TURKISH PRESS
AND OTHER MEDIA
No. 202/09
24-26.10.09
A. NEWS ITEMS
1. Eroglu: “We are sovereign of our borders”; Yildirim said the weekly
flights at the illegal Tymvou airport increased to 201
2. Inal Batu says the international situation is appropriate for the
recognition of the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic
of Cyprus
3. Tacoy says Israeli and US firms started sending proposals for
cooperation after the informatics workshop in the occupied areas of
Cyprus
4. Israeli firm is preparing to build ten-storey housing estates along the
coast of occupied Bogazi in Trikomo area
5. Today’s Zaman quotes Foreign Ministry official that Turkey is preparing
to take critical steps to solve the Cyprus problem
6. Binali Yildirim held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Three
agreements have been signed between Turkey and the occupation regime
7. Talat reiterated from occupied Yerolakkos the need for the UN to play a
more active role at the negotiations
8. The negotiation process in Cyprus was thoroughly evaluated at the
Foreign Ministry of Turkey
9. Turkey to hold joint Economic Commission meetings with Cuba and
Argentina
10. The Israeli Deputy Prime Minister stated that the tension between
Turkey and Israel is temporary
B. COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
1. Hurriyet columnist evaluates the recent meeting of Turkish Ambassadors
on the Cyprus issue
2. From the Turkish Press of 23, 24 and 25 October 2009
2
A. NEWS ITEMS
1. Eroglu: “We are sovereign of our borders”; Yildirim said the weekly
flights at the illegal Tymvou airport increased to 201
Under the title “We are sovereign of our borders”, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes
newspaper (26.10.09) reports that the self-styled prime minister, Dervis Eroglu
has said that as “state” they are protecting their air, sea and gates and are happy
with “doing everything necessary for being a state”. In statements during the
opening ceremony of the building of the “Civilian Aviation Department’s Centre
for Administration of Air Traffic” (SMART) at the illegal Tymvou airport, Mr Eroglu
said that they have made four agreements with Turkey for the development of the
roads, the undersea cable from Trikomo to Alexandretta and the vision for
becoming an island of informatics. He noted that they are continuing the
cooperation with Turkey in order for the breakaway regime “to take its share
especially from the technological developments”. Mr Eroglu said their lands and
coasts are protected and the airspace from the Middle East until the Caucasus
has become controllable today and added that this is a great development for the
breakaway regime. “It is a message especially given to those who do not want to
adopt the reality of the TRNC state. It is a reply”, he argued.
Mr Eroglu alleged that the “TRNC reality” is being accepted by the world, but it is
not officially recognized and added: “Even if we say today that the recognition by
the motherland is enough, we think that the view of the world will change
tomorrow as long as the Greek Cypriot intransigence continues and the reality of
the TRNC will be more accepted”.
Meanwhile, in statements during the same ceremony, the Turkish Minister of
Transport, Binali Yildirim reminded that the founding stone of the building was
laid in 2007. He said that in 2002 only two aviation companies travelled to the
occupied part of Cyprus carrying out charted flights from five points, while today
four companies are flying from eleven points. Mr Yildirim noted that the number
3
of the weekly flights increased from 41 in 2002 to 201 today. He said this is a
sign of development.
(I/Ts.)
2. Inal Batu says the international situation is appropriate for the
recognition of the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic
of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.10.09) reports that Mr Inal Batu,
experienced Turkish diplomat and former “ambassador” of Turkey to the
occupied part of Lefkosia, has said that the international situation is appropriate
for the recognition of the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the
Republic of Cyprus. In statements to Kibris, Mr Batu argued that there is
absolutely no hope that the ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a solution to
the Cyprus problem will have a successful result. Batu expressed the view that
efforts towards the recognition of the breakaway regime should be exerted from
now on and added: “If Turkey is going to make an opening towards Cyprus, it
should make an opening for the recognition of the TRNC”.
Reminding that Turkey claims that it is pursuing a very active policy in the area,
Mr Batu said: “We have almost become a single state with Syria and Iraq, we are
establishing strategic partnerships. There are the Turkic Republics. I believe that
the crisis with Azerbaijan will be overcome. In this situation I think that all the
efforts should be directed towards the recognition of the TRNC. I cannot see any
other way out”.
