Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-05-20

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan and Kucuk said that their common goal is the solution of the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN parameters

[02] Turkish State Minister calls on all OIC member countries to support the Turkish Cypriots in an active way

[03] DPs general secretary resigns due to partys decision to support UBP

[04] Turkey proposes unarmed flights over the Aegean Sea

[05] Erdogan holds telephone conversations with the US and Russian presidents over nuclear swap deal with Iran

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist assesses Eroglus negotiating team and the advisory committee for the negotiations

[07] From the Turkish Press of 19 May 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan and Kucuk said that their common goal is the solution of the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN parameters

As the paper writes, Prime Minister Erdogan sent a congratulatory message to Irsen Kucuk for forming the 23rd government of the breakaway regime. In his message, Prime Minister Erdogan said that Turkey and the occupation regime would continue making joint efforts to find a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem under the roof of the United Nations. Erdogan said:

A comprehensive solution, which will be reached during the ongoing negotiations on the basis of the established UN parameters and ensure an environment in which the Turks of Cyprus and the Greeks of Cyprus will be able to live side by side in peace and security, will be the guarantee of stability and cooperation for the island and the whole region.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan further added that Turkey would continue being a guarantee for the existence of Turkish Cypriots as a motherland and a guarantor country.

On his part, Irsen Kucuk has sent a letter of thanks to the Turkish Prime Minister in which he reiterates illegal regimes determination for cooperation with its motherland. In his message, Mr Kucuk further said he was determined to do his utmost for the illegal regime to overcome its economic problems, increase the standard of living of its people" and develop.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Irsen Kucuk said that the coming days are crucial for the Cyprus problem. He noted that Turkey and the illegal regime share a common goal which is the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN parameters.

(ML)

[02] Turkish State Minister calls on all OIC member countries to support the Turkish Cypriots in an active way

Mr Yilmaz said: We expect from all OIC member countries to give support to this purpose in an active way, by high-level visits, by encouraging cooperation and contacts in every area and by giving permission to open TRNC representations.

Noting that the UN negotiations regarding the Cyprus settlement will resume in the last week of this month, Mr Yilmaz said that the negotiations, as it was reaffirmed in the letter sent by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, should continue in the same line and with the constructive spirit of the Turkish Cypriots. He also added: Turkey as motherland and a guarantor country actively supports a just and comprehensive solution.

(DPs)

[03] DPs general secretary resigns due to partys decision to support UBP

According to Star Kibris newspaper, Ejder Aslanbabas decision to resign from DP and remain independent was announced by Aslanbaba himself during a program broadcast live by Ada TV. As a reason for his resignation, Aslanbaba cited the difference of opinion regarding DPs decision to support the new UBP minority government.

Commenting on Ejder Aslanbabas resignation, the DP leader Serdar Denktas referred to the decision of DP to cooperate with the National Unity Party (UBP), noting that this decision is what has lead Ejder Aslanbaba to resign. Stating that Aslanbabas resignation was submitted in writing to DP, Serdar Denktas, yet, admitted he would accept Aslanbabas return to DP if the latter acknowledges that he made a mistake with his decision.

Star Kibris, further writes that Ejder Aslanbabas resignation was confirmed with an announcement issued by DP. According to the announcement, Mr Aslanbaba has resigned from the party as a result of DPs decision to support UBPs minority government and UBPs candidates at the so-called local elections to be held in occupied Cyprus on June 27th. DP leader has accepted Aslanbabas resignation, the announcement further states.

On the other hand, Afrika newspaper writes that Ejder Aslanbaba is expected to join the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) of Turgay Avci. The party might form a coalition with UBP, the paper alleges and leaves open the possibility of other DP members to resign from the party in the coming days.

(ML)

[04] Turkey proposes unarmed flights over the Aegean Sea

Turkeys top general said he has proposed stopping flights of armed jets over the Aegean to his Greek counterpart in a move to end potential unwanted incidents. He told me that he will consider this, Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug told reporters Wednesday on the sidelines of a panel held at the military headquarters.

Turkey and Greece are embroiled in a long-standing dispute over airspace boundaries and flight procedures over the Aegean Sea that forms the border between them. For decades, they have engaged in an arms race and their warplanes often engage in dogfights.

