Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-09-28

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan asks for a four party meeting in statements in New York

[02] Talat says he will ask from the UN Secretary-General to warn the Greek Cypriot side to stay within the UN parameters during the Cyprus talks

[03] Eroglu says it is not important from where a person comes as long he is a Turk, adopt the citizenship of the TRNC and defend the state

[04] Eroglu does not expect an agreement at the end of the negotiations

[05] The Turkish Cypriot building contractors launched a campaign for attracting investments from Russia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey

[06] Gokeri reiterates the allegation that the lifting of the isolation will motivate the Greek Cypriot side for a solution

[07] Ozgurgun completes his contacts in London; He reiterates their red lines

[08] Turkish and British Foreign Ministers discussed the Cyprus problem; Other contacts of Davutoglu in New York

[09] Ozdil Nami is visiting Brussels

[10] Rauf Denktas argues that the USA is the one which prevents the solution in Cyprus for 45 years

[11] A CTP delegation is participating in the congress of the Labour Party in London

[12] Turkey and Iran to establish Free Industrial Zone

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] From the Turkish Press of 25 and 26th September 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan asks for a four party meeting in statements in New York

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.09.09) refers to the statements made by Mr Erdogan under the title Erdogan reprimanded the Greek Cypriots, Words like a slap and reports that the Turkish Prime Minister, responding to a question on the Cyprus problem during a press conference at The Plaza Hotel in New York, said:

This process has not lasted for a short time; it is a process which continues for 50 years and there are continuously delaying tactics in the process. We should take a decision on a serious point for this job. During the last year, especially the TRNC president Mehmet Ali Talat and we as guarantor power said that we will provide every support, as long as we end this job somewhere until the end of this year.

Mr Erdogan reminded that there are some decisions taken by the UN Security Council on the Cyprus problem and added that the problem should be evaluated within this framework. He alleged that after the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU, it changed its attitude at the negotiating table. Noting that the UN Security Council refers to two constituent states with equal status, Mr Erdogan claimed: The UN Security Council put this forward in the same manner. They named it the Annan Plan. And reference is made to two constituent states there, one Turkish Cypriot State and one Greek Cypriot State. Whether this is a confederal or a federal structure, these are only delaying tactics in the essence of the job. In any case, when you say two constituent states with equal status, it is obvious where the issue is and where it will be reaching. Here delaying tactics are implemented with such simple things such as for example the fact that the President of south Cyprus can still go as far as not seeing the president of the north as president. I am revealing this here, because he (Christofias) said it to me personally and there is no need for hiding this. On the issue of the meetings we told them to carry out a three party meeting in New York, if needed, presided by the esteemed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Of course, they do not want to agree with this. They want to meet with us and when they want to meet with us, we openly say to them the following: This meeting should be a four party meeting, Turkey and Greece should participate in this meeting as guarantor powers as well as Mr Talat and you. Of course, when he asked in which capacity Mr Talat will be there, we gave him the following reply: Mr Talat will be in the same status there as your capacity. We shall then sit, talk and decide and we hope we agree and this job should end finally.

Meanwhile, the paper writes that in statements at the Marriott Marquis Hotel during a meeting with Turkish citizens living in the USA, Mr Erdogan said that Turkey will not participate in a solution where northern Cyprus will be ignored. He accused the Greek Cypriot side of not showing the necessary sensitivity. He reminded that the Islamic Conference Organization was referring to the Turkish Cypriots as community in the past, whereas now it uses the definition state. He argued that this was realized as a result of their efforts and added that Turkey exerts intensive efforts in order for permanent peace and stability to be secured in the Middle East and Caucasus.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat says he will ask from the UN Secretary-General to warn the Greek Cypriot side to stay within the UN parameters during the Cyprus talks

Replying to questions of journalists during the reception of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) the night before yesterday, Mr Talat evaluated the meeting he held with the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the General Secretary of the OIC Ekmelettin Ihsanoglu and Turkish ministers. Mr Talat said Mr Ban Ki-moon came to the reception when he was finishing his meeting with Mr Erdogan and reminded that after they discussed on foot for a while they met around the table. Mr Talat reiterated that he told Mr Ban Ki-moon that the UN should be involved more actively in the Cyprus problem and bring the negotiations back to the UN ground when they go outside this ground.

