Compact version |
|
Saturday, 23 November 2024 | ||
|
TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 96-05-20From: Panayiotis Zaphiris <pzaphiri@glue.umd.edu>Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office DirectoryTURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIANo.87/96 18-19-20.5.96NEWS ITEMS[01] Denktash leaves for Ankara for medical check-up.[02] Denktash comments on EU membership, EU aid.[03] Letter to Boutros-Ghali on Greek Cypriot armament efforts.[04] President Demirel survives assassination attempt.[05] Turkish Foreign Minister leaves on working visit to US.[06] Denktash meets with the British High Commissioner.[07] Law courses in occupied area's "universities" to be taught in Turkish.[08] Delegation of Turkish Friendship Group at the EP visits the occupied area.[01] Denktash leaves for Ankara for medical check-upAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (10:30 hours, 19.5.96), Rauf Denktash has left for Ankara for a medical check-up. In a statement at occupied Tymbou airport, Denktash said that he hoped that he will be able to conduct his normal duties after this check-up.Noting that he will meet with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Foreign Ministry officials Denktash said that he will return to the island on Tuesday. [02] Denktash comments on EU membership, EU aidAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (15:30 hours, 19.5.96) Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has stated that the Greek Cypriots have to realize that they have no other alternatives than undertaking mutual talks in a spirit of goodwill. In a statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Denktash, who is in Ankara for a medical check-up, said that "even though the messages we receive say that a divided and problematic Cyprus will not be accepted as a EU member, the Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, are turning their backs on the negotiating table because they probably receive messages to the contrary and thus are hopeful that they will most certainly become EU members." He added that he will discuss these issues with the Turkish Foreign Ministry officials.Denktash also issued a statement to illegal Turkish Cypriot Agency (TAK) about the EU extending 20 million Cyprus pounds in aid to the Cyprus Government to build a new hospital and not making any contributions to the Turkish Cypriot side. He alleged that it "would be foolish to expect the Greek Cypriot, who for years has been enriched through the foreign aid extended by various sources, to take the road of conciliation." Denktash added that in order to receive such aid, the pseudostate is faced with the condition of acknowledging the Cyprus Government as the legal government of Cyprus. Noting that the United States did not give its approval to the Turkish projects, Denktash added: "We are now being told that we should submit projects, which will be acceptable to the Cyprus government, if we want to improve our economic situation. We are also told that we should support the Cyprus government's application for EU membership." [03] Letter to Boutros-Ghali on Greek Cypriot armament effortsAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (5:00 hours, 17.5.96) in a letter to UN Secretary General Boutros-Ghali in response to Greek Cypriot statements that Turkish planes are repeatedly violating Cyprus airspace, Osman Ertug, so-called TRNC representative in New York, called on the United Nations "to take heed of the Greek Cypriot armament efforts."Ertug alleged that the agreement signed between the Cyprus Government and Russia envisioned the building of installations in south Cyprus that will produce arms. Alleging that the Turkish planes were conducting their flights with the knowledge and under "the authorization of the TRNC", Ertug claimed: "Those who have usurped their government position in Cyprus do not have any right to comment on this issue" (sentence as heard). [04] President Demirel survives assassination attemptAccording to TRT television network (15:00 hours, 18.5.96) an attempt was made on the life of Turkish President Suleyman Demirel at the inauguration of a trade center in Izmir last Saturday. Demirel was not injured in the attempt. One journalist was injured in the incident. The assailant was captured, along with his weapon, by the security forces. There is no information yet on the identity of the assailant. MILLIYET correspondent Ihsan Yilmaz, who was injured in the knee, is being treated at the hospital.[05] Turkish Foreign Minister leaves on working visit to USAccording to TRT television network (1000 hours, 19.5.96) Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay left on a one-day working visit to the United States yesterday morning. In a predeparture statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Gonensay declared that relations with the United States are continuing within the framework of a developed partnership, which comprises bilateral relations as well as the protection of peace and stability in the region. Gonensay stated that Turkey is exerting efforts to further develop its relations with the United States, which is, in turn, displaying the same will."We will again explain to the United States our problems with Greece, especially in the Aegean, and the ways in which we want to resolve them", he said. [06] Denktash meets with the British High CommissionerAccording to KIBRIS (18.5.96) the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had separate meetings with the British High Commissioner to Cyprus David Madden and the Egyptian Ambassador to Cyprus Muhammed Fadel el-Kadi.During the Denktash-Madden meeting issues related to last week's contact in Cyprus of Jeremy Groestock, Director of the British Foreign Ministry' Political Affairs section, were discussed.(MY) [07] Law courses in occupied area's "universities" to be taught in TurkishKIBRIS (19.5.96) reports that law courses in the so-called universities in the occupied area will be given as of the 1996-1997 Academic year in Turkish instead of in English, according to the law faculties program of the Turkish universities. (MY)[08] Delegation of Turkish Friendship Group at the EP visits the occupied areaKIBRIS (18.5.96) reports that a delegation from the German speaking Turkish Friendship Group at the European Parliament has arrived in the occupied area to hold contacts.The delegation, headed by the Honorary Member of the European Parliament Wanfred Vohrer, will stay for two days in the occupied area. The European Parliament's section head Frank Wiehler, the Advisor to the Christian Democrats Bruno Ohls, and two journalists are also included in the delegation. (MY) |