TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 96-03-21

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 53/96 21/3/96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Atun on Russian military cooperation with Greek Cypriots

He added: "It is very thought-provoking that a UN Security Council member like Russia is one of the primary countries that are arming the Greek Cypriot side." He "warned" that the military cooperation with Russia and the advanced weapons to be purchased from this country will further escalate the tension on the island.

"We want to warn the UN Security Council, primarily the UN Secretary general, and all the interested parties, which wish to contribute to the solution of the problem, in connection with this development," Atun said.

[02] U.S. State Department official holds contacts According to illegal Bayrak Radio (1130 hours, 20/3/96)

In a statement during the meeting, Atun said that, as party leader, he is meeting with Lopez. Noting that he will explain to the U.S. official the nature of the Cyprus issue and the future course it must follow, Atun expressed the wish that the talks will reach a positive point.

In his statement before meeting the U.S. official CLP leader Mustafa Akinci interpreted this visit as the outcome of the U.S. Administration's interest in Cyprus. Akinci remarked that realistic contributions are necessary if a realistic solution is to be achieved in Cyprus. He added: "The contribution of those conducting contacts in Cyprus will be realistic to the extent that they are able to maintain equitable ties with the two communities and to heed the views of the Turkish Cypriot people". Akinci stressed that EU membership should be raised only after the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Lopez later called on NUP leader Dervis Eroglu. In a statement before the meeting, Eroglu pointed out that Lopez is visiting the island for the first time and he will convey to her the views of the party with regard to the national cause. Eroglu said that during the meeting, he will also try to receive new U.S. messages on the Cyprus issue, if there are any such messages.

The U.S. official's final meeting was with Mehmet Ali Talat, RTP leader, "state minister, and deputy prime minister". In his statement, before the meeting, Talat said that he will convey his party's views on the Cyprus issue and the difficulties facing the Turkish Cypriot community. Pointing out that significant development can take place concerning Cyprus's membership in the EU, Talat reiterated his view that this membership should be realized following a solution. Talat said that he will explain the reasons for this stand.

In a statement during her contacts, Lopez declared that this is an orientation visit and she will submit a report to the U.S. State Department at the end of her contacts.

[03] Turkish "envoy" vows continuation of Turkey's aid

TEXT:(PART I)

QUESTION: For some circles, the economic problems the Turkish Cypriots are faced with are related to Turkey's limiting the economic aid to the Turkish Cypriots. Do you think this is the case?

KARAHAN: It is a fact that the TRNC's economy, which is under development, faces difficulties from time to time. However, one should not underestimate the distance covered during the 22 years that have passed by since 1974. Turkey, and the Turkish nation, is determined and resolved to continue to support the efforts aimed at improving the prosperity and the development of the Turkish Cypriot people. There is no decrease in the aid provided by Turkey to the TRNC. Turkey continues to contribute to the TRNC's development in the economic and social fields. Within this framework, on the one hand, while we are extending support by developing the road network and land transport and various infrastructural projects that are aimed at solving the water problem of the TRNC by building or planning to built water reservoirs, on the other hand we are also extending help to projects that are aimed at increasing the TRNC's export, tourism and education sectors.

I believe the priority issue on the TRNC's economic agenda is "restructuring". The decisive element in the dynamic economic restructuring programme, which is productive and also creates resources, is the securing of social contract. Within this framework I would like to draw the attention to the fact that it is important that the resources should be used in a rational away, by increasing the driving and creative power of the private sector, solving the problems pilled up for years and adopting and making functional the market economy system, with all its conditions.

QUESTION: They speak of creating a multinational force on the island. How could such a force, in which both Greek and Turkish troops will participate, be helpful in maintain peace in Cyprus? Isn't there already a UN peace-keeping force on the island?

KARAHAN: One should not give credit to initiatives which will deepen the lack of trust on the island. It should not be forgotten that the real force that maintains peace and security on the island is the Turkish armed forces.

The bitter events experienced in the past are proof of the degree of security the Turkish Cypriots can secure through an international force. The tragedy in Bosnia-Herzegovina is the fresh example in front of us. Whereas since 1974 peace and stability reign on the island.

From time to time "ideas" are put forward based on the illusion of matering down the effective and actual turkish guarantorship. Turkey's right to guarantorship, which means securing the Turkish Cypriots' ever-lasting existence, emanates from the signed treaties.

The guarantorship continues and shall continue to be valid. The Turkish Cypriot people need not worry and should stay calm:

QUESTION: Do the intensive military measures being taken and the intensive arming which is going on under the military dogma between Greece and South Cyprus increase the possibility of an armed conflict on our island?

KARAHAN: The Joint Defence Doctrine has openly displayed the aims and intentions to threaten peace and stability that prevails for more than 20 years in Cyprus. The drawbacks created by the military escalation need no explanation. I would like to underline the following: That Turkey and the TRNC are determined to deter any adventurist aspirations.

QUESTION: The Head of the EU Delegation in Cyprus, Esteemed Gilles Anouil, claims that in case Cyprus becomes an EU member the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots will improve. How can Cyprus be an EU member and how this membership can provide benefits to the Turkish Cypriots while embargoes are going on and no political solution is found? How will the Turkish Cypriots get rid of the political, economic and all kinds of embargoes as well as the isolation?

GARAHAN: I follow the various unrealistic statements that are being made to the effect that the Turkish Cypriots will get great benefits by entering into the EU without a clear status, and I haven't got the slightest doubt that the Turkish Cypriot people is doing the necessary evaluation. On this occasion I would like to underline the following fact: The Turkey-TRNC joint communique signed by the presidents of the two countries on 28 December 1995 in Ankara stipulates that if agreement is reached in the intercommunal talks between the sides firstly on sovereignty, equality and on the basic issues, then the issue of the EU membership conditions could be discussed. My wish is that the third parties recognize as soon as possible the equal and legal status of the Turkish Cypriot people. I would also like to stress the other element that is related to the subject, that is the provisions of the 1960 Treaties which are very clear.

QUESTION: Are not free trade, travel and exchange of information fundamental human rights? If that is so, why then they are denied to the Turkish Cypriots?

KARAHAN: It is obvious that the Turkish Cypriot people are in a self-defence position against the threats and attacks directed for the last 30 years against their fundamental rights and freedoms and political status. The fact that the Turkish Cypriots are waging this unequal struggle within exemplary democratic conditions surpasses all forms of appreciation. Within this framework, the international community, without further delay, should start looking into the Cyprus problem from the right perspective. I personally believe that the outdated embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people will peter out against the power of the existing democracy in the TRNC, in the near future.

(to be continued).