Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-11-16

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The two leaders continue the discussion on property

[02] Talat addressed the Turkish Cypriots over the 26th anniversary from the unilateral declaration of independence

[03] Cicek reiterates Turkeys stance that the negotiations will not last for ever and underlines that they will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots

[04] Eroglu reiterates that there are two separate sovereign governments and two separate people on the island

[05] Talat, Eroglu and Ozgurgun inform foreign journalists and parliamentarians over the Cyprus problem

[06] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[07] Cicek inaugurated a new five-star hotel in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[08] Ersan Saner stated from London that the number of British tourists who visited the occupied areas of Cyprus during the first six months of 2009 increased by 8%

[09] UK prioritizes Cyprus agreement and Turkeys EU bid; Statements by the new British Ambassador to Ankara

[10] Bagis urges the Swedish Parliament not to adopt bill on the Armenian Genocide

[11] Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals to launch investigation against ruling AKP on wiretapping

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Column in Turkish Cypriot newspaper argues that if the solution was near, Turkey would not have done investments in occupied Cyprus

[13] From the Turkish Press of 13, 14 and 15 November 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The two leaders continue the discussion on property

President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias met again today to continue their discussions on the property issue. Speaking at the end of todays meeting, President Mehmet Ali Talat said that convergence had been reached during todays meeting. President Talat and Greek Cypriot Leader met this morning during which they resumed discussions on the property issue.Speaking upon his return to the Presidential Palace, President Mehmet Ali Talat said that convergence has been reached regarding categorization or classification of property types. He said that convergence has been reached on areas taken up by the special representatives during the week. We have grown a little closer to reaching an agreement on the property issue. Areas marked in red and blue were changed into black today. There are still a few differences remaining but we found the opportunity to converge on a number of issues he added. The President also expressed his belief that more convergence will be reached on the property issue when they meet next Tuesday.

Responding to a question, the President said that it was still too early to determine criteria and that there will still much work to be done on the issue of property.

[02] Talat addressed the Turkish Cypriots over the 26th anniversary from the unilateral declaration of independence

Official celebrations marking the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus kicked off today with a speech by President Mehmet Ali Talat broadcast live on BRT 1 at noon.

In his address to the nation, President Mehmet Ali Talat said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was the highest expression of the Turks of Cypruss right to self-determination. The President also reminded that the Turks of Cyprus have been waging a peace and freedom struggle for more than 50 years. Pointing out that much has been achieved during those 50 years; Talat said that the people of the TRNC have been exerting a superhuman effort to stand strong in the face of the injustices committed against them, particularly by the international community which continues to impose unjust embargoes against them.

Stating that the goal of creating a federal Cyprus aimed at unifying the two peoples on the island was embraced by the TRNCs declaration of independence, President Talat said that the TRNC, contrary to claims by the Greek Cypriot leadership, was not established with the aim of partitioning the island. Despite all our goodwill, we continue to feel the disappointment of being unable to achieve international recognition for the TRNC and to transform it into a contemporary state, one which can freely exercise international relations with other countries, he said. President Talat pointed out that the ultimate mission of the TRNC was to establish the rightful place of the Turks of Cyprus within the international community. Talat added that he and his team were putting forward an intense yet silent and cautious effort to reach a lasting and just solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Talat also pointed out that he witnessed from time to time attempts to associate the TRNC with those who opposed a solution. He said it was wrong to perceive the TRNC as an entity which was opposed to peace and solution in Cyprus as well as integration with the rest of the world.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (15.11.09) broadcast the following:

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat said that the Turks of Cyprus are today celebrating the establishment of the TRNC which is a concrete expression of its right for self determination.

Making his speech at the military parade that took place at the Dr Fazil Kucuk Boulevard today, the President pointed to the fact that the Turks of Cyprus had announced to the world its desire for a solution through TRNC institutions. By putting forward our desire for a solution we have glorified the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and we have made its acceptance by the world a little more possible, but not as a separate existence but as the lawful representative of the Turks of Cyprus .