Mr Batu argued that the Turkish government and the “officials” in the occupied
areas of Cyprus are not demanding the recognition of the regime. Asked what
opening Turkey could make on Cyprus, Mr Batu wished for this opening to be an
opening towards the recognition of the breakaway regime, because the
international situation is appropriate for this. He noted that there are projects for
recognition in the form of a package for unrecognized states such as Ossetia,
4
Abkhazia and Kosovo. “The TRNC should be included in this”, he noted and
added that if Turkey is a great state, it should do this.
Asked whether Turkey “could open its airports to the Greek Cypriots”, Mr Batu
replied, inter alia, the following: “No Turkish government can pass this from the
assembly. If the Armenians do not withdraw from the territory of Azerbaijan, the
Armenian Protocol as well cannot pass. If we turn to the past, [we see that] they
were not able to pass the 1 March Bill too. Even if they bring this Additional
Protocol to the assembly, they will not pass it. If they are opened, it will mean that
the Greek Administration of South Cyprus is recognized as the Republic of
Cyprus. If they are not opened, nothing will happen. In any case nothing is
happening. The philosophy of the EU is the following: Not to completely break
relations and not to give the perspective of full accession. ...”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Tacoy says Israeli and US firms started sending proposals for
cooperation after the informatics workshop in the occupied areas of
Cyprus
Under the title “Proposal from the USA and Israel”, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes
newspaper (26.10.09) reports that the self-styled minister of public works and
transport, Hasan Tacoy has stated that the results of the “Informatics Island
Workshop” showed that some “laws” of the breakaway regime should be
amended in order to achieve the short term goals set by the regime. He noted
that the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, should be
in the position of creating its own model in the world for a free area and free trade
to be formed. He said that some Israeli and US firms, which heard that the
informatics workshop was being carried out started sending proposals for
cooperation with them.
(I/Ts.)
5
4. Israeli firm is preparing to build ten-storey housing estates along the
coast of occupied Bogazi in Trikomo area
Under the title “’Israeli wall’ is being put”, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
newspaper (26.10.09) reports that the coast in the east of occupied Bogazi
village in Trikomo is facing the danger of being turned into concrete. Together
with occupied Vokolida, this area is one of the two touristic areas which are being
developed in the occupied part of Cyprus. The paper writes that an Israeli firm is
preparing to build ten-storey blocs in an area of one kilometre along the coast.
According to the “laws” of the breakaway regime roads should be made in an
area in order for constructions to be built. The firm, which will build the
constructions in the above-mentioned area is exerting efforts to open a road from
another site that belongs to an Israeli firm named Keppel Properties Ltd, in order
to overcome the obstacle of the “law”. The paper notes that the last beach in
Bogazi is being destroyed and the “constitutional rights of the citizens are
violated”.
(I/Ts.)
5. Today’s Zaman quotes Foreign Ministry official that Turkey is preparing
to take critical steps to solve the Cyprus problem
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (26.10.09) under the title: “Changes to
take place in Cyprus” reports the following:
“After attracting attention to itself with the consecutive initiatives launched by the
government, Turkey is now preparing to take critical steps to solve the Cyprus
problem.
The statement that changes will take place in Cyprus came from an official from
the Foreign Affairs Ministry who is closely acquainted with developments on the
issue. Without providing any specific details, this credible source said the steps to
be taken will undermine the status quo that has been blocking the way to peace.
During his most recent visit to the island, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
hinted at the changes that would take place in Cyprus and underlined that the
6
status quo would not continue forever. Turkey wants the negotiations that have
been going on for more than a year between the island's two leaders to yield
results. Pointing to the need to reach a resolution by the end of the year Turkey
announced to the world that it has no tolerance for losses of time that ‘delay
peace.’
Academics, politicians and bureaucrats who closely follow developments related
to the Cyprus issue are all very hopeful and excited. Pointing to Turkey's
determination to solve old problems, Associate Professor Mehmet Hasguler said:
‘A Turkey that has the will to solve problems with Armenia will take steps to solve
the problem with the Greek Cypriots as well. If it can take the risk of facing a hot
potato like the Armenian problem, I have no doubt it will [take these steps]. The
issue of opening ports will also come to the agenda.’
Davutoglu, who spent the weekend attending meetings on the Cyprus issue,
underlined that reaching a lasting and fair peace on the island as soon as
possible was in the interest of the international community. The steps that Turkey
will take became clearer during the widely participated-in assessment meeting
headed by Davutoglu, who emphasized that the transformation of the eastern
Mediterranean into a peaceful, stable and cooperative sphere was dependent on
finding a solution.
