Chirac insta a Turquia a reconocer genocidio contra armenios

Deutsche Presse-Agentur
December 17, 2004, Friday

Bruselas, 17 dic — El presidente frances, Jacques Chirac, insto hoy
a Turquia a reconocer el genocidio cometido en Armenia durante la I
Guerra Mundial.

“El trabajo de la memoria debe ser visto como una necesidad
irrenunciable”, indico el mandatario en Bruselas tras la cumbre de
la Union Europea (UE).

En caso de que esto no suceda, los franceses seguramente lo tendran
en cuenta para el planificado referendum sobre el ingreso de Turquia
a la UE.

En 1915 Francia abrio las puertas a muchos inmigrantes armenios.

Russia-Armenia relations play key role for Armenia security
By Tigran Liloyan

ITAR-TASS News Agency
December 17, 2004 Friday

YEREVAN, December 18 — Armenian-Russian relations are strategic
and play a key role for Armenian security, Armenian Defence Minister
Serzh Sarkisyan said in his report “South Caucasus: issues of regional
security” during the debates organised by the Center of public dialogue
and development on Friday.

“Armenian-Russian military and technical cooperation meets Armenian
interests and is a reliable pledge of military security in the region,”
the minister emphasised. According to him, “the Russian military base
deployed in the republic demonstrates this.”

He noted that “the Armenian-Russian strategic union plays an
inestimable role in terms of reliable guarantees of security.”
Armenia is guided by this principle in its security policy in the
current military and political situation in the region.

“Armenian-Russian military cooperation provides for the needs of
the Armenian Armed Forces in armaments and staff, in military and
military-technical spheres, ensures Armenian military security and
keeping the balance of forces in the region,” the minister pointed out.

Cooperation with CSTO, NATO gives more security to Armenia
By Tigran Liloyan

ITAR-TASS News Agency
December 17, 2004 Friday

YEREVAN, December 17 — The accession to NATO is not on the current
foreign political agenda of Armenia, Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisyan
said at Friday debates organized by the Public Dialog and Development
Center.

He was speaking about regional security in the South Caucasus.

“At the same time, Armenia is realistic about regional security. It
does not make premature statements but develops cooperation with
the North Atlantic Alliance step by step,” the minister said. “In
this light relations with NATO have a serious role in the provision
of Armenian security. Finally, our country has chosen European
development, and NATO is a leading organization ensuring European
security.”

“Relations between Armenia and NATO will develop as long as there is
no contradiction between international commitments of the republic
to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and NATO,”
the minister said. “Cooperation in the CSTO and NATO is mutually
supplementary and gives additional security guarantees to Armenia
and the region at large,” he said.

“The CSTO Charter does not put limits on contacts with other countries
and international organizations,” the minister said. “Also, we think
that rapprochement between the CSTO and NATO in a number of issues
and common threats and tasks give us rather broad possibilities in
the development of relations with NATO,” he said.

“Relations with NATO do not have specific political goals, they are
developing naturally and are based on the need to neutralize dangers
and threats the country is facing,” Sarkisyan said.

With deal on Turkey in hand, Europe’s borders set to press into Asia

Agence France Presse — English
December 18, 2004 Saturday 1:35 AM GMT

BRUSSELS Dec 18 — Barely seven months after its biggest ever
enlargement, the European Union has taken a bold step to push its
eastern-most borders deep into continental Asia’s western frontier
in Turkey.

After a bruising two days of summit haggling, and not a little
nail-biting, leaders of the 25 EU member states agreed terms to begin
EU accession talks with Ankara on October 3 next.

Then, on Friday, Turkey accepted its long-cherished invitation.

“We did not obtain all that we wanted 100 percent,” said Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, “but we can say that it was a
success… We have reached a point where Turkey is rewarded for 41
years of efforts.”

“We have been writing history today,” added Dutch Prime Minister
Jan Peter Balkenende, savouring success as his nation wraps up its
six-month turn at the rotating EU presidency.

He called the outcome — which EU leaders welcomed with a robust
round of applause — “an important and brave decision by Turkey,
by Cyprus and by the EU as a whole”.

Significantly, the European Union pledged Turkey nothing less than
full membership at the end of the process — and not a second-class
“partnership” as some skeptical EU members, led by Austria, proposed.

Accession talks, plus a raft of economic and political reforms to
bring Turkey closer to EU standards, are likely to run a decade or so.

So no one should expect to see Turkey as a bona fide European power
before 2015 or so.

When it does join, however, it will be the EU’s first predominantly
Muslim member state — and bring Europe’s political borders right up
to Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia.

The significance was not lost on British Prime Minister Tony Blair,
a staunch supporter of EU membership for NATO-member Turkey, which he
sees as a beacon of secularism and democracy for the wider Middle East.

“It shows that those who believe that there is some fundamental clash
of civilisations between Christians and Muslims are actually wrong,
that we can work together, that we can cooperate together,” he said.

The United States was delighted, too.

“Turkey’s full integration into the EU will be good for Europe and
the world. The announcement of accession talks brings this step closer
than ever,” said a White House spokesman.

Smiling for their own reasons Friday were ex-communist EU hopefuls
Bulgaria and Romania, who were told that they will sign accession
treaties in April next year, ahead of their planned entry in January
2007.

Croatia, born out of the violent break-up of the old Yugoslavia,
was meanwhile told it can start accession talks in March next year,
but under a strict condition — that it “fully cooperate” with the
UN war crimes tribunal.

Closing a deal with Turkey turned out harder than expected when a
rift emerged Friday over extending a 1963 customs protocol between
Ankara and the then European common market to include the 10 newest
EU member states, which joined last May 1.

One of the 10 is the ethnic Greek republic of Cyprus — a problem
because Turkey only recognises an ethnic Turkish statelet on the north
side of the Mediterranean island that it militarily helped to create
30 years ago.

Deft diplomacy meant that language in the final agreement was
rewritten to allow Turkey to promise that it will sign the protocol not
immediately, but sometime before the October 3 start of negotiations.

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said he was “satisfied”. But he
warned that once Turkey signs on the dotted line, it must fully live
up to its obligations under the protocol, which covers free movement
of people as well as goods.

“The implementation of the protocol is not only the commitment to
sign, but its (actual) implementation… If they don’t do it, simply,
they don’t start negotiations,” he said.

Turkey taken to task over Armenia

EuroNews – English Version
December 17, 2004

Braving bad weather, protesters have gathered in Brussels to urge
EU leaders to keep Ankara out of the club. That is because of the
importance of the “G” word – genocide – the term at the heart of a
bitter dispute.

For the demonstrators, Ottoman Turks committed nothing short of
systematicgenocide against the Armenian people.

They say up to 1.5 million lives were lost between 1915 and 1923 and
they want Turkey to recognize what happened, as such.

Ankara, however, sees things differently.

It admits that thousands of Turks and up to 300,000 Armenians died
in clashes but vehemently denies that genocide took place.

For one expert on Turkey at the Free University of Brussels, semantics
might be getting in the way.

“There were certainly more than a million dead in this massacre,”
says Robert Anciaux.

“But can we talk about genocide? For me, it is just a question of
words. It is something for historians to sort out.

“The problem is that the Turks must recognize that in some way there
was a massacre of Armenians.” But, for those whose ancestors were
caught up in the turmoil, acknowledging the full horror of what
happened is hugely important.