During his speech, the President also called on the Greek Cypriot people by saying I want to remind our Greek Cypriot friends of the good will message that is in the TRNCs declaration of establishment. The Turks of Cyprus are ready to share this beautiful island with you. Come and contribute towards the solution process. Dont prevent our beautiful island from being an island of friendship and cooperation.

[03] Cicek reiterates Turkeys stance that the negotiations will not last for ever and underlines that they will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots

State Minister and Deputy Premier Cemil Cicek said Turkey wanted a settlement to the Cyprus issue, but not at all costs. Addressing the official parade held in Lefkosa on the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Cicek said Turkey would not support just any settlement in Cyprus, ruling out any solution that would deprive Turkish Cypriots of their legitimate rights. Cicek said Turkey's reply to those who use the Cyprus issue as a leverage against Turkey in the accession negotiations with the EU by asking "Cyprus or the EU?" would always be standing by the Turkish Cypriots.

Cicek underlined that settlement negotiations could not go on infinitely and the existing window of opportunity would not be there for ever. He said everybody should well understand that Turkish Cypriots would not give up their rights and Turkey would not put aside its rights and responsibilities as a Guarantor state. Cicek called on parties not to sacrifice another opportunity to intransigence. Minister Cicek said a comprehensive settlement of the issue should be a partnership that would bring together the island on the basis of two equal communities with political equality, a single bi-zonal republic with two equal founding states. Turkey's active and de facto guarantee will continue. The permanence of the settlement to be reached will be secured. We will never allow the integrity of the settlement to be corroded within the EU, said Cicek.

Cicek said TRNC was the utmost embodiment of Turkish Cypriots' struggle for survival and the most resolute expression of its will to defend its freedom and rights. Turkish Cypriot people set an example, with their democratic institutions, their state structure built on human rights and the rule of law and their libertarian and pluralist tradition, said Cicek.

Cicek expressed Turkey's support to the comprehensive settlement talks carried out in Cyprus under the auspices of the UN SG, noting that it stood by the Turkish Cypriots which actively and sincerely partakes in talks for a settlement. However we will never accept, an approach that would make Turkish Cypriots pay for the consequences of a deadlock, as it happened in the past, said Cicek. Cicek said Turkey's greatest aspiration was to help TRNC reach a healthy, sustainable, productive, competitive and economic structure adding that Turkey supported TRNC's leading sectors to this end.

[04] Eroglu reiterates that there are two separate sovereign governments and two separate people on the island

Messages have been issued by many political parties and non-governmental organizations to mark the significance of the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu in his message emphasized that our state is our futures guarantee.

He reiterated once again that the Turks of Cyprus will not just accept any solution and added that the Turks of Cyprus are not without alternatives. The alternative is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Eroglu said the Turks of Cyprus are determined to continue to exist as in the past with the support of motherland Turkey.

The Prime Minister said the biggest responsibility is to leave behind a future for the coming generations which is established on a solid basis and added that the gains obtained with the establishment of the Republic cannot be wasted for small gains and to please others. He concluded his message by saying that the rights of the Cyprus Turks and interests must be secured.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (15.11.09) broadcast the following:

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu gave a lunch in honour of the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek and guest delegations which are in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to attend the 26th anniversary celebrations of Republic Day.

Speaking here, the Prime Minister said he was very honoured that the representatives from the Turkish Presidency, Assembly, government and the Turkish Armed Forces were standing by the Turks of Cyprus on such an important day. Especially the speech made by Mr Cicek relieved the Cyprus Turks said the Prime Minister and added that we established the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the geographic plain that was created after the Turkish Peace Operation in 1974. Our desire is to make it live forever. We want the negotiations process to be carried our baring some realities in mind. These realities are that there are two separate sovereign governments and separate peoples. If the negotiations process is carried out with these realities in mind then no accidents will be occurred. Our biggest worry is that a surprise agreement will be brought to the table. We as the government has already put forward our views on this issue, stated Eroglu.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek for his part wished the Turks of Cyprus to live forever independently and in freedom in the TRNC that was established 26 years ago. He reiterated motherland Turkeys unwavering support to the Cyprus Turkish people and stressed that the Cyprus issue was also a national cause for Motherland Turkey.

