Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-05-19

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu announces his negotiating team and the advisory committee for the negotiations; Turkish Cypriots to address a seminar on the property issue in Brussels

[02] Statements by the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus problem

[03] UBP seeks vote of confidence

[04] Self-styled MP with CTP thanks the Vice-President of the EP for his support on the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation

[05] U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus visits the self-styled mayors of occupied Morfou and Lefka

[06] The chairman of the Felicity Party is illegally visiting the occupied areas of Cyprus

[07] Stelios Hadjioannou expresses his readiness to construct an Easy hotel in occupied Cyprus

[08] The North Cyprus Darts Association will participate in a tournament of World Darts Federation

[09] Cyprus problem to be discussed during OIC summit; Turkey desires to host 2014 OIC summit

[10] Data on Turkeys exports

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 18 May 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu announces his negotiating team and the advisory committee for the negotiations; Turkish Cypriots to address a seminar on the property issue in Brussels

The names of the members of Mr Eroglus negotiating team are the following:

Kudret Ozersay - Special Representative (Member of the Teaching Staff of the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University DAU)

Oguzhan Hasipoglu Lawyer

Kemal Gokeri ambassador, employee of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs

Gulfem Veziroglu Sevgili 1st secretary of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs

Seniha Birand - 1st secretary of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs

Ozlem Ince Translator and interpreter from the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs.

Moreover, according to the issues discussed in the negotiations, Hasan Gungor and Serden Hoca will also participate in the negotiating team.

Furthermore, the names of the members of the advisory committee, which will be coordinated by Osman Ertug, spokesman of the presidency, are the following:

Taner Erginel Former President of the Supreme Court

Ismail Bozkurt Researcher, writer and former President of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP)

Prof. Dr. Ata Atun Member of the teaching staff of the illegal Near East University (YDU), researcher and writer

Ergun Olgun former presidential advisor

Associate Professor Erol Kaymak member of the teaching staff of the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU)

Ulker Fahri Businessman, researcher and writer

Assistant Associate Professor Murat Tuzunkan - member of the teaching staff of the illegal Cyprus International University (UKU)

Assistant Associate Professor Zeliha Khashman - member of the teaching staff of the illegal Near East University (YDU).

In statements during the cocktail party, Mr Eroglu said that everything will be on the table and discussed during the negotiations which will start on 26 May. He said he will act knowing that he is under the heavy burden of making the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people heard to the world.

Mr Eroglu noted that the experts who will support him in the negotiations will carry out their duty on the basis of a structure which will be organized in the form of the rings of a chain interlocked with each other. He said that the negotiating team will be the first ring of the chain, the advisory committee for the negotiations will be the second and the national council or the parliamentary platform will be the third. Referring to the national council, Eroglu said that this will be formed by the political parties, which are represented in the assembly of the breakaway regime. He noted that he will inform these parties on the developments in the negotiations and take their views in meetings held once every month or more often, if this is necessary. Mr Eroglu said that there will also be a fourth ring in the chain, which will be the Peoples Councils. Representatives of this group will be meeting regularly with the Turkish Cypriot leader and his negotiating team in order to be informed on the negotiations and express their views.

Mr Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side is determined to continue the negotiations from the point they were left and alleged that they wish for the negotiations to be conducted within the framework of the good will mission of the UN Secretary-General and come to a successful conclusion the soonest. Therefore, we shall negotiate with good will but by indicating the rights of our people. I hope that the Greek Cypriot side will come to the table with the same understanding and that we will reach a result, he added.

Mr Eroglu pointed out to that fact that the Turkish Cypriots expressed some views when they voted for him in the elections and added: It is not possible for me to carry out the negotiations by ignoring the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people. From time to time, esteemed Christofias says Eroglu should stop referring to an equal sovereign Turkish Cypriot people. Abandoning this would mean stop being the representative of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Mr Eroglu went on and said that Erol Kaymak, Kudret Ozersay and Serden Hoca will depart for Brussels today in order to address a seminar on the negotiations which will start with the property issue. He noted that the technical groups will work on Monday and that their strategy for the negotiations will be determined.