They say that long before Rwanda and the Holocaust, this was the
first genocide of the 20th century.

Armenia seeks to balance relations with Russia, NATO

Associated Press Worldstream
December 18, 2004 Saturday 10:56 AM Eastern Time

YEREVAN, Armenia — Armenia wants to deepen its relations with NATO
but sees no alternative to its military alliance with Russia, at
least for the time being, the former Soviet republic’s defense and
security chief said Saturday.

“With the aim of creating a guaranteed security for Armenia, the
leadership of the country will continue focused work in various
directions,” Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian, who is also secretary
of the country’s Security Council, said at a conference on regional
security attended by Armenian political leaders and foreign diplomats.

However, he said that “the Armenian-Russian military alliance has
no alternatives today” and that Armenia would develop relations with
NATO only up to the point of conflict with its obligations under the
Collective Security Treaty, a pact that links Russia with Armenia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Sarkisian said that at the moment Armenia sees no need to join NATO,
but he added that its ties with the Western alliance are tightening.
He said Armenia plans to take part in 50 NATO events and eight NATO
exercises next year – up from 47 and five, respectively, this year.

He said Armenia’s close ties with Russia won’t get in the way of its
efforts to integrate more closely with Europe.

Armenia, which hosts a Soviet-era military base, is Russia’s closest
ally in the Caucasus region, where Georgia is trying to shed Russian
influence and Azerbaijan – Armenia’s enemy – is courting the West
while seeking to maintain friendly relations with Moscow.

Russia’s parliament chairman recently called Armenia a Russian
outpost in the region, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov
told foreign military attaches that Russia’s military presence in
ex-Soviet republics such as Armenia are a key element of security.

Roundup: Turkish parties, businessmen extend cautious welcome to EU entry decision
by Zheng Jinfa ANKARA

The Xinhua News Agency.
December 18, 2004 Saturday 10:00 AM EST

The EU decision to open Turkey’s entry talks on Oct. 3, 2005 met a
cautious welcome from Turkish parties and businessmen, who considered
it a success but acknowledged meanwhile more efforts were needed.

The Motherland Party (ANAP) said in a statement that a success was
made in “making concessions” during the Dec. 17 EU summit.

Mehmet Agar, leader of the True Path Party (DYP), told a news
conference that “we consider the point we reached as positive for
continuation of the EU process.”

Agar said EU did Turkey a favor by setting a date to open full
membership negotiations, adding that Turkey was granted a treatment
that was never shown to any country before.

Zafer Caglayan, chairman of Ankara Chamber of Industry, said the
decision to start full membership negotiations with Turkey was
pleasing, viewing it as “a new starting point for Turkey.”

Caglayan said Turkey entered a new period, and all society should
take responsibilities from now on.

Meanwhile, there were also some who struck a cautious note.

Former Parliament Speaker Husamettin Cindoruk considered the outcome as
“neither a success nor a failure”, but “an acquisition”.

“EU neither accepts us nor lets us go. EU will make a decision
according to the performance of Turkey,” Cindoruk told a seminar.

Cindoruk said there were two difficulties in reaching final agreements
with EU. “One is negotiations being ‘open-ended’ and the other is
the Cyprus issue.”

Sinan Aygun, chairman of Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), echoed
his view.

He said this could be seen as a success, but it remained uncertain
what would be brought in front of Turkey till Oct. 3, 2005.

Aygun said Turkey would meet various limitations even if it became
an EU member, such as the Cyprus issue and the Armenian issue.

“We can not know that would be asked from us from now on,” Aygun said.

Press and Information Office, Occupied Northern Cyprus
Dec 17 2004

Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media – 12/16/2004

[01] The Turkish Prime Minister arrived in Brussels.
[02] The Turkish Foreign Minister left for Brussels.
[03] The European Parliament calls for accession talks with Turkey.
[04] HURRIYET highlights the European Parliament decision on Turkey.
[05] Former Turkish Ambassador and CNN-TURK commentator Yalim Eralp:
“It is possible to establish a provisional solution government”.
[06] Turkish Cypriot newspaper speaks of a possible Cyprus summit in
Brussels in view of Annan´s presence.
[07] Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas will
start contacts with the political party leaders for the “election”
date.
[08] An opinion poll conducted in the occupied areas shows the
Republican Turkish Party in the lead with 31%.
[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[09] Columnist in STAR newspaper argues that Turkey intends to
exploit possible resumption of Cyprus talks to avoid signing the
protocol it will commit itself to sign during the EU Summit.

——————————————————————————–

[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] The Turkish Prime Minister arrived in Brussels
Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.12.04) reported that the Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels on Wednesday.
He will hold meetings in Brussels prior to EU Summit on December
17th.
Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay, Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan,
several bureaucrats and deputies are accompanying Erdogan.

”We are hopeful,” Erdogan said upon arrival regarding the decision
of EU leaders whether to open entry talks with Turkey at their summit
on Friday.

Upon questions of reporters, Erdogan said: “We are pleased with the
recommendatory decision of the European Parliament today. I am
interested in the result not the content. The decision of the
European Parliament is very meaningful.”

When asked what his expectation from French President Jacques Chirac
was, Erdogan said: ‘W will discuss it.”

[02] The Turkish Foreign Minister left for Brussels
Istanbul NTV television (15.12.04) broadcast that Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul made a statement at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport before
leaving for Brussels to attend the EU summit. He reiterated that
Turkey expects the 17 December summit to reach a decision to start
full membership negotiations. Expressing the belief that Turkey
fulfilled its task in this regard, Gul said that Ankara hopes that
the EU leaders, in turn, will remain loyal to the documents they have
already signed and reach a decision to start the accession
negotiations during the course of 2005.
Gul said that the mutual demands and adjustments will continue until
the last minute during the summit. Asked about the conditions that
would compel Turkey to abandon the discussions, Gul said: The full
membership goal should be open and clear, and a date that will not
require another meeting should emerge from the summit.

There are certain matters that run counter to the EU acquis, and
these are not legitimate, Gul noted, and pointed to the permanent
derogations in this context. Gul concluded by expressing the hope
that a final compromise will be reached at the summit.

[03] The European Parliament calls for accession talks with Turkey
Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.12.04) reported from Strasbourg that
the European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for
the start of Turkey´s accession talks ”without undue delay”.
The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, France, voted by 407
in favour to 262, against with 29 abstentions to pass the resolution.

This resolution is nonbinding, but important as it reflected the view
of the European Parliament prior to the EU-Brussels summit, which is
of historic importance for Turkey.

Socialist, Liberal, Green parliamentarians and British, Spanish and
Italian parliamentarians of the Christian Democrat group voted in
favour of Turkey.

The report, prepared by Dutch Parliamentarian Camiel Eurlings and a
recommendatory decision, urged for ”giving priority to the
implementation of the political criteria at the beginning of
negotiations.”

The recommendatory decision called on the Turkish parliament to
approve six legal amendments, which the European Commission stated in
the progress report, and proposed ”putting into force the political
dialogue mechanism about the close monitoring process and envisaging
suspension of negotiations by the European Commission when
necessary.”

