TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 96-05-24

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.91/96 24.5.96

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Greek suits filed in Europe against Turkey being studied.

[02] Denktash on venue, agenda for talks with Boutros-Ghali.

[03] Turkey's domestic and other problems influence its support to the pseudostate.

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Greek suits filed in Europe against Turkey being studied

In a statement on the meeting, Denktash claimed that the Greek Cypriots have filed suits in Europe against the pseudostate and Turkey in order to undermine the parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Denktash said that Apakan is studying these suits with jurists, and that he heard Denktash's views on the matter. Denktash explained that Apakan's contacts are focused on this issue.

Present at the meeting was Atay Ahmet Rasit, "Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense".

[02] Denktash on venue, agenda for talks with Boutros-Ghali

In reply to a question on the issue, Denktash said that he would have preferred to meet Boutros-Ghali in Istanbul during the Habitat conference, and added: "I will, however, meet with Boutros-Ghali on 11 June in Geneva if the meeting in Istanbul does not take place."

Pointing out that he is in favour of the UN Secretary General's continuing his goodwill mission, Denktash alleged: "We are disturbed by the fact that numerous countries, on grounds of offering the Secretary General assistance, are undertaking actions in a bid to steer his goodwill mission to other channels. Those circles, who claim to assist the UN Secretary-General, are actually shaping up formulas that will give the Greek Cypriots a chance to abolish the agreements, which are so vital for us. These formulas completely disregard the guarantees and alliance agreements, which were manifested as a result of the Secretary-General's contacts with both sides, and his views on the status of Turkish and Greek units in Cyprus. I would like to convey these views and concerns to the UN Secretary General before it is too late."

In reply to a question on whether this initiative can be assessed as the launching of a new dynamism, Denktash stated: "Those circles, who claim to assist the UN Secretary-General, have disseminated reports to the effect that a new dynamism will be launched in the aftermath of the Greek Cypriot elections and my illness. It would only be favourable for us if the UN Secretary General also gets involved. Undoubtedly, the diplomatic traffic will intensify toward the end of June. We need to hold in-depth discussions with the Secretary-General on issues concerning what action we should take and who our interlocutors are."

[03] Turkey's domestic and other problems influence its support to the pseudostate

CUMHURIYET correspondent Lale Sariibrahimoglu reports that Turkish President Suleyman Demirel has conveyed this to Denktash who recently visited Ankara. Demirel told Denktash: "We support the TRNC, however, problems with our neighbours are on the agenda. They are waiting our weakening."

During the meeting Denktash told Demirel that the Greek Cypriots have covered some distance as regards the EU accession issue and that the USA was following a pro-Greek Cypriot policy, and demanded concrete steps from Turkey. Denktash further demanded from Demirel that, in case the "Greek Cypriots are admitted into the EU as Cyprus the Turkish Grand National Assembly should pass a resolution, showing Turkey's will and determination that in the face of such a development, Turkey will go into integration with the TRNC". And Demirel to announce this to the world.

In reply to Denktash's request, says MILLIYET correspondent, Demirel put forward the following views:" It is the Greek Cypriot side that does not want an agreement. Turkey wants agreement, but not any kind of agreement. Turkey has some rights and powers in Cyprus. We want an agreement that will safeguard them. We are telling this to the whole world. We are always on your side regarding the Cyprus policy. However, at present we have some problems with our neighbours. Our neighbours are waiting for our weakening. For this reason Turkey has to attain stability. Elections in Russia in June could change a lot of things. If communists come to power a lot of things will change, either for good or for bad." (MY)