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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-02-01

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No.22/06 01.02.06

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] The World Bank: Casinos in the TRNC are engaged in money laundering.
  • [02] Reference to Cyprus by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference at the Kremlin.
  • [03] The Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press on Putin´s statements.
  • [04] The British High Commissioner delivered a speech at the TCCC.
  • [05] The Turkish Prime Minister addressed the Turkish nation. Focus on the Action Plan for Cyprus.
  • [06] Gul promotes the Action Plan in London on the occasion of the Conference on Afghanistan.
  • [07] Statements by Erdogan during his party´s group meeting.
  • [08] Kyrgyz President, Foreign Minister to arrive for 'Improvement' of ties.
  • [09] Abdullah Ocalan applies for retrial at Ankara Criminal Court. [a] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] The World Bank: Casinos in the TRNC are engaged in money laundering Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (01.02.06) reports under the above title that the World Bank disclosed that the Casinos, Exchange Bureaus and off-shore banks in the north Cyprus are the main source of money laundering. The World Bank, upon request from the European Commission has prepared a detailed report regarding the banking sector in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus. The world Bank has presented this report to the self-styled government in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus. The report was prepared by Sarosh Sattar, the mission chief and Williams De Fries. They interviewed 21 establishments in the occupied area. The paper reports that money laundering activities in the north Cyprus continue unabated. The report goes on and says that despite the reduction in cash flow, because of the so-called Law on the Fight Against Money Laundering which stipulates that cash transfers should not exceed 100 thousand USD, the north Cyprus is still weak and easily affected, regarding money laundering. The casinos are the first and main source in money laundering. The report also refers to the off-shore banks which operate in the occupied area and says that full control of these Banks is not possible, despite the fact that they are under the control of the Central Bank. The report further mentions that the First Merchant Bank OSH Ltd., is the main institution in money laundering. The World Bank report mentions that in the occupied area there are attempts to make laws against money laundering, however, it adds, to put into effect these laws will take a long time. Once these laws are put into effect, it will be easier to control these main source of money laundering places.
  • [02] Reference to Cyprus by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference at the Kremlin Illegal Bayrak television (01.02.06) broadcast the following: The Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken highly of the Turkish Cypriot Sides determination towards finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem. He said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus) has taken on a more active role regarding efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem. Speaking at a press conference at the Kremlin Palace, Mr Putin praised the `TRNCs´ pro-solution policy, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side began to adopt a more constructive and progressive policy on the Cyprus issue. Noting that Moscows position regarding the Cyprus issue has not changed, he stressed that Russia will continue to work with the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to promote efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. Referring to the current visa requirements applied by the Greek Cypriot South for Russian nationals, the Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russian tourists could prefer Turkey or the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ as alternative holiday destinations if the procedure continued.
  • [03] The Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press on Putin´s statements All the local Turkish Cypriot daily newspapers, except GUNES, report about the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putins press conference and his remarks about Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots. YENIDUZEN reports under banner headlines The Turkish side in Cyprus should be rewarded.. VOLKAN: If you do not remove visa formalities Russians will go to north Cyprus. CUMHURIYET: Putin warned the Greek Cypriots that Russian tourists could prefer the north Cyprus. VATAN: Warning from Putin to the Greek Cypriots, the Russian tourists could visit north Cyprus. KIBRISLI: Russia is tilting the balance. Subtitle: The Russian President Vladimir Putin made an important statement that demonstrates the first signals of the policy change on Cyprus. KIBRISLI also gives the evaluation of the self-styled Foreign Minister in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Serdar Denktas regarding Mr. Putins statement. He said Russia is on the verge of policy changing. He said that President Putin said what the Greek Cypriots do not want to hear. HALKIN SESI: Russian appreciation to TRNCs policies AFRIKA: Putins surprise. KIBRIS: Russian President Putin for the first time extended support to the north Cyprus. In addition, the Turkish newspapers (01.02.06) cover Putins statements in their inner pages. MILLIYET under the title Award the TRNC, writes that Mr Putin stated that north Cyprus has shown determination as regards the issue of finding a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem and added that this attitude must be awarded. HURRIYET writes that the Russian President, answering a question addressed to him by a Greek Cypriot journalist, stated that Russias policy as regard Cyprus does not change. He said that the Russian citizens chose to visit Turkey and north Cyprus because there are conveniences as regards the visa. AKSAM under the title TRNC visa threat for Greek Cypriots, writes that the Russian President stated that Russians prefers to visit Turkey and north Cyprus because of the visa application required by the Republic of Cyprus. He also stated that the policy followed by north Cyprus as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem is considered to be open and it is appreciated.
