Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-01-03

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.2/97 3.1.97

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu in Turkey to sign economic cooperation "protocol".

[02] Catli said to have brought money to help "Idealists" in the occupied area.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu in Turkey to sign economic cooperation "protocol"

In a statement to the press at occupied Tymbou airport before his departure, Eroglu said that the "protocol" to be signed will bring relief to the economy of the occupied area. The aim of the protocol, he said, is to restructure the economy; to increase production and exports, thus raising the level of prosperity; and to create jobs. He added that the "protocol" will also finalize the issue of loans for the implementation of projects.

Eroglu stressed that international pressure in connection with the Cyprus problem has recently increased. He said: "By uniting around our national cause and working for it with all our might, we will weather these pressures without making any concessions."

Eroglu pointed out that his policy on Cyprus is known to all. He went on to say that his regime must think of the prosperity of the people, who have united around the "cause".

Replying to correspondents' questions on the content of the "protocol", Eroglu said that all sectors will be supported. He pointed out that he received every guarantee from Turkey that the problems in the agricultural, tourism, and industrial sectors, as well as the difficulties of the shopkeepers and artisans will be resolved and that low-interest loans will be extended to them.

He stressed that there are certain projects that will be implemented soon. He explained that the problems in the economy can be eliminated through a new tax "law", a review of the value added tax, the ratification of a single social security "law", the exclusion of the retirement fund from the "budget", and the introduction of amendments to the foreign investments "law".

Eroglu is being accompanied by a delegation composed of Serdar Denktash, Salih Cosar, Erdal Onurhan, a high-level bureaucrat, and Professor Ozay Oral, so-called rector of the Eastern Mediterranean University. Turkish envoy Ertugrul Apakan left for Ankara together with the delegation in order to attend the signing ceremony.

Eroglu and his delegation were met at Ankara's Esenboga Airport by Abdullah Gul, the Turkish state minister who is also responsible for Cyprus affairs.

In a speech Eroglu discussed the aims of the "protocol", adding: "In view of the pressures that will be exerted on us regarding the Cyprus problem, the prosperity level of the Turkish Cypriots must and will be raised."

Eroglu stressed that Turkey advocates the "national cause" with all its might, adding that Turkey gives the Turkish Cypriots material as well as moral support. He thanked the Turkish State and Government officials for their support and interest. He stressed that it is very important for the Turkish Cypriots to stand on their own feet economically.

Abdullah Gul, in turn, said that the Turkish Government will do whatever it can for the occupied area. He said: "First, the public financial deficit will be eliminated, and then great strides will be taken in the economy." Gul said that the national income of the occupied area will grow with the projects that will be implemented within one year. He reiterated Turkey's determination in this regard and said: "Turkey is behind the TRNC in every field. It is said that 1997 will be a critical year. We are saying that 1997 will be the year of Turkey and of the TRNC".

Gul also spoke at the Sheraton Hotel, where the Turkish Cypriot delegation is staying. He said that the "protocol" includes steps that will enable the occupied area to stand on its own feet. He stressed that the "protocol" will be implemented immediately after it is signed.

Replying to questions, Gul said that the "protocol" has two parts: The first will eliminate the difficulties faced in the field of public expenditures, and the second will revive production in agriculture, livestock breeding, and other sectors. He pointed out that Turkey is determined not to let Cyprus become another Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Assessing Britain's latest initiative, Gul said that Turkey supports any peaceful initiative, regardless of where it come from -- the United States, Britain, or another country. He stressed that what is important for Turkey is the security and economic prosperity of the occupied area and its people.

[02] Catli said to have brought money to help "Idealists" in the occupied area

YENIDUZEN publishes a statement by Rauf Denktash who said: "If Catli did come here, the police will investigate whether during his stay he was involved in any crime or dirty business."

ORTAM reports that, according to information, "Catli, with his arrival to the occupied area, brought 65 billion TL to the nationalists, money that came from funds managed by deputy Prime Minister Ciller or from other unknown funds." EF/