Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-11-19

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat is doubtful whether the negotiation process will succeed or not

[02] Eroglu demands from EU officials to acknowledge the fact that there are two equal peoples and administrations in Cyprus

[03] Illegal BRTK director alleges that his Corporation symbolizes the struggle for freedom and protects sovereignty

[04] ANEL group will construct a solar plant in the TRNC with support received from the EU

[05] Davutoglu: Turkeys Cyprus policy has great importance for a lasting peace in Eastern Mediterranean

[06] Turkeys Foreign Minister meets with the chairman of the Independent Commission on Turkey; Cyprus among their issues of discussion

[07] Italian President continues contacts in Ankara; He calls for urgent efforts towards a solution in Cyprus

[08] Turkey on becoming a party to the ICCs Rome statute

[09] Turkish young diplomats to be trained in Israel

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Relations with Turkey test of maturity for Israel, says expert

[11] From the Turkish Press of 18 November 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat is doubtful whether the negotiation process will succeed or not

In his statements during his visit to the occupied villages Platani and Gypsou, where he informed the villagers about the ongoing negotiation process, Mr Talat stated that it was not possible for the sides to reach to an agreement on all issues adding that it is necessary for the United Nations to get involved more actively in the process, in order to reach to a positive outcome at the end of the Cyprus peace negotiations. He also said that a timetable is necessary.

Mr Talat went on and said that the Cyprus problem is an international problem adding that it can be solved if the global powers get involved in the process. If Kofi Annan did not have the arbitrator role during 2004, the Annan plan could not be put to a referendum. That means that the involvement of the international community to the process is necessary. There is no other choice. Otherwise, it would be difficult to agree on all issues.

Mr Talat stated also that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are of the opinion that a solution would be reached by the end of the year and that it is possible to reach to a solution by the end of the year with the more active involvement of the UN and if the process is intensified like it happen in Burgenstock. Mr Talat reminded that at Burgenstock they were negotiating day and night and the sides concentrated only on the Cyprus problem. If we enter in such a work, this issue will finish. We can finish this work until the elections of April 2010. We will make our choices in new conditions, and this is possible to happen. Mr Talat then added that whatever will be decided the people will take the final decision regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Alleging that it is the Turkish Cypriot side which undertook the initiative for the launching of the ongoing negotiation process, the Turkish Cypriot leader said that the negotiations are on the shoulders of the Turkish Cypriot side adding that they are determined to continue the negotiations.

Mr Talat evaluated then the first round of the negotiations by pointing out that serious convergence has been achieved on the chapter of Economy, Governance and Power-Sharing and the chapter regarding the Relations with the EU. He then referred to the three remaining chapters, and especially the property issue on which no progress was achieved, adding that they also left the issue of Guarantees, the Territory and the Property issue to be discussed at the end.

Regarding the second round, he said that they returned again to the discussion on the Property issue repeating that no progress has been achieved. Finally, he said that he cannot say that there has been progress but his hopes increased. Referring to the Property chapter, he said that the differences are mountain high.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (18.11.09) broadcast the following from occupied Lefkosia:

The United Nations must actively get involved in the process, in order to reach a positive outcome at the end of Cyprus peace negotiations, the TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat has said.

During the public gatherings he held in the villages of Cinarli [occupied Platani] and Akova [occupied Gypsou], Talat said a significant level of progress has been observed during the second round of the talks. President Mehmet Ali Talat pointed to the fact that the Turkish side and the Greek Cypriot side have presented differing principles on the thorny issue of Property, but heavy work is underway to bridge the gaps on this.

Stating that serious rapprochement has been considered regarding the chapter on Governance and Power-Sharing, the President stressed that the Greek Cypriot side acknowledged the political equality of the Turkish side and also accepted to hold a rotational presidency in the federal state to be.

He then referred to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogans offer to hold a quintet summit on the Cyprus issue involving the TRNC, Turkey, Greece, the Greek Cypriot side and Britain. Mr Talat welcomed the offer by saying that such a summit will very much contribute to the progress of peace talks, but yet, he added that the Greek Cypriot side does not seem to gladly receive the offer.

(AK)

[02] Eroglu demands from EU officials to acknowledge the fact that there are two equal peoples and administrations in Cyprus

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has said that the Greek Cypriot Administrations unilateral membership to the European Union is contributing to the existing deadlock on the island. The Premier also said that the European Union, being aware of its mistake, should adopt a more balanced and just approach towards the Cyprus issue. He was speaking ahead of todays council of ministers meeting.

