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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-04-14

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. 69/09 14.04.09

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] Talat stated that a serious give and take process in the negotiations will start in August
  • [02] The self-styled chief prosecutors office to appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Justice for the Ergenekon case
  • [03] Bagis will deliver a lecture at the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University
  • [04] Reports by the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press on the upcoming elections
  • [05] A meeting of AEGEE will be held at the illegal Near East University
  • [06] OIC will hold a meeting on tourism in occupied Keryneia
  • [07] The so-called Security Forces Command denied the information that a Turkish flag was brought down
  • [08] New detentions based on the second indictment of Ergenekon
  • [B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

  • [09] From the Turkish Press of 10, 11 and 12 April 2009

  • [A] NEWS ITEMS

    [01] Talat stated that a serious give and take process in the negotiations will start in August

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.04.09) reports the following from occupied Famagusta:

    Turkish Cypriot president expressed hope Monday a peace plan would be voted in a double referendum by Greek and Turkish Cypriots in early 2010 to end the division of the eastern Mediterranean island.

    "There will be some serious give-and-take process in our talks starting in August and the Turkish Cypriot side is planning a referendum in early 2010 just before election campaigns begin for our presidential elections in April," Mehmet Ali Talat told a conference at a Turkish Cypriot university.

    Talat and the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias have been holding a series of negotiations since last September when they decided to resume peace talks.

    Talat said Christofias had been rejecting to set a specific time frame for course of the negotiations and for a possible referendum. "However, the level we have reached in the negotiations points to the opening of a new stage and a new course which also consists a referendum," Talat said.

    On the same issue illegal Bayrak television (13.04.09) broadcasts the following:

    President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that serious convergence has been achieved on many issues discussed as part of the full-fledged negotiations continuing between the two sides, but added that active contribution of the international community was needed on the issues on which differences still remained.

    President Talat delivered a speech at the Eastern Mediterranean University on the `Latest Developments concerning the Cyprus issue`. In his speech, Mr Talat said an important stage has been reached at the negotiations being conducted by the two sides since the 21st of March last year.

    Reminding that three chapters have been taken up since the launched of the full-fledged negotiations in September, he said important differences came out between the positions of the two sides during the discussions on the executive power, which was bought to the table under the topic Governance and Power Sharing.

    On the property issue, he said the sides reached agreement in principle on the topic and that the issues of property compensation, exchange and restitution were also discussed.

    The President explained that the Turkish Cypriot Side was in favor of the establishment of a new partnership, while the Greek Cypriot Side wanted to turn the `Republic of Cyprus` into a federal structure.

    Pointing out that the issue of economy would be brought to the table in the coming days, he said `territory, security and guarantees were to follow discussions on this topic.

    He stated that the objective of the Turkish Cypriot Side was to complete the discussion and review process as early as May. The President noted that the negotiation process was moving in a good direction, adding that the Turkish Cypriot Side has no intention, to leave the negotiation table.

    [02] The self-styled chief prosecutors office to appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Justice for the Ergenekon case

    Illegal Bayrak television (13.04.09) broadcasts the following:

    Following Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyers filing a request with the Chief prosecutors office demanding an investigation into allegations of a link between the TRNC and the Ergenekon case in Turkey last week, the Chief Prosecutors office launched a new initiative today.

    Chief Prosecutors office decided to appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Justice for providing information and documents.

    The initiative to provide information and documents will be carried through the TRNC Ministry of Interior.

    Speaking to TAK News Agency the Chief Prosecutor Akan 0lgen said the necessary initiatives have been launched in line with the legal cooperation with Turkey after documents that have been sent by Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer on the 8th of April were examined.

    [03] Bagis will deliver a lecture at the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University

    Turkish Cypriot daily HAVADIS newspaper (14.04.09) reports that the Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief negotiator, Mr Egemen Bagis, will arrive in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to deliver a lecture and carry out various contacts.

    Mr Bagis, who will illegally visit the occupied areas as guest of the Cyprus Policies Centre, will deliver a speech on Thursday at the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) on Turkey during its EU accession process. The paper reports that the date of Bagis arrival has not yet become definite.

    Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister Mr Bagis said that the Cyprus President Demetris Christofias should be motivated and encouraged not only by Turkey and Greece but from all the EU countries on the issue of the solution. Mr Bagis, in a statement to a Turkish newspaper, said that they have doubts on the issue of whether the Cyprus President Demetris Christofias is motivated enough for reaching an agreement during the ongoing negotiations. Noting that the South Cyprus, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, is an EU member and that per capita income in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus is much higher than the income in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Bagis alleged: Therefore, at this point it has not a lot of reasons for a solution of the issue.

