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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-11-22

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.226/06 22.11.06

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] The Turkish Cypriot press continues to report on the moratorium on constructions while CTP tried to prevent the decree becoming known.
  • [02] Confusion and surprise in the occupied areas over reports of law for imprisonment of usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties.
  • [03] Ankaras reaction to Finlands stance on the implementation of the Additional Customs Protocol.
  • [04] Soyer said the census conducted in the occupied areas last April will be announced soon.
  • [05] UBP delegation met Talat; the Cyprus problem on the agenda.
  • [06] DSP leader: Cyprus problem to be discussed within the scope of the Middle East policy.
  • [07] A sum of nearly 21 million NTL was approved as the budget of the so-called Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • [08] So-called Minister of economy and tourism attends the session of the COMCEC.
  • [09] Projects in the framework of the EU Financial Regulation have been announced.
  • [10] Turkey to help Georgia join the EU.

  • [A] NEWS ITEMS

    [01] The Turkish Cypriot press continues to report on the moratorium on constructions while CTP tried to prevent the decree becoming known

    Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (22.11.06) continues its reference to the issue of the 2nd Area of Kyrenia 2006 decree which has been published by the self-styled government and forbids any constructions to be built in some areas until 31 January 2007. The paper writes that the citizens do not know yet the areas affected by the decree which was printed in the afternoon of 16 November 2006 and came to the knowledge of the paper on 17 November. The paper argues that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) published the decree on Friday, 17 November, tried to prevent the people from being informed about it and gave only ten days to those who are affected by it and want to seek for their rights. The government did not inform the municipalities for the decree, alleges the paper and wonders Where is the map of the moratorium?. In statements to CUMHURIYET, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Building Contractors Union, Cafer Gurcafer said that they are not against passing to building in a planned manner, but when these steps are made secretly by the state , the sector suffers a loss.

    On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot GUNES newspaper (22.11.06) reports that referring to the same issue, Hasan Tacoy, MP of the National Unity Party and chairman of the party in Nicosia, alleged that steps are made which will lead Kyrenia into chaos, damage the building sector, make people to be suspicious, deprive them of their property and weaken the defence of the cause of Cyprus. He argued that the property market is being dealt a deadly blow and all this is done because promises have been made by the CTP to the General Secretary of AKEL and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimitris Christofias.

    (I/Ts.)

    [02] Confusion and surprise in the occupied areas over reports of law for imprisonment of usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties

    Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (22.11.06), under the title Great threat by the Greek Cypriots, refers to a statement by the Minister of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, Sophoclis Sophocleous, who is quoted to have said that the punishment of seven-year imprisonment for those who illegally posses occupied Greek Cypriot property is a message that shows how seriously we approach the issue. The paper reports that Mr Sophocleous said that the new law, which entered into force, applies also to the Turkish Cypriots who live in occupied Greek Cypriot property and announced that they will be arrested in case they cross over to the free areas. KIBRIS publishes statements by Dr. Tufan Erhuman, deputy associate professor at illegal Near East University, who alleged that this initiative of the Greek Cypriots is a sign of desperation and is aimed at stopping the constructions in the north even for some period. The chairman of the so-called Human Rights Foundation, Mrs Emine Erk argued that with this law the Greek Cypriots want to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from crossing over to the free areas of Cyprus. She argued that this initiative will not contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, but at the same time it will lead the relations on the island to chaos. This law is an initiative which takes peace and the comprehensive solution to a remote distance, she said. The issue is the main topic in most of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers today. The front-page titles the other papers use are the following: AFRIKA: The Turkish Cypriots will be arrested! HALKIN SESI: The punishment of seven years imprisonment for those who use Greek Cypriot property. YENI DUZEN: Imprisonment for the Turkish Cypriots who live on Greek Cypriot property. KIBRISLI: Those who touched Greek Cypriot property have been burned! VATAN: The Greek Cypriot Administration has completely been confused! ORTAM: The Greek Cypriots are looking for adventure. VOLKAN: Seven year imprisonment. Subtitle: Be careful! Do not go to the south. YENI DUZEN reports that commenting on the issue, the self-styled Prime Minister Soyer, who returned last night from London, said that the Turkish Cypriots should not be afraid and argued that this is a part of a systematic campaign. If there is someone who should be arrested is the fanatic Greek Cypriot leadership who made (the people) say no to the Annan plan. Let our citizens pay no attention to these. When I hear such news I only find them too ridiculous to bother about, he alleged.

    (I/Ts.)

