TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 95-12-18

From: Panayiotis Zaphiris <pzaphiri@Glue.umd.edu>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS

AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 237/95 16-17-18/12/95

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriots consider Boutros-Ghalis' Report "Incomplete"

Ertug went on to claim that the missing persons issue is being covered up in a bid to appease the Greek Cypriots. He alleged that the people the Greek Cypriots claim are missing are actually dead, adding that this fact is known to the Greek Cypriot side but that the issue is being kept alive in order to create difficulties for the Trukish Cypriot side. Ertug described as positive the absence of the passage that says that there is no peace in Cyprus but a cease-fire -- a passage that had appeared in previous reports. He added: "They probably decided to delete this section after observing the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and other places.

[02] Atun reads "coalition government program"

The Republican Assembly convened under Speaker Ayhan Halit Acarkan. Atun read out the "government" program at the Assembly session:

"In foreign relations, our "government" will attach special importance to the protection and development of the independent identity of the "TRNC". We are aware of the atmosphere in which the Turkish Cypriot community is living. The Cyprus problem, which has been continuing for years, the dynamic process experienced in the world and in our region, and the surrounding international events directly affect us. If the "government" is to fulfill its duty to the benefit of the community, it must inevitably follow these developments closely and adopt the necessary measures in the face of these developments. Our "government" will pursue a principled foreign policy, which accords priority to the interests of the "TRNC" and our people. Our government is determined to develop our relations with motherland Turkey. Special importance and priority will be given to relations with Turkey and all opportunities will be exploited to develop cooperation and solidarity between the "TRNC" and Turkey"in every field.

The coalition "government" will do its share to resolve the Cyprus problem between the two sides on the basis of a mutually acceptable solution. The DP-CTP coalition "government" supports the intercommunal talks to be held on the basis of an equal political status within the framework of the UN Secretary- General's goodwill mission for lasting peace. The coalition "government" underlines the importance of conducting the talks between the two sides under free and equal conditions. The intercommunal talks will be conducted within the framework of the 1977 and 1979 high-level agreements and the principles accepted by the leaders of the two communities. We believe that it will be more appropriate and beneficial to hold the talks in Cyprus.

While efforts are being made to reach a solution on the basis of the high-level agreements, the implementation of the conflidence-building measures package will constitute a primary goal. It is essential that any solution to be reached at the intercommunal talks should be submitted for separate approval by the two communities through referendums. Any future solution will stipulate that the Turkish and Greek communities live side by side in peace and tranquillity without reverting to the pre-1974 conditions.

On the subject of territorial adjustments, it is important that the Turkish Cypriots be given territory which they will consider sufficient within the framework of the criteria stipulated in the 1977 agreement. Attitudes that will force our people to become displaced cannot be accepted. Any future agreement will be based on the equal political status of the two peoples and on the common sovereignty which will stem from two equal peoples. The residual powers in the hands of the two separate administrations will be based on sovereignty, similar to the Swiss model.

Motherland Turkey will continue to effectively guarantee the bicommunal and bizonal structure. Under this structure, neither community will have sovereignty, administration, or other rights over the other community. The equality of the two sides is an essential factor in the common administration. It will also be imperative for the common administration to make decisions based on concensus. The characteristics of the two communities, including rotational presidency, must be reflected at every level of the common admininstration.

The coalition "government" deems it beneficial for the leaders of the two communities to hold contacts within the framework of the intercommunal talks process with a view to achieving intercommunal rapprochement and enhancing confidence. Equality and mutual respect are vital components of intercommunal relations and contacts.

The DP-CTP coalition will take special care to continuously brief the Republican Assembly on the solution of the Cyprus problem. Cyprus' full membership in the EU will be raised only after the final solution of the Cyprus problem. The decision adopted by the European Court of Justice with regard to exports from the "TRNC" harms the Turkish Cypriot people and adversely affect the efforts for a lasting solution. Our "government" will continue to wage a legal and political struggle to eliminate the effects of this decision".

[03] Denktash on EU issue and Cyprus Developments

Denktash participated in the "Akis" program broadcast live on the Bayrak Radio and Television last Friday and later replied to questions by Turkish Cypriot and Turkish correspondents. He said that he does not believe that Cyprus will be accepted into the EU given the status quo and that the information he has been receiving supports his views. Denktash reitereated that should the Greek Cypriots be accepted into the EU unilaterally, the "TRNC" will go toward integration with Turkey.

In reply to a question, Denktash also referred to Cyprus' membership in the Commonwealth and non-aligned groups. He said that Cyprus became a Commonwealth member in conjunction with the 1960 agreements. Pointing out that Commonwealth membership should not be compared with EU membership, Denktash said the Commonwealth members have no executive authority while the EU is capable of making binding decisions.