The TRNC council of Ministers convened today for its routine weekly meeting under the chair by Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu. Speaking to the press before entering the meeting, the Prime Minister gave information to reporters about his visit to the Turkish city of Kayseri tomorrow. Eroglu said that he would be delivering a conference on the Cyprus Problem before returning to the Republic on Sunday.

Touching upon the Cyprus Problem, the Prime Minister said that both sides needed to demonstrate good will in order for a settlement to be reached on the Cyprus Problem. He however pointed out that the Greek Cypriot Administration lacks the necessary good will. 'This has always been the casein the past and today, irrelevant of the change in the Greek Cypriot leadership', he added.

Responding to a question concerning a visit paid to him recently by the head of the EU Task Force for the Cyprus Turkish people, the Prime Minister criticized the EUs recent negative stance towards TRNC officials and pointed out that the EU did not recognize the reality that there are two equal sides in Cyprus. Explaining that the head of the EUs task force for the Turks of Cyprus Andrew Rasbash was well aware that he was received by the TRNC Prime Minister but chose to act otherwise, Eroglu said that what was truly important was for those who claimed to be trying to be balanced to acknowledge the fact there are two equal peoples and administrations in Cyprus. He said failure to have equality at the negotiating table will make it impossible to reach a settlement to the Cyprus Problem. Solution on the island looks impossible if the equality is not supplied on the negotiation table he added.

The TRNC Prime Minister also pointed out the Greek Cypriot Administration, which signed pacts with the UK and Russia, continued to perceive and treat the Turks of Cyprus as a minority and asserted ownership of the whole island.

[03] Illegal BRTK director alleges that his Corporation symbolizes the struggle for freedom and protects sovereignty

The Girne American University (GAU) has organized a series of seminars on Communication within the framework of events marking the 25th anniversary of establishment of the University. The seminar, organized by the Faculty of Communication, was opened by the Director of the Bayrak Radio and Television Corporation (BRTK), Mr Ozer Kanli.

BRT Director Ozer Kanli made a presentation during yesterdays seminar on Public Broadcast and the BRT. He said BRT had been the voice of the Cyprus Turkish fighters who struggled for existence. Underlining the unique way of broadcasting at BRT, Mr Kanli said his Corporation symbolised the struggle for freedom waged by the Turks of Cyprus which was later crowned by the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He also announced that BRTs second channel will join BRT 1 in satellite broadcasting as from the 25th of December. He then referred to the digital territorial broadcast envisaged for BRT. The Director said the Corporation pays particular attention to the protection of the Turks of Cyprus as a nation as well as the sovereign status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

[04] ANEL group will construct a solar plant in the TRNC with support received from the EU

As it was noted, all the finance for the construction of the solar plant which is characterized as the biggest solar energy plant in the Mediterranean basin will be provided by the EU. The plant will be constructed in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and it will be transferred to the TRNC electricity operators as a donation. The project for which special tax exemptions will be provided by the EU and is the biggest contract of 3.77 million Euro cost, the biggest in size solar energy project which will be designed and constructed by a Turkish firm until now. The statement also notes that the plant will produce 2 GWh annually and therefore, the power cuts experienced during the daytime hours of summer in particular, where plenty of electricity was used, will be terminated. The construction of the solar plant will be launched in January 2010 and it will be completed within 400 days.

(ML)

[05] Davutoglu: Turkeys Cyprus policy has great importance for a lasting peace in Eastern Mediterranean

The Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that providing a lasting peace in Eastern Mediterranean has a great importance in terms of Turkeys Cyprus policy. Mr Davutoglu touched upon the Cyprus issue during a debate in the Turkish parliament.

Explaining Turkeys perspective over the Cyprus issue, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey is in favour of a solution which will be based on bi-zonality and political equality of the two founding states as well as Turkeys active and effective guarantee. He also added that Turkey has already proved its good intention on the issue.

Noting that the foreign representatives of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have been increased to 18 in the last 4 years, Mr Davutoglu said assuring the existence of the Turks of Cyprus, their freedom and future as well as providing a lasting peace in Eastern Mediterranean has a great importance in terms of Turkeys Cyprus policy.

[06] Turkeys Foreign Minister meets with the chairman of the Independent Commission on Turkey; Cyprus among their issues of discussion

Stating that Ahtisaari had significant contributions to Turkey's EU process and also to global peace, Davutoglu said former Finnish president won the 2008 Nobel peace prize thanks to his efforts. The Independent Commission on Turkey analyzed Turkey's EU membership process very well in its impartial reports, Davutoglu said, and he pointed out the importance of commission's activities.