Basbugs statement came just days after Turkish and Greek prime ministers have signed a number of agreements to boost bilateral ties. I made this proposal during a NATO meeting in Brussels, Basbug explained, without giving exact date of his meeting with his Greek counterpart Lt. General Frangoulis Frangos.

Basbug said Turkish fighter jets fly unarmed during their patrol missions over the Aegean and if Greece would do the same, it would help to build a better and secure climate in the region. We could diminish the risks if we both fly unarmed, he stated.

[05] Erdogan holds telephone conversations with the US and Russian presidents over nuclear swap deal with Iran

The Turkish Prime Minister had a phone talk with the U.S. President over Iran's uranium swap agreement on Wednesday.

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told U.S. President Barack Obama that Turkey never wanted nuclear weapons in its region, and defined the declaration as an important step in terms of contributing to atmosphere of mutual confidence, Erdogan's office said in a note aired on its web page. The agreement signed by Turkey, Brazil and Iran in Tehran is an important step for solution of the issue through diplomatic means, Erdogan said during the phone talk.

Erdogan defined the agreement as a diplomatic victory, and said Turkey would monitor whether promises made in the agreement would be kept. Turkey and the United States should trust and support each other as a strategic, friend and 'model partner' in your words, Erdogan said.

Also, Obama appreciated Premier Erdogan and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's efforts for a diplomatic solution of the issue, and said they would scrutinize the letter Iran would send to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The U.S. president said Turkey and the United States had cooperated in a real friendship for one and a half years after he had taken office, and welcomed Erdogan's leadership both in Turkey and international arena. Obama said he could understand Erdogan's wish to solve the issue through diplomatic means, and the United States would continue to cooperate with Turkey in the process.

The U.S. president said he hoped the problem would be solved through diplomacy and within the framework of agreements reached. Otherwise, they were determined to implement the resolutions the United Nations (UN) Security Council would take regarding Iran, Obama said.

Erdogan and Obama also debated other Middle East issues and international matters during the phone talk.

Under an agreement signed among Turkey, Iran and Brazil in Tehran on Monday, Turkey will be the venue of uranium swap between Iran and the West. With the agreement signed by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki and Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Iran committed to give the 1200kg of 3.5% enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for 20% enriched uranium it will receive from Western countries to be used as fuel in the nuclear research reactor in Tehran.

Tehran will receive the enriched uranium from the Vienna Group, comprising of the U.S., France, Russia and International Atomic Energy Agency, in Turkey.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.05.10) reported the following from Ankara:

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan talked to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia on the phone on recent developments. Prime Minister Erdogan said, Turkey has advocated from the very beginning that the issue about Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The joint declaration signed in Tehran by Turkey, Brazil and Iran is the result of dialogue and diplomacy. It is the result of a difficult process carried out with determination.

Erdogan informed Putin on the details of the agreement. This is a significant step about establishment of an atmosphere of mutual confidence. I believe that it is also a step for solution of the issue of Iran's nuclear program. Our region and the international community should benefit from this opportunity, he added.

Russian Prime Minister Putin said that they appreciated all efforts by Turkey and Brazil to find a solution about Iran's nuclear program.

Turkey's efforts made significant contributions to diplomacy, he said and added that talks were under way at the UN Security council for a decision about Iran, and that they would take into consideration Turkey's initiatives. Prime Minister Putin also highlighted importance of cooperation between Turkey and Russia in the region.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist assesses Eroglus negotiating team and the advisory committee for the negotiations

Mrs Akter writes, inter alia, the following:

The night before yesterday president Eroglu presented his negotiating team to the press. Let as have a look together at the names in the team. Associate professor Kudret Ozersay, who was participating in second president Talats team, will carry out the duty of president Eroglus representative in the new period. In other words, he will take the place of former presidential representative Ozdil Nami. Ozersay is member of the teaching staff of Eastern Mediterranean Universitys (DAU) International Relations Department. He is one of the new periods foreign relations experts of the young generation. With his sincere belief in the necessity for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem, he is one of the names who were taking place in the centre of the efforts on this issue since 2002.

