Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media (95-11-30)

From: Giorgos Zacharia <lysi@MIT.EDU>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS

AND OTHER MEDIA

No.225/95 30.11.95

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Foreign Ministry on US initiatives in Cyprus

According to ANATOLIA news agency (14:57 hours, 29.11.95), Turkey has stated that efforts exerted to find a similarity between the Bosnia-Herzegovina crisis and the Cyprus issue are wrong and inappropriate.

In reply to a question during his weekly news conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Omer Akbel stressed that there is no similarity between the two issues and added: "There is no bloodshed in Cyprus; whereas, peace and tranquility have reigned for the past 20 years. Thus, efforts exerted to find a similarity between the two situations are wrong and inappropriate."

In response to a question regarding the visit of Richard Beattie, U.S. special envoy to Cyprus, to the region, Akbel explained that the United States, like other countries and organizations, has displayed an interest in seeking a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Pointing out that Beattie's visit will be held within the framework of efforts exerted to find common ground for the two sides to resume their joint search for peace, Akbel continued: "We have no information other than that. As of yet, no initiatives have been undertaken by the United States or any other country. Should such initiatives be launched, Turkey's stand is clear. We have always encouraged the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot people to find a just and lasting solution to the issue."

[02] US officials deny existence of US plan on Cyprus

According to KIBRIS (30.11.95), in a statement to Turkey's semi-official Anatolia News Agency (A.A.), US officials have declared that press reports regarding a secret US plan on Cyprus do not reflect the reality. They said it is true that Washington is starting a decisive initiative on the Cyprus problem, aimed at bringing together President Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot community leader. But they denied that there exists any plan.

The US officials further said that in case a meeting is arranged between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash, the agenda will not be limited to one item only, such as the Confidence-building measures (CBMs), but they will try to place all the issues on the negotiation table. (MY)

[03] New fundamentalist Islamic party in the occupied area

According to KIBRIS (30.11.95), the establishment of the fundamentalist Islamic Party (TEK PARTY), "ONE AND ONLY PARTY", is in the offing and its draft Rules and Regulations are being secretly circulated among its supporters.

KIBRIS reveals that one of the founding members of the new party is Isfendiyar Halil Eralp of the occupied village of Arnadi.

KIBRIS further says that the establishment of the new party will be "officially" declared on 29 December, following the 24 December elections in Turkey.

KIBRIS claims that it has acquired the draft Rules and Regulations and the programme of the new party where it is said that the party envisages to break the dialogue with the Greek Cypriots, to dismiss the UN Peace-keeping force in Cyprus, and unmask the face of Masons in the occupied area etc.

KIBRIS further claims that Azeri and Kyrgyzi people are among the party's founding members. The financial resources for the new party will come from Azerbaidjan and Kyrgyzia.