Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media 96-07-24

From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.133/96 24.7.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Serdar Denktash assesses internal developments

In a statement to illegal Bayrak Radio and Television, DP leader Serdar Denktash said that he will ask the party assembly to expand the authority it gave him to conduct "coalition" negotiations with the National Unity Party (NUP). In this way, he said, he will be able to hold "coalition" talks with other parties as well.

Serdar Denktash pointed out that in light of the remarks made by NUP leader Dervis Eroglu it will be impossible to establish a "coalition" with that party. Despite that, he said, he will continue to hold talks with the NUP officials and we will bring them a new proposal.

Serdar Denktash rejected Eroglu's contention that the "coalition" talks between the DP and the NUP were suspended because of differences of opinion on economic issues. Denktash said: "Had that been the case, I would not regret it. However, the misunderstandings were not on economic issues but on the distribution of the ministries and on the distribution of duties."

Denktash stated that governments of the Turkish Republic have never shown preferences for particular "governments" in the pseudostate and that they never linked aid to which "government" comes to power in the "TRNC". Serdar Denktash stressed that the people should not be misled about this issue.

[02] Leftist detainee in Turkey dies at end of hunger strike

The prison authorities and the Eyup public prosecutor have started an investigation into his death.

[03] Turkish Bank deposit, loan figures

Deposits jumped to TL (Turkish Lira) 1.665 quadrillion over the month, up from TL1.545 quadrillion on May 31, accounting for a seven percent increase.

Bank credits went up from TL1.771 quadrillion to TL1.947 quadrillion, an increase of 9 percent in the same period.

On June 28 the deposits of state-owned banks registered a high of TL1.002 quadrillion, private banks TL651.5 trillion, and foreign banks TL11.7 trillion.

The credits of state-owned banks registered a high of TL670.1 trillion on June 28, while the credits of the private banks TL1.109 quadrillion, and foreign banks TL48.2 trillion.

[04] Turkey's external debt figures

[05] Former Turkish General: Hammer force to stay till Kurdish state set

Claiming that the "outwardly" stated reason for bringing the Hammer Force was the prevention of the emigration and its "real" reason the establishment of a Kurdish state, Muhittin Fisunoglu said: "Unfortunately, the Hammer Force has already laid the foundation for a Kurdistan. This will not bring any benefit to our country. But we are knowingly forced to approve it because the economic and military dependence on the outside world is continuing. The Hammer Force appears to have brought some benefits, but to me it has no benefits to offer. Save its political effect, I do not think that it even offers any military benefits."

Noting that the economically and politically weak states dependent on the outside world cannot be politically effective, Fisunoglu said: "That is why it is very difficult to send the Hammer Force away. Already, neither the National Security Council nor the soldiers are the ones who decide upon the stay or departure of the Hammer Force. This is completely the result of the state policy pursued so far."

Claiming that the Hammer Force will remain until the realization of the plans of the "foreign circles", Fisunoglu said: "One must be strong and pound the table loudly to send it away. Whereas, the state of our economy is only too obvious and we are militarily dependent on the outside world. Economically, militarily, socially, and culturally weak countries cannot be politically effective. That is why, unfortunately, the dependent countries have fallen into a situation of bowing to the demands of the strong. That is why one has to be strong. It must be the priority task of governments to take every measure to muster such a strength."

[06] USA team undertakes interior design work for "Cyprus Turkish Airlines" planes

Two of the brand new MD90 planes will be handed over to the so-called CTA in December 1996 and the third one in January 1997. (MY)

[07] TGNA deputy speaker says "the TRNC is a living reality"

Speaking to Turkey's semi-official Anatolia Agency (AA) Genc claimed that there was peace, prosperity and tranquility in the occupied area for the last 22 years, that some foreign forces want to disturb this tranquility but Turkey would not allow this to happen.

As for Cyprus' effort to become an EU member, Genc declared: "The EU wants to add the south Cyprus Greek state to the EU by force. It also wants the people of North Cyprus to join them. The Republic of Turkey cannot allow such a thing to happen. If the EU makes the south Cyprus Greek state an EU member, then Turkey, by taking the TRNC under its dependence,* will secure that state's independent survival."

(* Tr. note: Here Mr Genc uses the Turkish word tabiiyet, which means nationality, or allegiance or dependence).

As for Turkish Prime Minister Erbakan's visit to the occupied area, Genc said. "No one has the right to interfere in Turkey's affairs. Every state in the world charts its own national policy and acts accordingly.

The TRNC is a living reality, denying this fact is tantamount to surrendering arms.

The fact that the Prime Minister and his entourage attended the peace celebrations is an indication of the importance Turkey gives to the TRNC." (MY)