    (DPs)

    [04] Reports by the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press on the upcoming elections

    Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.04.09) reports that the leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Mr Izzet Izcan, who visited yesterday the so-called interior ministry, said that the BKP Jasmine Movement will cancel all the citizenships which were given contrary to the international law and abolish the existing immigration law. Noting that the so-called governments until now have permitted the transferring of population from Turkey to the occupied areas and have given the citizenship to more persons than the population of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr Izcan accused the governments of taking away the political will of the Turkish Cypriots.

    The leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), Mr Mehmet Cakici, during his meeting yesterday with the Union of Subcontractors, said that they are against any kind of illegal workers and businesses and added that in case they come to power they will stop all these immediately. Mr Cakici also added that they are determined to support the small and medium-size enterprises against the unfair competition.

    Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (14.04.09) reports that the leader of Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and so-called prime minister, Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer, who visited yesterday the occupied villages of Rizokarpaso, Ardana and Agios Andronikos, said that the works for the opening of the faculty of the Istanbul Technical University at the occupied villages of Rizokarpaso and Kokkina have been completed. Mr Soyer also informed them about the investments that they are planning to do in the occupied area of Karpasia.

    The leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), Mr Dervis Eroglu, during the UBP meeting held last night at occupied village of Trikomo, said that those who lead all the sectors to bankruptcy will leave from power and bright days will come. Mr Eroglu claimed that the CTP stole the votes of the people with the support of the EU and the USA. He also said: We are exerting efforts in order for our people to live in peace and prosperity in the TRNC which we have established.

    The leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) and so-called deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, Mr Turgay Avci, participated last night in the programme Free Area broadcast by the Turkish Cypriot local channel ADA TV. Mr Avci criticized harshly the leaders of the UBP and DP. He argued that they have done nothing for the country for so many years for and added that they can do nothing from now on as well. Mr Avci also argued that ORP will be in the coalition government after the election.

    Moreover, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (14.04.09) publishes a commentary by its columnist Sami Kohen under the title The TRNC is at a turnout. Sami Kohen reports in its commentary, inter alia, the following:

    The Cyprus problem was kept in the background among a series of problems which dominate in the foreign policy of Turkey during the past few weeks. However, now Cyprus or more correctly the future of the TRNC came into prominence for two reasons.

    One of these reasons is related with the general elections which will be held here next Sunday and in respect of their results, it is expected to lead the Turkish Cypriots to a turnout.

    The other reason is the sensation created by the allegations regarding the leg of the Ergenekon indictment in the TRNC, which has exploded like a bomb in the middle of the election campaign. The elections in the TRNC drew the attention this time because of the possibility of a change in the government. The last independent public opinion polls show that the opposition National Unity Party (UBP) of Dervis Eroglu could receive 46% of the votes and the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) of Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer around 25% of the votes. Of course, the officials of these two main parties give different percentages in their favor. The supporters of the CTP speak of a head to head race. The supporters of the UBP claim that they will reach their goal of 50%+, which they have turned into a slogan.

    Kohen goes on by analyzing the possibility of the UBP coming to power and concludes as following: Of course the important thing is what kind of changes will be made in the TRNC in case the UBP comes to power, as the public opinion polls show, and especially in which way the solution of the Cyprus problem will be affected by this. We shall discuss this tomorrow. (DPs /AK)

    [05] A meeting of AEGEE will be held at the illegal Near East University

    Under the title 600 European students are coming, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (14.04.09) reports that 600 European students, members of the Association des Etats Generaux des Etudiants de l'Europe - European Students Forum (AEGEE) will participate in the general meeting of AEGEE entitled AEGEE 2009 - Spring Agora which will take place in the illegal Near East University (YDU) between 15-18 April 2009. The topic of the event is AGORA-Magusa [occupied Famagusta] and is organized by the AEGEE Magusa [occupied Famagusta] branch.

    (ML)

    [06] OIC will hold a meeting on tourism in occupied Keryneia

    Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Volkan newspaper (14.04.09) reports that a seminar titled: The tourism development in the Islamic world, will take place at the Savoy Ottoman Palace hotel in occupied Keryneia on Thursday. The seminar is taking place in occupied Keryneia, in accordance with the decision taken by the 35th Meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conferences (OIC) Foreign Ministers, under the article: The situation in Cyprus.

    The seminar is being organized under the aegis of the OIC General Secretary, Prof. Dr. Eklemeddin Ihsanoglu, and with the cooperation of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

    According to a statement released by the self-styled deputy prime ministry and styled foreign ministry, Mr Ihsanoglu will not be able to attend the seminar due to health problems. Ambassador Sukru Tufan, Director General of the Cabinet and Advisor to the office of the General Secretary of the OIC, and Ambassador Nabika Diallo, Assistant Secretary to the OIC, will represent OICs General Secretary. Ministers of Tourism and high ranking officials from twelve OIC countries and experts from institutions related to the OIC and international and regional organizations will participate in the seminar.