On his part, Ahtisaari said that he would be in the Turkish capital on Thursday to meet Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

[07] Italian President continues contacts in Ankara; He calls for urgent efforts towards a solution in Cyprus

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has said it is necessary to make urgent efforts towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Napolitano who was on an official visit to Ankara attended a dinner last night given in his honour by his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul. Delivering a speech at the dinner, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said Turkey's efforts to make EU-inspired reforms showed Turkey's willingness to integrate to the common values and principles of the European continent. Touching on the Cyprus issue, Napolitano expressed the need for urgent efforts towards solving the Cyprus problem.

For his part, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Napolitano's visit in Turkey would add a momentum to relations and strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries and would boost dialogue in regional and international issues.

[08] Turkey on becoming a party to the ICCs Rome statute

The spokesman said Turkey was planning to participate also in a conference in Uganda in May, 2010. 'Turkey supports the basic principles of the Rome Statute that founded the ICC ... and it remains committed to become a party to the statute. However, Turkey considers the statute's failure to bring a definition to the crime of aggression and its lack to include terrorism as major shortcomings', Ozugergin said.

[09] Turkish young diplomats to be trained in Israel

A delegation of young diplomats from Turkeys Foreign Ministry and from Turkish embassies in the region has been in Israel for a six-day program as part of a cooperative agreement to train young diplomats and to exchange diplomatic delegations, the Israeli Embassy in Ankara announced on Tuesday.

While noting that the agreement of cooperation was signed between the foreign ministries of the two countries in 2008, the embassy said in its written statement the first such visit by young Turkish diplomats to Israel occurred in November 2008.

'The purpose of the agreement and the reciprocal visits is to deepen the ties between the foreign ministries of Turkey and Israel and to contribute to a better mutual relationship considering the challenges faced by both foreign ministries and countries', said the statement.

Relations between Turkey and Israel, regional allies who cooperate particularly in the military and defence arena, became strained after the Israeli military launched a deadly offensive in Gaza last December, leaving more than 1,300 people dead. The tension has continued to simmer since Turkey barred Israel from a NATO exercise last month, a decision that angered Israel.

Yet the announcement of an official visit to Turkey by Israeli Industry, Trade and Labour Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer later this month and Israeli President Shimon Peres invitation to his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, to pay an official visit to Israel as well as statements by Turkish leaders stating the strength of the core of bilateral relations have been interpreted as signs of both sides willingness to ease recent tensions between the two countries.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Relations with Turkey test of maturity for Israel, says expert

When compared to the past, Turkey is a more democratic country, and the fact that Israel is not able to maintain healthy relations with such a democratic country in the region is a cause for concern, Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator, has argued.

Remarks by Levy, who heads the Middle East Task Force at the Washington-based New America Foundation, came at a conference held on Tuesday at the Washington office of the Ankara-based Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

Geoffrey Aronson, director of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, and Ufuk Ulutas, SETAs Middle East program director, also participated in the conference, which was moderated by SETA Washington representative Nuh Yilmaz and titled 'Israel-Syria Peace Negotiations and Turkeys Mediation'.

The last direct talks between Israel and Syria stalled in 2000 in a dispute over how much of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in the 1967 war, should be returned to Syria. Peace efforts restarted in 2007 under Turkish auspices, and Turkey facilitated several rounds of indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel. Yet, soon after the start of the Gaza offensive, Syria said it had suspended talks with Israel and then-Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said it was not possible to continue with peace efforts on the Israeli-Syrian track while war raged on along the Israeli-Palestinian track.

According to Levy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may consider the continuation of a process that had started during the term of former-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as a 'domestic political problem', referring to the fact that Olmert was in charge during Turkey-mediated indirect talks.

At the moment, Turkey is considered by Israel to be a part of the axis of evil along with Iran and Syria, thus there is an overwhelming desire to punish Turkey, Levy said.

'Relations with Turkey are a test which will show the Israeli governments level of maturity', Levy said, while stressing that Turkeys position in the region as a country becoming more and more democratic should not be ignored.

Yet the fact that Israel is having difficulties in its relations with Turkey, which is more democratic than other regional countries, poses 'worrying signs', Levy added.

Aronson, meanwhile, drew a gloomy picture concerning Turkeys capability as a mediator, suggesting that big powers should be dealing with mediation efforts, since they have the necessary tools for directing the process. Both Aronson and Levy argued that the opposition of the then-US administration to the indirect talks mediated by Turkey between Israel and Syria led to failure of the process.