The steps that will be taken will add momentum to ongoing negotiations in
Cyprus so as to yield results. With its new moves, Turkey aims to find a
comprehensive solution within the next few months. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, who has been placing emphasis on finding a solution by the new Year,
delivered important and clear messages during the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Mediterranean general assembly. Noting that the international community's
attitude toward the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) did not comply
with international law, Erdogan said: ‘So many places have been accepted as a
7
state in this world and so many countries have been accepted as a member of
the EU. Is northern Cyprus the center of heroin or human trafficking?’
Erdogan has indicated that the Greek Cypriot side can no longer run away from a
solution, the parameters of which have been determined. Could one of the
parameters be the opening of ports? Comparing the opening of the ports to the
Annan plan, Hasguler said that just as saying ‘yes’ to the Annan plan benefited
Turkey, saying “yes” to the opening of ports will reinforce Turkey's upper hand in
endeavors. I contend that when Turkey's position is reinforced, the roles will
change and then it will be the Cypriots who don't want the ports opened. It won't
take too long, perhaps just six months for Turkey to present its political and
economic gains. The KKTC is becoming the island's water-rich side with the
water pipeline.
Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, who participated in the Informatics Island
Workshop, announced that an informatics infrastructure unforeseen in the south
side of the island would be built in the KKTC. Noting that isolation would diminish
with investments in informatics, KKTC President Mehmet Ali Talat said that in the
event of a united state, they would not refrain from competing with the Greek
side.
The impression that talks between Talat and Demetris Christofias are not going
to yield any results is becoming increasingly stronger. It is known that there are
people who are in favor of freezing the Cyprus problem. Turkey, which is
preparing to make changes on the island, wants to complete the Cyprus peace
initiative successfully as well.”
6. Binali Yildirim held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Three
agreements have been signed between Turkey and the occupation regime
Illegal Bayrak television (23.10.09) broadcast the following:
8
“The Turkish Minister of Transportation Binali Yildirim who is in the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus for contacts, has been received by President
Mehmet Ali Talat. Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister said that any advancement in
technology and communication in Turkey will be implemented simultaneously in
the TRNC.
The Turkish Minister of Transportation Binali Yildirim who is in the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus is continuing with his contacts. Earlier this morning,
the Turkish Minister was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat. No statement
was issued after the meeting.
Following his meeting with President Mehmet Ali Talat, the Minister attended the
`Information Island Workshop`, organized by the Ministry of Public Works and
Communications. In the afternoon, the visiting Turkish Minister paid separate
visits to the commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant
General Hilmi Akin Zorlu and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu respectively. Later, he
inaugurated the BRT transmission centre.
As part of his contacts, the Turkish Minister will be inspecting the Girne [occupied
Keryneia] bypass road as well as the new road being constructed along the
Northern coastline before attending a dinner tonight hosted in his honor by Prime
Minister Dervis Eroglu.
Speaking upon his arrival at Ercan [occupied Tymvou] Airport yesterday, the
Turkish Minister of Transportation pointed to the fact the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus was more advanced in civil aviation and air traffic control
services than the Greek Cypriot Administration [Republic of Cyprus].
He said that despite the Greek Cypriot Side’s attempts to black out developments
in the TRNC, the EU as well as other international organizations were well aware
of the situation on the island.
9
The
Turkish
Minister
said
that
any advancement
in
technology and
communication in Turkey will be implemented simultaneously in the TRNC.”
Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.10.09) reported the following from
occupied Keryneia:
“Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed three
agreements on Friday. Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, TRNC's
Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, Turkish Ambassador in Lefkosa Sakir Fakili and
several ministers attended the signing ceremony.
Turksat and Bayrak Radio Television of TRNC signed an up-link agreement. Turk
Telekom and TRNC Public Works & Transportation Ministry signed fiber optic line
agreement, and Turkish Transportation Ministry and TRNC Public Works and
Transportation Ministry signed an agreement to improve ports.”
7. Talat reiterated from occupied Yerolakkos the need for the UN to play a
more active role at the negotiations
Illegal Bayrak television (24.10.09) broadcast the following:
“President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat has once
again stressed the need for more active participation of the United Nations and
some other leading international figures in the Cyprus negotiations process.
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat has once
again stressed the need for more active participation of the United Nations and
some other leading international figures in the Cyprus negotiations process.