Mr Talat added: I told Mr Ban that therefore the UN is face to face with a separate, very important duty, because the Greek Cypriot side is relaxed, uses the fact that it is recognized by the world and exhibits a very negative stance by alleging in many places that it represents the Turkish Cypriots, that the latest example is the recent address of Mr Christofias at the general assembly, that he completely blew up the UN ground, that the UN has the duty of bringing him back to this ground and that they should do this.

Mr Talat said he expressed to Mr Ban Ki-moon the hope that the UN will take measures on this issue, because if everybody changes his mind on issues which have been agreed, chaos will be created in the negotiating process.

Asked whether he is considering of submitting a written document to the UN Secretary-General during their meeting today, Mr Talat replied negatively and said: The main topic will of course be the negotiating process. I will say, in order to be noted, that the negotiations should not go outside the UN process and those who go outside this process should be warned. However, except this, I will give a briefing regarding the negotiating process and put forward our stance.

Mr Talat claimed that the problems which are experienced in the negotiations are due to the fact that the Greek Cypriot side goes outside the UN parameters. He gave as examples the property issue and the election of the presidency.

The paper reports also that Mr Talat met with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miguel Angel Moratinos. Spain will be the next term-president of the European Union (EU). After the meeting, Mr Talat told illegal TAK news agency and Bayrak television that the meeting was important from the point of view of the fact that Mr Moratinos is known as Minister of Foreign Affairs with views close to the Greek Cypriot side.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (27.09.09) broadcast the following:

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat is continuing his contacts in New York.

Before his meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon tomorrow, Mr Talat came together with the UN chief at a reception given given by the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference- Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to mark the OICs 40th anniversary of the Organization.

Mr Talat and Mr Ban then held a round table meeting which was also attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, OIC Secretary General Ekmelettin Ihsangolu, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Turkish Minister of State Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan. In a short statement after the reception, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said he found the opportunity to call on the UN Chief to be more participant in the negotiations process in Cyprus.

In another development, President Talat met with the Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos yesterday afternoon. After the meeting, Mr Talat told reporters that the meeting was important because Mr Moratinos is known as having close relations with Greek Cypriot Side.

Noting that he informed the Spanish Minister on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, Mr Talat said it is important for Mr Moratinos to know these as Spain prepares to take over the next EU term presidency.

Earlier his meeting with the Spanish Foreign Minister, President Talat met with Qatar Foreign Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al Mahmoud and Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen as part of his contacts in New York.

The President also met with the European Unions High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Secretary-General of the EU Council - Javier Solana. Speaking to reporters at the end of the meetings, the TRNC President said it is necessary to be committed to the earlier agreements and UN parameters if the solution of the Cyprus problem is really wanted. Criticizing the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofiass variant statements, Mr Talat said: If he gives up, we have too much things that we can give up.

He also noted that he expressed Turkish sides views on the Cyprus issue during his meeting with the Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen. Mr Talat said he informed Mr Verhagen on Mr Christofias gaffe during his speech at the UN General Assembly as it is necessary for Holland which takes part in the EU together with Greek Cypriot Side to know this gaffe.

Within the framework of his contacts in New York, President Talat will meet the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon tomorrow. The meeting will take place at the UN Chiefs office on the 38th floor of the UN Plaza at 18.45 local time.

Moreover, illegal Bayraka television (26.09.09) broadcast the following:

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat has embarked on his contacts in the United States, with a meeting with the European Unions High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Secretary-General of the EU Council- Javier Solana.

In a statement at the end of the meeting, President Talat said he reminded Javier Solana of the need for the EU to warn the Greek Cypriot side, its unilateral member, on some issues.

Mr Talat told reporters that the two sides have proved their hopes for a settlement in Cyprus with their decision to speed up negotiations in the second round.