[04] HURRIYET highlights the European Parliament decision on Turkey
Istanbul HURRIYET (Internet version, 15.12.04) publishes the
following report from Strasbourg under the title: “EP rejects giving
privileged partnership to Turkey”:
“The European Parliament [EP] has rejected motions for Turkey to be
given a special status, for its membership to be rejected, and for
the recognition of Turkey’s “Armenian Genocide”. The EP did adopt a
motion for full membership negotiations to be taken up with Turkey
without delay.

The EP passed the resolution recommending the initiation of full
membership negotiations with Turkey by a vote of 407 in favour and
262 opposed.

The reforms that have been carried out in Turkey were praised in the
advisory resolution, and it was stated that “The negotiations are the
starting point of a lengthy process, which by its nature is
open-ended and does not necessarily entail the result of full
membership.”

“Full membership dependent on mutual efforts”

In the resolution, which noted that full membership depends on the
mutual efforts of both Turkey and the EU, attention was drawn to the
importance of the Turkish and EU publics being provided with
information in an effective manner during the process of Ankara’s
integration.

“Free movement must not disadvantage Turkey”

The resolution, which pointed out that the negotiations process will
be lengthy, called for restrictions on free circulation and
agriculture not to have a negative impact on Turkey’s efforts for
membership.

It was implied in the resolution that it will not be possible for the
full membership negotiations with Turkey to be completed prior to the
goals foreseen in the EU’s budget for the year 2014.

“Restrictions on Greek Cypriot-flagged ships must be lifted”

The resolution, which included a call for Turkey to resolve its
problems with its neighbours in a manner consistent with the UN
Charter, called for the elimination of restrictions on Greek
Cypriot-flagged ships.

“Heybeli Island Theological Seminary must be opened”

The resolution stated that there must be no restrictions on the
activities of minorities in Turkey, and called in this context for
the opening of the [Greek Orthodox] theological seminary on Heybeli
Island.

“Alevi faith must be recognized”

The EP’s resolution included calls for Alevism to be recognized and
protected, including for ‘cemevleri’ [houses of assembly] to be
recognized as religious centers, for religious education to be
voluntary, for effective measures to be taken in combating torture,
and for the Village Guards system in the Southeast to be done away
with.

“Armenian border must be opened”

The advisory resolution, which called for Turkey to open its border
with Armenia, stated that it is necessary that the Turkish and
Armenian governments provide support to a mutual peace process, and
that the bitter experiences of the past be overcome through the
support of independent experts.

“Armenian genocide” motion rejected

In a vote conducted in the General Assembly, an amendment motion
calling for acknowledgement of the so-called Armenian Genocide to be
made a precondition for initiating negotiations was rejected.

Despite this, an amendment motion that made reference to an earlier
advisory resolution of the European Parliament (EP) regarding
recognition of the alleged genocide and another amendment motion
calling for the EU Commission and Council to call upon Turkey to
recognize the alleged genocide were accepted.

“Rejection of privileged partnership proposal”

The EP also rejected an amendment proposal that provided for
“privileged partnership” for Turkey instead of full membership. The
EU resolutions, which are not binding, will be cited in the final
communiqué that will be published at the conclusion of the EU summit.

“Voting in favour of Turkey”

It was observed that, in the vote conducted in the General Assembly,
the Socialist, Liberal, and Green parliamentarians, as well as the
British, Spanish, and Italian members of the Christian Democratic
group, voted in favor of Turkey.

The report drafted by Dutch Christian [Democratic] parliamentarian
Camiel Eurlings, and the advisory resolution based on it, called for
“priority to be given, at the beginning of the negotiations, to the
political criteria being put into implementation.”

The advisory resolution, which called upon the TGNA [Turkish Grand
National Assembly] to approve the six legal changes contained in the
EU Commission’s Progress Report, proposed the “utilization by the EU
Commission of an effective political dialogue, involving a close
monitoring process and providing for a suspension of negotiations if
necessary.”

The deputies who cast their votes in favor of Turkey raised placards
reading ‘evet’ [‘yes’] in Turkish.

“Demonstrations for and against Turkey”

Following the EP’s passage of the advisory resolution which
recommended that the EU initiate full membership negotiations with
Turkey, the city of Strasbourg was the stage of demonstrations both
in favor of and opposing Turkish EU membership.

Supporters of the extreme-right National Front Party in France staged
a demonstration in the center of the city in order to oppose Turkey’s
membership in the EU.

In response to the extreme rightists’ demonstration, a march in favor
of Turkey’s EU membership was staged through the initiative of the
French organization “Justice and Liberty”.

Turkish immigrants in Strasbourg also showed great interest in the
march.

“Eurlings: We want to give Turkey a fair chance”

EP Turkey Rapporteur Camiel Eurlings said that the EU has to give
Turkey a fair chance. Following the voting on the advisory resolution
that the EU take up full membership negotiations with Turkey,
Eurlings and EP Speaker Josep Borrel held a joint press conference.

In the press conference, Eurlings, stating that he was very pleased
with the acceptance of the report and the advisory resolution that he
had drafted, said that priority must be given to the implementation
of the political criteria following the initiation of negotiations.

“Torture and religious minorities”

Eurlings, asserting that “Torture incidents, in particular, must be
prevented”, also stated that “There must be no restrictions on the
worship of religious minorities.”

Eurlings said that “Just as people can easily build mosques in
Europe, it has to be possible for churches to be built in Turkey.”
Noting that the debate on Turkey’s EU membership by both the European
public and the EP has been extremely beneficial, Eurlings said “Not
to discuss this topic in an open way would not be good for Turkey or
for the EU.”

“Borrel: Prejudices regarding Turkey must be abandoned”

As for EP Speaker Josep Borrel, he stated in his remarks that
European public opinion fears Turkey’s membership because it is not
well acquainted with Turkey.

Borrel, stating that there are also prejudices that derive from
history, said that the EP also has responsibilities for making Turkey
known to European public opinion.

Borrel, in response to a question, said that he had decided, in
accordance with the EP by-laws, for the vote to be a secret ballot on
the grounds that requests for this had come from a sufficient number
of parliamentarians.

Representatives of the Socialist, Liberal, and Green groups, who
spoke prior to the vote held in the EP today, had opposed the secret
ballot on grounds of the principle of transparency.

Borrel, noting that Turkey has carried out important reforms, said:
“In my view, Turkey has won the right to begin negotiations with the
EU on full membership.”

“Turkey must recognize the Republic of Cyprus”

Borrel, stating that with the advisory resolution that the EP passed
today, he “reminded Turkey of the reality that the negotiations will
be conducted with the 25 countries of the EU”, said that Turkey also
has to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, because it will be sitting
down to the table with it as well”.

[05] Former Turkish Ambassador and CNN-TURK commentator Yalim Eralp:
“It is possible to establish a provisional solution government”
YENIDUZEN correspondent Sami Ozuslu who went to Brussels to cover the
EU Summit, had a short interview with former Turkish ambassador and
CNN-TURK commentator, Mr Yalim Eralp. Following is the text of the
interview:
Question: Prior to the Brussels Summit if Turkey gets a date what
kind of change could be in Turkey´s Cyprus policy, do you expect any
forward move?

Eralp: I think now others as well will make a forward move. May be Mr
Denktas could propose to Papadopoulos to establish a provisional
solution government.

Question: What would be the system of the provisional government?
Eralp: Of course, the Provisional Government could be a federative
government within the framework of the Annan Plan.

