Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media,

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TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.189/96 19-20-21.10.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash meets Hannay, discusses rotational presidency.

[02] Russian statement described by Turkish Cypriots as applying "double standards".

[03] Denktash on concept of Turkish nationalism.

[04] Price index rises 6.5 percent in month, 73 percent annually.

[05] Eroglu reelected leader at NUP congress.

[06] Eroglu outlines NUP aims, policies during congress.

[07] Turkish Cypriots to privatize six hotels.

[08] Turkish envoy insists there is no change in Turkey's Cyprus policy.

[09] Inal Batu repeats Turkey's objective for a federal settlement.

[10] Talat defends federal settlement.

[11] New TMT chairman.

[12] Pigeons, partridges and hare in the occupied area affected by diseases.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash meets Hannay, discusses rotational presidency

In a statement after the meeting, Denktash said that he had a detailed discussion with Sir David in connection with the Cyprus problem, and that the latter will return to the island in two months for renewed contacts.

Denktash denied the Greek Cypriot press reports that Sir David brought a proposal saying that the powers of the presidents should be symbolic and that all powers should be concentrated in the prime minister within a rotational presidency. He said: "The Greek Cypriots seem like they would be happy with such a proposal, but such a proposal was not made. Still, this was also mentioned as an alternative, but we explained to Sir David that it is not viable. That is where the talks stand."

Denktash stated that what the Turkish Cypriots stress is that "the equality of the two motherlands' ties with Cyprus and the equality toward the outside will not be undermined". He reiterated that the principle of bizonality cannot be diluted, or the guarantee and alliance agreements cancelled. He said that he told Sir David that these basic issues cannot be undermined, nor can the "sovereignty" of the Turkish Cypriots be eliminated.

Replying to a Greek Cypriot journalist, Denktash denied that Petros Kakoulli, who was killed during the last incident, was killed on orders received some 20 minutes after he was caught.

[02] Russian statement described by Turkish Cypriots as applying "double standards"

A statement issued by the "Ministry" claimed once again that the "unwelcome deaths were the direct consequence of the provocative and aggressive policy pursued by the Greek Cypriot Administration lately" and further alleged: "Undoubtedly, the efforts exerted by the Russian Federation to put the responsibility on another side is an important element in increasing Greek Cypriot aggression and the tension in the island."

The statement also claimed that it is unacceptable for Russia "to support Hellenic chauvinism by selling arms to the Greek Cypriot Administration."

[03] Denktash on concept of Turkish nationalism

Denktash was replying to a question regarding press reports about a statement by Serdar Denktash, Democratic Party leader, "State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister", that these two concepts were incompatible. Claiming out that these were intentional reports with ulterior motives, Denktash added that "just as one should be a Turkish nationalist to defend the TRNC one should also be a Turkish Cypriot nationalist to defend the same cause." Noting that these are complementary concepts that incorporate and not negate one another, Denktash said that he "could not understand the purpose of differentiating between them and, thus, confusing the people and dividing a national front."

[04] Price index rises 6.5 percent in month, 73 percent annually

[05] Eroglu reelected leader at NUP congress

[06] Eroglu outlines NUP aims, policies during congress

Eroglu alleged that the "TRNC" has more power and opportunity than ever before to determine its own destiny in the international arena. He said that this is an advantage and must be well utilized.

Eroglu made the following "appeal" on the Greek Cypriot leadership and the Church: "Let them come to their senses. They cannot achieve anything by mounting their provocations in our borders, because we are determined to protect our borders with our lives."

The NUP leader stated that the Turkish Cypriots cannot make concessions on their basic rights, adding that the aim is to perpetuate the "TRNC" in cooperation with Turkey. This is the fundamental condition for a just, lasting, and viable solution proposed for Cyprus, Eroglu claimed.

[07] Turkish Cypriots to privatize six hotels

In addition to the 431-room Salamis Bay Hotel, the Turkish Cypriot "administration" is planning to sell the old Dome Hotel, the Mare Monte in occupied Kyrenia, the Saray hotel in occupied Nicosia, and the Dorona and Seaside Hotels in occupied Famagusta, Turkish Cypriot "Deputy Prime Minister" Serdar Denktash said in an interview Wednesday.

The six hotels, have a total 2,000 bed capacity.

"The tourism seasons in northern Cyprus over the last two years have not been bright", Serdar Denktash said. "We've only had 30 percent occupancy."