[05] Talat, Eroglu and Ozgurgun inform foreign journalists and parliamentarians over the Cyprus problem

President Mehmet Ali Talat has once again underlined the need to set a timetable for the current talks aimed at reaching a solution to the Cyprus Problem. He also expressed his personal view that the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias was committed to reaching a settlement in Cyprus but added he had doubts whether Christofias would be successful in doing so.

Speaking at a briefing at the Ataturk Cultural Centre, where he informed foreign journalists, who are in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to attend Republic Day celebrations, the Cyprus Problem as well as the latest stage reached in the ongoing negotiations, President Talat said that the TRNC was the outcome of the determination by the Turks of Cyprus to administer themselves. The President also explained how the Cyprus Turkish people who had been kicked out of the 1960 partnership republic through the force of arms had been left with no choice but to create their own state. Reminding that the TRNC had been declared on the 15th of November 1983, President Talat stressed that the TRNC state nevertheless continued to express it desire for peace as well as a federal solution ever since.

Pointing out that negotiations were continuing to find a political settlement to the Cyprus Problem, which has become an international problem, Talat said that progress at the talks were slower than expected. He said it was highly unlikely that a solution can be reached before the end of this year, despite an earlier prediction to do so.

Stating that great injustices were made against the Turks of Cyprus, President Talat explained how the international community, particularly the UN and the EU recognized the Greek Cypriots, which he added had kicked out the Cyprus Turks from the 1960 partnership, as the legitimate government on the island.

The President also informed the foreign journalists on the course of the ongoing talks as well as the joint convergence papers prepared by the two sides.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (13.11.09) broadcast the following:

We have an alternative. Our alternative is our state which is celebrating the 26th year of its establishment. We are now more powerful than when we were established. These striking statements were made by Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu who briefed foreign journalists from 41 countries, who are in the Republic to attend Republic Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu gave a briefing at the Lefkosia Merit Hotel this morning. He informed journalists about how the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was established and used the Turkish expression bad neighbours make people house owners, our Greek Cypriot neighbours have made us State owners. The basis of an agreement that will be reached on the Cyprus issue was founded at the 1977 and 1979 summit noted Eroglu and recalled that the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus had been declared in 1975 with the objective of establishing what would have been the Turkish wing of a federated future Cyprus to be based on bizonal, bicommunal Republic that would have rest on the political equality of the two sides.

The TRNC was established as a result of the Greek Cypriot sides insistence on limiting itself to discussing only minority rights for Cypriot Turks. Pointing to the fact that for the past 41 years negotiations have been taking place to find a solution in Cyprus, Prime Minister Eroglu said the Turks of Cyprus are not helpless and without alternatives. We are not doomed to establish a federation with the Greek Cypriot side our alternative is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus emphasized the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile the Commander of the Turkish Navy General Erdal Ceylanoglu who is representing the Turkish Armed Forces paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

In the meantime, illegal Bayrak television (15.11.09) broadcast the following:

Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun yesterday received foreign parliamentarians that are in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to join in on the 26th anniversary celebrations. Speaking during the visit the Foreign Minister touched upon the Cyprus issue and said that the existence of the Turks of Cyprus is the security of their determination to live in freedom and sovereignty.

Ozgurgun said the Greek Cypriot side did not support a solution being found that gave political equality to Cyprus Turks, based on bi-zonality, bi-communality, sovereignty, two equal sides with two states based on equal status. He added the international community must seriously encourage South Cyprus to properly start negotiating at the talks or if needed, pressurize the South, as the negotiations process cannot last forever.

Noting that the state has made major progress with the support of motherland Turkey since its establishment Foreign Minister Ozgurgun said despite South Cypruss inhumane embargoes and the worlds unjust embargoes against the north, the Turks of Cyprus are working with all of its strength to exalt the state. He also noted that the Cyprus issue has been going on for over 40 years and although the international community too has shown interest on the issue, the Cyprus problem has yet to be solved.

Meanwhile, the Italian Peoples Freedom Party member who is one of the foreign parliamentarians Senator Paolo Amato has applied for TRNC citizenship. Mr Amato said he had signed all the necessary documentation and he wanted to become a citizen to support the rightful cause of the Turks of Cyprus.

