Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media 96-08-19

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.147/96 17-18-19.8.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ciller advocates Turkey's and Cyprus' simultaneous memberships in the EU

Noting that Turkey constitutes a bridge of peace in its region, Ciller said: "Turkey has to give equal importance to both the East and West if it is to serve as a bridge of peace between these two sides."

Commenting on the Cyprus issue, Ciller recalled that in Cyprus she disclosed a peace project that envisages Turkey's and Cyprus' simultaneous memberships in the EU. Describing this peace project as "a call for peace and an alternative," Ciller said: "We say this will produce a lasting and natural solution."

In reply to questions, Ciller claimed that "Turkey, which was never the aggressive side, will continue not being aggressive".

"We are also shouldering the responsibility of being the more powerful side. For this reason, when I went to Cyprus yesterday I gave the youth of the `TRNC' the message not to get carried away by provocations. Despite everything, nobody was carried away by provocations in the TRNC. Nobody said that they would cross the Greek Cypriot border when all the motorbikes violated our border. Moreover, great care was taken not to cross into the buffer zone. Within this framework, efforts were exerted to keep the assailants away from the border. This should once again prove to the world public that the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces are in Cyprus solely for defensive reasons and to protect the lives and property of innocent people," she alleged.

Moreover, KIBRIS (17.8.96), referring to the same press conference, reports that Ciller once more reiterated that in Cyprus they will not allow a fait accompli. She sent on and said: "We have always expressed our readiness to extend our hand of friendship to Greece. Making war needs courage. However, making peace needs more courage. It is out of the question for Turkey to allow a fait accompli. We have always said that. We have said it in Imia (she said Kardak), we have said this in Cyprus." (MY)

[02] Water from Turkey to the occupied area

When asked to comment on the latest reports that Turkey will sell water from Manavgat to Libya, Ciller said that the feasibility study regarding the waters of Manavgat River are continuing. "We have not worked out the distribution of the water yet, but priority will be given to Cyprus. Cyprus can be turned into a desert in the future, because there is no water. We are ready to use the water for regional peace." (MY)

[03] Denktash approves names in UBP-DP "Coalition"

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak radio (10:30 hours, 6.8.96) the "coalition protocol" has been released to the public. Noting that special importance will be attached to expand, safeguard, and promote the independent identity of the "TRNC" in its foreign relations, the "protocol" states that a particular importance and place will be given to the relations with Turkey. Expressing support of the intercommunal talks, which will be held in line with the principle of equal status, under the auspices of the United Nations in a bid to secure a just and reasonable solution to the Cyprus issue, the "protocol" stresses that Cyprus' membership in the EU may come on the agenda only after a final political solution is achieved.

[04] Naval moves linked to incidents in Cyprus reported on 17 August

Muavenet and a number of submarines crossed the Canakkale Straits into the Aegean Sea on 16.8.96. Nine naval ships, including frigates and attack boats, arrived in the vicinity of Gelibolu on the same day. They later moved towards the straits and anchored at Nara Base. They will cross the straits into the Aegean Sea in the event of a crisis. EF/SK