Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media 96-07-15

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.126/96 13-14-15.7.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash discusses latest developments in Cyprus question

Denktash briefed the "deputies" on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus question. He said that nobody should think that the Greek Cypriot side submitted a good agreement package. Had such a thing been true, Denktash said, we would have reached an agreement a long time ago. He alleged that there have been no changes in the attitude of the Greek Cypriot side, and that the Greek Cypriots are advancing toward their aim step by step. He noted that the one-sided appeal to the EU for membership and the defense doctrine are signs of that.

Denktash alleged that the Cyprus government has been acting hypocritically regarding the Cyprus problem; that while talking of a federation it made a one-sided appeal to the EU. Denktash said that the Greek Cypriots are now trying to change the agenda, adding that the real aim behind their appeal to the EU for membership is to eliminate the guarantees system. Repeating his known allegation he said: "The elimination of the guarantees system would mean the annexation of Cyprus to Greece through Europe."

Denktash also said that the Turkish Cypriots are faced with a new agenda in connection with the resumption of the talks. He pointed out that foreign diplomats are saying that they are ready to discuss President Clerides's proposals for demilitarization, disarmament, the multinational force, and the EU issue. Denktash claimed that these proposals aim at eliminating the Turkish Cypriot community. Denktash called on the political party leaders and "deputies" to explain the "danger" of all this to foreign diplomats. He said: "All the Greek Cypriots want is to take from us whatever we have during the negotiation process."

Denktash said that the issue can be discussed within the framework of UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali's Set of Ideas.

He pointed out that Europe considers the Greek Cypriot side its interlocutor, but it is beginning to realize that the Greek Cypriot side is not the key to open the EU issue. He recalled that the EU asked for the Cyprus Government's permission to confer with the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that such a disgraceful thing is unacceptable to the Turkish Cypriots. He said that the Turkish Cypriot side's status as a founding partner must be recognized for membership in the EU. Denktash said that any opposing views must be aired and discussed on every platform.

Denktash reiterated that he is ready to meet with President Clerides with no preconditions, but that the Greek Cypriot leader is shunning negotiations under the pretext that there is no common ground. He said that as the negotiator, he will continue to say no to all the dangers he listed, adding: "We must determined our direction in peace."

Denktash said that if necessary a referendum can be held, and he called on the deputies to assess the situation.

[02] Atun: "Cyprus problem can be solved with Erbakan"

On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation, the Beyoglu municipality of the metropolitan Istanbul has organized "celebration activities" to which Atun is invited to represent the Turkish Cypriot community.

Speaking to journalists Atun said that he believed that the 54th government in Turkey under Erbakan's premiership would lead the Cyprus problem to a better level and will be able to bring about a settlement.

He further said that the new government was expected to encourage investments in the occupied area which would create new jobs and improve the standard of living of the Turkish Cypriots.

As for the Cyprus problem Atun said that they Turkish Cypriot leadership wished to make a new evaluation with Erbakan. He said: "We consider the Greek Cypriot side's signing of a military pact with Greece, the defence doctrine and holding joint military exercises to be dangerous and negative. We assess this as an act against Turkey. The entry of the Greek Cypriot side into the EU is also dangerous. Europe itself is attempting to divide Cyprus.

This is destroying the last chance of finding a solution in Cyprus with two communities based on two equal separate states. It is necessary that on this issue a new evaluation be made with Erbakan's government".

In his turn Turkey's Minister of Culture Ismail Kahraman, said that Cyprus is Turkey's national cause and that there was no room for tolerance let alone concession. "In Cyprus we have rights recognized by international law. Cyprus is our national cause. It is out of the question to give up this cause", claimed Kahraman. (MY) AA/SK