In response to those accusing him of calling for foreign intervention, the
President said “I am not demanding intervention, all I’m asking for is some help”.
Speaking at a public gathering in the Alaykoy [occupied Yerolakkos] village, Mr
Talat said that Property is the hardest issue to negotiate and admitted that the
10
two sides have so far failed to overcome the deadlock on the issue. Yet he said
that the two sides’ joint decision to determine the criteria for the Property issue
first, instead of mainly focusing on the deadlock, is a step forward.
‘The Greek Cypriot Side wants the former property owners before 1974 to have a
right of say on the immoveable property, but for us, this is unacceptable. We
want to establish the criteria first, before we decide on what to do. We are
bearing in mind the Annan Plan and the UN Security Council’s resolutions of
1992’ the President noted.
Mr Talat went on to say that both Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
and himself want the UN to fill in the gaps in the solution process.
Touching upon the Greek Cypriot propaganda against Turkey, the President said,
if Turkey opens its ports to the use of the Greek Cypriot Administration, then
there will be no point for the Greek Cypriot side to sit at the negotiations table.”
8. The negotiation process in Cyprus was thoroughly evaluated at the
Foreign Ministry of Turkey
Illegal Bayrak television (25.10.09) broadcast the following:
“The ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus has been thoroughly evaluated at
series of meetings at the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
The course of the talks and ways to speed up the process in a way that will make
it possible to reach an agreement in the coming months were discussed at a
meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Earlier a statement from the Foreign Ministry said that Turkey believed that
bringing an urgent, lasting and just solution to the problem was a necessity to
turn the Eastern Mediterranean into a region of peace, stability and cooperation.
11
It added that Turkey fully supported the ongoing negotiation process and the
positive manner of the Cyprus Turkish Side.”
9. Turkey to hold joint Economic Commission meetings with Cuba and
Argentina
Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.10.09) reported the following from Ankara:
“State Minister Cemil Cicek will chair the Turkish delegation at Turkey-Cuba and
Turkey-Argentina Joint Economic Commission meetings. The meetings will take
place between October 26 and 27 in Havana and in Buenos Aires.
Foreign Trade Undersecretary's Office released a statement and said TurkeyCuba Joint Economic Commission meeting would take place under the cochairmanship of Cicek and Cuba's Foreign Trade and Foreign Investments
Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz in Havana.
The statement said Cicek would meet various ministers and officials during his
stay in Cuba. The parties will assess commercial and economic relations, legal
basis between the two countries, Eximbank loans, investments, energy, health,
tourism, ship construction, science and technology as well as cooperation
opportunities in areas of education and culture.
Turkey and Cuba will sign JEC protocol on October 30 in Havana. The statement
said Turkish Culture Department, established within the body of Havana
University, would be opened during the visit.
Turkey-Cuba trade volume was announced as 20.5 million USD as of end of
2008.”
Turkey-Argentina JEC meeting will take place in Buenos Aires. Joint measures
that can be taken in the crisis period the world was going through, improvement
of bilateral trade, investments, free zones, energy, contractor services, air and
12
sea transportation, scientific and technological cooperation, and agriculture will
be discussed during the JEC meeting.
Cicek will meet various Argentinean ministers during his stay in Buenos Aires.
Trade volume between Turkey and Argentina was reported as 900 million USD
as of end of 2008.”
10. The Israeli Deputy Prime Minister stated that the tension between
Turkey and Israel is temporary
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.10.09) reported the following from the United
Nations:
“Israeli vice Prime Minister, Silvan Shalom, said Friday the recent developments
between Turkey and Israel were temporary. Speaking to Turkish reporters on his
country's recent relations with Turkey, Shalom said that Israel wanted to go back
to times of good relations with Turkey.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul is a very good friend of mine. Turkey and Israel
should go back to the times of good will and good relations. The two countries
have many common points and interests, Shalom stressed.
The status quo between Turkey and Israel is temporary and I want to believe that
we will overcome the present situation, Shalom said.
Asked about what caused the recent tension between Turkey and Israel, Shalom
indicated that he did not know what triggered the tension. The tension was not
caused by the Israeli side, Shalom said.
I believe that the two countries will find ways to overcome the difficulties, Shalom
also said.”