  • [04] The British High Commissioner delivered a speech at the TCCC Illegal Bayrak television (31.01.06) broadcast the following: The British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millet stressed that Britain supports the European Union membership of a United Cyprus once a settlement on the Cyprus problem is reached. The British High Commissioner´s words came during a speech titled `The Future of Europe; Our Shared Future held yesterday evening at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC). Stating that the future of the Turkish Cypriot `People´ lies within the European Union, the British High Commissioner Peter Millet pointed to the importance of preparing for future membership. Pointing out that all Cypriots became part of the European Union after Cyprus acceded into the Union, Mr Millet said that the EUs aim was to see a `United Cyprus` within its boundaries. Reminding that the Cyprus problem remains to be an obstacle in the path of Turkeys accession into the European Union, Mr Millet expressed his view that Turkey, no matter how difficult it would be, should grant diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Cyprus, so as to be able to resume its accession negotiations with the EU unhindered. Explaining that both sides on the island needed to possess the political will and desire for a settlement, the British High Commissioner said that any solution found to the Cyprus problem should be mutually acceptable for both sides on the island.
  • [05] The Turkish Prime Minister addressed the Turkish nation. Focus on the Action Plan for Cyprus Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from Ankara: "All the world now knows that the Greek Cypriot administration is the responsible party for insolubility of the Cyprus question. The Greek Cypriot administration tries to move the solution basis from the UN to the EU instead of working for resolution," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday while addressing the nation on TV channels. Erdogan said the goal of the `Greek Cypriot administration´ is to create pressure on Turkey within the scope of EU membership negotiations, "it is a wrong policy and it will fail." Erdogan said his government had been trying to enhance Turkey's relations with all countries and overcome stalemates and clashes since it had come to power in November 2002, and stated that Turkey's esteem and influence had grown in the past three years and eventually it became one of the corner points of the international political traffic. Erdogan said his government pursued a sincere and convincing policy to ensure a peaceful solution on the island, and noted that, "we continue to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriot `people´ and to defend the national cause." "We are trying to preserve our solution perspective despite the negative stance of the Greek Cypriot side," Erdogan indicated. "Everybody should know that this problem can only be solved in the United Nations. All the parties should advocate the efforts of the UN Secretary- General. Comprehensive Solution Plan of the UN Secretary-General is still on the table," Erdogan said. Erdogan said the presence of the Turkish Cypriot party began to be felt more as a result of the efforts exerted since the referenda: "The international community knows that the embargo imposed on the Turkish Cypriot `people´ is unfair and meaningless." Recalling that the U.S. Congress and trade delegations and a delegation from Russian Federation comprising ambassadors visited `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´(`TRNC´), Erdogan said that also executives from Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan visited the `TRNC´. PM Erdogan underscored that in resolutions adopted in 2004 and 2005, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) made strong calls for the Turkish Cypriots to integrate with the world. Erdogan said the new action plan prepared to resolve Cyprus question will in no way harm the legal and political positions of the related parties. "We expect the UN and the European Commission to support this action plan and particularly the Turkish Cypriot party sincerely," he noted, stating that, "I discussed this initiative with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Davos. Erdogan said some other countries of the world also expended very open support to this new initiative, "I believe that this action plan will have encouraging repercussions in the international arena. The Turkish side sincerely wants peace." Regarding the content of this new package, Erdogan said: "With the package, Turkey opens its sea ports to Greek Cypriot vessels serving the trade of goods