As for the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York, he said Mr Christofias has razed fundamental principles that the two sides agreed on amid heavy efforts, to the ground.

Christofias said that they were trying to restore the so-called Republic of Cyprus and a federation that consisted of two autonomous regions would be established through the transformation of the so-called Republic. Thats totally the opposite of the principles we had been committed to, Talat added. Speaking as doubtful on the maintenance of negotiations under such a framework, the President said he will have to speak on this issue with Mr Christofias next time they meet.

President Talat said the Turkish side is negotiating neither to establish two autonomous regions, nor to restore the so-called Republic of Cyprus. Federations do not consist of autonomous regions he stressed.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (25.09.09) broadcast the following:

President Mehmet Ali Talat has met with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in New York. The President also held discussions with Alexander Razinski, a member of the American-Turkish Council.

During the meetings, the President underlined the need for the United Nations to play a more active role in the Cyprus negotiation process. `If the international community is not involved, the solution of the problem will become more difficult. The main reason behind this is that the Greek Cypriot side is not in need of a settlement as we are, and its unwilling attitude`, the President said.

Speaking to reporters after his discussions, the President criticized the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias for his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The President said that views expressed by the Greek Cypriot Leader were baseless and meaningless. Mr Talat stressed that the objective of the negotiations being conducted by the two sides on the island was to bring a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of political equality.

During the meeting between the President and the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, the role to be played by Stockholm in the Cyprus talks was discussed. President Talat told the Swedish Minister that he accepted the role of the European Union in the Cyprus negotiation process, however, he said that the Union should not affect the role of the United Nations and should only support the talks at technical level.

Informing Mr Bildt on the course of the negotiation process in Cyprus, the President underlined the need for the EU to take steps that would motivate the Greek Cypriot Side to a solution. Mr Talat said he discussed the issue with the Swedish Foreign Minister, who he said, promised to take initiatives towards encouraging the Greek Cypriot side towards a settlement.

Today, President Talat will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu who is in New York for the UN General Assembly meetings.

[03] Eroglu says it is not important from where a person comes as long he is a Turk, adopt the citizenship of the TRNC and defend the state

(I/Ts.)

[04] Eroglu does not expect an agreement at the end of the negotiations

The TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu does not expect to see an agreement for the solution of the Cyprus problem at the end of negotiations, as a result of what he said to be the huge difference in views of the two sides.

Speaking on a TV programme broadcast on BRT, Mr Eroglu criticized the Greek Cypriot side for adopting a greedy policy at the talks, while he noted that the Turkish negotiations team is not keeping the screed high.

Mr Eroglu said, the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias expects President Mehmet Ali Talat to make more concessions, such as giving more land, allowing a higher number of Greek Cypriots to return to their former lands left in the TRNC and diluting guarantorship. The Premier complained that Christofias has put the political equality of the two sides aside and is now speaking of autonomy.

Delivering a strong message for the protection of the TRNC as a state, Dervis Eroglu said the TRNCs existence will strengthen the Turkish hand at the negotiations table. This will also give the other side the message that we are not without alternatives if the talks fail he added.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.09.09) reports that Mr Eroglu will visit Ankara on the 2nd of October, upon an invitation by the Turkish Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan for the General Assembly of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (28.09.09) refers also to statements made by Mr Eroglu to the illegal Bayrak television under the title Talat cannot do whatever he wishes. The paper notes that Mr Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriot people want two separate states. He said he does not oppose to the negotiations carried out by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, but Mr Talat should carry out the negotiations in consultation with the government.

[05] The Turkish Cypriot building contractors launched a campaign for attracting investments from Russia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey

Soner Yetkili, chairman of the Union, pointed out that reference to the TRNC, breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, started in the Russian press and added that their target from now on is the markets of Kuwait, Iran and Turkey. Mr Yetkili said that soon they will participate in a real estate fair in Russia and carry out an active advertising. He added that except this, they are working on projects for Kuwait, Iran and Russia. He underlined especially the financial resources that will be spent for Kuwait and said: If we succeed in attracting some investors in our country, we will be able to overcome the problems more easily.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Gokeri reiterates the allegation that the lifting of the isolation will motivate the Greek Cypriot side for a solution

(I/Ts.)