For his part, Ulutas said he considered the tension in relations between Israel and Turkey 'temporary', while also saying that Turkeys leverage in Israel and Syria was stronger than France, whose leader Nicolas Sarkozy recently attempted to bring the leaders of Israel and Syria together in Paris in an attempt to revive the peace process between the two countries.

Meanwhile, it was announced that SETAs Washington office was expecting to host Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a speech during his official visit to Washington in early December.

[11] From the Turkish Press of 18 November 2009

Wiretapping of judicial officials

In an article in Milliyet, Fikret Bila relates an interview he conducted with Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek who is reported to have underlined that he "does not anticipate or wish" a new closure case against the Justice and Development Party, AKP, because there is no connection between the wiretapping of judicial officials and the Political Parties Law.

Milliyet columnist Taha Akyol, in an article, sums up the government proposals to prevent illegal wiretapping as explained by Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin. According to the minister, the punishment for those ordering the wiretapping as well as those who publish the contents of that wiretapping will be increased. Furthermore, prosecutors will be authorized to launch investigations into wiretapping incidents even if the individual being wiretapped does not file a complaint, adds Ergin, explaining that these new measures will constitute a deterrent force against illegal wiretapping incidents.

Also is a report entitled "Wiretapping clamour a gang tactic," which quotes Gultekin Avci, a former prosecutor, as saying that the "clamour" over the recent disclosure that the Justice Ministry has been intercepting the phone conversations of members of the judiciary is part of a campaign by the "terrorist" Ergenekon network intended to enhance pro-junta groups' room for manoeuvre and set the scene for the dismissal of the prosecutors conducting the Ergenekon investigation.

In a commentary entitled "The ruling judiciary and wiretapping", Vakit writer Professor Haci Duran argues that the monitoring of the phone calls of certain judges and prosecutors based on decisions rendered by other judges and prosecutors does not constitute a violation of the principle of the independence of the judiciary because judicial independence does not define the independence of the judicial bureaucracy but the independence of the laws that the judiciary is supposed to implement. He also argues that the judiciary's use of certain laws as a means of becoming a political power is like the Catholic Church trying to assume God's functions.

Under the headline, "No pressure on judiciary, some 2,000 complaints not actioned," Zaman runs a report which highlights Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin's remarks announcing that the latest controversy over the wiretapping of the phone conversations of members of the judiciary amounts to a distortion of the facts about the lawful monitoring of the private conversations of certain justices and prosecutors.

Kurdish Issue

A unattributed editorial in Hurriyet Daily News notes that the transfer of inmates to Imrali to ease the isolation of Abdullah Ocalan is not part of the government's Kurdish overture, adding that this decision was made independent of the overture in line with the request made by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and to avoid international pressure on the issue.

Viewing the Kurdish overture in an article in Vatan, Rusen Cakir writes: "I do not think that the future of the overture is so pessimistic despite all the errors committed by the government, despite all the unnecessary crises created by the Kurdish political movement, despite all the obstruction efforts exerted by the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and despite the forceful and effective objections of the social sectors opposed to the overture. Because I know and observe that the search for a solution is very strong within a very different sector of the community and that these circles are exerting great efforts to ensure that the process ends safely with a lasting solution."

Listing the Kurdish names of provinces and districts in the first of his article in Vatan, Mustafa Mutlu argues that while the public was busy with the wiretapping scandal and the Dersim discussions, not sufficient attention was devoted to one of the most important articles of the Kurdish overture, namely the changing of the names of settlements to their previous Kurdish ones. If this plan is implemented, we will forget the current names of many provinces and districts, claims Mutlu, adding: "We will be forced to change not only our information reservoir but our maps as well... We will implement one and maybe the most important of the demands made by the separatist terror organization, which has, for a long time now, been using the Kurdish names of these provinces and districts..." In conclusion, Mutlu claims that, no matter who says what, these Kurdish names constitute the first step of the process that leads to a division.

According to a report in Radikal, the Democratic Society Party (DTP) will seek the support of the AKP and the CHP for a draft bill proposing to change the name of Tunceli to Dersim, its previous Kurdish name. The report adds that DTP Tunceli deputy Serafettin Halis has taken action to bring the bill to parliament within the framework of the democratic overture following the remarks made by CHP deputy Onur Oymen regarding the Dersim uprising.

On Onur Oymen's remarks regarding Dersim massacre

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News, Mustafa Akyol criticizes CHP deputy Onur Oymen for his remarks regarding the Dersim massacre and his justification of the "the Kemalist quasi-dictatorship" and its misdeeds.