Denktash, 38, who is also leader of the Democratic Party, junior member of the "coalition government", is the son of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. While in Istanbul, Denktash will be attending the "TUYAP Turkey-Turkish Cyprus Export and Tourism Fair." "Privatization of the hotels is aimed at modernizing the facilities and improving services", he said.

Turks from the mainland, Germans, British and Israelis are the main tourists who visit the occupied area which has 60 hotels.

Plans are underway to expand the capacity of hotels from 7,800 to 9,000 beds. The Crystal Cove, a five-star hotel that is being developed by fugitive Turkish Cypriot tycoon Asil Nadir, is expected to begin operating in March.

[08] Turkish envoy insists there is no change in Turkey's Cyprus policy

When asked to comment on recent attempts made by certain circles to raise the issue of confederation and whether there was any change in Turkey's federation stand, Karahan answered: "There is no such thing. We have never said anything to that effect. We believe that the problem will be solved at the negotiation table by the two communities. The basic principles are on the table for years. The agreement will be built on them."

Referring to the recent killings on the buffer zone and the shedding of blood, as well as the tension in both communities, YENIDUZEN asked whether the envoy sees a possibility of war. Karahan said: "Let me say this first. This killing and wounding incidents have really hurt us. But why did they take place? Had the Turkish Cypriots instigated them? No. But, unfortunately, we see that the Greek Cypriot administration headed by esteemed Clerides is provoking these incidents with all means available to it. Or at least it did not try to stop the escalation of these incidents. The Cyprus problem cannot be solved by sending seven thousand motorcyclists and ten thousand cyclists to the borders. So, if this is the case, let them give up these provocations. These cannot solve the Cyprus problem but they create very serious events. Everybody will be sorry. Come and give up these provocative actions.

The Cyprus problem will be solved at the negotiation table through dialogue. Therefore, with a view not to irritating further people on both sides, it is necessary to give up these provocations. This path is not a positive one. This could create more serious events in Cyprus. The time has come for both sides to sit around the negotiation table at the highest level. As Turkish Republic, we believe in this and we support it. There is no other way to solve the Cyprus problem."

When asked whether the conditions will force the sides towards an agreement or whether they are heading for an agreement, the Turkish envoy answered: "Instead of using the word force, I hope and wish that this will be realized. What I have observed is that the TRNC has the will and wish towards this end. But we are unable to see this will and wish on the part of the other side. As though they have indexed themselves to the EU entry. This could end with disillusionment. For this reason I hope and wish that common sense will prevail and agreement will be reached as soon as possible. Some of our friends are trying to convince them to this end. If this is realized, then the two leaders can meet and pave the way for a settlement, the negotiation process can start and a settlement found. But I cannot see such a light from the other side, because the other side only speaks about EU membership. They think as though they will find the settlement within that framework. I can hardly see them finding people in the Turkish side agreeing to such a thing under the existing conditions. I cannot think that anybody would approach such an agreement without first deciding the status of the Turkish Cypriots."

When asked whether Turkey will be hurt if her citizens are turned away at the so-called entry points by the Turkish Cypriots, Karahan said: "No one will be hurt. It will not be, it has no right to be. This is the natural right of the TRNC officials. We only respect it. I have time and again said this."

Meanwhile Mr. Karahan has left the occupied area returning Turkey to assume his new duties. (MY)

[09] Inal Batu repeats Turkey's objective for a federal settlement

Speaking at the "7th Day" program of TRT-2, Ambassador Batu referred to the Cyprus problem and the latest developments as well as Turkey's approach to the problem.

He alleged that non-solution in Cyprus was the result of the Cyprus Government's attempt to enter the EU. He further alleged that Greece was using her right to veto against Turkey as a blackmail.

Pointing out that some EU member countries could preclude Cyprus' membership, Batu added that once a settlement is reached in Cyprus, the EU membership process should start. Batu claimed that "border" incidents were knowingly organized by the Cyprus Government with a view to internationalizing the Cyprus problem. (MY)

[10] Talat defends federal settlement

In a statement yesterday Talat said: "While the process of communal reconciliation is being torpedoed with various provocative incidents, there is mobility in the international arena towards the settlement of the problem."

Any effort towards a settlement in Cyprus, said Talat, should be welcomed and assessed accordingly. He was critical of those who started advocating autonomy or a confederal type of settlement. He strongly defended the federal settlement based on the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979. (MY)

[11] New TMT chairman

[12] Pigeons, partridges and hare in the occupied area affected by diseases

KIBRIS says that the disease "coccidiosis" has affected the pigeons and the VHD (Virus Haemorrhagic Disease) has affected partridges and hare. (MY)