[07] Ozgurgun completes his contacts in London; He reiterates their red lines

Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Huseyin Ozgurgun, held a press conference Friday regarding his first official trip to Britain.Speaking to reporters at the London Representation of the TRNC, Ozgurgun said that the Turkish Cypriots called on Britain, a guarantor state, to display a clear attitude against the unfair isolations and embargoes that the Turkish Cypriots were facing. Britain does not behave equally towards Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. We expect Britain to take the first step in the issue of isolations, Ozgurgun stressed.

Touching on the negotiations process in Cyprus, Ozgurgun said that the Turkish Cypriots do not have any hope for a solution of the Cyprus problem any time soon due to the understanding and logic of the Greek Cypriots.

With its peaceful role and active foreign policy, Turkey has become a super power in the region and this fact is being closely followed by the British Government, Ozgurgun noted.

The Greek Cypriot leaders look at the Turkish Cypriots as a minority. They would like to make an agreement whereby the Turkish Cypriots would be a minority in the Republic of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots see the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and Turkey as the obstacles to their plans of making the Turkish Cypriots a minority. This mentality is wrong. There are two equal sides in Cyprus...Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, Ozgurgun emphasized.

If a solution is to be reached, this would be possible at the negotiations table. A comprehensive agreement could be reached after referenda in two sides. Any way other than this would bring a clash instead of a solution. As Turkish Cypriots, we favor an agreement. We are at the table for an agreement that is based on political equality of the two sides, equal status of the two founding states, bi-zonal structure, and Turkey's effective guarantor status. These are our red lines, Ozgurgun also said.

[08] Turkish and British Foreign Ministers discussed the Cyprus problem; Other contacts of Davutoglu in New York

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband met in New York on Friday. Davutoglu is currently in New York for the 64th term meetings of UN General Assembly.Davutoglu and Miliband discussed the Cyprus issue during their meeting. The two ministers shared the same views that the current situation in Cyprus was unacceptable, and a solution should be found.

They also took up Turkey's EU membership, and Davutoglu briefed Miliband about Iraq-Syria-Turkey-Arab League meeting which took place at Turkish House the same day. Miliband conveyed views of Britain about Iran's nuclear program.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.09.09) reported the following from New York:

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with several ministers in New York on Saturday where he visited for the 64th term meetings of UN General Assembly.Davutoglu firstly delivered a speech at a meeting of friendship group of Alliance of Civilizations, and then held meetings with foreign ministers of Russia, Serbia, Kosovo, Australia and Azerbaijan. Davutoglu said that it had been a rough period recently due to polarization, intolerance and discrimination in the world, adding that Alliance of Civilization was a very strong response to clash of civilizations.

Davutoglu and Russian foreign minister discussed bilateral relations during their meeting. The two ministers decided to prepare documents to set up a strategic cooperation council between Turkey and Russia. Davutoglu also informed Russian minister about the normalization of relations with Armenia.

Iran's nuclear program was also on the agenda of the meeting of two ministers. Davutoglu took up bilateral matters in his meetings with other ministers. He will continue his talks in New York.

[09] Ozdil Nami is visiting Brussels

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talats Special Representative in charge of EU and UN Affairs- Ozdil Nami will leave the Republic tomorrow for a series of contacts in EUs capital Brussels.

The TRNC delegation headed by Mr Nami will come together with some EU representatives of member states as well as some commissioners.

Presidents Special Representative will also meet representatives of parliamentary groups of the EU.

Meetings with some think-tank institutions and media organizations are also on the agenda.

Ozdil Nami will return to the TRNC on Thursday night.

[10] Rauf Denktas argues that the USA is the one which prevents the solution in Cyprus for 45 years

(I/Ts.)

[11] A CTP delegation is participating in the congress of the Labour Party in London

(I/Ts.)

