Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media (Cyprus PIO Review) 96-07-05.

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.120/96 5.7.96

NEWS ITEMS

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erbakan on Cyprus

"We believe that the disagreements between Turkey and Greece can be solved only within the framework of a negotiation and dialogue process that safeguards lasting and mutual interests.

Peace and tranquility in Cyprus is very important for Turkey. We believe that tranquility in Cyprus can be attained by means of direct negotiations between the two communities on the island. Turkey will try to strengthen the TRNC in every field and will continue to stand by the just cause of our kinsmen until an atmosphere of tranquility -- a lasting atmosphere that will be accepted by the two sides through their own free will -- is created in Cyprus.

The government will take maximum care to protect the rights of our citizens residing abroad."

[02] Atun submits resignation to Denktash

In a statement after receiving the letter of resignation, Denktash said: "We have observed that to send a matchmaker to a possible prospect while being married to someone else was rather strange". He described the resignation as a gesture, adding that given recent developments it is a wise decision.

Denktash said that he would begin to hold meetings with party leaders as of today or 8 July. In reply to a question on whether a "coalition government" can be established between the DP and the National Unity Party, Denktash said: "If there is goodwill then it will be established."

[03] Reaction to the latest murder and to free entry to the occupied area from Turkey

Fellahoglu went on and added: "The Turkish Cypriots do not deserve this. History will condemn those who were instrumental and had great responsibility in preparing this bad result.

The President and the government have to see this bitter reality. This situation cannot be endured any longer, it has reached its limit, because one day the bullets, the knives and the rapes will knock on their doors as well.

We hereby declare that we are ready to live together with those people who will share with the Turkish Cypriots, on an equal level, the economy, the culture, the education and the democratic norms and will be able to establish a harmony with the Turkish Cypriots at a minimum level. And we are of the belief that, the soonest possible, we have to give up the idea that `the one who is arriving is a Turk and the one who is leaving is also a Turk'.

Furthermore, KIBRIS (5.7.96) reports that reaction to the recent murder of the 75-year old Turkish Cypriot woman in the Ayios Lucas neighbourhood of occupied Nicosia, continues among the people in general and in the Ayios Lucas neighbourhood in particular.

KIBRIS publishes interviews it has taken from Turkish Cypriots and residents in the Ayios Lucas neighbourhood. All of them, particularly the residents of the area, expressed fear and disillusionment against the occupation regime's ability to protect their lives.

One of the residents, Leyla Halilhoca, said: "Passers-by pull back the window curtains and peep through the windows inside the rooms. We are unable to come out of our homes. Following this murder, we are afraid of opening our doors and talk to those who knock on our door."

They all demand from the "police" to patrol day and night in the streets and alleys of the neighbourhood as well as to take urgent measures to curb the uncontrolled entry from Turkey to the occupied area. (MY)

[04] Three messages from Turkey to UN on Cyprus question.

A senior diplomat from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that Ankara's first message to Han was to fulfill his mission. "The United States and Britain also want to play a role in the Cyprus question. At the G7 meeting, President Clinton and British Prime Minister Major decided to coordinate their efforts on the Cyprus question.

Until the US presidential election they will show their concern, and after elections they will apply pressure. Also, UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali wants to pass on responsibility for the Cyprus question to others. But for us, the UN goodwill mission has priority," he said.

He pointed out that Ankara had also given a second message about Turkey's rights as guarantor on Cyprus. The senior official said that Turkey never discussed these rights separately from other questions. He said that Ankara would never bargain on these guarantor rights. The third message from Ankara to the Cyprus special representative concerned the arming of the Greek Cypriots. "We said that we were uncomfortable with the arming of Greek Cypriots. We cannot expect that," the same senior diplomat said. EF/SK