Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media (95-12-4)

From: Giorgos Zacharia <lysi@MIT.EDU>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS

AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 227/95 2-3-4.12.95

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] "PROCEEDINGS" AGAINST KAROTSAKIS POSTPONED UNTIL 6 DECEMBER

According to illegal Bayrak Radio (1130 hours, 1/12/95) the "trial" of Georghios Karotsakis, the Greek Cypriot soldier who is detained by Denktash's regime, has been postponed until 6 Decem- ber.

[02] ON THE RELEASE OF ERKAN EYMEZ

According to illegal Bayrak Radio (1630 hours, 1/12/95) the Turkish Cypriot smuggler Erkan Eymez was released last Friday and the UN Peace-keeping force took him to the occupied area and handed him over to the Turkish Cypriot "police". Upon his arrival, Eymez claimed that he was treated very unjustly.

Eymez was received at the Ledra Palace Turkish Cypriot bar- ricades by his wife and by the head of the so-called Eymez Soli- darity Committee. From there, Eymez was taken to the Nicosia Security Directorate", where he was met by "officials". He was received later by the so-called Foreign Minister Atay Ahmet Rasit and is now in hospital for a medical checkup.

In his meeting with Eymez, Rasit alleged that Eymez was reu- nited with his family and country thanks to the steps that were taken and the struggle that was waged. Rasit stressed that "the TRNC will not allow any of its citizens to be hurt."

[03] DENKTASH ON THE ARMAMENT EFFORTS

According to illegal Bayrak Radio (1130 hours, 2/12/95), Rauf Denktash has claimed that now that the initiatives concerning the Cyprus problem have gained a new impetus, certain circles in Greece and Cyprus are following with concern the armament efforts of the Cyprus Government in cooperation with Greece. Denktash made a statement to illegal Bayrak and alleged that Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, with his statement that he is not afraid of Turkey, and Cyprus President Clerides, with his remarks that the necessary measures have been adopted against Turkey, are further inciting the chauvinistic forces in the Greek Cypriot side.

Denktash stated that the Greek Cypriot side must renounce its armament efforts in order not to jepardize the lives of their own people or undermine the peace talks and added that the conditions posited by the Turkish Cypriot side for peace in Cyprus are evident: they are equality, sovereignty, and Turkey's guarantee.

He also claimed that attitudes advocating the Turkish Cypriots' joining the EU first and then discussing the Cyprus problem are not viable, because the EU has not yet acknowledged the Turkish Cypriots or their equality.

Denktash claimed that if the Turkish Cypriot side joins an organization that considers it a minority, it will lose every- thing. Membership in the EU is possible only if the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are acknowledged, and this, in turn, can only be achieved by means of intercommunal talks.

Alleging that Cyprus' rushed membership in the EU was brought about through Greece's blackmail, Denktash added that this was documented by EU officials.

[04] KANTARA CASTLE GRADUALLY DESTROYED

HALKIN SESI (4.12.95) reports that the Kantara Castle on the occupied Kyrenia range has been abandoned to its fate and every passing day it is being destroyed little by little.

It says that most of the buildings of the Kantara Castle are already destroyed. (MY)

[05] NEW "FRIENDS OF NORTH CYPRUS" GROUP

According to Turkish Cypriot CYPRUS TODAY (2/12/95) a new so-called Friends of North Cyprus group has been set up in North- ern Ireland, aimed at securing recognition for the pseudostate.

The Belfast-based group, which held its first meeting recently, has been launched by London travel firm Wondersun Holidays in conjuction with a British couple called Storey. Mr. Storey, who has had an affinity with the Turkish Cypriots since serving on the island with the first peace-keeping force in 1964, was elected chairman at the meeting. His wife has been elected treasurer.

[06] US AMBASSADOR AND TURKISH "ENVOY" HOLD SECRET MEETING

According to KIBRIS (2.12.1995) the US Ambassador to Cyprus and Turkey's so-called envoy to the occupied area Aydan Karahan had a secret meeting last Tuesday in occupied Varosha.

KIBRIS says that the meeting started at 11.45 and continued over dinner. "Officials" from both sides attended the meeting.

During the meeting various aspects of the Cyprus problem, the Varosha issue and US Presidential envoy Beattie's visit to Cyprus were discussed.