It seems that Oguzhan Hasipoglu will take the place of Tufan Erhuman, one of the lawyers in the team of the past period. Oguzhan Hasipoglu is the son of Ertugrul Hasipoglu, known as one of the MPs who worked very much on the issue of the support of the DP [to Dervis Eroglu] during the presidential elections. During the presidential elections Ertugrul Hasipoglu, who has been for many years minister in the UBP but his way with the party separated due to competition in a past congress, experienced the period of his most explicit closeness with Eroglu in front of the public opinion. And Oguzhan Hasipoglu is the sign of the ceasefire between Eroglu and Hasipoglu during the new period!

One other young person in the negotiating team who is not coming from the UBP tradition is Assistant Associate Professor Hasan Gungor, who was carrying out the duty of the undersecretary during [Eroglus] term in the prime ministry. Gungor, who is expert especially on the issues of economics and banking and supports the necessity for a solution to the Cyprus problem, is also one of the members of the staff of the DAU.

And another name who will be taking place in this negotiating team is Serden Hoca, who attracted attention with his UBP identity in second president Talats team.

The representative in New York, Kemal Gokeri was called away from his duty and joined the negotiating team. Gokeri is known as a diplomat who participated in the work carried out with the United Nations.

An advisory committee was added to the 7-member negotiating team during this period. Names that are attracting attention exist in the advisory committee which will carry out its duties under the coordination of former ambassador Osman Ertug.

Perhaps one of the most interesting and surprising names of the team is Ulker Fahri! Fahri, who is member of the Oslo Group, is known with his articles in Afrika newspaper. He is one of the names who were in politics with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) during the past period, but he has always been known for his close relations with Eroglu. Not believing that the Cyprus problem will be solved soon is his common point with Eroglu. However, he also supports that the Turkish Cypriots should demand their rights in the Republic of Cyprus of 1960.

Another name in the team is former leader of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP), Ismail Bozkurt. Moreover, among the new cadres is Zaliha Khajman, member of the teaching staff of Near East Universitys (YDU) International Relations Department. She is in the foreground with her academic identity even if it coincides with her political traditions.

Murat Tuzunkan is another young person in the team. He is member of the teaching staff of the Cyprus International University (UKU). He has come in front of the media with his influential political analyses and pro-solution statements especially during the Annan Plan period.

One of the names who participate in this committee is former chairman of the Supreme Court, Taner Erginel.

And Ergun Olgun, advisor of the first president Rauf Denktas, is one of the names who will participate in the advisory committee. However, the fact that except Ergun Olgun no other name who worked actively in the cookhouse of the negotiations is participating in the advisory committee attracts attention.

Associate professor Erol Kaymak, member of the teaching staff of DAUs International Relations Department, is another academician in the advisory committee. He is known especially with his studies which examine the relations of the two communities and their mutual views. He is attracting attention with the statements he developed over the pro-solution policy.

Except these, Ata Atun is also among the names in the team. He is known for his stance which is far from the solution...

Mrs Akter writes that one person who is not participating in Mr Eroglus negotiating team is Erhan Ercin, one of the main architects of the EU harmonization process, as she describes him. Pointing out that Mr Ercin had worked with Mr Eroglu in the past, Mrs Akter says that the reason for Ercins not participating in the negotiating team is the problems which were created regarding the EU projects and the fact that the laws regarding the harmonization with the EU had not come onto the agenda. She says that the fact that Mr Ercin is not participating in the negotiating team is an indication that Mr Eroglu does not have a vision for the EU.

Mrs Akter goes on and says, inter alia, the following:

...However, in general no radical names exist in Eroglus team. In the contrary, young persons of academic origin are attracting attention...

The names included in the team from various parts [of the society] are the kind of names who will support the new image of Eroglu. Especially Ozer Kudretsay, whom he appointed to the duty of his representative, will be Eroglus vitrine both inside and outside the country during this period.

Now it will not be easy for Christofias to criticize these names, with a part of whom he worked together for a long period of time...

Furthermore, Mrs Akter argues that the negotiating team of Mr Eroglu is an indication for the fact that there is no significant opposition against the Turkish Cypriot leader. She notes that Eroglu will try to use the method he uses in the internal politics and to save the day with his image priority. She says that he seems determined especially not to quarrel with Ankara and while preparing to play well the game of time he is not exhibiting a behaviour which shows that he will not proceed the solution process in the way Ankara is considering that is appropriate.

(I/Ts.)