[06] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The Turkish Minister of State-Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek who is in the TRNC to take part in celebrations marking the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus met with state and government officials today. The Cyprus Problem as well as the economy was high on the agenda of the Turkish Ministers contacts. The Turkish Minister of States first of visit of the day was to President Mehmet Ali Talat.

Speaking during the meeting, Cemil Cicek expressed his countrys sincere desire and support to see the successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on the island. We hope that a lasting peace will be reached in Cyprus in the shortest period of time, he added.

For his part, President Mehmet Ali Talat thanked the Turkish Minister for his countrys support and reminded that the Cyprus Turkish people have been living under unjust isolation for 46 years. Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side was trying to exert pressure on Turkey to abandon the Turks of Cyprus, Talat said strangely enough they believe that this is possible but we are telling them at every opportunity that they are wasting their time. We tell them that such hopes are nothing but wishful dreams.

As part of his other contacts, the Turkish Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek was received by the speaker of the Republics Assembly Hasan Bozer and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu respectively. Speaking during the visit, the parliamentary speaker Hasan Bozer said that such visits gave strength and morale to the people of the TRNC and stressed that Turkey contributions to the TRNC over the past 26 years were vast.

Cicek was then received by Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu. Congratulating the Prime Minister on the 26th anniversary of the TRNC, the Turkish Minister of State said that Turkey will continue to be by the side of the TRNC and gave the example of the pipeline project to bring water from Turkey. He said that they aimed to lay the first foundations of the project approved recently by the Turkish parliament by the end of this year. This project will be our 26th anniversary present to the TRNC, he said.

For his part, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu thanked the Turkish Minister and expressed the TRNCs gratefulness for Turkeys constant and unconditional support in all fields.

In addition, Turkey is getting ready to launch an under-sea water pipeline project between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), to provide water to this country, on the occasion of its 26th anniversary. Turkish State Minister Cemil Cicek, who travelled to TRNC for the 26th anniversary celebrations, announced the project during his visit to TRNC Premier Dervis Eroglu.

He said the cabinet decided to conclude the project, allocated the necessary funds and was getting ready to invite tenders for the project which will carry water from Dragon brook to TRNC. Cicek said they wanted to conclude the tender process until the end of the year and lay the foundation of the pipeline early 2010, together with TRNC Premier Eroglu.

Eroglu said it gave them morale and strength to see Turkish officials by their side in this important day, adding that they would discuss issues relating to TRNC.

Cicek said they supported all efforts towards the happiness and welfare of the Turkish Cypriots. He said unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should be ended. He said they sincerely desired the Cyprus talks to succeed, noting that the Greek Cypriot side should also desire a solution and recognise the facts in Cyprus to this end. He said talks could not go on forever adding that Turkish Cypriots could not be confined to an uncertain future.

[07] Cicek inaugurated a new five-star hotel in the occupied areas of Cyprus

(AK)

[08] Ersan Saner stated from London that the number of British tourists who visited the occupied areas of Cyprus during the first six months of 2009 increased by 8%

(AK)

[09] UK prioritizes Cyprus agreement and Turkeys EU bid; Statements by the new British Ambassador to Ankara

Britain offered to hand over half the territory (45 square miles) of its bases on the island if a settlement is reached. 4,000 troops and 7,000 dependents currently live in the territory. The British bases were retained after the island attained independence in 1960. Reddaway vowed to keep the Cyprus issue among his priorities in the coming weeks and asserted he would take further steps to back a permanent solution.

The British ambassador also reiterated his countrys support for Turkeys full membership in the EU. Reddaway said Turkey would play a key role as a bridge between the East and West, noting its increasing diplomatic role and zero-problem policy as offering stability to the region.

Reddaway was Director of the Southern Europe Desk at the British Foreign Office and dealt with issues including Cyprus and Turkey's candidacy for EU membership from 1997 to 1999. After his appointment to Ankara, Ambassador Reddaway presented his credentials to President Abdullah Gul on September 7.

[10] Bagis urges the Swedish Parliament not to adopt bill on the Armenian Genocide

Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for the EU talks Egemen Bagis said on Friday that Turkey was not disregarding its problems any more but try to solve them. If we work hand in hand, Turkey may become the centre of peace and tranquillity in its region in the next 10 years, Bagis said.