    [03] Ankaras reaction to Finlands stance on the implementation of the Additional Customs Protocol

    Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (22.11.06), under the headline This work cannot be done through blackmail, reports that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, as well as State Minister EU Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan held yesterday a mini-summit on Turkeys EU course at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

    Replying to questions on the Finnish EU presidencys December 6th deadline for Turkey to open its ports to the Cypriot vessels, Mr Gul said: Issues like this cannot be worked out through blackmail or by setting deadlines... And in fact there can be no such thing.

    Reminding that he will fly to Finland on Sunday and that negotiations are continuing, Mr Gul said: The Finns are also talking. If we can find a way out, we would welcome that, but Turkey has already paid its due (fulfilled its obligations). Before signing this protocol, the draft protocol provided that Turkey will sign the protocol and will approve it unconditionally. As a result of the negotiations we concluded then that Turkey will only sign the protocol. The words it will be approved and without conditions were removed. Why have I gone to Cyprus recently? The esteemed Prime Minister has already stated Turkeys views several times there. Issues like this cannot be worked out through blackmail or by setting deadlines. As a matter of fact, there can be no such thing. They are being reflected differently. Finland is exerting efforts and we are supporting them.

    On the same issue, under the banner headline A clear answer from the Prime Minister to the EU , Turkish daily M0LL0YET newspaper (22.11.06) reports that Mr Erdogan, assessing the latest developments, said: Turkey did whatever it should have done, Turkey took the necessary steps regarding the Cyprus issue. Now it is the turn of the EU to take steps. We wont take different steps on things we do not accept. Meanwhile, Mr Gul after the meeting also said: When Turkey signed the protocol, it expected that the EU would start direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots.

    Turkish daily SABAH newspaper (22.11.06) refers to the same issue under the title A Cyprus summit in the Assembly and reports that Erdogan, who met with Gul and Babacan at his office in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, announced that he will not take any different steps regarding Cyprus.

    Under the title A harsh reply to Finland , CUMHUR0YET reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister Gul described Finland s stance as blackmail

    (DPs)

    [04] Soyer said the census conducted in the occupied areas last April will be announced soon

    Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (22.11.06) reports that Mr Soyer, in statements after his last meeting in London, said that according to information given by Britain 70 thousand Turkish Cypriots live there. He added that when he returns to the occupied areas he will announce the results of the population census conducted in the occupied areas and thus the mistake of the speculations of the Greek Cypriots regarding the population of the Turkish Cypriots will come to the surface.

    (I/Ts.)

    [05] UBP delegation met Talat; The Cyprus problem on the agenda

    Illegal Bayrak television (21.11.06) broadcast the following:

    A delegation from the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP), headed by the party leader Huseyin Ozgurgun was received today by Mehmet Ali Talat.

    Mr Talat briefed the leader of the main opposition party on the latest developments on the Cyprus Problem.

    Speaking after the meeting, the UBP leader said that he and his delegation had found the opportunity during the meeting to exchange views with the Mr Talat on a number of domestic and foreign issues.

    He said that the meeting also focused on the letter sent to `President´ Talat by the UN Secretary-Generals Undersecretary for political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, the Turkish Cypriot Sides response to the letter and Mr Talats latest meeting with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Geneva.

    Explaining that President Talat had told him that there was a chance that the Cyprus negotiations process could restart by May next year, Mr. Ozgurgun underlined the importance of watching developments closely during the long period that lied ahead.

    Mr. Ozgurgun also pointed out that Mr Talat had deemed it appropriate to invite and brief the UBP first on the latest developments, an indication that showed that he gave special importance to the main opposition partys views.

    [06] DSP leader: Cyprus problem to be discussed within the scope of the Middle East policy

    Turkish Cypriot KIBRIS newspaper (22.11.06) reports that the chairman of Turkeys Democratic Left Party (DSP) Zeki Sezer has said that the relations between Turkey and the EU and the Cyprus problem should be discussed within the scope of the Middle East policy. He accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government of following a wrong policy on the issue of Cyprus during Turkeys EU accession talks. Addressing a panel organized by the Anatolia Civil Society Union of the Aegean (ESTOB) under the title Middle East and Turkey, Mr Sezer argued that the government, by signing the document of the framework of the negotiations with the EU, led the Cyprus problem into the Union and now it is confused due to the pressure which was obvious from that day that it would be exerted on Ankara.

    (I/Ts.)