Mr Eroglu stated that he will be in contact with the self-styled minister of foreign affairs, Huseyin Ozgurgun during the negotiating process and that he will be taking Mr Ozgurgun with him during his visits abroad, because the ministry of foreign affairs has been neglected during the past five years.

Responding to questions, Mr Eroglu reminded that six chapters exist in the negotiations, that no agreement was reached on them and that the principle that nothing is agreed unless everything is agreed is valid. He said there was nothing worthwhile in the joint statement made by President Christofias and the former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, that in the letter he has sent to the UN Secretary-General he noted that he would start the negotiations taking into consideration the agreement of the 23rd of May and that he reiterated this to the representative of the UN and the ambassadors of foreign countries to Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Statements by the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus problem

Under the title I appreciate very much Erdogans leadership in the Cyprus negotiations, the paper writes that Mr Ban Ki-moon gave an exclusive interview to Anatolia news agency at his office in the UN headquarters and responded to questions regarding the Cyprus negotiations, the so-called isolations on the Turkish Cypriots, the agreement on the uranium signed in Tehran, the sanctions on Iran, the conference to be organized in Istanbul on Somalia, the role of Turkey as mediator in the Middle East, Turkeys accession process to the EU, the Alliance of Civilizations initiative and the relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Asked on whether there is a timetable in his mind regarding the negotiations in Cyprus which will resume soon and on whether such timetable would facilitate a successful result in the negotiations, the UN Secretary-General said: In spite of the fact that we have not determined such a target-date this does not mean that the negotiations will last forever. Of course we should have some expectations regarding the date and time on which the two sides will accept the unification based on bi-zonal, bi-communal political equality.

Mr Ban Ki-moon said he was encouraged from the statement made by the new Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu that he will continue the negotiations from the point they were left. He expressed the hope for the leaders of the two communities to meet soon for the continuation of the negotiations and noted that his special advisor, Alexander Downer, and he will continue to facilitate the negotiating process on the island.

I appreciate very much the leadership of Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan within this context and I praise him, he said and added that the statement made in February this year by Mr Erdogan that he strongly supports the negotiations in Cyprus speeded up the process.

Asked why the issue of the so-called isolations of the Turkish Cypriots is not stressed any more in spite of the report which his predecessor Kofi Annan submitted to the UN Security Council on 28 May 2004 and what will happen if a solution is not achieved on the island, Mr Ban Ki-moon responded:

That is why these negotiations should be speeded up. I know that the Turkish Cypriots are facing problems because of the isolations. This problem contains many humanitarian issues. Therefore, we could concern ourselves with the issue of the isolations by speeding up the peace negotiations. I strongly supported and I am supporting the negotiations. Only in 18 months, more than 70 meetings between the two leaders were held. I am very encouraged from this number. This is extremely unusual and positive. This is a very positive development which we have not seen in the past. Yes, negotiations between the two leaders have not been seen to this extent. Within this context, I am naturally expecting the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot side as well to continue the negotiations with his interlocutor.

Mr Ban Ki-moon said he will visit Istanbul on Thursday to participate in the conference for Somalia which will be held between 21 and 23 of May.

(I/Ts.)

[03] UBP seeks vote of confidence

New government formed in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) under the leadership of prime minister, Irsen Kucuk, held its first council of ministers meeting on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, Kucuk said the new cabinet list of the TRNC, approved by President Dervis Eroglu, has been presented to Turkish Cypriot Parliament.

Kucuk said the government program would be read out at the parliament on May 21 and general debates would take place on the government program on May 24. Within two days after that, TRNC's new government will seek vote of confidence. Democrat Party (DP) said earlier it would support the new government which is the 2nd minority government of the TRNC in its political history.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (19.05.10) reports on statements made to illegal Bayrak by the chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), Turgay Avci according to which ORP will support the minority government formed by the National Unity Party (UBP). Stating that his party will keep its promises given to Irsen Kucuk during the meetings held after Irsen Kucuks election, Turgay Avci reminded that ORP is ready to establish any kind of dialogue and cooperation with the UBP government so the country not to be condemned by the sudden and contradictory decisions taken by the DP leader, Serdar Denktas.

