Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-09-07

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Bagis alleges that 450 thousand Greek Cypriots are torpedoing the interests of 490 million Europeans

[02] Debates in the TDP on the establishment of a coalition government with the UBP

[03] Donmezer resigned from YAGA

[04] Atlas Jet to stop flights to England

[05] More on the dismissal of Yusuf Suicmez

[06] The Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry presented with the Geographical Indication Certificate regarding halloumi cheese

[07] A gigantic complex to be built in occupied Gaziveran village

[08] Cavusoglus statements regarding the new school year

[09] Illegal DAU to host the 10th International Conference on Clear Energy

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Turkey/EU relations Solution of the Cyprus issue, a golden shot

[11] Leaders of Turkic-speaking nations to convene in Istanbul

[12] Erdogan to visit Pakistan immediately after September 12 referendum

[13] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Bagis alleges that 450 thousand Greek Cypriots are torpedoing the interests of 490 million Europeans

In statements published in this months edition of Kriter magazine, Bagis alleged that the time has come to say stop to the Greek Cypriots. 450,000 Greek Cypriots torpedoing the interests of 490 million Europeans is not an acceptable situation, said Bagis adding that an energy crisis exists in Europe and that Turkey is the solution to this crisis. However, the Greek Cypriot sector prevents the opening of the Energy chapter for negotiations, he noted.

Bagis said that after the necessary arrangements in Turkeys negotiating process with the EU, the Competition and Public Procurement chapters might open for negotiations which might be followed by the opening of the chapters regarding Education and Culture, and Energy. He noted that these negotiations with the EU might be opened, if the necessary steps are taken on the Cyprus problem and reconciliation is achieved between the sides.

Asked whether he expects any progress in the accession negotiations until the general elections (in Turkey), Bagis responded that the next 3-4 months are very important and that after the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on 1 October significant steps might be taken in Turkeys EU accession course.

Responding to another question on whether he expects serious pressure to be exerted by the EU on the Greek Cypriot sector for a solution, Bagis said that it is difficult to predict what kind of a picture will surface in December. Bagis said that the referendum to be held in Turkey on 12 September will be a turning point in the negotiations of the country with the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Debates in the TDP on the establishment of a coalition government with the UBP

Members of TDPs youth organization organized a protest against the coalition with the UBP outside of the partys headquarters in the occupied part of Lefkosia. The young members of the TDP lit candles and chanted slogans against the coalition.

TDP chairman, Mehmet Cakici, told protesters that their activity will not help the party, that their view will be evaluated and that they could participate in the meeting and express their opinion.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (07.09.10) reports that no clear decision was taken during last nights meeting. The paper writes that Mehmet Cakici is in favour of the coalition, while the general secretary of the TDP, Esat Varoglu, thinks that a coalition with the UBP at this stage will bring no benefit either to the community or to the party.

Moreover, Halkin Sesi reports that the UBP is continuing its contacts to establish a majority government. The deputy general secretary of the party, Mutlu Atasayan, stated yesterday that they will meet with the political parties again and that they will start with a meeting with the TDP first.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Donmezer resigned from YAGA

(I/Ts.)

[04] Atlas Jet to stop flights to England

Speaking to Havadis newspaper the Atlas Jet Cyprus Director, Osman Malyali, said that the decision was taken, following efforts by the government to draw up a partnership with Turkish Airlines (THY).

Additionally the newspaper reports that Pegasus Airlines leads the market in scheduled flights, reaching a 42% market share in July, which shows that KTHY passengers started flying with Pegasus. At the same time, Atlas Jet reached 33% and THY 25%.

[05] More on the dismissal of Yusuf Suicmez

Commenting on the dismissal, the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas expressed in a written statement, his disappointment especially in a period before the Ramadan feast. He stressed the need to keep religion out of politics. He also underlined the need for the personnel of the department to act in line with Ataturks principles.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (07.09.10) reports on statements made by Tekin Kose, chairman of the administrative council of Vakif Foundation on the same issue. According to the paper, Tekin Kose rejects the accusations that he is responsible for the dismissal of Suicmez and argues that the realities as regards Suicmezs dismissal are included in the report of Vakif Foundation. Referring to the main reasons for the dismissal, Kose said that Suicmez did not submit to the Council of Ministers a draft bill as regards meetings of the administrative board, travels abroad, etc.

Evaluating the statements by Suicmez that he will recourse to justice, Tekin Kose said that justice is valid for everyone and that they have nothing to fear.

(AK)

[06] The Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry presented with the Geographical Indication Certificate regarding halloumi cheese

Addressing the ceremony, Cirali pointed to the importance of the registration and recalled that the Cheese Producers Union in south Cyprus applied to the Greek Cypriot Administration (as he called the Government of Cyprus) to promote its own application on hellim through the European Union. He said KTSO is continuing a political and legal battle against Greek Cypriot attempts to present hellim as part of their own culture.

The so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk underlined in his speech the need for all to accept the fact that hellim is part of the Cyprus Turkish and Greek Cypriot cultures. Noting that hellim being produced in the TRNC is of better quality than that of south Cyprus, Kucuk said Greek Cypriot families have been buying hellim produced by Cyprus Turkish women since the opening of the border.

