TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 96-03-29

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 58/96 29.3.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Rasit raps EP resolution on missing persons issue

In a written statement Rasit said the EP was influenced by the propaganda campaign the Greek and the Greek Cypriot sides are waging in the international field. He went on to say that by producing a resolution based on unfounded allegations, the EP has proved once again that it is incapable of making impartial assessments of the Cyprus problem.

Rasit said that by politically exploiting the missing persons issue, which must be resolved within the framework of certain established criteria by the missing persons committee, the EP will further reinforce the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side. He stressed that resolutions adopted in line with a policy that always looks out for the interests of the Greek Cypriots cannot contribute to the efforts toward a solution of the problem.

Rasit further said:

"The EP resolution not only levels unfounded accusations against our president in connection with the missing persons issue but also accuses the TRNC of preventing a delegation from the EP Human Rights Subcommittee from visiting the so-called besieged persons in Karpaz (Karpass)."

Rasit stressed that like the issue of missing persons, the issue of the so-called besieged persons is one that is continuously exploited by the Greek Cypriots who want to divert attention from their responsibility for the creation of the Cyprus problem.

He said the unilateral resolution adopted in this direction by the relevant EP committee is being assessed by the Turkish Cypriot side within this framework. He stressed that decisions adopted at platforms where the Turkish Cypriot side is not represented are not binding on the 'TRNC'. He added: "It is impossible to implement this decision, which was adopted without consulting or informing the TRNC."

Rasit recalled that the resolution also contained unfounded allegations against the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the destruction of cultural heritage. He stressed that it is the Greek Cypriot side that has been waging a merciless armed campaign since 1963 in order to destroy the Turkish presence and Islamic culture on the island.

Referring to the Greek Cypriot demilitarization proposal, which is cited in the resolution, Rasit said: "The Greek Cypriot Administration continues to speedily purchase arms on one hand and talk of demilitarization on the other. This shows to what extent this lacks seriousness. By pursuing this tactic, the Greek Cypriot Administration is laughing at the world."

[02] Di Roberto holds contacts; Atun and others comment on talks

Hakki Atun, Democratic Party leader and so-called prime minister, denounced the decision adopted by the European Parliament, adding that "the pro-Greek Cypriot approach adopted by the EU despite all the goodwill and the constructive attitude of the Turkish Cypriot side is not conducive to a solution of the problem." Atun said that Di Roberto gave him the report he submitted to the EU Commission. Pointing out that there are two equal sides in Cyprus, Atun added that the EU should take this fact into consideration and should tell the Greek Cypriots that membership in the EU is impossible before a solution is reached on the island. Noting that the Turkish Cypriot are distrustful of the EU, Atun cited the EU Court of Justice embargo on the "TRNC" and the European Parliament resolutions as examples.

National Unity Party leader, Dervis Eroglu, reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots are distrustful of the EU and added: "All EU decisions are against us. The Court of Justice decision is evidence of this. We cannot trust the EU under these conditions." Stressing that the UN goodwill mission cannot be altered Eroglu said the EU should not intervene in the issue. He noted that a solution should be reached in Cyprus first, adding that as long as none is attained, the Greek Cypriots will maintain their intransigent attitude. Eroglu said that if the Greek Cypriots join the EU before a solution is reached, one should realize that the Turkish Cypriots also have alternatives. He noted that in such a situation the negotiations will stop and in that case, either the "TRNC" will continue or relations with Turkey will be further advanced.

Communal Liberation Party leader, Mustafa Akinci, termed the meeting beneficial, adding that his party favours membership in the EU but that the basis and method of this membership are important. Akinci said: "First a solution must be reached, and then the issue of EU membership should be raised. Otherwise, we will only prolong a non solution." Noting that a solution of the Cyprus problem should be sought within the framework of the United Nations, Akinci added that seeking new principles and methods will not contribute to such a solution.

Republican Turkish Party Secretary General Ferdi Sabit Soyer described the meeting as positive and said that it will contribute to solving the problem. He added that when trying to be helpful, however, one should remain within the UN procedures.

Replying to reporters' questions after the meeting, Di Roberto said that the solution of the Cyprus problem will open the doors to EU membership. He added that the aim of the EU is to contribute to the efforts being exerted within the framework of the UN goodwill mission. Di Roberto said: "It is not our aim to take over the UN mission... Many circles are trying to contribute to the solution of the problem because it is a difficult one."

[03] Acarkan faults Di Roberto for limiting contacts

[04] Syrian fugitive deported to Turkey

The paper does not explain on what basis a crime suspect is deported to a third country, which is tantamount to letting criminals go around unpunished. (MY)