TURKISH PRESS
AND OTHER MEDIA
No.82/06
29-30.04-1-2.05.06
A.NEWS ITEMS
1. A census has been held in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Press reports
describe the census as “fiasco”; The aim is reportedly to use the results in
the Cyprus talks
2. Electronic marketing and trade was inaugurated in the occupied areas
3. Serdar Denktas openly declares that the usurpation of the properties of
the Greek Cypriots will go on
4.The Turkish Minister of Energy on the Libananco case
5. Turkish journalists visiting occupied Cyprus illegally want to move to the
free areas in violation of the international law
6. Ankara’s puppet regime is exerting efforts to gain recognition through
the EP Contact Group
7. Muhsin Yazicioglu was re-elected BBP leader
8. Turkey-EU JPC to be held between 3-5 May
9. Erdogan to attend the SEECP in Thessaloniki
10. The self-styled police in occupied Cyprus became world champion of
the 7th International WISPA tournament
B. COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
1. Turkey invokes coming elections to continue the occupation of Cyprus
1. A census has been held in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Press reports
describe the census as “fiasco”; The aim is reportedly to use the results in
the Cyprus talks
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (01.05.06) reports that a census of the
population and the buildings in the occupied areas of Cyprus was conducted on
Sunday 30 April 2006. The paper notes that the census will constitute the basis
for the social and economic policies. A day-time curfew was imposed on Sunday
2
between 05.00 in the morning and 06.00 in the afternoon. The preliminary results
of the census, which was conducted by the so-called State Planning
Organization of the “Prime Ministry”, will be announced within two-three days
(Wednesday 03 May 2006). The detailed results will be published as a book
within six months.
The paper writes that 61 questions were asked during the census. 38 of them
were personal, 14 were related to the housing details and nine aimed at
determining whether or not the individuals at each house were permanent
residents or guests.
According to KIBRIS, representatives of foreign missions in Cyprus observed the
census “within the framework of the diplomatic rules”.
The paper also notes that many people have complained that the “officers”, who
were conducting the census, did not visit their houses. The citizens called
KIBRIS after 18.00 and said that they were not counted because no one visited
their home.
Responding to questions on the issue, the chairperson of the “State Planning
Organization”, Mrs Isilay Yilmaz said she could not give a number regarding
those who had not been counted and added that both they and other offices
received similar complaints. She noted that they have sent officers to the houses
of the people who had said that they were not counted. She pointed out that in
case the number of those who are not counted is large, they could open a
separate book and count those people.
KIBRIS reports also that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat stated that
they will acquire extremely useful information from the census both in the field of
economy and in the social field.
3
“Information is treasure. If information is acquired, power is also acquired in any
kind of planning and bargaining”, he added and noted that this is their aim.
Furthermore, KIBRIS writes that the “speaker” of the “assembly”, Mrs Fatma
Ekenoglu pointed out to the importance of giving correct and clear answers
during the census and said that this will constitute the basis for new plans in the
“TRNC” (Breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus).
According to KIBRIS, in his statements on the issue the self-styled Prime Minister
Ferdi Sabit Soyer alleged that the census was conducted according to the
international rules and to the standards of the EU and the UN. He said that no
foreign observer attended the census, but in case the representatives of foreign
missions in Cyprus wanted to follow the census they could do so.
The Turkish Cypriot press (01.05.06) refers to the issue as follows:
Noting that the census was conducted with “the most primitive method in the
world”, AFRIKA describes it as “fiasco” and writes: “Many citizens waited in vain
for the census officers at their houses. The citizens complied with the curfew; the
state did not comply with the census”.
Under the title “The census could not be completed”, HALKIN SESI notes that
“the population and housing census was not conducted in a reliable manner”.
Under the title “We waited and you did not come”, VATAN notes that many
people said they had not be counted at the census, which in some areas
continued after 18.00 when the curfew ended.
ORTAM refers to the issue under the title “We have not been counted!”
According to information acquired by the paper, the people who have not been
counted are mainly in occupied Nicosia and Famagusta.
4
Under the title “Have you been counted?” CUMHURIYET writes that “the
warnings have unfortunately proved to be right” and that the census is in danger
“because of some technical mistakes”.
Furthermore, Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (01.05.06) reports that the
result of the census will most probably be used in the future Cyprus negotiations
when the population and property aspect of the problem is put on the table.
The paper reports that the last census was held in 1996, ten years ago, when the
population was 200 thousand. The paper goes on and writes that this is the last
census in the “TRNC” where people were confined in their houses because of
the curfew.