The paper, furthermore, reports on statements made by the general secretary of DP, Ejder Aslanbaba to SIM TV according to which his party will wait for the announcement of UBPs governmental program before taking its decision on whether or not to support the new UBP government.

It is reminded that the recent distribution of seats at the so-called assembly is as follows:

National Unity Party (UBP): 24

Republican Turkish Party (CTP): 15

Democratic Party (DP): 5

Communal Democracy Party (TDP): 2

Freedom and Reform Party (ORP): 2

Independent: 1

Vacant: 1

Total: 50

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (19.05.10) reports that Huseyin Angolemli, former president of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP), will be the common candidate of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the Social Democracy Party (TDP) for the vacant seat in the parliament in occupied Famagusta. According to information acquired by Kibris, the two parties reached to an agreement to cooperate both in the by-elections for the vacant seat of the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and in the municipal elections. Within the framework of the agreement, TDP will support Oktay Kayalp, mayor of occupied Famagusta and CTPs candidate for the same post in the municipal elections.

[04] Self-styled MP with CTP thanks the Vice-President of the EP for his support on the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation

Mrs Siber, in her letter, said that she believes that the regulations implementation will pave the way for a mutually acceptable solution. Mrs Siber wrote briefly in her letter the following:

After exchanging views on the Cyprus problem during my visit to the European Parliament on the 8th of April, I would like to thank you for your support and understanding regarding the issue of Direct Trade Regulation which is of utmost importance for the Turkish Cypriot side. This implementation will ease the negative effects of the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.

(DPs)

[05] U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus visits the self-styled mayors of occupied Morfou and Lefka

The paper also reports that the U.S. Embassy has begun courtesy visits regarding the upcoming local elections that will be held on June 27. No statement was made prior or after the meeting.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (19.05.10) reports that U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Frank C. Urbancic also met with the self-styled mayor of occupied Morfou, Mahmut Ozcinar.

(DPs)

[06] The chairman of the Felicity Party is illegally visiting the occupied areas of Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[07] Stelios Hadjioannou expresses his readiness to construct an Easy hotel in occupied Cyprus

Speaking to Kerem Hasan, Mr Hadjioannou gave signals for investments in north Cyprus, the paper writes and alleges that the Greek Cypriot businessman expressed his readiness for the construction of a hotel in occupied Cyprus in cooperation with a Turkish Cypriot businessman. I am open to cooperation with a local businessman for constructing a hotel in north Cyprus, Mr Hadjioannou allegedly said.

Noting that he will financially support projects which will be materialized by ventures of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot partners, Mr Hadjioannou stated that his aim is to offer one million euro in four years to joint ventures of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Every selected venture will be granted with 50,000 euros, Stelios Hadjioannou said.

As for his readiness in constructing a hotel in occupied Cyprus, Mr Hadjioannou expressed his awareness on the property issue and how sensitive this matter is and stated that for this reason he will be extremely careful in order not to create any kind of problems.

(ML)

[08] The North Cyprus Darts Association will participate in a tournament of World Darts Federation

Mr Tansu Tilki, chairman of KKDB, said that they long for these international activities and for this reason it is really important for them, he also added: We are going in order to represent our country in the best possible way.

(DPs)

[09] Cyprus problem to be discussed during OIC summit; Turkey desires to host 2014 OIC summit

Foreign affairs ministers of member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) gathered in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe on Tuesday. Turkish State Minister Cevdet Yilmaz is representing Turkey at the "37th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers" held under the presidency of OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.

During the meeting, Turkey will bring up the latest developments in Cyprus and Western Thrace, moreover, it is expected to express its will to host the upcoming summit in 2014. Ways to improve OIC's efficiency and problems of the Muslim community living in non-Muslim countries will also be discussed during the gathering, officials said.

Speaking to AA prior to the meeting, OIC's head Ihsanoglu said that political, economic, cultural and social issues, as well as problems of the Islam world would be high on agenda of Tuesday's session.

Commenting on Cyprus issue as well, Ihsanoglu said OIC and the Islam world had reaffirmed their support to Turkish Cypriots this year.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.05.10) reported the following:

Turkey announced Tuesday its bid to host the summit meeting of leaders of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries in 2014.