Referring to Oymen's remarks on Dersim in the first of his article in Hurriyet Daily News, Mehmet Ali Birand views the opposition from within the CHP to Oymen's remarks and the call made for him to resign. In our political life, the resignation mechanism does not work very well, writes Birand, adding that since CHP leader Deniz Baykal is not in favour of Oymen's resignation, Oymen will not resign. In conclusion, Birand argues that this might be one of the reasons why the CHP cannot increase its votes.

Explaining why Oymen has been likened to Hitler in his column in Sabah, Emre Akoz says that poisonous gas was used against rebels in Dersim in 1937-38 which resulted in the death of not only the rebels but also of many innocent women and children. Noting that a crime against humanity was committed in suppressing the rebellion, Akoz concludes: "Onur Oymen, whom CHP leader Deniz Baykal has insistently defended, is being likened to Hitler for giving his symbolic consent to the killing of innocents through the use of gas."

Oymen's short statement on Dersim will make the Turkish society, which has signed a "secret" agreement "to ignore certain realities," tear up that agreement, claims Ahmet Altan in an article in Taraf. Noting that the Ataturk discussion will enter our agenda in a way that is very different from the accustomed manner, Altan argues that the CHP policy that everything Ataturk did was right will be seriously shaken. Charging that many CHP members will be amazed to learn that Ataturk, who is represented as the pillar of secularism, once said "our constitution is the Koran" in a bid to attacks the religious sector during the National Struggle, Altan questions whether those in favour of repeating every action of Ataturk and proposing that the "Dersim solution" be implemented for the Kurdish problem will embrace Ataturk's remarks on the constitution. Wondering how the Alevi community, which almost always casts its vote for the CHP, will react to the CHP stand on the Dersim massacre, Altan expresses that this Alevi dependence on the CHP despite all stems from their mistrust of the Sunnis.

In an article entitled "Closing down a party? Which party?", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru comments on reports that Chief Public Prosecutor of the Supreme Court Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya is looking into launching an investigation against the AKP that could pave the way for closure proceedings against this party over the latest wiretapping "scandal." Koru claims that nobody should be excited by the prospect of the AKP being banned, adding that the closure of a political party that obtained the support of one out of every two people in the last election could take place only under an interim regime where democracy was put on hold and that Turkey has no choice but to be "safely anchored in democracy." He also argues that if there is any political party in Turkey that deserves to be banned, it is the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) whose deputy chairman Onur Oymen's recent remarks on the Dersim revolt could well warrant closure proceedings because they amounted to "racial and sectarian discrimination."

In an article entitled "Not one but all", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak lauds CHP Deputy Chairman Onur Oymen sarcastically for the "magnificent job" he has done in starting an "edifying" controversy through his remarks on the Dersim revolt in 1937 that has served to highlight the "facts" about the state's "official ideology" and "official" accounts of certain historical incidents. Dilipak also calls on his readers to "look at how Oymen defends himself. 'If I am guilty, how about Ataturk and the single-party era [in Turkey's political history]?' Well, you understood it a bit late but you did. Congratulations."

In an article entitled How a foreign Minister organized executions in Dersim, Zaman columnist Abdulhamit Bilici asserts that Onur Oymen's remarks "defending the Dersim massacre" have once more exposed "the mentality in the CHP's genes" as well as causing Alevis, "who surprisingly constitute the CHP's most avid supporters," to "belatedly" start questioning what the CHP stands for.

In an article entitled "Is there anybody whom you have not alienated yet?", Zaman columnist Mustafa Unal asserts that although the CHP leadership is trying to make the "scandal" created by Oymen's remarks on the Dersim revolt fall into oblivion gradually as it did in the case of an earlier "scandal" caused by party executive Onder Sav's remarks on Muslim pilgrimage, the ongoing "Dersim quake" has the potential to lead to serious consequences by ending the CHP's "natural alliance" with Alevi groups.

In an article entitled "The rise of Oymen and the ideological bankruptcy of a party", Today's Zaman columnist Yavuz Baydar argues that the CHP has become a "burden" for Socialist International, SI, in the wake of Oymen's remarks on the Dersim revolt. He also calls on SI to dismiss the CHP as a member of this body.

In an article entitled "Strange developments in Ataturk's party", Milli Gazete columnist Abdulkadir Ozkan draws attention to the "paradox" signified by the calls for Onur Oymen's resignation from within the CHP's ranks over his remarks on the Dersim revolt. After relating how Oymen defended his position by saying that he was standing up for Ataturk in saying what he said, Ozkan argues that the criticisms against Oymen from his fellow party members mean that the defence of Ataturk and his practices by CHP executives has come to be seen in "the party founded by Ataturk" as an act that warrants resignation.

ES/

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