Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-05-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkeys constitutional court cancels first round of voting for president

[02] Developments after the decision of the Turkish Constitutional Court

[03] AKP Deputy resigned

[04] Turkey takes over Presidency of Black Sea Cooperation Organization

[05] Talat: The non-solution may bring the recognition onto the agenda

[06] Messages by Turkish Cypriot political parties on the 1st of May

[07] Soyer met with the Mayor of Waldkirchen Josef Hoppler

[08] DP-CTP discussed early election and constitutional amendments

[09] A new newspaper entered into circulation

[10] The illegal airport in occupied Lefkoniko area will reportedly be privatized

[11] As the activities of the illegal universities continue, Turkish Cypriot professor stresses their importance for the recognition of the breakaway regime

[12] Avci: Look at our flag on the mountains and understand that you are not alone in the Island

[13] A delegation under Mrs Ekenoglu departed for Malaysia

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey´s constitutional court cancels first round of voting for president

The Constitutional Court with majority of vote cancelled on Tuesday the first round of the vote for the president and stopped the process as they saw the first round of vote was against the Constitution.

Following procedures will be up to the parliament's will, said Hasim Kilic, the deputy chief judge of the Constitutional Court after a four-hour meeting.

Kilic noted that the reasoned verdict will be released in the possible shortest time.

"We will explain why it (last Friday's presidential election process) was a by-law amendment and why it was against the Constitution in our reasoned verdict," he added.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) appealed the first round of vote for the president held at the parliament last Friday.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was the sole presidential candidate and won 357 votes. A presidential candidate has to get 367 votes in the first two rounds in order to be elected the president.

Hasim Kilic, the deputy chief judge of the Constitutional Court, said on Tuesday that the court cancelled the first round of vote for the president because the requirement of a quorum of 367 was not reached.

Hasim Kilic answered questions from the press after announcing the verdict of the Constitutional Court.

Answering a question on the content of the decision, Kilic said it meant that the second round could not be held and the first round had to be repeated.

"We cancelled the first round and the related decision of the parliament. The process was related with the cancellation of the first round. After this development the parliament will decide whether to continue or not," said Kilic.

Kilic added that a quorum of 367 was a requirement for the first two rounds.

[02] Developments after the decision of the Turkish Constitutional Court

Justice Minister and government spokesman Cemil Cicek said Tuesday they were ready to advance general elections as soon as possible if the opposition parties were sincere with their call.

Noting that they had only one precondition for it, Cicek said, "it is the Constitutional change on the minimum age requirement of 25 for MP candidates (to take effect for the early elections)."

Justice and Development Party (AKP) submitted earlier on Tuesday a bill envisaging not to apply the last paragraph of Article 67 of the Constitution temporarily in the upcoming general elections in order to pave the way for young people to participate in politics and to have them benefit from the arrangements that AKP made about general elections.

Cicek said the decision of the Constitutional Court would elicit further discussions but said it was a decision they had to comply with. "Parliament will take the necessary steps starting tomorrow," said Cicek.

ANKARA ANATOLIA news agency reported also from Ankara that the Parliamentary Consultative Board will convene on Wednesday.

Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc called on the Parliamentary Consultative Board to hold a meeting at 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Parliament Speaker's Office thinks that the second round vote cannot be held on Wednesday but Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul's presidential candidacy is continuing legally.

On developments ISTANBUL NTV television (01.05.07) broadcast that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said that the Constitutional Court ruling did not come as a surprise as much as the office of the Chief of the General Staff statement did. Gul said that the people should elect the president, adding: "We must go to early elections."

Interviewed on TRT following the announcement of the Constitutional Court decision, Gul recalled that he had said earlier that the decision would be up to the Constitutional Court and that its decision would have to be respected.

Gul asserted that the decision did not come as a surprise to him while the General Staff statement did. He added: "I respect the ruling. I am not in a panic. I do not criticize it but receive it with respect."