However, searching for the settlement could be envisaged within this
government between Denktas and Papadopoulos.

Question: What do you think about the medium and long-term?
Eralp:This depends on the developments. If Turkey cannot enter into
the EU, then I see a Cyprus settlement very far away.

Question: That is, you do not see any steps to be taken in Cyprus
until Turkey´s accession?

Eralp: I do expect. But if the negotiations are open-ended, then the
settlement in Cyprus should be open ended. It should be bit by bit.
Question: thus, this means putting the Turkish Cypriots and North
Cyprus into the freezer?

Eralp: NO, not to put into the freezer. Slowly, slowly, it should be
integrated, but if Turkey will not be EU member why should it settle
the Cyprus problem then? If it solves, it will be considered stupid.
Aren´t they saying `the Cyprus problem is an obstacle to our EU
membership?” In that case let us turn it upside down and say `why
should I settle the Cyprus problem since I am not a member of EU?”

Question: What do you expect Turkey will get from Brussels? Eralp: I
think Turkey will get a date, however, what is important is the true
nature of the obstacles. That is, your say full membership and you
put such obstacles (Eralp uses the word thorns) that it turns into a
privileged status. One has to pay attention to this”.

[06] Turkish Cypriot newspaper speaks of a possible Cyprus summit in
Brussels in view of Annan´s presence
Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN newspaper (16.12.04) reports under
banner headlines “One should not be surprised if a Cyprus summit is
held in Brussels” and says that Turkish Industrialists and
Businessmen Association, TUSIAD´s permanent representative at the EU,
Bahadir Kaleagasi has said that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan´s
arrival to Brussels makes possible the holding of a “Cyprus Summit”
there.
In a statement to YENIDUZEN, Kaleagasi said that it is also possible
that immediately after the EU summit, President Papadopoulos, Prime
Minister Erdogan and Kofi Annan could meet in Brussels. He went on
and said that Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat as well could
be invited to Brussels.

Kaleagasi added that Turkey is yet to pen its cards, and that Turkey,
which supported the Annan Plan, will not recognize the Republic of
Cyprus in its present form.

“It is possible that a Cyprus summit could be held with the arrival
of the UN Secretary-General”, he said.

“The whole intention of Papadopoulos is to realize the recognition
and burry the Annan Plan in the annals of history. In order to
preclude this, Turkey should stand firm. We have lost in Helsinki and
Papadopoulos got strong. Now Turkey came face to face with the
Papapdopoulos reality”, Kaleagasi concluded.

[07] Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas will
start contacts with the political party leaders for the “election”
date
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (16/12/04) reports that the
so-called Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat, prior to a meeting
yesterday with the so-called Council of Ministers, announced that
they will discuss issues that are in the weekly agenda, adding that
there is nothing extraordinary.
Mr Talat also noted that most probably the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr
Rauf Denktas will start meetings with party leaders on Monday for the
“elections” date.

Commenting on the resolution on Turkey’s progress towards European
Union accession, which was adopted by the European Parliament
yesterday, Mr Talat said that it is an important development.

[08] An opinion poll conducted in the occupied areas shows the
Republican Turkish Party in the lead with 31%
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (16.12.04) publishes an
opinion poll regarding the support that the Turkish Cypriot political
parties receive in occupied Cyprus. The opinion poll was conducted by
the Prologue Consulting Ltd.
According to the poll, the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces
(RTP-UF) of Mehmet Ali Talat comes first with 31%, the National Unity
Party (NUP) of Dervis Eroglu comes second with 15%, the Democratic
Party (DP) of Serdar Denktas comes third with 6%, the Peace and
Democracy Movement (PDM) of Mustafa Akinci comes fourth with 3% and
the Communal Liberation Party (CLP) of Huseyin Angolemli comes fifth
with 2%. In addition, 26% are undecided, 9% will vote to none and 8%
is mixed.

Commenting on the results of the opinion poll, KIBRISLI writes inter
alia that the 6% that the DP receives is evaluated in various ways by
the political observers. According to the paper a big percentage of
the undecided persons comes from the NUP and supports that these
persons may vote for the DP in the “elections”. It also writes that
the 17 December Summit’s result will affect the decision of the
undecided persons.

KIBRISLI also writes that someone who evaluates the results must bare
in mind that the Turkish Cypriot parties have not yet decided about
their “candidates” and have neither started they are “election”
campaign nor declared their political position.

——————————————————————————–

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[09] Columnist in STAR newspaper argues that Turkey intends to
exploit possible resumption of Cyprus talks to avoid signing the
protocol it will commit itself to sign during the EU Summit
Istanbul STAR newspaper (15.12.04) publishes the following commentary
by Zeynep Gurcanli under the title: “The Cyprus chess game in
Brussels”:
“The paragraph on Turkey, other than the date the negotiations would
start, has become finalized prior to the 17 December summit. Only one
major problem remains between Ankara and the European capital cities:
Cyprus.

Two days before the summit a diplomatic chess game in its full sense
is being played between Turkey and the EU.

In response to the “requests of solidarity” of the Greek Cypriots,
who put their EU membership in their “pockets”, the EU has brought
the subject of Cyprus to a “condition, which is not a condition” in
order to start the negotiations with Turkey.

Within this framework, the Netherlands, which is carrying out the EU
Term Presidency, worked out a formula.

The formula found is Turkey’s acceptance of a decree similar to the
one that previously included the Greek Cypriots in the Customs Union,
but with a somewhat more extensive scope.

It was established on Turkey’s signing a protocol expanding the
Ankara Agreement in a manner that would also include the countries,
which are new EU members.

The Netherlands did not only constitute this formula. It also made a
“sounding out” in order to be able to understand whether or not
Ankara would consider this favourably.

It put a sentence, which contained the message, “The EU would meet
with pleasure Turkey’s acceptance of signing the protocol, which
would expand the Ankara Agreement in a manner that would also include
the new members of the EU.” Furthermore, this sentence was put in the
Turkey part in the declaration and the subject of Cyprus completely
became a “condition, which is not a condition,” for the negotiations.

Ankara’s reaction against this came from Foreign Minister Abdullah
Gul. Minister Gul, in a letter he sent to all of the EU countries,
listed one by one all of the elements that Turkey could not accept in
the first draft prepared by the Netherlands. Within these elements,
he also included putting the Cyprus subject into the Turkey
paragraph. And he made the criticism, “Putting the Cyprus subject
directly into the Turkey paragraph gives the impression that this
problem has been transformed into a condition for starting the
negotiations.”

But Minister Gul did not show any reaction to the part in the draft
text related to the signing of the protocol. And the Netherlands, in
the drafts it prepared later, removed the Cyprus paragraph from the
Turkey section in accordance with the criticisms of Minister Gul and
placed it in the appendix section. But still, it did not change the
expression related to the signing of the protocol.

What is interesting is that Ankara did not direct a criticism to
these expressions in the drafts, which were prepared later. This
silence of Ankara was interpreted in the EU capital cities that
Turkey would accept to sign this protocol before the negotiations
start.

Subtitle: Resuming the Cyprus talks

Putting the expressions related to the signing of the protocol in the
declaration was the move of the EU side in the diplomatic chess game.
Ankara’s first move in response to this was “to remain silent.” That
is, Ankara neither committed itself nor rejected the signing of the
protocol. Actually, the calculations of the next move in the chess
game lie behind this silence.