13
B. COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
1. Hurriyet columnist evaluates the recent meeting of Turkish Ambassadors
on the Cyprus issue
Under the title “Time to change the image for Cyprus: 04.00” Turkish daily
Hurriyet (26.10.09), reports the following by columnist Fatih Cekirge,:
“It’s the turn of Cyprus. The visa is removed at the Syrian borders, where we
were laying mines, placing barbed wire and concentrated soldiers for 25 years.
The opening process with Armenia is starting.
Now, it is the turn of a third issue. That is Cyprus.
All the conversations that I have had with the Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
during the last year were directed to the solution of three problems which were
hanging over Turkey for 80 years now as ‘the sword of the Inquisition’.
Here it is, the previous day the button for the solution of the third issue was
pressed.
A short time ago in a conversation that I had with Davutoglu in our flight from
Cairo to Lefkosia (occupied part of Lefkosia), I received these developing signals.
The previous day all our ambassadors whose duties in different places in the
world are related with the Cyprus problem gathered in Ankara.
Subtitle: You may say it is a mistake
The aim of the meeting was to ‘talk freely, to sort out the mistakes, to submit a
new view’.
This meeting is really the starting signal. It is a thing that has not been done
enough until today...
Many distinguished ambassadors gathered in Ankara... Now Davutoglu and
Adviser Feridun Sinirlioglu used the ambassadors as a “brainstorm committee”.
They are giving experience... This meeting is a preparation in order to submit to
the world ‘an alternative that will change a view’...
14
As it has happened with the protocol with Armenia.
Until now Turkey was presented as untrustworthy in these three issues, but now
it tries to change this image. Of course, this will not be easy. The frozen problems
of 80 years are heating up like the ice in the North Pole and are melting down
making crackling noises. This is a ‘regional heating strategy’ towards the frozen
crisis. For this reason, we feel these impacts.
Subtitle: A dossier of good will
Minister Davutoglu is doing a lengthy ‘brain storming’ with the ambassadors. This
brainstorming meeting continues until 04.00 in the morning. All the diplomats put
their views.
This is an important development... However, from this brainstorming meeting the
biggest expectations should not have emerged immediately. For example, the
opening of the ports.
These brainstorming meetings, the preparations to change the image, are further
expanding Turkey’s dossier of goodwill for peace.”
(DPs)
2. From the Turkish Press of 23, 24 and 25 October 2009
Following are the summaries of reports and commentaries of selected items from
the Turkish press on 23, 24 and 25 October 2009:
a) Foreign policy issues
In his column in Milliyet (23.10.09) columnist Sami Kohen challenges the view
that Turkey is changing its direction, saying: "It is true that Turkey's foreign policy
is no longer automatically linked to the West. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to
say that Turkey wants to break away from the West or that it is moving toward an
'Eastern axis' (actually there is no such axis today)." Kohen asserts: "There is
no concrete evidence that Turkey is changing its basic preferences or priorities in
its foreign policy. Nor can it be said that the sympathies or ideological tendencies
15
of the Justice and Development Party [AKP] government are derailing Turkish
foreign policy. The fact that the Turkish authorities are trying to reinforce ties with
the EU and the United States simultaneously with Turkey's new regional
initiatives is an indication of that. It would be very wrong for Turkey to consider
its developing ties with the regional countries as an alternative to its ties with its
friends and allies. There is no reason for such a change of axis. A readjustment
of course is enough, without moving away from the basic target."
In a commentary in Hurriyet Daily News.com (23.10.09), Semih Idiz challenges
the prevalent view especially among Israeli commentators that Turkey is
changing course to become an Islamic-oriented country. If that is the case, he
asks, then how can you explain his rapprochement with Armenia? What Erdogan
is doing, Idiz argues, is "developing ties that were neglected in the Middle East."
The columnist affirms: "One might venture to suggest that it is in fact Israel that
is changing -- and moving towards a more right-wing, uncompromising and
religiously motivated direction -- and not Turkey."
"Armenia is a pretext, the real problem is energy," argues Ferai Tinc in his article
in Hurriyet (23.10.09). She maintains that lately Turkey has been very unclear
with Azerbaijan in connection with energy issues. "Besides the pressure being
exerted by Moscow to retain its control over the delivery of Azerbaijan's energy
sources to world markets, Turkey's failure to posit a definite stand on Nabucco is
having a negative impact on Azerbaijan," she says. "It is necessary to assuage
Aliyev's fears, to please him, and to put an end to the crisis. The relations
between Turkey and Azerbaijan are really very special. They are important not
only for the two countries, but for the independent and free future of the
Caucasus," Tinc concludes.