    The seminar, which will begin on Thursday 16 of April, at 10 a.m., will last for three days. The opening speeches will be delivered by the self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister Turgay Avci, the OIC Chief Advisor Sukru Tufan who will represent the General Secretary of the OIC, the self-styled tourism minister Erdogan Sanlidag, the ICDT Director General Allal Rachdi and the head of the self-styled religious affairs minister Dr. Yusuf Suicmez.

    (EA)

    [07] The so-called Security Forces Command denied the information that a Turkish flag was brought down

    Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (14.04.09) reports that the so-called Security Forces Command has denied the information published in the Greek Cypriot, Greek and Turkish press that a soldier of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus brought down the Turkish flag from a sentry box of the Turkish occupation army in the Lefkosia area. The security forces described as completely untrue this information and noted that their flag in the above-mentioned area is in its place, as all their other flags.

    (I./Ts.)

    [08] New detentions based on second indictment of Ergenekon

    Under the above title Turkish Todays Zaman newspaper (14.04.09) reports the following:

    Dozens of suspects were detained yesterday in police raids targeting the Ergenekon terrorist organization, including three former and two current university rectors and members of the Ataturkist Thought Association (ADD), the Support for Modern Life Association (CYDD) and the Modern Education Foundation (CEV).

    At least 50 people were detained. The CYDD and ADD are remembered as the organizers of massive protests against the ruling Justice and Develop Party (AK Party), known as republican rallies, in the year 2007. Two other individuals, Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Istanbul deputies Necla Arat and Nur Serter, who were not deputies at the time, were also among the organizers. However, the prosecutors, who believe Ergenekon was involved in the planning of the rallies, have not started any legal action against the two deputies because they are protected by parliamentary immunity. Analysts note that this link alone is enough to explain why the CHP has insisted on defending Ergenekon suspects and dismissed the investigation as groundless.

    Bulent Orakoglu, former head of the National Police Departments intelligence unit, said, There is also the Parliament leg of this business, while remarking on the recent detentions. However, it currently appears unlikely that deputies will be brought to trial.

    The current detentions were based on evidence found inside the homes of retired Gendarmerie Force General Commander Gen. ^ener Eruygur and retired Gendarmerie Intelligence Command head Gen. Levent Ersoz. Both retired generals were detained earlier in the investigation. Eruygur is also the head of the ADD.

    At least 14 members of the CYDD were detained yesterday. However, the prosecution did not issue a detention warrant for CYDD President Turkan Saylan, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Branches of the association in the East and Southeast were under particular scrutiny in yesterdays operations. The police have also closely examined scholarships and educational funding provided by the CYDD to individuals in these cities who are suspected of links to the terrorist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). There have been allegations that PKK militants who were given scholarships by the association were being used for various plots of the CYDD. Police searched the house of ADD Deputy Chairman Mustafa Yurtkuran in Bursa. He is also the former rector of Uluda University. The founding president of the ADD, Yekta Gungor Ozden, who is also a former head of the Constitutional Court, may be called to testify in the investigation, observers note.

    Link between Manisal1 and Ersoz

    Former Istanbul University Professor Erol Manisal1 s house was also searched during yesterday s operations. Manisal1 is remembered for his strong criticism of Turkey s European Union accession process.

    Officials said a phone conversation between Manisal1 and Ergenekon suspect Ersoz was recorded during the course of the investigation. These conversations indicate that Manisal1 s relationship with Ersoz and Eruygur, who are being accused of having devised two coup plans while they were serving in the military, is much stronger than the prosecution previously thought. These generals were also planning to set up local television stations across the country, the evidence indicates. Sources say the operation will soon extend to include some executives from the Local Television Stations Union.

    Instructors and former and current rectors of 19 May1s University, Uludag University, 0nonu University, Harran University and Dicle University were also detained in yesterday s operations .


    [B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

    [09] From the Turkish Press of 13 April 2009

    Following are the summaries of reports and commentaries of selected items from the Turkish press on 13 April 2009:

    a) 'Normalization' of the Relations with Armenia

    In a commentary entitled "Genocide Discussion" in Milliyet, Taha Akyol refers to President Obama's comments in Turkey that he will give priority to the Turkish-Armenian relations when he writes that the "genocide claim in the political and academic world is spreading! Obama also believes in this, he is only not using this term now from 'political' reasons." Taha Akyol concludes his column by calling on Turks and Armenians to show "mutual empathy" in order "to develop the political and humane relations and move step by step toward a solution."