All of the signs in Brussels prior to the 17 December summit show
that immediately after giving a negotiation date to Turkey, the peace
talks on Cyprus would be resumed.

Ankara, just as it did in the previous talks, aims to continue its
“encouraging” role in the new round of talks as well.

Starting the Cyprus negotiations would have the meaning of preventing
the Greek Cypriots, who corner Ankara at every opportunity, by using
their title of “full EU member” as they want.

If the Cyprus talks conclude positively, then in any case, the
problem would be solved. But if the talks are prolonged or do not
produce a result, then Turkey, “which encouraged peace,” would gain
time. And it would be saved from signing the Cyprus protocol, which
became a de facto “condition” for the starting the negotiations with
the final move of the Netherlands or it would be able to postpone the
signing of it. The majority of the people in Brussels do not expect a
“last minute bad surprise” just before the summit on 17 December.

Even the statements of the French Foreign Minister Barnier, “We will
bring the Armenian tragedy to the negotiations,” is considered as a
domestic political move, which aims to silence the French socialists
in the opposition and not much importance is attached to it.

These days, both the EU and Ankara are considering 17 December “to be
finished” and are making the moves for the diplomatic struggle, which
will be experienced after this and which will be “real” and
“tougher.” ”

–Boundary_(ID_KwRPQxjcOlzwIEW5q8kprA)–

Press and Information Office, Occupied Northern Cyprus
Dec 17 2004

Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media

[01] Turkey refuses to accept the decisions of the EU Summit.
[02] Erdogan wants to have a peace coffee with President Papadopoulos
amongst the thousands of occupation troops.
[03] Hours before the EU Summit Erdogan declares ready to take a step
regarding the Cyprus problem.
[04] Solana: It will be difficult for Turkey to accede to the EU
without recognizing the Republic of Cyprus.
[05] Turkish sources on the meeting between Mr Karamanlis and
Erdogan.
[06] EU Commission President is quoted to have said that Turkey would
be in a position to recognize all the EU members when it becomes full
member.
[07] Gul rules out direct or indirect recognition of the Republic of
Cyprus.
[08] Berlusconi explains that the 3rd October was fixed to give
Turkey time to recognize the Republic of Cyprus.
[09] Erodgan is quoted to have reprimanded the Dutch Presidency for
not ignoring the Greek Cypriots who are only 600,000.
[10] Turkey ordered investigation against Kurds.
[11] Serdar Denktas stated that the first step in removing the
“isolation” imposed on the Turkish Cypriots to come from the USA.
[12] How the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot press covers last
night’s Summit.
[13] Direct trade with the occupied areas of Cyprus of concern for
Spain.
[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[14] Columnist in STAR argues that Turkey´s refusal to co-operate
with the US during the Iraq war has meant the end of the two
countries´ strategic partnership.

——————————————————————————–

[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] Turkey refuses to accept the decisions of the EU Summit
Ankara Anatolia news agency (A.A) (17.12.04) reported from Brussels
that the second day of the meeting of the European Council started on
Friday with delay as compromise could not be reached between Turkey
and the European Union (EU).
EU heads of state and government waited till the end of the meeting
between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime
Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the EU Acting President the
Netherlands.

Also, European Parliament (EP) President Josep Borrell and United
Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan can’t obey their earlier
set schedule.

On the other hand, Balkenende is expected to brief EU heads of state
and government on his meeting with Erdogan. Sources say that there
can be some new meetings between Erdogan, who is still in the
building where the summit is being held, and EU representatives later
today.

Ankara Anatolia further reported from that scenarios circulate in
Council lobbies regarding alternative ways out as the meeting between
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Dutch Prime Minister Jan
Peter Balkenende, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency,
continued.

The first scenario is: ”Turkey will accept extending the Ankara
Agreement to cover all the European Union (EU) countries including
Cyprus, by putting some conditions.”

Diplomatic sources said the EU presidency would then have the chance
to put pressure on the Cyprus government.

The second scenario says: ”Turkey will depart from Brussels without
signing the presidency conclusion added to final statement.”
Diplomatic sources said the ”ties would not be broken” in this
case, stating that a negotiation process that will continue till
October 3rd, 2005 could start.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands
and Greece convened to assess the Cyprus issue.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter
Balkenende, French President Jacques Chirac, and German Chancellor
Gerhard Schroeder are discussing overcoming the deadlock regarding
Cyprus.

[02] Erdogan wants to have a peace coffee with President Papadopoulos
amongst the thousands of occupation troops
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.12.04) reported from Brussels that
during a meeting with Turkish columnists in Brussels, Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey’s accession into
the European Union will result in conciliation of civilizations. “Our
European friends are aware of the role Turkey can play in harmonizing
relations between civilizations. There are now many European circles
that look at Turkish membership as crucial and absolutely necessary,”
told Erdogan.
In response to a question on Turkey-Armenia relations, Erdogan
replied that if and when a positive approach is witnessed from the
Armenian side, Turkey would be ready to open its border gate with
Armenia. “Whatever took place in history must remain in history. We
must build our new world on peace. We are positive towards Armenia.
We want national borders to be respected. We have made Turkish air
space available to Armenian commercial planes. There is no reason as
to why we should not open the border gate as well. However, we want
to see the same positive attitude from the Armenian side as well. An
important part of Azerbaijan is still under Armenian military
occupation. This fact should not be ignored and forgotten,” said
Erdogan.

Erdogan said Turkey is prepared for a temporary ban on the free
movement of Turks in EU countries. “Yet a permanent ban on the free
movement of Turkish nationals would be against the EU laws and
regulations.”

In reference to the problems created in Cyprus by Turkey´s occupation
of its Northern part, Erdogan remarked that Turkey is ready to
discuss Cyprus during its entry talks with the EU.

He noted that it would mean failure of all efforts if EU leaders put
a text which they would not say “yes” on the table. “I hope they
won’t,” he added. Turkey expects the formal announcement on the
conclusion of the EU summit tomorrow (Friday) at 13.00 hours. “It
would be wrong to declare the summit’s decision as victory. We must
not be spoiled by our success. Furthermore, a possible negative
summit decision should not be viewed as a big disaster. Whatever the
decision at the summit, Turkey can continue to develop on its own
feet,” said Erdogan.

“Maybe we can go to Northern Cyprus one day, and invite Papadopoulos.
We can have a coffee of peace and a meal of peace there,” Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan added.

[03] Hours before the EU Summit Erdogan declares ready to take a step
regarding the Cyprus problem
Istanbul NTV television (16.12.04) broadcast the following:
“Turkish Prime Minister Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held a news
conference in Brussels where he commented on the EU summit. He
stressed that Turkey will not reach a decision on Cyprus that runs
counter to national interests. He said: “We are ready to take a step
in Cyprus, but the nature of the step is important.”

The prime minister held a 25-minute news conference for the reporters
who are constantly following him. He talked about all his talks
today, and pointed out that he met with 12 leaders throughout the
day. He summarized the situation ever since the Customs Union of
1996.

The EU leaders are currently at a dinner. Chirac is not attending
this dinner. Prime Minister Erdogan said that Chirac would not be
attending the dinner due to his own private affairs. Erdogan said
that after the dinner, term president Balkenende will call him on the
telephone and update him on the developments.