[07] A gigantic complex to be built in occupied Gaziveran village

Speaking on the project, so-called minister Durust, said, inter alia, that there are investors who aim to invest in the area of Morfou-Lefka in the construction of a gigantic complex adding that the project aims to contribute to the social and cultural development of the area.

(AK)

[08] Cavusoglus statements regarding the new school year

Moreover, Cavusoglu said there will be fundamental changes this year regarding the number of pupils in classes. He also said efforts will be in made to put an end to private tutorials and pupils in need will be provided with special support tutorials at schools.

[09] Illegal DAU to host the 10th International Conference on Clear Energy

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Turkey/EU relations Solution of the Cyprus issue, a golden shot

In the list of positive developments Birand also cites: Not only relations between military and civil but also the conformity of the political criteria, the approval of the formal ritual in the Sumela Patriarchate and the return of the ownership of goods that belong to minorities, the ritual in the Armenian church in Van Akdamar were recorded as bonuses for Turkey. Preparations for the reopening of the hulk seminary excited Brussels and respective capitals.

The most important element in this list of positive developments is Kilicdaroglu putting the CHP back on its former track with the EU, says Birnad and points out that though with these steps Turkey gets closer to the EU, yet the list of positive development does not appear to be sufficient. The list of negative developments is longer and political willpower is not stated clearly, argues Birand and adds: Turkey has been conducting negotiations with the EU since 2005. Five years is a long time for any membership application. Normally, there had to be an end to negotiations by now. As a matter of fact the estimated deadline for this full membership was 2014. Nowadays, 2020 is being pronounced.

The result of five-years points in a negative direction: The EU acquis consists of 35 topics, of which 33 are subject to negotiations. Until now there have been: 13 topics discussed, 1 topic temporary closed, 3 topics that cant be opened for negotiations because Turkey is unable to fulfill technical criteria, 8 criteria and the closing of all other topics put on hold because of Cyprus, 5 topics are blocked by France (one of them is put on hold anyway because of Cyprus), 6 topics blocked by Greek Cyprus.

The dramatic part of this is that neither Turkey nor Europe has the necessary political willpower to solve this congestion, Birand says adds: Since 2007 the reasons for Ankara ignoring the EU project were, in succession, the general election, the closing attempt of the party, local elections and now the referendum. Externally, France and Germanys negative attitude are cited as reasons for the stalling of the negotiations.

Erdogan blames Europe and Europe says that Turkey slowed down its reform speed. That is why negotiations did not work out. Both sides blame each other but it seems they like it the way it is. He predicts developments should not be expected until general elections in 2011. And points out: The most critical expectation or better to say issue, in this period is whether or not there will be a solution to the Cyprus issue. A solution in Cyprus is viewed as the golden shot. The reason is that it would mean that eight topics would be released all together and the way paved for negotiations. It seems difficult that France would insist on the five topics it blocks. Is this expectation realistic? I do not think so.

The attitude of Greek Cypriots does not indicate a solution is being sought. It looks like they decided to give up a solution suitable for both sides and continue with their attitude until they have announced their sovereignty over the whole island. If this assumption is true, then this would mean that the Greek Cypriots should forget about the northern part of the island and Turkey should accept that its status will turn into Lifelong Candidacy to the European Union.

What is left of the Belgian EU presidency regarding negotiation is for one the opening of the competition topic which can only function if Parliament legalizes the State Investment Authority. And as for the Public Purchase topic, exceptions need to be ruled out of the tender act. Topics like Energy, Education and Culture which Turkey targets to negotiate are hindered by the Greek Cypriots and they are not likely to change their attitude.

[11] Leaders of Turkic-speaking nations to convene in Istanbul

The paper reports the following: The council was established during a 2-day summit of the Turkic-speaking countries in the autonomous Azerbaijani republic of Nakhchivan last year, where leaders of the Turkic nations signed an agreement that institutionalized the irregular meetings they have been holding for more than a decade.

Diplomatic sources informed Todays Zaman that Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan are expected to attend the Istanbul summit at the presidential level. Halil Akinci, Turkeys ambassador to Russia, is expected to be approved as secretary-general of the council for three years during the summit. Foreign ministers earlier decided on the appointment of Akinci to the post.

Along with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz leader Rosa Otunbayeva and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov will attend the summit. This is the first time that Turkmenistan is attending the Turkic-speaking countries meeting at the level of head of state. (...)

In addition to the permanent secretariat to be based in Istanbul, several consultation mechanisms are expected to undertake the activities of the council. These mechanisms are: Turkic-speaking countries Heads of State Council, Turkic-speaking countries Foreign Ministers Council, Senior Officials Council and a Wise Men Delegation. Mustafa Isen, secretary general of the presidency, will represent Turkey in the Wise Men Delegation. The permanent secretariat in Istanbul will be dealing with all types of activities related to the council. Diplomatic sources said the council will seek to improve ties among the Turkic nations.