in accordance with the EC-Turkey Customs Union. Also carriers of Greek Cypriot Airlines are allowed to use Turkish airspace for over-flights as well as airports in accordance with relevant international rules and procedures. We are opening the ports in North Cyprus, including Gazimagosa, (occupied Famagusta,) Girne (occupied Kyrenia), and Gemikonagi (occupied Karavostassi) to international traffic of goods, persons and services under Turkish Cypriot management." "Also we are opening Ercan (occupied Tymbou) airport for direct flights under the Turkish Cypriot management. But we demand special arrangements for the practical inclusion of North Cyprus, as an economic entity, into the EU's customs union. We want unhindered direct trade between both sides of the Island as well as with the outside world," he added. Erdogan said: "We expect obstacles to be lifted before participation of the Turkish Cypriot side in international sports, cultural and other social activities. We propose several procedural steps to be implemented as well." "We expect a high level meeting to be convened no later than May/June 2006 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to finalize the draft action plan. The action plan and outcome of the meeting should be submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the UN Security Council. The UN Secretary-General may wish to establish a mechanism to keep the implementation of the plan under review, with a view to regularly reporting any development to the Security Council," he noted. Erdogan indicated that the Turkish government showed once again its determination regarding its policy on Cyprus issue, stating that relations between Turkey and the EU, and the Cyprus issue were different matters. "Our government will continue to support projects aiming to strengthen institutional structure of `TRNC´ and improve economic situation and prosperity of Turkish Cypriot `people´," he underscored. Erdogan said: "TRNC has caught an important growth trend. `TRNC´ economy grew by 50 percent in the last four years. Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities have been dealing with problems that might hamper this growth trend." Stating that his government had been exerting efforts to solve problems regarding the energy sector that have emerged in `TRNC´ recently, he said that the Turkish Energy Minister paid a visit to `TRNC´ and held meetings with `TRNC´ authorities on possible measures to solve those problems. Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to take initiatives and present proposals for settlement of Cyprus problem although it couldn't get what it deserved for its good intention. "We hope that the way to stability in Eastern Mediterranean will be opened and relations between the two sides in Cyprus will improve by the implementation of Turkey's new action plan. Both sides will acquire economic benefits again by this plan," Erdogan said. "We believe that the international community will appreciate the initiative of Turkey and `TRNC´," stated the Prime Minister.
  • [06] Gul promotes the Action Plan in London on the occasion of the Conference on Afghanistan Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from London: "The Turkish government has presented a concrete, satisfactory and detailed action plan about the Cyprus issue," said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Premier Abdullah Gul on Tuesday. Gul who is currently in Britain to attend the London Conference on Afghanistan spoke to reporters. Regarding Turkey's Cyprus Action Plan, Gul said: "Through this new plan, views which were expressed on May 30th are now put into action. We asked the `Greek Cypriot administration´ to lift embargoes (on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus-TRNC) (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) in exchange of Turkey's opening its ports and airports to them and we have set a timetable. Many countries welcomed our action plan." "Greek Cypriots made statements about the plan so hastily. I hope they would examine the plan carefully," he added. "Otherwise, division in the island would continue, and hopes for unity would diminish. Thus, the plan should be assessed well. The plan boosts confidence and paves the way for permanent resolution," said Gul. When asked what happens if a positive response is not given about the Cyprus Action Plan until June, Gul said: "This plan will enhance cooperation. But if it is not accepted, there is nothing to do. If they do not support this plan, the whole world will see that Turkey does not receive a response to its efforts for resolution and Turkey will increasingly pursue its support to Turkish Cypriots."