Denktash also commented on the views of the United States and the EU member countries concerning Cyprus' application for EU membership. He expressed the belief that, given the current U.S. stand on the issue, Cyprus will not join the EU. Denktash said there are two existing views on the issue among the EU member countries, adding that one is to accept Cyprus as a member in the current atmosphere while the other is to wait until a solution is reached.

Replying to questions on recent developments regarding the Cyprus issue, Denktash said that the Greek Cypriots are running away from the talks, pretending that they are holding negotiations in a bid to increase the pressure on Turkey, and that they are working against recognition of the "TRNC". Pointing out that the Cyprus issue has moved to the foreground because of Greece's blackmail, Denktash said this was also pointed out to him by a high-ranking EU bureaucrat. Noting that the bureaucrat told him that the Cyprus issue has assumed priority because Greece threatened to use its veto power, Denktash quoted the bureaucrat as saying the following: "Therefore, we have given the Cyprus issue priority. As a matter of fact, we have even set a date for the discussions concerning Cyprus' membership in the EU."

Denktash said that in the Bosnian and the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements, the parties concerned accepted one another's rights and authorities. He added that the Greek Cypriots have not accepted any of the rights and authorities of the Turkish Cypriots.

Denktash further noted the importance of establishing a "national council." He replied to questions on the recent extensive coverage of the Cyprus issue by the Turkish press. Referring to the importance of the discussions on the Cyprus problem in Turkey, Denktash said that the Cyprus issue which is above partisan cocnerns, should not become a subject of contention among parties. Noting that the Turkish government has given the necessary reply to the claims that Cyprus is being sold out, Denktash said he is not under the impression that Cyprus is being sold out.

Denktash said that there are various concessions that can in no way be made, adding that the important thing is to reach an agreement that will safeguard peace. In reply to a question why the "TRNC" is not being recognized by the Islamic countries, Denktash pointed to pressure as one of the reasons. He added that another reason is that the Turkish Cypriot side is continuing negotiations for a federal Cyprus with goodwill. Referring to the "intransigence" of the Greek Cypriots, Denktash said: "Had we refussed to negotiate, the necessary foundation for recognition would have been created. Then recognition would have begun. The right conditions are needed for recognition.

Denktash said that he had recently been criticized for agreeing to certain things that he had originally rejected. Denktash added that the proposals put to him were not cencrete at first and that he agreed to them after they were clarified as a result of the work conducted on them. He added that this is a necessary exercise. Denktash stated that the Greek Cypriots have shown their "intransigence" by replying in the negative.

In reply to a question on the territorial issue, Denktash said that there is no other map aside from the Boutros-Ghali map, which the Turkish Cypriot side has rejected. He concluded by saying that this should be the last issue to be discussed.

[04] More on Denktash's interview

"Clerides as well is under the influence of this group. They will not recognize our rights. They do not concede. If he (Clerides) gives this right they will kill him ... The situation is that much grave".

Furthermore Denktash tried to clarify the term integration and annexation. He said "There are people who say annexation instead of integration. The Greek Cypriots and those who think similarly should know that integration of the TRNC with Turkey has nothing to do with annexation. As Cyprus' entry into the EU is not considered annexation, such an integration with Trukey can not be considered annexation. If need be we will be integrated with the 60 million Turks, we will be united."

[05] Turkish official urges free trade agreement with the occupied area

Eren claimed that any trade problem between Turkey and the occupied area will be overcome, through negotiations to be held with the Eureopan Union. Eren declared that at present Turkey was doing off-shore business with the occupied area, and added that if Turkey does not inroduce arrangements in its relations (trade) with the occupied area then within five years Turkey should adopt the preferential relations of the EU.

Eren further added that given the Customs Union, Turkey should review its offshore and border trade legislation. He said that offshore and border trade reached very high volumes and pointed out that this issue should be regulated and it would be beneficial if it was brought in line with the EU legislation.

[06] Ciller: "Prior to a solution in Cyprus the Greek Cypriots can not be a member of the EU."

According to KIBRIS (18.12.95) Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller has declared that prior to the solution of the Cyprus problem "South Cyprus's" entry into the EU is out of the question.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ritz Hotel, following her talks with the EU Troika, she referred to the Cyprus problem and said that she had presented Turkey's views to the Troika. (M.Y.)

[07] Islamoglu's surprise visit

According to ORTAM (18/12/95) Turkish State Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs Munif Islamoglu's visit to the occupied area is aimed at signing an agreement that will be tantamount to "economic integration" between Turkey and the occupied area.

ORTAM further adds that "Islamoglu's surprise visit" at a atime when an intensive election campaign is taking place in Turkey, is aimed at an evaluation prior to the Customs Union agreement that will become effective as of 1st January 1996. (M.Y.)