Gul said that the party's stand would be determined at a party meeting. He added: "I would not like to say anything so soon. My personal opinion is that another round of vote should be held. That would enable us all to see whether the deputies changed their minds after all these developments. After that, early elections should be held as soon as possible."

[03] AKP Deputy resigned

Askar was a parliamentarian from the western city of Afyonkarahisar.

Following the resignation, the number of AKP's seats at the parliament dropped to 352.

Actual distribution of seats at the Turkish parliament is as follows:

Justice & Development Party (AKP)......: 352

Republican People's Party (CHP)........: 151

Motherland Party (ANAVATAN)............: 20

True Path Party (DYP)..................: 5

Social Democrat People's Party (SHP)...: 1

People's Ascent Party (HYP)..............: 1

Young Party (GP).......................: 1

Independent............................: 11

Vacant.................................: 8

Total..................................: 550

[04] Turkey takes over Presidency of Black Sea Cooperation Organization

Turkey has taken over the presidency of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) as of May 1st, 2007.

According to a statement issued from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey took over the BSEC presidency for a period of six months.

"Turkey, as the new president will consolidate its efforts to enliven the BSEC with its extensive structure," said the statement.

Turkey plans to enliven and accelerate the cooperation under BSEC making use of the recent increase of international interest in the Black Sea region, the statement said.

The statement indicated further that Turkey believed determining areas of common interest to all member states and actualization of regional projects that would bring forth tangible benefits to the communities of member states that BSEC can focus on, would boost the efficiency of the organization.

Turkey plans to give priority to issues of environment, transportation, energy, commerce, telecommunication and fight against crimes. The plan of action in this perspective features ministerial meetings, study groups, training meetings, expert meetings, conferences and workshops.

The statement also said that wide attendance of members to the the 15th Anniversary Summit that will convene under the theme of "Setting Sail for New Horizons" on June 25th, 2007 in Istanbul was highly important.

[05] Talat: The non-solution may bring the recognition onto the agenda

Mr Talat said that under the present conditions there is no perspective for the TRNC, breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, to be recognized, but the recognition may come onto the agenda in the conditions of the non-solution. He noted: I have not demanded recognition, but before everybody else I fulfilled my duty of defending the sovereignty of the TRNC, the Turkish Cypriot people, the strengthening of its institutions, its democratization and modernization.

The paper reports that Mr Talat criticized, without referring to names, the National Unity Party (UBP) and the military circles which had reacted to the organization of the festivities for the 23 April by the self-styled Ministry of Education and Culture, alleging that the celebrations were not nationalistic enough and organized their own celebrations. He claimed that this was an attack against the TRNC.

Responding to a question on the 8 July procedure, Mr Talat argued: The Greek Cypriot side is using this process for gaining time. The possibility of having a result is weak, it is difficult. But we are sincere. We are ready to exert any kind of effort, but having a result is difficult as long as the Greek Cypriot sides wish to take more concessions by cornering Turkey in its EU accession course continues.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN newspaper (02.05.07) covers Talats statements under the title Strong reaction by President Talat. In its front page the paper reports that Talat said, inter alia the following:

The alternative celebrations of the 23 April are tantamount to putting dynamite to the TRNC. The Turkish Cypriots need lessons on nationalism from no one. Let everybody do his own duty. The solution is our priority. Saying that Denktas and Talat are similar is not reasonable. Let someone come and tell me what I should have done that I did not do. There is no perspective today for the recognition of the TRNC. However, in the conditions of the non-solution this could be discussed.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (02.05.07) covers Talats statements under the title They are supporting the status quo and notes that Mr Talat claimed that there are many people who exert efforts in the direction of status quos remaining unchangeable. He alleged that even people who shout that they will demolish the status quo are trying for the situation to remain as it is. Referring to their relations with Turkey he said: We have not the luxury of being in conflict with Turkey. Trying to deteriorate the relations with Turkey is a great crime. It is an attempt for committing a crime against the TRNC.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Messages by Turkish Cypriot political parties on the 1st of May

Messages were issued by political parties, various institutions and trade unions to mark the 1st of May Workers and Spring Day.