    [07] A sum of nearly 21 million NTL was approved as the budget of the so-called Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (22.11.06) reports that the budget of the ministry of foreign affairs was approved yesterday by the economy, finance, budget and planning committee of the self-styled assembly. The sum of 20 million 614 thousand and 17 new Turkish liras is provided for the ministry in 2007. Addressing the committee, foreign minister Turgay Avci said that his first target since he came on duty is to intensify the lobby work abroad for the lifting of the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots and the fulfilment of the promises given to them on this issue. He stressed the importance of the development of the relations with the Islamic Conference Organization and the EU and of explaining the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. Mr Avci noted that the number of the foreign representations of the TRNC will increase.

    (I/Ts.)

    [08] So-called Minister of economy and tourism attends the session of the COMCEC

    Illegal Bayrak television (21.11.06) broadcast the following:

    The Minister of Economy and Tourism Enver Ozturk is in Istanbul to attend the 22nd Session of the Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Islamic Conference Organization (OIC).

    The Minister will deliver a speech at the meeting where the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ is being represented under observer status.

    During his stay in Instanbul, Mr Ozturk will also be attending a businessmens event.

    [09] Projects in the framework of the EU Financial Regulation have been announced

    Illegal Bayrak television (21.11.06) broadcast the following:

    The European Union Programme Support Office, established to supervise the implementation of the EU Financial Aid Regulation for `North Cyprus´, held a press briefing this afternoon to provide information on the objectives, priorities and challenges regarding the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Side.

    The press briefing was held by the head of the Turkish Cypriot Community Task Force Andrew Rasbash, a competent from the Commission Alessandra Viezzer and the Head of the Support Office Alain Bothorell.

    A wide range of projects were presented to the press where improving the infrastructure, social and economic development, fostering reconciliation including confidence building measures, bringing the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU and helping the Turkish Cypriot community to implement the Acquis Communaitre are described as prior objectives.

    Speaking at the briefing, Ms Alessandra Viezzer stressed that financial aid was not the first priority of the Task Force, but was only the first step towards helping ease the international isolation of the `Turkish Cypriot People´.

    He added that the overreaching objective is to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus.

    She expressed the belief that local communities, villages, non-governmental organizations and business organizations are among those to be affected positively from the implementation of financial assistance.

    She also noted that the programming on the projects of the Support Office have been completed and are ready to be implemented.

    Referring to possible challenges and constraints during the implementation of projects funded by the EU, she said that the Commission is concerned about ensuring the long-term sustainability of investments.

    The Commission official stated that efficient aid absorption could be a challenge for the Turkish Cypriot Side because of its size and underlined the need for increasing the human resources capacity in `North Cyprus´.

    For his part, the Head of the Support Office Alain Bothorell gave information about the current staff in the Office and said that the administrative staff is mostly composed of Turkish Cypriots.

    Stressing that the implementation of the projects will be centralized from Brussels, Mr Bothorell stated that there are 3 years to obligate the funds, finalize and sign contracts.

    He added that the United Nations Development Program will also be given money to implement certain projects.

    Answering reporters questions, the head of the Turkish Cypriot Community Task Force Andrew Rasbash stated that recycling the savings into other additional projects might be possible in the future.

    Mr Rasbash also said that the EU office will be in close contact and collaboration, with the `Prime Ministers Office´ for co-ordinating EU Affairs regarding the projects.

    The Head of the Turkish Cypriot Community Task Force added that both Turkish Cypriot and EU companies are eligible to apply for the implementation of projects.

    On Thursday, the High Level Contact Group will meet with the representatives of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce at a working lunch.

    The Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also attend the meeting as guest of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce.

    In a written statement earlier issued by the head of the Contact Group- Francoise Grossetete, it is reminded that this is the third visit being paid by the Contact Group to Cyprus for contacts with political parties, non-governmental organizations and students in Cyprus.

    [10] Turkey to help Georgia join the EU

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.11.06) reported the following from Tbilisi:

    "Turkey attaches great importance to Georgia's territorial integrity and independence," Turkish National Security Council (MGK) Secretary General Yigit Alpogan said on Tuesday.

    Speaking to the A.A correspondent after completing his talks in Tbilisi, Alpogan said that there were satisfactory political and economic relations between and Turkey and Georgia.

    "Turkey also supports Georgia's NATO membership. We know that Georgia wants to join the EU. We are also ready to assist Georgia in regard to this matter," Alpogan stressed.

    He noted that there were important projects which would boost economic relations between the two countries including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) natural gas pipeline and Kars-Ahilkelek- Tbilisi-Baku railway projects.

    /SK


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