  • [07] Statements by Erdogan during his party´s group meeting Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported from Ankara that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday addressed his party group meeting. On his contacts at Davos, Mr Erdogan said: "We explained Turkey's point of view about top issues on the agenda. We discussed Turkey's new action plan for Cyprus with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and our counterparts and saw that the new plan pleased the international community. Turkey has shown once again that it is for all sorts of peaceful solutions based on objective criteria. Now we hope that the international community will pressure the Greek Cypriot side for a settlement on the island," Erdogan said. Mr Erdogan also criticized statements made by the main opposition party leader Deniz Baykal about Cyprus and commented that Baykal's statements about Turkey's new action plan for Cyprus have similarities with those of President Tassos Papadopoulos. Mr Erdogan also referred to the issue of his personnel and his party's assets which is high on the agenda in Turkey. Erdogan stressed that he is accountable for all the assets which belonged to his party and himself. He indicated that everybody could see the bank accounts of the governmental Justice and Development Party (AKP) on web the page of the party, adding that his party was very transparent over its bank accounts and assets. Erdogan said that AKP mainly used the money which was provided from the Treasury as an aid. "AK Party came to power to end corruption and there is not a single party asset which we can't be accounted for. Indeed if some account is to be given, it should be given for the economic crises and unproductive politics Turkey suffered for years," Erdogan said. Mr Erdogan referred to the economy and said that the Turkish economy was on a sound basis. Informing MPs about the newly announced economic figures of 2005 in his party group meeting, Erdogan said that the ratio of budget deficit over GNP was 16 percent in 2001 and 14.6 percent in 2002. He said that after his party came to power, that ratio decreased to 11.3 percent in 2003; 7.1 percent in 2004 and finally to 2 percent in 2005. "EU's Maastricht criteria regarding this ratio (of budget deficit over GNP) is 3 percent and we have reached that limit even before Turkey's accession to the EU," said Erdogan. Erdogan indicated that the budget deficit decreased by 67.8 percent and interest payments fell 19.1 percent in 2005 when compared to the figures in 2004. Erdogan stressed that the government cut off the tax rates in order to fight unregistered economy and to increase tax revenues. "While tax revenues do not totally cover interest payments in 2001, this ratio reached 38.3 percent in 2005", Erdogan stressed.
  • [08] Kyrgyz President, Foreign Minister to arrive for 'Improvement' of ties Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from Ankara: Kyrgzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Minister of Foreign Affairs Alikbek Jekshenkulov will pay visits to Turkey, it was announced on Tuesday. Kyrgzstan's Ambassador in Ankara Mambetcunus Abilov visited A.A Director General Executive Board Chairman Dr. Hilmi Bengi. Speaking during the audience, Abilov expressed the importance his country attached to improvement of bilateral relations. Abilov said Minister of Foreign Affairs Alikbek Jekshenkulov will pay a formal visit to Turkey on February 14th and 15th and President Bakiyev will visit Turkey on March 2nd and 3rd. Abilov said they wanted to remove prejudices and to better explain Kyrgzstan to the world. A.A Director General Bengi recalled that A.A had a cooperation agreement with Kyrgz News Agency (KABAR), stating that high level visits from Kyrgzstan to Turkey showed the willingness to improve cooperation.
  • [09] Abdullah Ocalan applies for retrial at Ankara Criminal Court Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from Istanbul: Head terrorist Abdullah Ocalan launched an appeal to Ankara Criminal Court and asked that he be retried, Irfan Dundar, one of his lawyers said on Tuesday. Speaking in a news conference, Dundar said that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ruled that Ocalan case should be either reconsidered or he should be retried. Dundar said that case files couldn't be reconsidered under Turkish laws, adding: "There is also a legal impediment concerning his retrial; that is, the parliament should adopt an amendment for that, first." "Following our client's application to the court, we, as his lawyers, will also apply to the Ankara Criminal Court," Dundar added. /SK
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