Marking the importance of the 1st of May, the Republican Turkish Party- CTP said the 1st of May was a turning point in history of the workers struggle for labour rights.

Pointing out that struggle to achieve better working and living conditions for workers around the world continued, the CTP statement said the Day was a day of international solidarity.

The Freedom and Reform Party- ORP in its statement issued to mark the day said that those nations who do not value workers rights and the labour force have no future.

The ORP stressed that the political struggle will continue towards further developing the North Cyprus economy and to achieve an equal distribution of income among its citizens.

The party added that work towards solving the problem of unemployment in the country will also be maintained.

The National Unity Party stated that the Turkish Cypriot workers had an important role in the struggle for freedom and existence, as well as in the establishment of the state.

The UBP said that Turkish Cypriot workers were strongly committed to upholding national sovereignty and the principles of equality, freedom and democracy, that is, to maintain the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Also issuing a statement to mark the Day, the Democrat Party underlined the need for making more efforts for the achievement of social peace.

The DP also repeated its call for early elections.

In the name of the Peace and Democracy Movement, the BDH Secretary-General Mehmet Cakici stated that the 1st of May was the day of solidarity among labourers and expressed the desire for a peaceful world.

Adding that the Turkish Cypriot People had so far failed to reach its goal towards peace in Cyprus, Mr Cakici warned against the threats which might hinder the efforts for the realization of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution in Cyprus.

The Secretary-General of the Communal Libaration Party Mehmet Davulcu expressed the disappointment over the fact that the Cyprus problem remained unsolved, despite of the Turkish Cypriot Sides yes vote during the 2004 referenda on the Annan Plan.

Mr Davulcu claimed that it has become harder to reach a settlement on the island and added that the non-solution of the Cyprus Problem caused further exploitation among Cypriot workers.

Another message was issued by the United Cyprus Party.

The BKP Secretary-General Izzet Izcan stated that the 1st of May was a day of unity, struggle and solidarity among workers and expressed his willingness for the elimination of inequality in the world.

Mr Izcan also underlined the need to struggle towards achieving common homeland.

The Cyprus Socialist Party also issued a message marking the 1st of May.

The KSP Secretary-General Kazim Ongen called on all workers to unite and to work towards reunifying the island and establishing a common homeland.

Various trade unions also issued messages to mark the 1st of May in which they underlined the importance of labour force, and called for a solution in Cyprus as well as the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People.

[07] Soyer met with the Mayor of Waldkirchen Josef Hoppler

Mr Hoppler has been having contacts in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus for the last 2 days as guest of the TRNC Prime Ministry.

During his contacts, Mr Hoppler said that his municipality had put the politics aside and supported the Turkish Cypriot sportsmen to break the restrictions in the fields of sports.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer thanked Mr Hoppler for the support he has been providing to the Turkish Cypriot sportsmen.

Mr Soyer said the Waldkirchen Municipality had helped creating a good relationship between the peoples of the two countries by showing hospitality to the Turkish Cypriot sportsmen and noted that reciprocal visits would continue with the aim of sharing European values.

For his part, Josef Hoppler said he has been in the TRNC for the last 2 days and explained that he was very impressed by the natural beauties of the country and the Turkish Cypriot hospitality.

Alleging that his country was well aware of the sports embargoes being imposed against the TRNC, Mr Hoppler said his municipality had put the politics aside and supported the Turkish Cypriot sportsmen.

[08] DP-CTP discussed early election and constitutional amendments

Speaking to the illegal BRT after the meeting, the leader of the Democrat Party said that the political parties are coming closer to a compromised platform step by step.