The prime minister was asked about the Cyprus question, because the
Greek media reported that at their meeting today Greek Prime Minister
Karamanlis asked Erdogan for a written declaration that he would
recognize the Cyprus Republic, and that Erdogan rejected this offer.
Erdogan said at his news conference: Things that we have not said
were published. That is out of the question. This is gossip. These
things are not even in the text of the document. The basic principle
of our government and of our party is not to take any step that may
run counter to our national interests. Neither our training nor our
view of history would allow us to do such a thing.

Erdogan stressed that all the leaders he met today did their homework
very well and were aware of Turkey’s sensitivities. He added: The
terms that are used in bilateral talks, especially the terms used in
the text of the document, carry different weights. You cannot use
certain terms on certain occasions. It is true that we are ready to
take a step in Cyprus, but the nature of the step is extremely
important for us.

The prime minister said that during the talks he noticed that the
issue of privileged partnership is completely out of the agenda. He
added: The hard negotiations will begin after the text assumes its
final shape. Those developments will take place in the morning hours.
We will make our final decision at 1300 tomorrow. You will see then
what I am going to do.”

[04] Mr Javier Solana stresses that it will be difficult for Turkey
to accede to the EU without recognizing the Republic of Cyprus
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.12.04) reported from Brussels that
Finland has extended full support to opening of entry talks between
Turkey and the EU.
Releasing a written statement prior to the EU Summit, Finland said
that Helsinki was in favour of opening of entry talks between Turkey
and the EU in 2005. Finland stressed that the only target of the
talks should be full membership of Turkey.

Meanwhile, EU Policy Chief Javier Solana called on Turkey to
recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

“If you want to become a part of a family, you have to recognize all
members of that family, otherwise you cannot become a member of that
family”, Solana told reporters.

Solana stressed that if Turkey did not recognize the Republic of
Cyprus side, its full membership would be difficult.

[05] Turkish sources on the meeting between Mr Karamanlis and Erdogan
in Brussels
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.12.04) reported from Brussels that
Greek Premier Costas Karamanlis told Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip
Erdogan that they want Turkey to recognize the Cyprus Republic.
Sources said that during the Erdogan-Karamanlis meeting, the Cyprus
problem was discussed and Karamanlis told Erdogan: ”It is
unacceptable if a country which wants to be an EU member does not
recognize an EU member.”

Sources said that Karamanlis told Erdogan: ”At the first stage
Turkey can sign the Customs Union protocol covering all new members
of the EU and then it can officially recognize the Cyprus Republic”.
” Erdogan in return said: ”A solution within the framework of the
UN is necessary in Cyprus,” and he repeated the Turkish stand.

Erdogan did not present a new proposal to Karamanlis, added the
sources.

The sources said: ”At the current stage, negotiations are still
continuing. Other EU member countries also have the same stance as
Athens.’

[06] EU Commission President is quoted to have said that Turkey would
be in a position to recognize all the EU members when it becomes full
member
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.12.04) reported from Brussels that
the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday
told a press conference prior to EU summit that a historic decision
would be made for Turkey, and noted that Turkey was a very different
country with its geographical position, position as bridge, economic
power, and potential.
Barroso said a balanced attitude was pursued towards Turkey, noting
that they were aware of the problems, but at the same time the steps
Turkey made were also taken into consideration. He said: ”Time came
to start negotiations” and stressed that the target would be full
membership in negotiations.

Mentioning the concerns in several member countries and Europe´s
public opinions about Turkey’s accession to the EU, Barroso called on
Turkey to take more steps toward Europe.

Barroso said Greek Cypriots would also be at the table, ”however,”
he noted Turkey did not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

Replying to a question about the Cyprus issue, Barroso said no new
political conditions would be imposed on Turkey and that Turkey would
be in a position to recognize all the member countries when it
becomes the EU full member.

Replying to a question about permanent derogations proposed for
Turkey, Barroso said he thought this problem would be solved in the
summit and that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
sensitively focused on this issue.

Barroso said the European Commission brought this proposal about free
movement of Turkish workers, yet that any discrimination or special
status was not in question. He said there was much concern about this
issue in some member countries, noting that permanent derogations
were implemented on some member countries.

Focusing on the concerns of the EU public opinion often, Barroso said
Turkey would be in a position to struggle much to convince the
public.

Replying to a question about the genocide committed against the
Armenians, Barroso said bringing new political conditions in front of
Turkey at the last minute was out of the question.

[07] Gul rules out direct or indirect recognition of the Republic of
Cyprus
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.12.04) reported from Brussels that
the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Gul on Thursday said: ”Direct or
indirect recognition of the Cyprus Republic is out of the question
for Turkey,”
When reporters reminded the statements of Danish Premier Anders Fogh
Rasmussen who said, ”Turkey is ready to recognize Cyprus,” Gul who
is in Brussels said: ”There are misunderstandings about these
issues. Direct or indirect recognition of the Cyprus Republic is out
of the question for Turkey.”

[08] Berlusconi explains that the 3rd October was fixed to give
Turkey time to recognize the Republic of Cyprus
Local KIBRIS newspaper (17.12.04) reports that the Italian Prime
Minister, Mr Silvio Berlusconi, has said that if Turkey does not
recognize the Republic of Cyprus until October the 3rd 2005, the
negotiations cannot start.
“We expect that until the 3rd of October 2005 the Turkish government
will recognize the Republic of Cyprus”, Mr Berlusconi said.

The paper also reports that the Italian Prime Minister said that the
Turkish Prime Minister told him that they could recognize the
Republic of Cyprus but this can be done by a decision of the
Parliament and they need time.

“In order to provide time to Erdogan we have chosen the 3rd of
October”, said Mr Berlusconi, concludes KIBRIS newspaper.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia (17.12.04) reported from Brussels
the following:

“The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has quoted Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying that ”they were ready to
start initiative to recognize ‘Cyprus Republic’, but they needed time
to make majority of Turkish parliament accept it in the past.”

Berlusconi told a group of journalists in French: ”Erdogan has told
me that they were ready to start initiative to recognize Cyprus, but
they would need time to make the majority of Turkish parliament
accept it. We have given him required time. One should recognize all
members of the family if he wants to join that family. This is not a
condition, but a reality.” Noting that Austria and France did not
take a step back in the working dinner, but they supported Turkey and
they would do their best till morning.

Turkish diplomatic sources told A.A that Berlusconi made this
statement in French which he was not very fluent so that there may be
differences in the meaning. They added that ”it was out of question
that Erdogan made such statements regarding Cyprus to Berlusconi.”

[09] Erodgan is quoted to have reprimanded the Dutch Presidency for
not ignoring the Greek Cypriots who are only 600,000
Istanbul NTV television (17.12.04) broadcast the following dialogue
with its correspondent Unsal Unlu in Brussels: “Good morning Unsal,
what are the issues on today’s program of Erdogan and Gul? And is
there any possibility of the Cyprus predicament turning into a
crisis?
Mr Unlu replied: It is still too early to say whether it would turn
into a crisis. But it is possible to state clearly that there is a
serious anxiety concerning this issue. Even, according to information
reaching us, during yesterday’s meeting between Balkenende and
Erdogan voices have been raised a bit. The condition for the indirect
recognition of the Greek Cypriot sector, that is the extension of the
Ankara agreement by 3 October, has infuriated Prime Minister Erdogan.
Prime Minister Erdogan has said: You preferred 600,000 Greek Cypriots
to 70-million Turks; this means that we have not been able to explain
anything to you.