The paper says that until now in the Cyprus negotiations on the population and
property issues bargaining was carried out on estimation figures, and with this
present results in future negotiations the sides will be able to put forward net
figures on the negotiation table.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (02.05.06) reports
that in statements to illegal TAK news agency, Mr Soyer described as positive
the census and added that the officers could not visit only the 0,8 % of the
residences. Referring to the statement made by the Government Spokesman, Mr
George Lillikas, who said that the census is not reliable, Mr Soyer called on “Mr
Lillikas and those of the same kind to stop engaging in demagoguery with the
existence of the Turkish Cypriot people”.
HALKIN SESI writes also that Mr Talat said that they acquired unique information
with the census and added: “The census was conducted not in order to please
the Greek Cypriot side or any other organization.” He alleged that especially after
2004 they have granted the “citizenship” of the “TRNC” in a completely legal way
and according to the international rules. “The citizens of the TRNC are
5
completely equal citizens. The reek Cypriot side or any other organization asking
from us to give account is out of the question”, he added.
Finally, he admitted that there were some technical problems during the census,
but they will take measures and they will overcome them.
(I/Ts.)
2. Electronic marketing and trade was inaugurated in the occupied areas
Illegal Bayrak television (28/04/06) broadcast that work has begun on starting a
project aimed at introducing electronic marketing and trade in the occupied areas
of Cyprus.
The new project which was launched with a ceremony in occupied Kyrenia, is
also aimed at introducing the necessary contemporary
technological
infrastructure for a better electronic information highway, better and faster
internet services and related communications technologies.
The ceremony was attended by the self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer,
the head of the State Planning Organization Isilay Yilmaz and other officials,
including representatives from the United Nations Development Program.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Ferdi Sabit Soyer pointed to the need for the
Turkish Cypriots to improve in every single field of technology as dictated by the
age of high technology.
“Now that we have electronic trade on our agenda, we have to speed up
infrastructure development in order to help facilitate the intended overhaul of
today’s system”, he said.
Also addressing the ceremony, the UNDP representative –Andres Johnson said
that the project is intended to help raise the Turkish Cypriot “People” to the status
6
of that of an
“information society”. He added that “North Cyprus” (occupied
Cyprus) is lagging well behind the EU countries on the issue.
3. Serdar Denktas openly declares that the usurpation of the properties of
the Greek Cypriots will go on
The New Anatolian newspaper (29/04/06) reports that the self-styled Foreign
Minister in the occupied territories of Cyprus, Mr. Serdar Denktas, on Friday
criticized the European Union for doing nothing to ease the “isolation” of
occupied Cyprus, but instead is seeking a moratorium on property transactions in
the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC).
"Construction is now the main economic sector in Northern Cyprus," Denktas
said. "We are asking the EU to lift our isolation and start direct flights in order to
boost our tourism and trade. But they have done almost nothing so far despite
the fact that they have promised to do so. How can they now ask for a
moratorium on property transactions, the main activity bringing economic
revival?"
Mr. Denktash on Friday participated in a round table meeting on recent
developments in the Cyprus problem organized by the TOBB, University of
Economics and Technology and the Economic Policy Research Institute
(TEPAV-Epri).
Underlining Turkish Cypriot frustration with the EU and the international
community for failing to keep their promises to end the “isolation” of occupied
Cyprus, Denktas said: "Enough is enough. Turkish Cypriots have no further
patience to wait for an uncertain future. We have waited the last two years for
promises to be kept and nothing has happened."
---------------
7
(Tr.Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the
Turkish
Republic through the force of arms in the occupied Greek Cypriot
properties).
4. The Turkish Minister of Energy on the Libananco case
EkoTürk News Agency (28/04/06) reported from Istanbul that the Turkish Energy
and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Güler has said they took very seriously the
USD 10.1 billion arbitration case filed against the Turkish State by Cyprus based
Libananco Holding Co. Ltd. company which was known to be affiliated to the
Uzan family.
Reminding that the arbitration case has been accepted by the International
Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) which is a body formed
within the World Bank, Güler stated that they found the case very important and
took it very seriously, but declined to make any further comments.
Libananco had filed an arbitration case against confiscation of power generation
and delivery Uzan Group held companies of Çukurova Elektrik (ÇEAŞ) and
Kepez Elektrik on February 23. Libananco acquired the Uzan Group shares in
these companies after the confiscation.
Libananco also claims that besides Turkey to be imposed of reparation
payments, the ICSID would comment that Turkey indirectly recognizes South
Cyprus (the Republic of Cyprus) as a sovereign state, as both countries formally
accepted the Energy Treaty.
Energy and Natural Resources Ministry had terminated the concession contracts
of both companies back in July 2003 on the basis of violation of contract terms
and seized them immediately. Both companies were traded publicly at the
İstanbul Stock Exchange. The rights of small shareholders are still not clear.