Mahfi Egilmez, in his column in Radikal (25.10.09), views US policy of trying to
establish its hegemony on the world through various alliances. It is as part of this
plan that Turkey is being given a role in the Middle East and Central Asia, says
16
Egilmez, adding that the following stages of this plan have been, or still are being
put into effect systematically: 1. Increase sympathy for Turkey in the Middle East,
2. Improve Turkey's ties with the West, 3. Enlist Turkey among the major global
actors, 4. Launch Armenian and Kurdish overtures. To achieve the first point of
winning Mideast Moslems' sympathy, Turkey's Islamic and oriental nature is
being promoted and its relations with Israel is being cooled down a bit. The other
stages involve the integration of Turkey into the EU and G-20. It was to achieve
the last phase that the IMF and World Bank gatherings were held in Istanbul.
With all that effort, a dynamic risk-taking Turkey has emerged that looks like
Islamic and oriental but at the same time attached to Western values. Egilmez
says this role imposed on Turkey could open new vistas before Turkey but could
also engender serious risks. Egilmez proposes Turkey to draw up a fallback plan
in case of failure of this project.
Erdal Safak, who is accompanying Prime Minister Erdogan on his visit to
Pakistan and Iran, comments on regional conflicts in his column in Sabah
(25.10.09). Safak claims the "Blood Borders" map drawn up by US officer Ralph
Peters lies behind all the bloody conflicts in the region, including the recent attack
on Iranian border region in which some implicate American involvement. Safak
says Peters' map envisages the creation of a new state from Baluchestan
provinces of Iran and Pakistan so as to bring the Central Asian oil and gas to the
Indian Ocean through the unified state of Baluchistan.
According to a report entitled "Ankara will press for peace on the Island" in Yeni
Safak (23.10.09), a high-level meeting chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu in Ankara on 23-24 October produced a decision to maintain Turkey's
efforts to pave the way for a settlement in Turkey and to emphasize that Turkey
will open up its ports to Cypriot ships only if the faits accomplis created by the
Turkish army in occupied Cyprus are legitimized.
17
In
an
article
entitled
"Israel
and
developments
changing
deep-rooted
convictions," in Vakit (25.10.09) columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak says that Israel
is facing accusations of committing war crimes in the United Nations while an
American scientist is accused of spying for Israel. He says: "These were
surprising developments and you will see that others will follow. In fact, both
events have a symbolic meaning. In a sense, Israel is given the message that it
should revise its policies because the world is changing. It remains to be seen
how Israel will read this warning and respond. This is a new and unusual
situation. Zionists will not only postpone their dreams but also be forced to
withdraw from the political stage. Israel's presence in the region does not serve
the interests of the West and the United States. On the contrary, it entails a
higher cost and more risks."
In an article entitled "They are the soldiers of America not of God," in Vakit
(25.10.09) columnist Lutfu Oflaz asserts that the Soldiers of God in Iran has been
established and its members were trained by the United States, adding that a
recent bomb attack carried out by the organization was aimed to cause ethnic
strife between Sunnis and Shiites. He cautions that a similar attack may be
carried out in the future in a bid to strain relations between Turkey and Iran.
b) On officer Dursun Cicek's coup document
The Forensic Department has confirmed that the signature under the document,
commonly known as the "plan to eliminate the AKP and Gulen," indeed belongs
to Marine Staff Captain Dursun Cicek, according to a report in Hurriyet
(25.10.09). The Forensic Department has already sent its findings to the Office
of Istanbul Public Prosecutor on 19 October. It was the prosecutor's office that
on 30 September had asked for the opinion of the Forensic Department.
Cumhuriyet (25.10.09) reports that in a brief statement issued last night, the
Office of the General Staff criticized some media outlets for reporting the new
developments surrounding the document. It said this is a "worrisome"
18
development in a law-based state, adding that no institution will oppose the
investigation of any case in accordance with the laws.