Erdogan has openly voiced his concern on this issue by saying: How
can I explain this to 70-million-strong Turkey?

Let me also note that the final draft from the delegation has again
been submitted to the EU term chairman. We can say that the talks
that continued into the morning hours have entered their last round.
The leaders will pose for a family photo at around 1300 [1000 GMT]
and with that the time will have reached for the knot to untie, as
Prime Minister Erdogan put it yesterday. The summit text will be
announced then. The text is proposing the start of Turkey’s
negotiations with the EU on 3 October 2005, but the condition on the
recognition of the Greek Cypriot sector has greatly disturbed
Turkey.”

[10] Turkey ordered investigation against the Kurds for the
advertisement published in foreign newspapers
Ankara TRT 1 Television (16.12.04) broadcast the following: “An
investigation has been launched into the advertisement scandal. The
Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation
into the advertisement that appeared in foreign newspapers and which
was signed by the former DEP [Democracy Party] deputies, certain
mayors, and others.
The Justice Ministry sent newspaper clippings of the advertisement to
the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for an investigation.
Press Prosecutor Kursat Kayral has been assigned to conduct the
investigation.

After the advertisement was published in foreign newspapers, some of
the persons who had signed it said that they had not seen the last
version of the text”.

[11] Serdar Denktas stated that the first step in removing the
“isolation” imposed on the Turkish Cypriots to come from the USA
Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (17.12.04) reports that Mr
Serdar Denktas, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP) and
so-called minister of foreign affairs of the occupation regime made
statements to the paper as regards the issue of lifting the so-called
isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.
Mr Serdar Denktas stated that after the 17 December he expects steps
to be taken as regards the removing of the “isolation” imposed on the
Turkish Cypriots. However he said that these steps will not come only
from the EU, but firstly from the USA.

[12] How the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot press covers last
night’s Summit in Brussels
The Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot press covers today (17.12.04)
widely last night’s Summit in Brussels.
Turkish mainland MILLIYET under the banner headline “Marathon
bargaining for Cyprus”, writes that Ankara gave the message “we will
take steps”, as regards the Cyprus problem which was an issue of
priority in Brussels. It also writes that the Ankara formula is the
following: It can sign the Customs Agreement but Ankara will
determine when.

Turkish mainland HURRIYET, under the title “New life”, writes that
the historic date was announced for Turkey as regards the EU
membership which will be the second most important step for the
country since the establishment of the republic. It also writes that
the decision is the beginning of a new era.

In addition Turkish mainland SABAH newspaper has Ataturk’s picture in
its first page with the caption 29 October 1923-17 December 2004, and
under the banner headline “Gentlemen!” writes the following using
capital letters: “We said what we said 81 years ago. We did for
ourselves what we did for the modernisation. From now on we will move
forward on the road we consider to be right”.

Local KIBRIS newspaper, under the headline “Date for Turkey” writes
that the leaders of the EU suggested the 3rd of October 2005 as a
date for the beginning of the negotiations for the country. It also
writes that the end of the negotiations is still open and there is no
guarantee for full membership.

AFRIKA under the title “3rd of October 2005 the final date for
Turkey” writes that the negotiations will start aiming for full
membership and that a compromise solution will be found in case the
negotiations will not be completed successfully. In addition the
paper writes that Turkey will recognise the Republic of Cyprus before
the 3rd of October 2005.

Under the headline “Destiny date”, VATAN quotes the Turkish Prime
Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s statement that if the developments are not
as Turkey wants them to be, they will “cut” the efforts for joining
the EU as Norway did.

ORTAM covers the issue under the title “Danger from the bitter result
for the Turkish Cypriots” publishes statements by Mr Huseyin
Angolemli chairman of the Communal Liberation Party that the policy
of “wait-and-see” until the 17 December on which the Turkish Cypriots
were relying on started to give results and stated that these results
will be bitter for the Turkish Cypriots.

Under the title “Open-ended negotiations for Turkey”, HALKIN SESI
writes that Turkey will start negotiations on the 3rd of October and
the target of the negotiations will be the full membership of Turkey.
In addition it writes that the bargaining as regards Cyprus and the
derogations will continue until the last moment.

CUMHURIYET North Cyprus, under the title “We will not recognise
Cyprus at this point” writes that the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan
did not change his attitude despite all the efforts made by President
Papadopoulos.

GUNES, under the title “Cyprus knot” writes that the Turkish Prime
Minister did not support the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus
before a solution. It also writes that Mr Erdogan met with the Geek
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and that he said that “tomorrow
(today) at 13:00 ‘the Cyprus knot’ will be solved”.

VOLKAN under the title “If they have the firman (the imperial edict)
we have the mountains”, writes that the Turkish Prime Minister
Erdogan by saying that ‘the Cyprus knot will be solved today at
13:00’ it became obvious that the fate of the persons who live in
occupied Cyprus will be determined today.

YENI DUZEN under the title “Cyprus ‘calm’ before the storm” writes
that after the end of the 17 Summit very important developments will
follow and stresses that most important of them is related to the
issue of the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus which, according
to the paper is a tough issue.

KIBRISLI is the only paper which gives minimum coverage to the Summit
in its first page and writes only that the 3rd of October 2005 was
the suggested date for the beginning of Turkey’s EU negotiations.

[13] EU regulation for direct trade with the occupied areas of Cyprus
is a great concern for Spain
Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN newspaper (17.12.04), under the title
“Spanish obstacle to Direct Trade”, reports from Brussels that
besides Greece and the Cyprus Government, Spain as well, is against
“direct trade” with the Turkish Cypriots, because they worry that
then it will open the road for the “direct trade” to the communities
of Ceuta, Melilla and Gibraltar, which are under the administration
of Spain. However, it is reported that the regulations of the
European Commission can only be accepted with “weighted vote”.
An EU official, who said that there is on the negotiation table a
“package” of the regulations of the Direct Trade and the Financial
Aid, which is about 259 million Euro, noted that the “Greek Cypriot
Administration’s” attempt to separate the two regulations were
unsuccessful.

The surprise is that apart from the Greek Cypriot side and Greece
that are against the direct trade Spain is also against. The reason
that the Madrid administration, which did not say much until now
about the Cyprus issue, is against the regulation is very
interesting.

A high level official from the Enlargement Section of the EU
Commission made interesting statements to YENIDUZEN at the Brussels
summit regarding the efforts of lifting the isolation and what is
expected at the Cyprus problem after the summit.

The high level official, who wanted to remain anonymous, reminded
that the preparations regarding the isolations, which were decided
after the outcome of the referendums, were suspended until the 1st
January 2005, when Luxemburg will take over the EU’s term Presidency.
The official, who believes that the new term President will bring to
the agenda for discussion this issue, sent the message that important
developments are expected after the 17 December summit.

The official announced that Spain doesn’t support the direct trade
with the Turkish Cypriots and gives support to the Lefkosia
administration and Athens on that issue.

According to the information the EU official gave, the reason why the
Spanish administration is against the direct trade is three small
areas, two near Morocco and one in Gibraltar. Giving direct trade
possibilities to the Turkish Cypriots will create precedence to these
three areas, namely Ceuta, Melilla and Gibraltar.