    In his commentary in Milliyet, Semih Idiz writes about the normalization of relations with Armenia and PM Erdogan's recent statements to the effect. Explaining that there are "serious issues" between Turkey and Armenia, Idiz adds: "However, the silent contacts conducted by the diplomats for a long time took up the manner in which these issues can be surmounted. These efforts were conducted with the understanding and along the lines of 'mutual interest.'" Noting that it was evident that this would be a "difficult process" because of the extreme nationalist elements in both sides, Idiz notes that Erdogan "raised the bar" in the process under way with Armenia after Azerbaijan President Aliyev "boycotted" the Alliance of Civilizations forum in Istanbul and adds: "To put the brakes on the searches for normalization with Armenia now will cause a headache for Erdogan and Turkey in their relations with Europe and the United States and its consequences will be felt very soon. Meanwhile, the Armenian Diaspora, who are not at all happy with the positive process between Ankara and Yerevan, will have regained an area for action." Idiz concludes by expressing belief that "Erdogan and his staff" are definitely not happy with Aliyev's intervention. Getting out from this quagmire depends on the diplomatic dexterity of the government."

    In a commentary entitled "Post-Obama Lassitude Is Very Dangerous" in Sabah, Omer Taspinar stresses the importance of "extra efforts" both the EU and Turkey should exert "in order to improve relations with the EU." Noting that a "very difficult year awaits Turkey," Taspinar continues by advising Turkey "not to relax" just because Obama paid a visit to Turkey and not to have an "unexpected crisis with the United States when things are bad with the EU." Explaining that Turkey will be in a worse situation than the 1990s with regard to relations with the United States and EU if a crisis erupts on April 24, Taspinar adds that Turkey, unfortunately, has tied the normalization of its relations with Armenia on the Karabakh issue and warns that "any delay in the normalization process with Armenia" may end with a "surprise" that President Obama can issue on April 24. Taspinar concludes: "At present, the most positive thing we can do is to share the Armenian people's deep pain and wait for the fruits of the reconciliation process between Turkey and Armenia."

    b) Ergenekon Investigation

    In a commentary in Sabah, Umur Tali points out to a "strange situation" emerging in the Ergenekon investigation in which all those who are "supporters" of those who are described as "Ergenekon suspect, detained, and defendant" are personally being followed and have files opened against them. He adds that all around the world, such practice is described as "threatening and blackmail."

    c) Kurdish Problem

    In an article entitled "A Few Words to the AKP Concerning the Kurdish Issue", Yeni Safak columnist Hakan Albayrak links the rise in the Democratic Society Party's popularity indicated by the results of the 29 March elections to the ruling AKP's criticism of "identity politics" during the election run-up in southeastern provinces like Diyarbakir, the "disappointment" it created in the region by rejecting calls for a general amnesty for the PKK, and the impression among the people of the southeast that the AKP is not ready to adopt a "totally new" stance on the "Kurdish issue." Albayrak also asks the Erdogan government acerbically when it will realize that the PKK is "one of Turkey's most institutionalized social realities" and that no formulas determined without factoring in "the PKK's social roots" can ever help establish peace in this country.

    d) Obamas visit to Turkey

    In an article entitled "How Obama Crossed the Minefield", Zaman's Washington correspondent Ali H. Aslan asserts that "looking at the big picture" following Obama's visit to Turkey, US observers are mostly satisfied both by the president's performance and the results of the visit despite lingering concern over the possib ility that concrete steps toward a Turkish-Armenian rapprochement may fail to be taken before Obama's 24 April speech because of Azerbaijan's objections to Turkey opening its border with Armenia. Aslan claims that having already been a first-hand witness to the occasionally "suffocating" character of Turkish diplomacy, as demonstrated in the "crisis" over Rasmussen's appointment as NATO secretary-general, Obama must have realized that it will take a lot of effort and skill on Washington's part to persuade Ankara on a number of contentious issues. He also asserts that there is no dramatic difference between Obama's messages in Ankara and former US administration's policies toward Turkey before he proceeds to note "the huge difference in credibility between Bush and Obama."

    In an article entitled "Obama's Support for Democracy in Turkey Most Welcome", Today's Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay lauds Barack Obama for "forcefully conveying] the message [during his visit to Turkey] that the enemies of democracy in Turkey, ranging from those who conspire to overthrow the legitimate government to those who despise democratic rule, will from now on find no sympathy in the White House."

    In an article entitled "Obama's 'Soft Power' Illusion", Milli Gazete columnist Abdullah Ozkan asserts that Obama's recent visit to Turkey provided clear examples of how the new US administration is trying to use "soft power" to achieve foreign policy objectives that the previous administration failed to secure by relying on "hard power." He refers to the visit as a successful exercise in public relations which has created a widespread public "illusion" in Turkey by causing attention to focus on Obama's remarks about the Turkish basketball players in the United States rather than on the US demands from Turkey that Obama voiced in Ankara.

    /ES


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