[07] From the Turkish Press of 19 May 2010

a) Nuclear swap deal:

In an article entitled "In the wake of the agreement concluded with Iran," Hurriyet columnist Sami Kohen points out that initial reactions to the Iranian government's decision to swap its low enriched uranium with nuclear fuel indicate that there are doubts and distrust lingering on in the West and Russia. After outlining Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's counter-arguments in response to criticism expressed about the nuclear swap deal, Kohen says that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu hopes that the agreement will be implemented in spite of initial negative reactions.

In an article entitled "Ankara's troubles about Iran are about to begin," Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz says that a statement made by Ali Akbar Salihi, Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency, has created suspicions about Iran's intentions while the Western countries led by the United States are not convinced by the agreement amid criticism levelled against Turkey. Idiz quotes some Western diplomats in Ankara as saying that Turkey has been deceived by Iran.

Commenting on the agreement signed between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil in an article entitled "Turks are overstepping the line: Turkey in the nuclear swap," Radikal columnist Cengiz Candar says that the deal which he describes as a big diplomatic achievement has enabled Turkey to emerge as a "functional, influential, and reliable player" on the international stage. He argues that the deal worked out in Teheran is also consistent with US President Barack Obama's parameters for an eventual settlement because he underscored in a letter he sent three weeks ago that Iran should hand over 1,200 kilograms of low enriched uranium to another country.

In an article entitled "Turkey and Brazil shocked Western countries," Radikal columnist Ceyda Karan says that the nuclear swap deal sent shock waves throughout the world and highlights comments made by Davutoglu about the agreement in an interview with a group of journalists. She quotes Davutoglu as saying that Turkey is opposed to possible sanctions on Iran as a matter of principle because it could hurt bilateral trade between the two countries, adding that a group of countries should not have monopoly over nuclear technology.

In an article entitled "The 'swap' and after," Sabah columnist Erdal Safak says that it will not be easy to push a new resolution aimed at imposing new sanctions on Iran through the UN Security Council because of the agreement concluded in Teheran. He predicts that Turkey and Brazil will staunchly defend the deal that they have brokered while the provisional members of the UN Security Council will support them. He adds that Turkey has emerged as a power which should be consulted in connection with efforts to resolve international issues.

In an article entitled "Applauding Turkey", Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul describes the nuclear swap deal between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil as the culmination of Turkey's regional and global diplomatic achievements and a "shocking" development from the standpoint of certain Western powers with a vested interest in the non-resolution of the standoff with Iran. He asserts that the agreement constitutes the first instance of Tehran accepting the international community's demands concerning its nuclear program. He also predicts that Western countries that look at the "nuclear crisis" from Israel's perspective will try to downplay the agreement or cast aspersions on it.

In an article entitled "Turkey, like the UN, steps in wherever there is a problem", Vakit Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakaya asserts that neither the United States nor European countries can impose sanctions against Iran following the nuclear swap agreement signed by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil because "in the words of Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu," the agreement "has removed the psychological basis" of possible sanctions against Iran. Karakaya also explains the secrets behind Davutoglu's "success" as a mediator in regional and international disputes by referring to some of his principles: "Turkey does not watch events from the sidelines. It has vision and exercises initiative. Turkey needs only 1,5 hours to determine its stance on any crisis anywhere in the world whereas blocs like the EU take weeks discussing what to do."

In an article entitled "Ball in the West's court", Vakit columnist Mustafa Ozcan comments on the reasons behind the "distant" and "negative" Western reaction to the nuclear swap agreement signed in Tehran. He notes two factors in this connection, asserting that the recent revelation of certain secret nuclear facilities in Iran has promoted distrust of Iran in the West, causing it to assume that Tehran might fail to deliver on its commitments in the future, and that there are provisions in Iran's favour in the latest deal that were not included in a 2009 agreement. He also explains why Iran perceives the agreement as "a major victory."

In an article entitled "The warning that opened Iran's eyes", Zaman columnist Abdulhamit Bilici lauds the nuclear swap agreement signed in Tehran as a major achievement that will be discussed internationally for a long time to come. He also predicts that Brazilian President Lula and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize if the agreement enables the world to ride out the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.