[12] Turkey and Iran to establish Free Industrial Zone

Turkey and Iran plan to set up a free industrial zone, Turkey's industry and trade minister said on Friday. The idea had come up for consideration last year. Turkey and Iran aim to come to a conclusion on the project by the end of this year.

The project to establish a free industrial zone at the border was suggested by Iran and we accepted it, Nihat Ergun said. Our legal infrastructure and incentives system paves the way for such a project. At the same time, Iran's rich energy, natural gas and natural resources could make a huge contribution to it, Ergun said.

We attach great importance to this project in order to make it the biggest and leading industry and production hub in the Middle East, he added.

Ergun said the zone would cover the eastern provinces of Van and Igdir in Turkey which are located along the border with Iran; Igdir in the north and Van in the south. Igdir also borders with Armenia and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a landlocked enclave of Azerbaijan.

Ergun said such a project could also create jobs for the people of Armenia and Nakhchivan, once relations between Turkey and Armenia as well as Azerbaijan and Armenia are normalized.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] From the Turkish Press of 25 and 26th September 2009

Erdogan's address at the UN General Assembly and at the Princeton University

In his commentary in Hurriyet (26.09.09), Cengiz Candar assesses PM Erdogan's address at the UN General Assembly, in particular his attack at Israel. Explaining that "Erdogan roared with anger against Israel even though he did not do it by name, Candar adds: "At various circles, it was believed that the Israeli-Turkish relations will enter a 'patch-up period' after the 'regrettable event' at the 'one-minute' incident in Davos. It seems that Tayyip Erdogan is determined not to have the 'one-minute event,' which obtained a special prestige for him among all the Islam and Arab world, forgotten. This is what is understood from allocating the longest and most crucial part of his speech to the situation in Gaza at the UN podium in New York, which is the most important annual podium of international politics. Should this be interpreted as 'diplomatic negativity' for Tayyip Erdogan and on Turkey? No. No, because Tayyip Erdogan has the support of the UN Report on Gaza when he roars against Israel, even though he did name Israel by name." After recounting that the UN fact-finding mission headed on the Gaza conflict by Justice Goldstone "concluded that actions amounting to war crimes and possibly, in some respects, crimes against humanity were committed by Israel," Candar continues: "The crucial part of his UN address on Gaza should be assessed in light of the mirror held by Richard Goldstone on Israel outside the conventional patterns foreign policies and domestic considerations. These conventional foreign policy patterns are built on 'the immunity of Israel.' Whereas, the point reached by Israel today has nothing to do with the 'power that guides the United States' believed to be true by most. Israel is gradually setting a 'bad example' of a Middle East country after the UN report and its Gaza adventure." Candar concludes by noting that "there is nothing strange in the Turkish Prime Minister's address in line with Richard Goldstone's findings on the issue of the small Mideast country."

Writing in Milliyet (26.09.09), Sami Kohen views PM Erdogan's address at the UN General Assembly, in particular, his comments on the Cyprus issue in his commentary entitled "The New Cyprus Approach." Explaining that Erdogan's UN address "shows that Ankara is embracing a new approach on the Cyprus issue," Kohen continues: "Erdogan's message at the world organization is clear: There will be no more talks if the Cyprus negotiations do not proceed rapidly and produce results by next spring. Efforts will be exerted for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to be recognized as an independent state by the international community.

In an editorial in Sabah (25.09.09), Erdal Safak alludes to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech at the Princeton University on the "risks" involved in the three "overtures" undertaken by the government. Pointing out that these three initiatives -- namely, the democratization package regarding the Kurdish issue, normalization of relations with Armenia, and the reunification of Cyprus -- will have to pass tests in the coming months, Safak bemoans the lack of progress pertaining to the Cyprus talks. Safak argues that the Greek Cypriot efforts to force Turkey to open its ports before the Cyprus issue is resolved and the embargo on the Turkish Cypriots is lifted may trigger a crisis, which would in turn "adversely affect Turkey's two other overtures."

EG/

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