Bagis took the floor at "Security and Development Policies Institute", and at a meeting where journalists, representatives of think-tank organizations and politicians attended and briefed them about the developments in Turkey and relations with the EU.

Releasing a statement after the talks, Bagis said the decisions made related with the Armenian allegations in the congress of Social Democrat Party in Sweden regarding 1915 incidents offended Turkish people. I hope the decisions in question would not be passed from the Swedish Parliament, Bagis said.

Bagis later proceeded to Swedish Parliament and met Swedish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Goran Lennmark. Lennmark extended support to Turkey's EU bid and noted that Turkey's membership to the EU would be in the interests of both parties. He also eulogized Turkey's reforms.

Bagis is expected to attend a lunch to be hosted by International Development Cooperation Minister Gunilla Carlsson and later have a tete-a-tete meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.

[11] Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals to launch investigation against ruling AKP on wiretapping

The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor, which is responsible for keeping records on the activities of the political parties, is said to have launched the new investigation on the grounds that the party has acted contrary to Article 68th of the constitution, thus becoming the locus of activities detrimental to the law-based state. As part of the investigation, the wiretapping of some judges and prosecutors on the basis of court decisions secured by the Inspection Group at the Justice Ministry and reports on technical monitoring were placed under scrutiny. The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor is also investigating the claim that the First Department of the Supreme Court of Appeals was wiretapped by a ministerial decision.

Answering questions on the issue, Sabih Kanadoglu, the Honorary Chief Public Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals, said that no political party has the freedom to destroy the law-based state.

Kanadoglu said: Anyone could be wiretapped provided that it is done according to the law. And the decision for that can only be issued by the First Department of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Those who attempt wiretapping for investigative purposes without such permission commit crime; they destroy the law-based state. The picture that has now emerged is one of a police state. If you want to establish a police state in this manner, then the regime that you will usher in is called fascism and dictatorship.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Column in Turkish Cypriot newspaper argues that if the solution was near, Turkey would not have done investments in occupied Cyprus

The article goes on as follows:

We say that this country is ours, but Turkey is settling down here as if it will never abandon its sovereignty in Cyprus.

It both settles here permanently and also continues the We want solution stories.

In order to understand that there will be no solution in the near future in Cyprus, it is enough to look at the investments Turkey makes in Cyprus

Is there a sign that Turkey is getting ready to abandon the island? Or is its permanency [in the island] secured?

The big Turkish capital, which was quite reluctant whether to make or not investments to Cyprus up to the time of the referendum for the Annan Plan, started to rapidly flow after the first yes came out from the ballot box.

This was the result of the guarantees it was given for the non-solution.

By the [Turkish] state turning its own taps on, and the TRNC allowing the looting of the Greek Cypriot properties, the inflow [of the capital] into the island started

Look at the hotels which were built after 2004

The Mercur in Keryneia

The Artermis in the Karpass area

The Merit in Lefkosia

And the Golden Tulip

And everything belongs to the Republic of Turkey

To Republic of Turkey capital

The five stars hotels

The hotels with casinos

And all of them belong to the circles of the AKP (Justice and Development Party)

Officials of the Republic of Turkey come and it is they who cut the inauguration ribbons

Along with these investments which are made for the gambling tourism, Turkey also carries out education investments

First, the Middle East Technical University was established

Now the turn of others has come

The Istanbul Technical University

The Cukurova University

And the Association of the Turkish Education College

In the coming years their opening ceremony ribbons will be cut as well

While the horizons of Cyprus are opening to the capital, Turkey is also trying to eliminate the deficiencies of the infrastructure in the island...

This project is now on the way...

Water will be transferred here from the Dragon Dam in Anamur...

75 million cubic meters of water in a year...

A 550-million dollars project...

Would all these be carried out if there was to be a solution in the near future in Cyprus?

If Cyprus was to be united, that is, if a United Cyprus Federal Republic was to be established, would these projects not be abandoned?

Esteemed readers,

One more anniversary came and went...

The TRNC celebrated its 26th year...