——————————————————————————–

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS
[14] Columnist in STAR argues that Turkey´s refusal to co-operate
with the US during the Iraq war has meant the end of the two
countries´ strategic partnership
Istanbul STAR newspaper (15.12.04) publishes the following commentary
by Tulin Daloglu under the title: “Strategic partnership ends!”:
“While hoping that we shall be moving one step closer to the European
Union at the end of this week, Turkey’s foreign policy, which all
along has been one step more on the side of the United States, has
changed direction because of the Iraqi war. Having reluctantly
accepted within democratic rules the result of the voting on the 1
March [2002] authorization bill [for the dispatch of Turkish military
units abroad and deployment of foreign forces in Turkey], the US
officials had said the decision, although a democratic one, would
inevitably have a cost in the political sense. It appears that this
political cost has spelled out the end of the strategic partnership,
which had a name but no effect in the relations between the two
countries. Well, what does this mean? How does Washington assess an
Ankara that is close to Europe? Here are a few observations:

Following his talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in
Ankara in April 2003 and in Washington in July 2003 and January 2004,
US Secretary of State Colin Powell had described, at the joint press
conferences, the relations between the two countries as strong,
friendly and historic. He had not used the word strategic. This must
not have been a coincidence, because former US Ambassador in Ankara
Mark Parris, with the comfort of having retired, said there were
certain issues that would not be conducive to continuity in the
relations with Turkey due to the Turkish Government’s dialogues with
Washington in the last two years. He noted, though, that this was not
due to Turkey’s closer relations with Europe.

Despite the fact that the Americans officially state that they have
overcome the 1 March shock, they do not fail to say that a strategic
partner would not have acted in the way that Turkey did. It is the
failure to overcome this shock that has led Washington to watch with
caution and interest Ankara’s approach to Brussels. Let us
immediately emphasize, though, that Washington lends full support to
Turkey’s EU objective. Yet, ahead of our historic week, both Parris
and Under Secretary for Political Affairs Marc Grossman, in the
statements they made on various occasions, emphasized that Turkey did
not have to distance itself from the United States just because it is
approaching the EU.

While stressing that political and economic stability in Iraq would
be to Turkey’s advantage, Grossman also gave the message: You should
not forget that this depends on our success in Iraq. Behind this
warning is the unease felt over the increasing opposition to the
United States in Turkey. The accusation that the United States
committed genocide in Iraq has been viewed as a criticism that goes
too far, does not reflect the realities and does not reflect well
upon an ally. The United States expects a debate on how Iraq may be
led to stability rather than expressing the view that whatever it
does in Iraq is wrong.

Would the priority be Iraq or the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan]?
Judging from the present-day realities, it does not seem possible
that the United States will get what it expects from the Turkish
public opinion since it has not engaged in any military operation
against the PKK. On the contrary, it is believed that the United
States follows policies that threaten the territorial integrity of
Iraq by ultimately creating an independent Kurdistan. By refusing to
take a position on the side of the United States, Ankara believes
that it has taken the measures to overcome its fear. History has
proved that the cost of wrong alliances has been high. The story as
to how Iraq was established after it was broken away from the Ottoman
territories may be cited as an example. History proves that the
British had no intention to tear up the Ottoman territories until the
Ottomans joined an alliance with Germany in World War I. Commenting
on Turkey’s stand against the United States, a senior US official
said: “Such a fear on the part of Turkey would be unfounded. We are
after stability. An independent Kurdistan will create uneasiness in
the whole area rather than only in Turkey. This conflicts with our
interests.”

In the meantime, Parris pointed out that the best period of
Turkish-American relations was between 1997 and 1999, when the
relations with Europe were severed. It is known that at the end of
this period, the United States had caught PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan
and had handed him over to Turkey. If you view it from a natural
theory of logic, the reason for the lack of action against the PKK is
as old as the Stone Age.

Continue with both

As a matter of fact, Grossman’s and Parris’ messages to Ankara are
clear: Turkey should not choose between the EU and the United States.
It should vigorously keep up its dialogue with both. Otherwise, the
loser will be Turkey. Turkey needs both the EU and the United States
in order to be an effective country in its region. One wonders
whether Washington is trying to prepare Turkey to serve as a bridge
between the EU and the United States before it becomes a bridge
between the East and the West”.

–Boundary_(ID_rDKduYN2CVKO6pB6JUtprQ)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

European Parliament says yes to beginning accession talks with Turkey but sets conditions

Athens News Agency
Dec 16 2004

The European Parliament’s Plenary Session on Wednesday approved the
Eurlings Report regarding Turkey’s progress towards EU accession,
with 407 voting for it, 262 against it, and 29 abstaining. Thus, the
European Parliament is in favor of beginning EU accession talks with
Turkey without unnecessary delay and says that Turkey must recognize
Cyprus. Aditionally, Eurodeputies have rejected the option of
establishing a ‘privileged partnership with the EU’.
Among the amendments approved and which are of interest to Greece is
amendment 59, which was proposed by the Socialist Eurodeputies. The
amendment calls on the council to realize its promises and to end the
Turkish Cypriot community’s isolation, and to quickly approve the two
regulations regarding financial aid and commercial relations with the
northern part of the island.

Another amendment proposed by Athanassios Pafilis and Diamanto
Manolakou from the United Left was rejected. Pafilis’ and Manolakou’s
suggestion was for the issue of the continental shelf in the Aegean
to be referred to the International Court in the event that it wasn’t
resolved otherwise.

Amendment 31, which requested that the Committee formulate a “road
map” with a timeframe regarding the implementation of the Copenhagen
criteria, with special emphasis given to: the recognition of Cyprus
and the withdrawal of Turkish occupational forces from the island;
progress in resolving problems related to the Kurds, guarantee of
human rights and fundamental civil liberties in theory and practice.

The voting was conducted by secret ballot, something that provoked
many reactions. “The ALDE [Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for
Europe] group is opposed to holding a secret vote on the Turkey
report. Parliamentary responsibility and political accountability
require MEPs to take positions openly. We reject the coward’s option”
ALDE leader Graham Watson said.

“Our view is that fundamental decisions must be clear, open and
transparent so that voters know what their elected representatives
are doing on their behalf,” Socialist Group leader Martin Schulz
said.

The United Left asked European Parliament President Josep Borrell for
the issue of the secret vote to be voted upon. Borrell said that he
had examined the issue with the Parliament’s legal department and had
concluded that the secret vote was legal.

ND Eurodeputy comments on outcome

“The message that the European Parliament has sent to Turkey by
adopting the report of Camiel Eurlings, Dutch Eurodeputy of the
European People’s Party, is multidimensional and at the same time
crystal clear,” head of New Democracy Eurodeputies Ioannis
Varvitsiotis said.

“Turkey has to realize that it has to fulfill all that is outlined in
the Eurlings report,” Varvitsiotis stressed. “That includes
continuation of reforms, recognition of the Republic of Cyprus,
immediate re-opening of the Theological School of Halki, public use
of the ecclesiastical title Ecumenical Patriarchate and protection of
the basic rights of all Christian minorities and communities in
Turkey, such as the Greeks of Istanbul, Imvros and Tenedos,” he
added.

Furthermore, the European Parliament has also asked that Turkey
recognize the Armenian genocide and to protect Kurds’ rights.