A report in Taraf (24.10.09) says that Dursun Cicek's putsch plan, which the
Chief of the General Staff Ilker Basbug once described as a worthless "piece of
paper" in the absence of its inked original, is now in the possession of Ergenekon
prosecutors. The original of the document, with an attached tip-off note, has
already been sent to the Ergenekon prosecutors a month ago by an officer
serving at the General Staff Headquarters, Taraf says, adding that this document
is the original of the 4-page "Action Plan for the Struggle Against Reactionism"
that Taraf revealed for the first time on 12 June. The paper says the unnamed
officer in question managed to obtain the document and prevented its
destruction. In his attached note, the unnamed officer says that all documents
and electronic records in the department where Dursun Cicek works have now
been destroyed. Taraf adds on its part that this department, in which the ten most
reliable headquarters officers worked, has been dissolved and its place taken by
another unit directly attached to the Special Secretariat of the Office of the
General Staff. According to the same Taraf report, Istanbul Chief Public
Prosecutor Aykut Cengiz Engin told journalists yesterday that "the investigation is
secret. I have no information if such a document has reached us."
Commenting on the finding of the Forensic Department, Prime Minister Erdogan
says it is up to the judicial organs to make an assessment of the report from the
Forensic Department, adding that the truth should be allowed to surface, for no
one has the right to tarnish the image of the Turkish Republic and the AKP will
not intercede on this subject. "We cannot besmirch our state with such things.
Neither would the Turkish Armed Forces want to throw a shadow and a stain on
the state. For that reason, the normal judicial process is continuing inside the
judiciary," Erdogan says according to a report in Milliyet, (25.10.09).
19
After obtaining the original of the "Action plan for intervention against
democracy," signed in wet ink, and Forensic Department's report confirming that
"the signature is the product of Dursun Cicek's own hand," the office of the
prosecutor looking into the Ergenekon case has launched a "junta investigation,"
says a report in Star (25.10.09), adding that the unnamed informer officer also
provided the names of the other officers on Dursun Cicek's team. The paper
notes that Cicek, who was released after only 24-hour detention during the first
investigation, is now facing a new investigation that also extends to his
subordinates and superiors.
Oral Calislar declares in his column in Radikal (25.10.09) that the drafting of antigovernment plan in one of the departments of the General Staff is a "scandalous"
affair that has put the Chief of the General Staff Ilker Basbug under an enormous
responsibility given that he in the past vehemently refuted the existence of such a
plan by dubbing the document as "a piece of paper" and threatening to take
journalists publishing the document to court. Given that Basbug is now publicly
proven wrong, the question that comes to mind is whether he was fooled by his
officers or deliberately lied. Whichever it might be "a difficult situation has arisen
for the commander," for even if he had no idea about the plan it still looks like a
dereliction of duty. This incident has brought Turkey to the verge of a very critical
point as regards the military intervention in politics; an intervention that has been
harming both the army and the democracy, says Calislar.
In his column for Taraf (25.10.09) on the verification of Dursun Cicek's signature,
Ahmet Altan also notes that Gen Basbug is either lying or has no control over his
officers. This is a serious situation that requires an investigation; an investigation
is required to eradicate the practice of lying by army officers if for nothing else.
But judging from yesterday's General Staff statement criticizing the press for
reporting on the documents, it seems the generals have no intention of ending
this practice, says Altan and calls on the generals to instead act honorably and
20
say publicly who ordered the preparation of this plan. Altan says the generals
have now been caught red-handed and have to pay for their crime.
Under the banner headline "TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] will not accept such
stain on its reputation," Yeni Safak (25.10.09) carries a front-page report which
highlights comments made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
about press reports that Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul has received the
original of a memorandum allegedly drawn up by Colonel Dursun Cicek who
reportedly proposed a strategy to wage a campaign against the ruling Justice and
Development Party, AKP, and the Gulen community. It quotes Erdogan as
saying that it is up to the Chief Public Prosecutor to decide whether or not the
document constitutes admissible evidence.
A front-paged report in Vakit (25.10.09) under the title "You must offer an apology
general!" highlights comments made by spokesman for various associations who
expressed the opinion that the General Staff should launch an investigation into
Colonel Cicek's alleged memo.
Commenting on the controversial memo in his article entitled "The original copy
has been discovered; what will happen now?" in Zaman (25.10.09) columnist
Mustafa Unal says that General Ilker Basbug is in a very difficult situation after
the discovery of the original copy of the memo. He says: "He should first provide
a clarification for his remarks which described it as a 'piece of paper.' He should
correct it one way or the other. Why did he deny it so categorically in the first
place? Who did mislead him and why? It is up to him to bring them those people
to account. But, it is clear that he owes an explanation to the public."
-----------------EG/