the people` and `Water for the land`. Through expert panel discussions and interactive working groups, a series of immediate commitments, short- and medium-term recommendations, and potential policy reforms were developed. Closing speeches were made by TRNC Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Nazim Cavusoglu and SAVE Project Manager Barbara Rossmiller. The summit ended with a closing reception.

[07] Six persons have tested positive for swine flu in occupied Cyprus

(ML)

[08] Turkey opens taxation chapter. Statements by Bagis on Cyprus veto and Halki seminary school

The total number of chapters opened to negotiation in Turkey's EU adhesion process rose up to 11 with the opening of a policy chapter on taxation on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference following an intergovernmental conference held in the Belgian capital of Brussels, Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Egemen Bagis said that Turkey was determined to play its game according to the rules.

Bagis said Turkey expected EU not to hinder the chapters that are ready to be opened technically and to finalize the reports of the previously opened chapters as soon as possible. Turkey's EU adhesion process can only achieve its goals if both parties stick to their liabilities, Bagis said. Bagis also thanked EU's term president Czech Republic and the European Commission for the efforts they displayed for the opening of the chapter on taxation. He said Turkey would like to open as many chapters as it can during Sweden's upcoming rotating presidency.

Criticizing the Greek Cypriot veto against the opening of the energy chapter, Bagis said Greek Cypriots risked the energy needs of 490 million Europeans by hampering such chapter.

Commenting on the reopening of Heybeliada Seminary as well, Bagis said that such issue was assessed within the context of meeting the needs of the Greek Orthodox community who are equal citizens.

Upon a question on a recently adopted amendment paving the way for the trial of army members by civilian courts, Michael Leigh, European Commission's Director General for Enlargement, said that providing a civilian control over the army was a key priority for Turkey.

Speaking at the conference, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kohout said that his country was quite happy with the opening of the chapter on taxation on the last day of its term presidency.

As part of its EU negotiation process, Turkey has so far opened chapters on free movement of capital, company law, intellectual property law, information society and media, enterprise and industry policy, trans-European networks, consumer and health protection, statistics, financial control, and science and research.The taxation chapter opened today is the eleventh of a total of 33 chapters.Direct and indirect taxes in Turkey will be compatible with the acquis thanks to the chapter on taxation. Turkey is expected to attract more direct foreign investments after reaching EU standards in taxation, officials said.

[09] PM Erdogan addressed the Turkish nation: We cannot accept any other goal but full membership at any stage of the negotiations with the EU

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey's expectation at the end of European Union (EU) entry negotiations is "full membership" and "accession".

In an address to the Turkish nation on TV channels, Erdogan said that Turkey is determined to go after changes not only in the economy but in all fields. One of our goals that carries high importance is full membership in the EU, Erdogan said. We can not accept any other goal but full membership at any stage of negotiations with the EU, Erdogan said. We are saddened by the fact that certain European politicians use Turkey's EU membership issue in their domestic politics and this issue is exploited, Erdogan said. Such politicians unfortunately hurt the relations between our countries, Erdogan stressed.

Turkey's direction is clear. EU membership is only a tool. The real goal is to carry Turkey to further points of contemporary civilization, Erdogan said. We will solve our problems in democracy and complete the process of change, Erdogan said. Our struggle will continue until our humans reach comfort and faces smile, Erdogan said.

Some of the most respectable global authorities refer to Turkey as the country that will come out of the global economic crisis most rapidly. We share the same notions. I would like to give this good news to you, Erdogan said. Turkey has gone over the difficulties and we have seen the light at the end of the tunnel, Erdogan said. We believe that all of our economic precautions will reach the goal and we will begin to feel the results of economic revival in the shortest time possible, Erdogan said. What we have to do here is to preserve Turkey's stability and use energy without paying attention to disaster scenarios, Erdogan said.All economic indicators show that the global economic crisis is slowly ending. This is a pleasing development, Erdogan also said.

[10] Top US general in Ankara for talks

Gen. David Petraeus, the head of United States Central Command, arrived Tuesday in Ankara to meet Turkish officials on the eve of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from neighboring Iraq. The U.S. ambassador to Turkey, however, said the visit is not related to the pullout in Iraq.

Turkey has said it could possibly agree to the use of Turkish soil for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from neighboring Iraq. Turkey, a NATO member, is also a key U.S. ally in Afghanistan.

Petraeus, who oversees American war efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, will hold talks with Turkish officials on Wednesday, reported Anatolian news agency, citing the U.S. Embassy.

In the meantime, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey said Petraeus's visit was not related with the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, the Anatolian Agency reported. Jeffrey told at a meeting in the Aegean province of Izmir that no concrete plans were yet in place for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and added there have been no talks between the United States and Turkey regarding this.

He said Petraeus's area of command covered the Middle East and Central Asia, which Turkey showed close interest in. Jeffrey acknowledged that the U.S. worked together with Turkey against the terrorist organization PKK, and in Afghanistan, adding that his visit was mainly concerning these topics. American troops finally withdrew from Iraqi towns and cities in a milestone for the country's recovery six years after the U.S.-led invasion to hand over to Iraqi security forces.

[11] Turkeys term Presidency at UN Security Council has ended

Turkey's one month long term presidency at the United Nations Security Council will end on Tuesday. Turkey's Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Baki Ilkin, will preside over the meeting of the Security Council for the last time today. As a temporary member of the UN Security Council in 2009-2010, Turkey is expected to become a term president for one month again next year.

