Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 96-11-04

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TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.197/96 2-3-4.11.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel, Ecevit receive Turkish Cypriot delegation.

[02] Former Turkey's Chief of Staff says Turkey must review its Cyprus policy.

[03] Denktash: These lands belong to us.

[04] Turkish Cypriots to participate in planned TAF exercises.

[05] UDP, DP decide on merger, vow to come to power.

[06] Denktash claims Greeks will not agree to bizonal federation.

[07] First private FM radio in the occupied area.

[08] The USA, Turkey ad the IMF.

[09] Ankara's rights lawyer quits.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel, Ecevit receive Turkish Cypriot delegation

The delegation later met with Democratic Left Party leader Bulent Ecevit at the parliament. At the meeting, Ecevit said that Turkey, regardless of its own economic difficulties, is strong enough to meet the economic demands of the "TRNC". Claiming that certain "traps" were being set for the "TRNC" lately, the main one being the forcing of the Turkish Cypriot side into a corner economically, Ecevit added: "This trap is being dismantled through the joint efforts undertaken by Turkey and the TRNC to further their economic relations."

Saying that not even one clash occurred in the 22 years since the invasion of Turkey in 1974, ECevit claimed that peace had been secured in Cyprus .

"This peace is making the Greek Cypriots uneasy. In other words, they are upset by the order established in the island in the wake of the peace operation and the peace that was secured for all of the island's people. Moreover, the Greek Cypriots are now trying to prove the opposite through the initiatives they are undertaking at the EU with claims that there is no peace in Cyprus. This is a very serious trap. I am of the opinion, however, that Turkey and the TRNC will not fall into this trap", he alleged.

[02] Former Turkey's Chief of Staff says Turkey must review its Cyprus policy

Speaking at a local TV program in the south of Turkey, General Gunes, referring to the US initiative in 1977 with a view to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, said: "Nothing could be done in Cyprus without Cyprus. Those who were born in 1974 are now 22 years old. Both sides grew up hating each other. How could they come together? How could they come under the federation roof? Turkey has to review its Cyprus policy". (MY)

[03] Denktash: These lands belong to us

In his address during the uncovering of Ataturk's bust in occupied Asomatos, Denktash claimed that the Greek Cypriots pursue the same goals as in 1958, 1953 and 1974.

Denktash alleged: "... it is impossible to take away Cyprus from the Turkish Cypriots. They cannot daunt us from protecting our homeland. These lands belong to us. They cannot kick us out from these lands".

[04] Turkish Cypriots to participate in planned TAF exercises

According to a statement issued by the General Staff Secretariat General, the exercises will be conducted by units from the so-called Turkish Cypriot Peace Force Command, the Turkish Air and Naval Forces, and the so-called TRNC Security Forces Command.

There will be firing during both exercises, whose aim is to develop coordination and cooperation between the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Air Force.

[05] UDP, DP decide on merger, vow to come to power

In speeches they delivered at the congresses, DP leader Serdar Denktash and the NBP's Enver Emin pledged to serve the "TRNC" and not individuals. They called on everyone who wants to improve the situation of the "TRNC" and exert efforts to this end to join them under the DP roof.

[06] Denktash claims Greeks will not agree to bizonal federation

Denktash was discussing the current situation in Cyprus in light of the latest developments at a meeting of the Young Businessmen's Association. He also replied to questions.

Denktash claimed that the Cyprus Government will not agree to a federal structure that will retain the current guarantees system, and that will be based on equality and bizonality. He said that the "TRNC" must be protected and upheld.

On the issue of the EU, Denktash said that membership in the EU is possible only after a final agreement is reached and after the two communities hold separate referendums.

He added that the economic relations started with Turkey must be further developed.

He also expressed the view that "for a national cause, a national congress can be established without abolishing the parliamentary system."

[07] First private FM radio in the occupied area

Wishing First FM success in his address during the radio's live broadcast, Denktash said that the radio should adopt a neutral stand regarding internal politics while pursuing a stand supportive of the "national cause". Denktash called on the radio to carry broadcasts that show youths the right path and attach importance to health.

[08] The USA, Turkey and the IMF

The problem has been caused by the deadlock in talks with the IMF. Both the IMF delegation and the government have separately contacted IMF headquarters in an effort to break the deadlock. However, nothing has changed. So Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller has decided to use Turkey's final trump card. She has moved to convince the US Administration to intervene. Ciller wants the United States to use its influence on the IMF to persuade it to agree to a new agreement with Turkey. Thus far, a final result has not been achieved on the matter. However, it is believed that the United States will definitely ask Turkey to make several concessions in return for its intervention. It has been claimed in the backstages that the United States may persuade the IMF to adopt a positive approach towards Turkey if Ankara promises to adopt an understanding approach on Iraq or Cyprus or on both of them, `an approach which will be in line with US interests'.

Tansu Ciller may agree to this. However, Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan approving such an approach seems to be a remote possibility.

Ankara and the IMF maintain their bargaining talks. This is why an agreement has not yet been reached. Furthermore, Turkey has not been able to sever its relations with the IMF. In view of this, the IMF delegation will probably depart without closing the door.

Tansu Ciller has realized that convincing the IMF will be very difficult and this is why she has vested her hope in the US Administration. However, the bureaucrats, responsible for management of the economy, do not believe the United States will intervene in Turkey's favour. In fact, the Treasury and Central Bank officials yesterday moved to draw up new plans, taking into consideration the most negative developments that may take place in the country. The failure of the two sides to reach an agreement will have shocking effects on the financial markets. So officials are trying to establish how to deal with the initial shock wave. They also are trying to establish how the negative effects of this state of affairs will affect the economy. Regardless of the unfavourable conditions, the Treasure and the Central Bank are drawing up plans to reduce any possible damage to a minimum."

[09] Ankara's rights lawyer quits

"Turkey always promises, but never fulfills ... I thought, defending Turkey is impossible in the current conditions, and resigned," lawyer Bakir Caglar said.

Caglar, a constitutional law professor, has been the Turkish government's lawyer at the European human rights commission, a juridical body of the Council of Europe, for four years.

Caglar said Turkey now faced 112 cases at the commission, including 61 applications from the South-east. EF/SK