Stating that they will meet again with the main opposition National Unity Party, Mr Denktas said the DP will also come together with the Peace and Democracy Movement to give information on the latest situation.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party-Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, for his part, described the meeting as fruitful and said the two parties are inclined to move the priorities of the two parties in parallel.

Mr Soyer also added that the CTP is ready to discuss the date for an early election if changes are considered necessary for the improvement of the democracy in the country.

[09] A new newspaper entered into circulation

A message by the leader of the DP, Serdar Denktas is published in the first issue of the paper. Mr Denktas notes that they had received a demand by many supporters of the party for having their own mouthpiece and their colleagues succeeded to materialize this after exerting a great effort.

In its main editorial the paper reports that it will be distributed free of charge for two months and from 1 July 2007 it will have a price. It notes that it will act taking under consideration the principle of uniting and not dividing the people. The main story of the paper is the message issued by the DP on the occasion of 1 May. In its second issue (02.05.07), the paper refers to the developments in Turkey and the internal politics of the Turkish Cypriots. Referring to the situation which exists in the assembly, it notes that early elections are inevitable.

It is noted that CUMHURIYET KIBRIS, the former mouthpiece of the DP, stopped its circulation a few days ago (24.04.07).

(I/Ts.)

[10] The illegal airport in occupied Lefkoniko area will reportedly be privatized

According to SOZCU, after the announcement by government officials that some state institutions such as Kib-Tek, the Telecommunication Authority, the illegal Tymbou Airport and the illegal Lefkonico airport and other institutions which bring income will be privatized, the airport in Lefkonico comes first in the list of the institutions to be privatized. It was known that the Lefkonico airport was taken away from the military last January and given to the Civilian Aviation, reports SOZCU.

Two companies showed interest for the airport, one Turkish and one British, named Kereynia Airways. It is alleged that these companies held meetings with the government and reached an agreement on principles with it. According to information which had been leaked, after the creation of a consortium between these two companies, the passengers who will be brought to Lefkonico airport will be taken to hotels which belong to these companies and are located in occupied Karpass peninsula.

(I/Ts.)

[11] As the activities of the illegal universities continue, Turkish Cypriot professor stresses their importance for the recognition of the breakaway regime

According to Senol Bektas, deputy rector and professor at the YDU, more than 600 scientists from 25 countries will participate in the conference. He argued that the conferences significantly contribute, not only to education, but to the recognition of the TRNC as well.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (02.05.07) reports that YDU announced that an article by associate professor Fatos Silman was published in a book under the title Comparative Education Teacher Training and New Education Agenda, which will be submitted at the 5th International Education Conference that will take place in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, on 28 August 2007.

Furthermore, KIBRIS (01.05.07) reports also that the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) is hosting an international conference under the name 2nd International Communication and Media Works between 2 and 4 May. Associate professor at the DAU, Nurten Kara said that academicians from 13 different states will participate in the Gary Hall, from Middlesex University, Wilfem Kempf from Konstanz University and Meyda Yegenoglu from Middle East Technical University will be among those who will deliver a speech at the conference. Mrs Kara thanked the British Council for its financial support as well as Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Turkish Airlines for their support.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Avci: Look at our flag on the mountains and understand that you are not alone in the Island

Let him look at our flag which lights every night on the mountains and understand that he is not alone on the island, said Mr Avci referring to the President of the Republic.

He said that the Turkish side is ready for the opening of the crossing point in Ledra Street area with the procedure applied in the other crossing points.

He said that he conveyed to foreign diplomats he met his proposal for meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lillikas in a third country. He alleged that after the Gambari process the Greek Cypriot side avoid discussions and run away from the negotiating table.

Mr Avci reiterated that the representations which they will open in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait are a result of the dialogue they are carrying out with the Islamic Conference Organization.

(I/Ts.)

[13] A delegation under Mrs Ekenoglu departed for Malaysia

(I/Ts.)

EG/

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