Turkish State Minister Cevdet Yilmaz, who is in Tajik capital Dushanbe to attend an OIC meeting, said that OIC was the second largest organization after the United Nations. Yilmaz said Turkey's recent active foreign policy has been closely monitored by Muslim countries, adding that speakers of the morning session referred to Turkey's efforts during their speeches.

Progress in Iran's nuclear program thanks to efforts by Turkey and Brazil has found serious echo in the world. This very prestigious for our country, he said.

On a question on Islamophobia, Yilmaz said it was unfair to mention Islam and terrorism together. Today's meeting underscored it. This is a racist expression. We have to condemn Islamophobia just as we condemn anti-Semitism, he said.

[10] Data on Turkeys exports

Turkish exports to Iraq totalled 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in the first three months of 2010.

According to figures by TurkStat, Turkish exports to Germany reached 2.6 billion U.S. dollars and Germany was ranked the first among the countries that imports Turkish products. Exports to Italy became 1.7 billion U.S. dollars, exports to France became 1.6 billion U.S. dollars and exports to Britain became 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2010. Exports to Russia amounted to 907.4 million U.S. dollars and exports to the United States amounted to 825.4 million U.S. dollars in the same period. Turkish exports to China remained at 455.7 million U.S. dollars in the first three months of the year.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 18 May 2010

a) Nuclear swap deal:

In an article entitled "The nuclear agreement is a success for Turkey, but..," Hurriyet columnist Sedat Ergin points out that there are still some possible obstacles that could hinder the nuclear fuel swap deal worked out with Iran. Describing the deal as a positive development that has opened the door to a diplomatic solution although it is open to criticism, Ergin says: "It cannot be denied that the joint Turkish-Brazilian manoeuvre witnessed in Teheran yesterday has created a new situation for the US Government and that it has created difficulties for its strategy aimed at imposing sanctions. It would not be surprising if the United States seeks additional guarantees from Iran. In that case, Turkey and Brazil may need to make new diplomatic efforts."

In an article entitled "A major diplomatic achievement," Hurriyet columnist Mehmet Yilmaz describes the nuclear swap deal as a very important achievement which, he notes, may enable Turkey to avert serious troubles which could result from a military attack targeting Iran or new UN embargoes. He says: "I have criticized the Foreign Minister on many occasions so far. But, it would be unfair if I do not congratulate him on this achievement."

In an article entitled "Compromise reached in Tehran was Turkey's success," Hurriyet columnist Hadi Uluengin says that the United States and the EU will take a cautious stance and first seek detailed information about the nuclear swap deal from Turkey and Brazil and making consultations among themselves. He concludes by saying: "We need to wait for a while in order to see whether or not yesterday's tripartite compromise which was a major achievement on the part of Turkey will be crowned by a diplomatic victory for Turkey and a victory of peace for the world."

In an article entitled "Iran deal a major coup for Turkey-Brazil," Hurriyet Daily News columnist Semih Idiz says that the nuclear deal has increased the possibility of reducing tension in the region and allayed the threat of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ascribing the nuclear swap deal to Turkey's influential role in the region and its close relations with Iran, Idiz notes: "It is clear that what we have here is a major diplomatic coup for Turkey, after months of efforts that appeared to be going nowhere. Turkey will also have been instrumental in bringing about a deal on a major international issue, which will not go unnoticed."

In an article entitled "A historical step has been taken in Tehran," Hurriyet Daily News columnist Mehmet Ali Birand points out that the agreement reached in Teheran may postpone discussions on new sanctions proposed to be imposed on Iran. He comments: "We also need to wait and see what Washington's reaction will be in respect to this agreement. It means that an extremely important first step has been taken but future steps are more important."

In an article entitled "The secret behind the Tehran deal," Milliyet columnist Can Dundar says that Turkey opposes a Western monopoly on nuclear energy like Iran because it has pinned its hopes on nuclear technology in order to meet its demand for energy and to become one of the major economies in the world. Pointing out that Turkey is facing a dilemma between the West's efforts to establish monopoly over nuclear technology and Iran's ambitions for nuclear armament, he comments: "Ankara devised the following formula: There should be restrictions on nuclear weapons, but nuclear technology should not be limited. Based on this principle, it asked Teheran to drop its plans to develop nuclear weapons while telling the West not to prevent Iran from developing technology to be used for producing nuclear fuel."