5. Turkish journalists visiting occupied Cyprus illegally want to move to the
free areas in violation of the international law
8
Illegal Bayrak television (29/04/06) broadcast the following: “Officials of the
European Commission and the International Journalists Federation-the IFJ- have
promised to make a diplomatic initiative to lift a ban imposed by the Greek
Cypriot side against the members of the Foreign Press Union.
The President of the Union Mesut Gunsev held separate meetings in Brussels
with George Zigler from the European Commission and the European Director of
the IFJ Renate Schroeder.
Noting that the Greek Cypriot administration (Republic of Cyprus) has been
preventing the task of foreign press workers in South Cyprus, Mr Gunsev said
this does not only lead to a censorship on press but also extends the embargoes
imposed on the Turkish Cypriot “people.”
Also speaking, Mr Schroeder said that the International Journalists Federation is
against all restrictions and promised to take an initiative on the issue. For his
part, George Zigler said that he will convey the problem to relevant institutions.”
6. Ankara’s puppet regime is exerting efforts to gain recognition through
the EP Contact Group
Illegal Bayrak television (29/04/06) broadcast the following:
“The name of the ‘High Level Contact Group’ which was formed to improve
relations between the European Union and the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus’ is changing. This was announced by the Euro MP-member of the contact
group-Cem Ozdemir.
The group which paid a visit to the ‘TRNC’ last month decided its name to be
added with the expression of ‘Turkish Cypriots’.
The Turkish origin Euro MP Cem Ozdemir described the move as an important
development and said that the European Commission was ready to take every
9
step on the Cyprus issue if any resolution would be adopted by the Council of the
European Union as regards the issue.
Stating that the group was working hard for a planned visit in June to the ‘Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus’, Mr Ozdemir said that the High Level Contact
Group would meet ‘President’ Mehmet Ali Talat at his ‘Presidential office’.”
--------------------(Tr.Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Republic’s
subordinate regime it has set up with 40,000 Turkish troops in the small,
defenselers Cyprus after cleansing ethnically Cyprus’ northern occupied area in
1974.
Turkey has since been colonisizing the occupied areas with settlers from Turkey
and selling the properties of the Greek Cypriots to foreigners).
7. Muhsin Yazicioglu was re-elected BBP leader
Istanbul NTV television (30/04/06) broadcast that Mr. Muhsin Yazicioglu was
elected leader of the Great Unity Party [BBP] during the party's 6th congress. He
was the only candidate.
In an opening speech at the BBP Congress, Yazicioglu said that Turkey lost its
independence and that its foreign policy was being dictated by the United States
and the EU.
He maintained that EU membership will cause Turkey's division, saying: "For the
past four years, this government has either been making mistakes or merely
strutting before the nation. The nation wants a leader who can shoot a goal, and
the BBP is the only party that can form such a government."
He added:
"The government is a place where you perform.
The current
government should either exercise the power given to it by the nation or leave."
10
The BBP leader also said that with the 6th paragraph of the anti-terror bill, the
government was trying to bring amnesty to the terrorists.
8. Turkey-EU JPC to be held between 3-5 May
Ankara Anatolia news agency (01/05/06) reported from Ankara that the 56th
meeting of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) will be held in
the Turkish parliament between May 3rd and 5th.
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc will make opening remarks of the meeting on
Wednesday. State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan,
Ambassador Hansjorg Kretschmer --Head of the Delegation of the European
Commission--, the Turkey-EU JPC Co-President Joost Lagendijk and several
other officials will deliver speeches during the meeting.
Participants will focus on ''Turkey-EU relations and accession talks'' in the first
session of the meeting.
''European identity and values: freedom of expression, and respect to religious
and cultural values'' will also be discussed in the second session of the meeting.
9. Erdogan to attend the SEECP in Thessaloniki
Ankara Anatolia news agency (01/05/06) reported from Ankara that the Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will participate in the Ninth Heads of State
& Government Summit of the South East European Cooperation Process
(SEECP) in Greek city of Thessalonici on May 4th, his office announced on
Monday.
Heads of state and government of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Greece, FYROM, Serbia-Montenegro, Romania and Croatia; and representatives
of leading international organizations will also attend the summit.
11
Greece will hand over the SEECP presidency to Croatia, while participants will
vote whether or not to accept Moldova, which is actually being represented in
SEECP meetings as observer, as a member.
EU membership perspectives of Balkan countries and regional cooperation
opportunities are the main topics to be discussed in the summit.