[12] Erdogan to visit Pakistan immediately after September 12 referendum

Erdogan received the chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rifat Hisarciklioglu at the Official Residence in Ankara on Monday. Hisarciklioglu presented Prime Minister Erdogan a check worth 7 million TL (approx. 4.66 million USD) and collected from TOBB members to help flood-hit Pakistan its people.

Speaking to reporters, Erdogan said Turkey is in constant touch with Pakistani officials and wants to help Pakistan recover after floods hit many parts of this country.

[13] Highlights

a) Referendum on Constitutional reform package

Milliyet's Asli Aydintasbas quotes pollster Adil Gur who says that the yes and no votes are neck and neck. According to Gur, the intensive propaganda of the government begins to backfire as the perception of "absolute power" in the "yes pressure" combines with the feeling of "political imbalance." Gur adds that saying yes will not bring about solutions to Turkish democracy's problems such as high election threshold, need for a new constitution, civilian authoritarianism, or ties with the West. In response to Aydintasbas's question about the impact of referendum result on President Gul, Gur maintains: "I see the referendum as a demonstration of power by Tayyip Erdogan prior to the 2012 presidential elections. If the result is yes, as of September 13, party members will begin to say that President Gul's term in office ends in 2012. Therefore, the referendum is in a way rehearsal for Erdogans election as president."

Yeni Safak columnist Kursat Bumin considers an "unforgivable" and "reprehensible" sign of immodesty for a journalist to call on readers to vote for or against the constitutional reforms in the forthcoming referendum. He also expresses his "concern" about the implications of a possible majority no vote in the referendum on 12 September, asserting that if the reform package is rejected, Turkey will not be able to undertake the project of a new constitution for a long time to come.

Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak claims that if it becomes increasingly clear that a sweeping majority will vote in favour of the constitutional reforms in the upcoming referendum, certain retired military officials likely to be implicated in anti-government conspiracies might take advantage of the religious festival this week to flee abroad on the pretext of going on a holiday. He also predicts that the Ergenekon investigation will enter a new phase following the referendum.

Milli Gazete columnist Sinan Burhan asserts that if the constitutional reforms are rejected in the referendum on 12 September, the Ergenekon probe will come to a close and a counter investigation will be launched resulting in the arrest of libertarian intellectuals and writers, the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors, will become Turkey's "de facto government," all bureaucrats appointed by the ruling AKP will be suspended from office, separatist terrorism will escalate, democratic and economic stability will be damaged, etc.

b) Interview with BDP leader Demirtas

In an interview to Devrim Sevimay of Milliyet, Selahattin Demirtas, co-leader of Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), stresses that the BDP boycott decision is a call for a new constitution, maintaining that the Kurdish vote will determine the outcome of the referendum. Praising CHP leader Kilicdaroglu for saying that holding dialogue with Ocalan is possible to reach a solution, Demirtas notes that Kilicdaroglu's style appears to be less neo-nationalist. Recalling that PKK's unilateral cease-fire ends on September 20, Demirtas urges all parties to join efforts to end military operations and insurgents' actions as of 13 September.

c) Direct Israeli-Palestinian talks

In an article in Sabah, Omer Taspinar looks at the chances of success in the newly recommenced Israeli-Palestinian talks and points out that all issues in the Middle East are interconnected."Under normal circumstances, Turkey, having good relations with Israel and as a country with its prestige rising in the Arab world, could have tried to persuade the United States and Israel to host a summit in Istanbul like the Madrid Summit," notes Taspinar and adds: "But we are not under normal circumstances. While we are experiencing the most serious crisis with Israel, in the eyes of the United States we also appear to have taken "sides" due to our UN vote in favour of Iran."

In his column in Hurriyet, Tufan Turenc notes that he was surprised to discover that Turkey, "the shining star of the region" was not included in the summit that the United States convened with the aim of restarting direct Israeli-Palestinian talks. He adds that the "one minute" incident at Davos and Justice and Development Party (AKP) government siding with HAMAS and Iran are the two major reasons for not including Prime Minister Erdogan --not even as an observer-- in the summit. Turenc concludes that by becoming the lawyer of radical elements in the region, Erdogan was left out of the Palestinian-Israeli talks.

d) US-Turkish ties

In an article in Milliyet Semih Idiz views Admiral Mullen's statements during his recent visit to Ankara and maintains that the Turkish-US ties are undergoing "serious tremors." Turkey is "losing" the Unites States, opines Idiz, adding that "life without America" may sound pleasing to many people in Turkey's wide political and ideological spectrum. He concludes that such a situation is against Turkey's interests and urges to take necessary steps toward preventing further deterioration of ties with the United States and ameliorating them.

e) TSK needs modernization

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News, Murat Onur recalls the heavy losses the Turkish military suffers in the fight against the PKK and criticizes the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for resisting change and sticking to the Cold War-era security understanding and organizational structure. What the TSK needs is substantial reforms on various levels: from organization to education and training to procurement and organizational management, Onur maintains, pointing out that the Defence Ministry and the General Staff have limited experience in objective and scientific analysis, accountability and budgeting. He concludes: Todays conflict environment requires an intelligent organization which is open to reform and innovation and that can learn from its mistakes. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/ES

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