In an article entitled "Will the agreement concluded with Iran work?" Milliyet columnist Sami Kohen says that the agreement signed in Teheran marks the beginning of a new process which may lead to the settlement of the nuclear crisis, adding that it remains to be seen whether or not the agreement can be implemented. Pointing out that the West still has suspicions about Iran's intentions and regards the deal as a new tactical move, Kohen comments: "In fact, distrust is at the root of the problem with Iran. Of course, it would not be easy to eliminate it. But, the agreement offers a chance for dispelling those suspicions and to find a way out of the crisis."

In an article entitled, "Will our neighbour keep its promise this time?" Sabah columnist Meliha Okur says that Turkey's efforts to defuse the nuclear crisis may come to a dead-end if Iran fails to keep the promises it made in yesterday's agreement. She comments: "Iran is at a crossroads. It will either opt for nuclear weapons or nuclear energy. If it is sincere this time, a nuclear settlement will be reached. If it is making another manoeuvre like it did in the past, it would only gain time probably for the last time."

Outlining the best-case and worst-case scenarios in the nuclear crisis in his article entitled "Iran must keep its promise," Radikal columnist Deniz Zeyrek points out that the worst-case scenario seems to be more likely due to concerns that Iran will not keep its promise and the double standard applied by the West to Iran. He comments: "If Washington which invaded Iraq by using false evidence is determined to push Iran to the wall, it can be said that it can find many other reasons in addition to the nuclear dispute. We should, therefore, take a look at how the US Government and Europeans assess the tripartite agreement signed in Teheran." He cautions that Turkey may eventually find itself at the centre of a major conflict if the agreement does not lead to a solution.

In an article entitled "Erdogan and Lula: The second breakthrough," Taraf columnist Yasemin Congar says that the Turkish government should take a neutral stance between the parties to the dispute between Iran and the West and make efforts to ensure that yesterday's agreement alleviates the International Atomic Energy Agency's concerns about Iran. She comments: "It is probably early to celebrate the agreement concluded in Teheran by shouting peaceful slogans. But, it would also be wrong to sneering at progress made together with those who lament because it has diminished the possibility of war and new sanctions."

In an article entitled "Will the uranium swap prove sufficient?", Yeni Safak columnist Kursat Bumin comments on the significance of the nuclear swap deal signed between Turkey, Iran, and Brazil whereby Iran has agreed to exchange some 1,200 kilos of low-enriched uranium for 120 kilos of 20 percent enriched uranium in Turkey. Bumin hails the agreement as a reminder that there is no need to be "pessimistic" about the prospects of Turkey emerging as a successful regional mediator. He also briefly discusses the question of whether the agreement will persuade the West not to adopt serious sanctions against Iran.

In an article entitled "The meaning of what happened in Iran", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru describes the nuclear swap deal between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil as a new accomplishment of Turkey's "result-oriented" foreign policies. He claims that "if the sides are sincere," the United States might lift its unilateral sanctions against Iran by perceiving the agreement as a change in Tehran's "radical rhetoric" indicating that it has decided to "shake the hand extended by Barack Obama." He also expresses the hope that the Iranian administration understands that Prime Minister Erdogan's visit to Tehran amounted to a pledge to defend Iran's "peaceful" nuclear program on international platforms in exchange for Tehran's delivery on its promises.

In an article entitled "Swap deal", Zaman columnist Fikret Ertan asserts that the nuclear swap agreement signed between Turkey, Iran, and Brazil leaves a number of important questions unanswered such whether the deal is supposed to entail an end to Iran's efforts to enrich uranium and which countries will be meeting Iran's need for enriched uranium under what conditions from now on. He also argues that while the agreement is an important move, there needs to be a follow-up if the nuclear dispute is to be settled effectively.

b) Reactions to Kilicdaroglu's decision to run for CHP leadership:

A report entitled "We will come to power by polling 40 percent of the vote" in Hurriyet highlights an interview with Kemal Kilicdaroglu who has announced his candidacy for Republican People's Party (CHP) leadership. Kilicdaroglu outlines his goals in the fields of democratic and economic reforms as well as foreign policy that he would try to achieve if he is elected as the CHP's new leader in the upcoming national convention scheduled for 22 May.