10. The self-styled police in occupied Cyprus became world champion of
the 7th International WISPA tournament
Under the title “Our police became world champion”, subtitle “The ‘TRNC’ Police
Futsal team reached the championship leaving behind powerful rivals in the 7th
International WISPA tournament which was organised at France’s town Lyon and
where 24 teams from 20 countries raced against each other”, Turkish Cypriot
daily KIBRIS newspaper (01.05.06) reports the following:
“The ‘TRNC’ Police Futsal team became champion leaving behind powerful rivals
at the 7th International WISPA (World Futsal Police Association) where 24 teams
from 20 countries competed against each other and which was organised at
France’s town Lyon between 23-29 of April.
According to a statement made by the ‘police’ general directorate, the ‘TRNC’
Police Futsal team which went to France for the Championship match, was
accepted together with other football teams by the deputy Mayor of Lyon on the
24th of April.
The team competed in groups of four in the matches which started on the 25th of
April in the framework of the tournament. The ‘TRNC’ Police Futsal team which
played 5 matches in group ‘C’, between 25-26 of April, has finished first in its
group with one draw and four wins.
The team which qualified to the finals managed to enter the semi-finals by wining
in the match against Ukraine 2-0. The match with Bosnia - Herzegovina in the
12
semi finals ended with a 2-2 draw and the ‘TRNC’ Police Futsal team went to the
finals winning 5-3 in penalties. The ‘TRNC’ Police Futsal team, which played
against the Lyon Team in the finals, became champion winning 2-1 after a
thrilling game.
The cup and the medals were awarded by the chairman of WISPA Luc Borlon
during the closing ceremony. The champion ‘TRNC’ team became the focus of
attention for its performance and discipline, during the matches.
The Police Futsal team, which participated with 11 footballers under the direction
of the police director Ahmet Zaim and the trainer Cengiz Uzun, has returned to
the country.”
C/S
B.COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
1. Turkey invokes coming elections to continue the occupation of Cyprus
The New Anatolian newspaper (29/04/06) reported that Ankara has told
Washington that this year and next the Turkish government has little
maneuvering room in three areas -- including an amnesty for the terrorist
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Kirkuk and Cyprus -- as the ruling Justice and
Development (AK) Party prepares for parliamentary elections next year.
These views were conveyed to the American side during U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice's one-day visit to Ankara earlier this week.
The U.S., on the other hand, questioned the current Turkish military presence in
northern Iraq, and the Turkish side stressed that this isn't aimed at the Kurdish
administration but is a deterrent against the PKK terrorist organization whose
members are holed up in the Kandil Mountains in northern Iraq.
13
The Americans were told that the government is fighting through rough waters
regarding the PKK issue. The Turkish side stressed that there isn't much the
government can do to make any kind of opening by declaring a general amnesty
for PKK militants to convince them to come down from the mountains.
The government feels it cannot make a move on the issue without paying a price
at the ballot box, as the PKK continues its terrorist campaign claiming the lives of
dozens of security personnel on a regular basis.
The government feels the conservative opposition could use the Kirkuk issue
against the government, claiming a sellout if it tries to make a move to satisfy the
demands of the Kurds that the province is a part of the Kurdistan Federal Region
in Iraq.
The Kurds want Kirkuk to be accepted as a part of the Kurdish setup in northern
Iraq. Turkey, on the other hand, wants its Turkoman population in the province to
have a meaningful say on how the province is run.
The government also feels it's been pushed into a corner over Cyprus and has
told the Americans it cannot make any new moves as long as the Greek Cypriots
are so intransigent. The government feels major Turkish concessions on Cyprus
haven't yielded any results but on the contrary have created embarrassment at
home as the European Union has failed to end the international isolation of the
Turkish Cypriots, despite the fact that they approved the Annan plan in a
referendum and the Greek Cypriots didn't.
The government is concerned that the opposition could effectively use the
Cyprus card against it during elections. The Americans also asked Turkey about
the ongoing presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq.
14
Turkey has more than 1,300 soldiers in northern Iraq who were there even before
Saddam Hussein was toppled. The Kurdish administration regards them as
guests and allows them to remain in their territory. The military also has a
division of about 40 tanks in the area called Bamari which is an small, old airfield.
Turkey also has military liaison offices in Zakho, Duhok, Erbil, Salahaddin and
Sulaimaniyah, manned by several officers from the special forces.
Turkey has told the Americans that these forces remain in northern Iraq as a
deterrent against the PKK and aren't there to intimidate the Kurds.
Turkey told the Americans these forces will be withdrawn the day the PKK is
driven out of Iraq.
The Turks also told the Americans they don't intend to conduct any cross-border
operations into Iraq with the huge forces they've amassed in the border areas.
They explained that these forces are there to fight PKK terrorists inside Turkey
and prevent them from escaping into Iraq.
----------------XChr.