Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 96-12-30

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 234/96 28-29-30.12.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash claims Greek Cypriots plan to hit Turkey!

[02] "Protocol" with Turkey to be signed on 3 January.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Outcome of Ciller's talks in Dublin viewed by Ali Birand.

[A] NEWS ITEM

[01] Denktash claims Greek Cypriots plan to hit Turkey!

Denktash claimed that the Greek Cypriots "are announcing their aim to hit Turkey by planning to purchase S-300, CSS-6, CSS-7 missiles."

In his 19 December letter to the UN Secretary General, Denktash alleged that those countries that sell weapons to the Greek Cypriots should realize that they will have to bear the consequences of their actions should a clash break out in the region because of the "hazardous policies" adopted by the Cyprus Government.

[02] "Protocol" with Turkey to be signed on 3 January

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Outcome of Ciller's talks in Dublin viewed by Ali Birand

According to Turkish and EU diplomats, Tansu Ciller created the impression that she was a well-prepared leader who has strong views, performs successfully, and conveys clear messages.

That is an important message, because Ciller's prestige in EU circles seriously suffered when she agreed to establish the Welfare Party (RP)-True Path Party (DYP) Government, which is known as the REFAHYOL Administration. Furthermore, her failure to fulfill her promises on human rights prior to the parliament's approval of the customs union created a serious reaction in EU circles. The European countries clearly said that they had been deceived by the `Golden Girl' (Altin Kiz), whom they admired and supported in the past.

Yes, that was the atmosphere in Dublin.

Turkish and EU officials have said that Tansu Ciller made a strenuous effort to be regarded as a trustworthy leader again and that she has been successful to a certain extent. However, they also said that she has been unable to remove the EU's skepticism of the RP.

The most important aspect of her talks were the mutual agreements.

Tansu Ciller's message was clearly conveyed. According to Turkish and EU officials, Turkey played all its cards. `You will take a photograph of all the candidate countries at the end of 1997. You will not see us again if Turkey is excluded from that photograph.'

Ciller said that not a single one of the candidate countries have earned the right to join the family photograph as much as Turkey has. She informed them as follows: 'As a NATO country, Turkey has suffered for many years... It is the only non-member country that has adopted the customs union system. Considering Turkey's economic potential and democracy, it is its right to be included among the candidate countries, regardless of its shortcomings.'

Turkey outlined valid reasons, which have influenced the European officials.

Meanwhile, the EU message was equally decisive and clear: 'First, you must resolve your problems with Greece and move to set in motion the process that is required for the solution of the Cyprus problem. An equally important precondition is the fulfillment of the promises you made on human rights.'

The two conditions are related to Greece and the question of human rights.

The establishment of a dialogue on the Aegean and the Cyprus problem will be enough for the EU. That is because it is aware that the two problems will not be easily resolved and that the process will require a long time. So, the commencement of talks will satisfy it. Regarding the question of human rights, it said that it expects Turkey to take concrete steps. President Chirac conveyed a clear message to Ciller when he met her. He said: `We will definitely object to any move to exclude Turkey from Europe. I will struggle against such an inclination. However, my influence has its limits. You must contribute towards my efforts.'

Yes, that is the approach that is maintained by France, which is Turkey's closest ally at the present time. It has said: `You must do something... Take action... Do not remain inactive.'

No one mentioned the Kurdish problem. That has not drawn everyone's attention. It seems that the matter has been included in the general framework of democratization.

The approach of the two sides is quite clear. Turkey said: `Include me in your family photograph... That can be conditional if time is required... Obviously, full accession is out of the question at the present time'. The EU approach is as follows: `First, fulfill the promises you made. Launch an initiative on the Aegean and Cyprus problems and take action to improve human rights.'

The next 10 months are very critical for Turkey.

However, it seems that it will be able to persuade the EU if it adopts an appropriate policy. What is important is intent and the adoption of an appropriate approach...

The Dublin summit has been very useful, because it has given an opportunity to the two sides to diagnose the problems. The Turkish and EU officials shared that view."