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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
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