A report entitled "Baykal must return and Onder Sav must leave" in Hurriyet says that the Central Executive Committee of the CHP decided to ask Deniz Baykal who has resigned as CHP leader to withdraw his resignation and to assume the party's leadership again and urged CHP Secretary General Onder Sav to tender his resignation because he expressed support for Kilicdaroglu's candidacy without first consulting the Committee. According to the report, Sav said that he would not resign, adding that the majority of CHP deputies and the heads of the CHP's provincial branches support Kilicdaroglu.

In an article entitled "What Baykal must do," Hurriyet columnist Oktay Eksi says that CHP delegates who will attend the national convention are facing a dilemma because of strong popular support for Kilicdaroglu and Baykal's intention to remain as the party's leader despite his resignation. Eksi emphasizes that the CHP would emerge stronger from this difficult period if Baykal eventually decides to express support for Kilicdaroglu because there is a broad consensus about his candidacy.

Commenting on Kilicdaroglu's candidacy in an article entitled "...and Kilicdaroglu Enters the Ring," Hurriyet Daily News columnist Yusuf Kanli says: "The possible election of Kilicdaroglu as CHP leader will perhaps adorn the founding party of the Republic with the capability of reaching out to people and returning to its social democratic roots by allowing itself to be embraced by people of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds."

A entitled "Portrait: the ruling party's nightmare" in Milliyet highlights the biography of Kilicdaroglu who, it notes, was born in 1948 as the fourth children of his parents from Kurdish Kureysan tribe in Tunceli and worked for various associations and governmental departments until his retirement in 1999. He was elected a CHP deputy from Istanbul in the general election held in 2002.

In an article entitled "Baykal can stand in Kilicdaroglu's way and delay his own end, that is all," Milliyet columnist Hasan Cemal says that Kilicdaroglu has apparently announced his candidacy without first obtaining Baykal's consent. Cemal notes that Baykal may prevent Kilicdaroglu from being elected as the party's new leader in the forthcoming convention despite strong support Kilicdaroglu commands from the party's grass roots. He asks: "Cannot Baykal and his allies understand that they will divide the party and diminish popular support while trying to save themselves?"

In an article entitled "A 'Bloody showdown' in CHP is about to begin," Sabah columnist Mahmut Ovur emphasizes that Kilicdaroglu's candidacy marks the end of Baykal's authoritarian rule within the party. He quotes some politicians in the party as describing Kilicdaroglu's decision to run for the party's leadership as a historic move that will pave the way for adopting new policies in favour of broadening freedoms and democratization.

In an article entitled "CHP with Kilicdaroglu," Cumhuriyet columnist Hikmet Cetinkaya predicts that the CHP may win around 30 percent of the poll if Kilicdaroglu is elected as its new leader and follows policies aimed at commanding support from all parts of society, including working masses and leftists.

In an article entitled "Baykal cannot control his ambition," Radikal columnist Oral Calislar says that a statement issued by a group of CHP deputies who expressed support for Kilicdaroglu must be regarded as the beginning of the end for Baykal era in the CHP. He comments: "Swords have been drawn within the CHP. Baykal is performing his last tango in politics. Although he could theoretically be re-elected as the party's leader by confronting his many old allies, it would be fairly 'risky' and difficult."

In an article entitled "A leader is emerging," Vatan columnist Gungor Mengi says that the CHP will overcome obstacles created by Baykal's mistakes and help it come to power if Kilicdaroglu wins the race for the party's leadership. Mengi also advises Baykal not to make any attempt to prevent Kilicdaroglu's election because it would only harm his reputation.

c) Speculation about Ciller's alleged plan:

An article entitled "Tansu Ciller tests the waters for DP [Democratic Party] in America" in Vatan highlights speculation that former Prime Minister Tansu Ciller and Jay Kriegel, an American of Jewish origin who was Ciller's adviser during her premiership, are making contacts in New York as part of Ciller's plan to return to politics and to vie for DP leadership.

EG/

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