In an article entitled "Peace in the East and the West", Today's Zaman columnist Dogu Ergil looks at what he describes as Prime Minister Erdogan's efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the nuclear standoff with Iran and accomplish the "colossal task of normalizing frozen problems between Turkey and Greece."

b) Erdogan's visit to Baku; Nabucco project:

In an article entitled "Erdogan visit to Baku to give fresh impetus to Nabucco," Hurriyet Daily News columnist Barcin Yinanc says that Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's upcoming visit to Azerbaijan might change the opinion of the sceptics, which question the supply dimension of Nabucco project, adding that Ankara and Baku have reportedly agreed on the transit fee for Azerbaijani natural gas that will pass from Turkey. She notes: "As the reconciliation and normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, which had angered the Aliyev administration have been suspended, the energy cooperation between the two capitals will deepen. Erdogan's visit and the deals that will be signed will certainly come as a relief to the supporters of Nabucco. The following next six month will still remain critical for Nabucco's future as the consortium will go on the market to strike commercial deals."

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

A report entitled "Heads of 77 provincial branches said 'Gandhi," in Hurriyet says that a statement issued by the heads of 77 out of 81 provincial branches of the Republican People's Party (CHP) expressed support for Kemal Kilicdaroglu who has announced his candidacy for the party's leadership. The statement emphasized that it would not be appropriate for Deniz Baykal who tendered his resignation over a sex scandal to be nominated for the party's leadership although the CHP would continue to fight against the alleged plot devised against him.

In an article entitled "CHP in labour pains," Hurriyet Daily News columnist Yusuf Kanli says that the CHP has captured an opportunity to mend its bonds with the average Turk after so many decades. He notes: "After so many decades, for the first time there is an increasing interest in the CHP from the masses. The name of Kilicdaroglu has become synonymous with hope for better and clean governance, a brighter future and a real alternative to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) governance in the country."

According to the outcome of an opinion poll conducted by A&G in 39 provinces which is highlighted in a report entitled "His name was enough to increase support significantly" in Milliyet, popular support for the CHP will go up to 32 percent if Kilicdaroglu is elected as its new leader. Adil Gur, owner of A&G, is quoted as saying that undecided voters and the supporters of some political parties which do not have seats in Parliament are inclined to vote for the CHP if it is led by Kilicdaroglu, adding that his election would not affect popular support for the ruling Justice and Development Party.

In an article entitled "Kilicdaroglu: You will find me in fields," Milliyet columnist Fikret Bila highlights comments made by Kilicdaroglu during his visit to Milliyet Ankara bureau. He quotes Kilicdaroglu as saying that he will be in close contact with all parts of society, including workers, farmers, students, and industrialists while removing bureaucratic obstacles. Kilicdaroglu welcomed the nuclear swap deal brokered by Turkey and Brazil and urged the Turkish government to hold parliamentary deliberations about an agreement concluded with Russia for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

In an article entitled "The real dilemma facing the CHP", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru criticizes the CHP for not talking about the "tragedy" of "two women" hurt by the "video conspiracy" against Deniz Baykal, namely CHP Deputy Nesrin Baytok, with whom Baykal is claimed to be involved in an extramarital relationship, and Olcay Baykal, who is Baykal's wife. Koru notes with irony the "remarkable" quality of the CHP's treatment of these women as "unnecessary details." He also calls attention to the "interesting" absence of prominent young politicians in the CHP notwithstanding its claim to being a "leftist" or "social democratic party" and expresses regret at the way the CHP is preparing to elect an "elderly" politician who "has nothing new to say" [Kilicdaroglu] as its leader at the forthcoming congress.

In an article entitled "A conspiracy theory", Milli Gazete columnist Mehmet Sevket Eygi details his "conspiracy theory" about the latest developments concerning the CHP based partly on a letter by a "friend" who related to Eygi some time ago how he was told by sources within the CHP that Deniz Baykal would step down as CHP leader shortly after the CHP congress in May and that Kilicdaroglu would become the CHP's "caretaker leader" pending the election of "a professor aged 38-39 who is currently in the United States" as CHP leader. Eygi asserts that the developments that led to Baykal's resignation recently appear to have been engineered by a "major foreign power" in a bid to have the CHP emerge as a leftist party "with a new mission" and undermine popular support for the ruling AKP, which has started not only to be "uncontrollable" at home but also to upset balances abroad.

EG/

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