During Tuesday's meeting, the situation in Afghanistan and UN's Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will be discussed at the Security Council. Ambassador Ilkin will host a reception to mark the end of Turkey's term presidency on Tuesday at the Turkish House in New York. Ilkin will retire in July, 2009.

[12] Navy Col. Dursun Cicek was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to discredit the government

Turkish daily Taraf earlier last month published a document allegedly drafted by Cicek that contained a plan to fight fundamentalism and religious movements in the country. The document was aimed particularly at the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, and the Gulen movement, which are accused of trying to undermine Turkeys secular order and establish an Islamic state.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] A Columnist in Hurriyet assess Obamas new policy and his expectations from Turkey

Obama is leaving the Greater Middle Eastern project behind; the term moderate Islam is falling into disuse. Obama now needs an ally that will protect northern Iraq against other elements in Iraq if necessary and will assist U.S. troops in leaving Iraq. A possible ally is the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK)! If the TSK and the Turkish government work together in peace, the U.S. will be delighted.

As columnists, especially pro-government or Islamist colleagues, were getting caught up by Obama-mania, I was writing, "Only the waiter changed, not the kitchen." But, I added, The way he serves makes a difference, though. Here is the difference: the difference that the new waiter has made without changing anything in the kitchen!

Obama wants to withdraw U.S. troops from the region by turning Iraq over to safe hands and not jeopardizing its hegemony over Iraqi oil and natural gas that they confiscated in a difficult and nonsensical war.

In the meantime, we experience "coup-mania" in Turkey in a period where we have never been so close to a zero coup possibility!

After April 27, when I said, "This is a coup," during an NTV program, columnists excitedly refused the term and said "[Chief of General Staff] Buyukan1t doesn t even know this." Now, the coup possibility is so far away that these same columnists are now bullying the present Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug!Since he is not afraid, there is no coup possibility in the air! What is happening, then? The United States is having a different ally in Turkey!

1) Obama is leaving the Greater Middle Eastern project behind; therefore, the term "Moderate Islam" is falling into disuse.

2) Therefore, the new U.S. administration does not need the Fethullah Gulen movement anymore. Even more so, it is a necessity to approach the Turkish Armed Forces, or TSK, as a possible new ally and to alienate the Gulen movement!3) In fact, the Gulen movement, despite all its efforts in 2003 to 2009, has already shown that it has no influence over Kurds in southeastern Turkey and in northern Iraq. The results of the March 29 local polls are self-evident.

Obama, in the new period, needs an ally that will protect northern Iraq against other elements in Iraq if necessary and will assist U.S. troops in leaving Iraq. A possible ally is the TSK! If the TSK and the Turkish government work together in peace, the United States will be delighted. In fact, didnt President Gul announce, "For the first time, two institutions, the TSK and the government, are thinking alike," and termed this as an "historic opportunity" for the resolution of the Kurdish issue?

At a time when the fear of a coup is almost zero, why is a "piece of paper" causing a big stir?

After the March 29 local elections, officials are engaged in heavy works. Thats why! And thats why the document is appropriated with the date "April 2009"! Two possibilities about the document are coming toward the same thing:1) We saw during the airborne attacks to the north that the TSK included any type of individuals, even if they are minorities! They have served until recently.2) The Gulen movement is so expanded now that to orchestrate it from a single center is impossible.

I am of the opinion that whether or not the document is original, it was not prepared by the central will of both sides! I think we will never learn if it is genuine or not. The document served its purpose. The ball is in the governments court and it fulfilled its function! Now, it is the governments decision!

The Justice and Development Party, or AKP, will either go its separate ways with the Gulen movement, its close ally since 2003, but even more closely since the July 22 elections, and will benefit from this "historic opportunity" with the TSK.

[14] Sabah Athens correspondent: There are many countries within the EU that will give the green light for the Taiwan model

For a long time now the Greeks have also been tired of listening about the Cyprus problem. In 2004 many were those who tied their hopes to the Annan plan. Even leaders like Simitis and Mitsotakis called on the Greek Cypriots to accept the plan. However, in those days Papadopoulos declared traitor whoever was saying yes. Karamanlis had just become Prime Minister. The rein was left completely to Papadopoulos. The result is known!

A historic opportunity for solution was missed. Although there is no Papadopoulos and Denktas anymore, there is also no climate for solution. With whomever I talked in Athens there is no hope that a solution will be reached by the end of the year in Cyprus. I also chatted with foreign journalists who have been following the Cyprus problem for years now. There are also those who brand Christofias as a hidden Papadopoulos. That is, when I looked from Athens, I did not see any light for hope at the end of the tunnel for a Cyprus settlement. I even heard my Greek colleagues, who see the Cyprus problem with a nationalist eye, saying Enough is enough. Let it finish in one or another way.

Well, you may say that the accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey will be interrupted due to Cyprus by the end of 2009, however Turkey made a reasonable proposal to the EU. Turkey said: I will open my ports and airports to the Greek Cypriot vessels and planes, but the EU should apply the decision it took in 2004 and start direct trade with North Cyprus. In other words, the Taiwan model. In this way, neither Turkey will recognize officially the Greek Cypriot Sector, nor will the EU recognize the TRNC. The negotiations for finding a solution to the problem will continue. There are many countries within the EU that will give the green light for the Taiwan model. However, there is no doubt that the bargaining will continue until the last minute. In any case, the Greek Cypriots and the Greeks are the last to want the interruption of the negotiations! Because, if its tie with the EU is broken off, they will be left completely alone with Turkey.

(DPs)

EG/

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