The voice of the peacemakers faded...

The tanks and the military janissary band of musicians roared...

The nationalists got enthusiastic...

However, should not the peacemakers be given a voice in such critical days?...

They remained silent on the 20th of July...

They remained silent on the 15th of November...

Is there nothing to be said?

We got it, you do not send any congratulation messages

But that is not enough...

You dont celebrate but at least make a protest...

[13] From the Turkish Press of 13, 14 and 15 November 2009

Foreign Policy issues

In his daily column in Radikal (13.11.09), Murat Yetkin views the remarks by Pierre Lelouche, French minister for EU affairs, who recently told the French parliament that a secret agreement was reached with Turkey. When the Turkish Presidential Office denied the existence of such an agreement, the French Embassy in Ankara said that the two countries agreed to disagree on the issue of EU accession, but that this should not affect bilateral relations. Yetkin asserts: At this stage, the Turkish public gains the right to expect an official statement on the situation, rather than remarks by unidentified spokesmen."

In a commentary entitled "While Asia is emerging as a centre of grand strategies" in Milli Gazete (13.11.2009) writer Oya Akgonenc discusses what she presents as developments suggesting that the global political and economic centre of gravity is shifting to Asia in a way that promises to make the 21st century "the century of Asia."

Viewing the recent visit to Ankara of Phil Gordon, the US assistant secretary of state, in preparation for Prime Minister Erdogan's forthcoming visit to Washington, in Hurriyet (14.11.09) columnist Sedat Ergin in his column maintains that there are serious differences of views between Turkey and the United States regarding three major topics, namely Turkey's stand on Sudan, Turkish-Israeli relations, and Erdogan's support for Iran's nuclear program.

In an article entitled "The chains that need to be broken", in Vakit (14.11.09) columnist Ahmet Varol discusses what the Islamic world could do to free itself from the "chains of global imperialism." He asserts that Islamic countries should look into establishing their own monetary fund, developing their industrial production capabilities to the point where they can rely on their own resources to create consumer products, and enhancing cooperation among one another. He also underlines the need for the recent OIC-COMCEC meeting in Istanbul to generate the sort of "solidarity" needed to put enough pressure on Israel to end its "inhuman embargo" against Gaza.

In an article entitled "Serbian overture: Door of hatred for Turks broken down", in Vakit (14.11.09) columnist Mehmet Kocak discusses the "historic" significance of the reopening of one of the main doors to a church in the Serbian town of Karofci at a recent ceremony attended by the Serbian and Turkish presidents of state some 310 years after it was closed as a symbol of "hatred for the Turks."

Under the headline, "[Erdogan:] We must think as big as we used to in 1923," Zaman (14.11.09) carries a front-page report which outlines the messages issued by Prime Minister Erdogan and other speakers at yesterday's parliamentary meeting on the "national unity and brotherhood project."

Following the concessions we made to the Armenians and the PKK, is it the turn of the Cyprus overture? Asks Rahmi Turan in a commentary in Hurriyet (15.11.09) and underlines that it is very difficult to establish an independent Turkish Cypriot state in Cyprus with a mentality that is based on "giving away." Why was Rauf Denktas who had dedicated his life to the freedom of the Turkish Cypriots eliminated, asks Turan and, stressing that Denktas had merely resisted against those who wanted to surrender, says: "We are pursuing a surrendering policy. If this continues, Cyprus will also be given away."

In an article entitled "Barzani must be involved in the process," in Vakit (14.11.09) columnist Ayhan Bilgin says that the Barzani clan in northern Iraq should be regarded as a key and indispensable player in the Turkish Government's plan to resolve the Kurdish question. Accusing the Barzani clan of hating Turks and remaining indifferent to the PKK's presence in their region while maintaining close ties with Israel, Bilgin says: "Mas'ud Barzani and his peshmerga should be involved in this process one way or the other under strict control and supervision of Turkish officials in order to ensure that the 'overture' leads to a satisfactory outcome acceptable to people living in all parts of Turkey (despite Israel and the United States). Otherwise, nobody should think that PKK militants will eventually lay down their arms and surrender themselves or leave the region."

EG/

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