Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press And Other Media, 97-01-15

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.9/97 15.1.97

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erbakan says Cyprus and Aegean islands must be purged of weapons, repeats threats.

[02] Chief of Staff Reassures Turkish Cypriots, departs for Eskisehir air base.

[03] Baykal: All relevant sides must do their share to prevent a clash.

[04] Turkish Minister on missile passage via straits.

[05] Spokesman says Turkey will not change stand on missiles.

[06] Denktash repeats views on Cyprus problem.

[07] Istanbul's young businessmen to establish "Cyprus Holding".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erbakan says Cyprus and Aegean islands must be purged of weapons, repeats threats

"The Turkish Army is the world's greatest and strongest army. Our chief of the general staff is currently in Cyprus to give the necessary message. We strongly hope that Greece and southern Cyprus will give up these intolerable provocations and come to their senses as soon as possible, because the Greeks know our nation very well. They have experience with this. They saw the results of their efforts in 1922 and in 1974. We hope history will not repeat itself", he said.

[02] Chief of Staff Reassures Turkish Cypriots, departs for Eskisehir air base

During the meeting, Karadayi was asked by a correspondent if a naval or air base will be established in the occupied area. He responded: "Whatever is needed for the security of the TRNC will be done. Let our Cypriot kinsmen be assured that no threat or danger will ever come to them from anywhere. Let them rest assured. The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), the peace force, and the security forces have the necessary power and capability to fulfill any duty in a worthy and timely manner."

General Ismail Hakki Karadayi left the occupied area on his way back to Turkey yesterday afternoon. He was seen off at occupied Tymbou airport by Rauf Denktash.

In a statement there, Gen. Karadayi said that he was leaving Cyprus with favourable impressions. Addressing the Turkish Cypriots as "the eternal owners of this land" he added that he was leaving with peace of mind. "I do not have any concern or problems about the situation. I have full faith that our armed forces will protect all of Cyprus in a way that will not cause any concern or doubt. I tell you this very frankly and sincerely. there is nothing we will not do for Cyprus. Cyprus is our national cause I wanted to affirm this once again", he said.

From Cyprus, Gen. Karadayi flew to Eskisehir. According to information received from the General Staff Secretariat General, Gen. Karadayi inspected the 1st Tactical Air Force Command, accompanied by Naval Forces Commander Admiral Guven Erkaya and Air Force Commander General Ahmet Corekci.

[03] Baykal: All relevant sides must do their share to prevent a clash

Baykal replied to reporters' questions during a meeting with a delegation of civil servant pensioners. Baykal noted that the tension in Cyprus is escalating quickly. He expressed the belief that foreign countries must also avoid making a mistake in this regard.

"Foreign countries may have doubts regarding the reliability, credibility, effectiveness, and consistency of this government. They may make the mistake of not attaching the necessary importance to this government. This government may have less influence over foreign countries.

I believe, however, that when they adopt a stand on the Cyprus issue, all foreign countries must take Turkey itself into account, and not only this government. I consider it my duty to remind them that they should assess Turkey", he said.

[04] Turkish Minister on missile passage via straits

In a written statement Turkish Minister Gurcan Dagdas said that the Montreux Treaty pertaining to the straits is now on the agenda in view of the possibility that the Cyprus Government will transfer the missiles it purchased from the Russian Federation through the straits. Stressing that Turkey acknowledges in principle the right of free passage through the straits, Dagdas added that Turkey complies with this principle, in accordance with the first article of the Montreux Treaty and as stipulated by international law. Dagdas said, however, that "the passage through the straits should not constitute a danger or pose a threat to the security of Turkey. This is one of the principles provided by international law."

[05] Spokesman says Turkey will not change stand on missiles

"It is out of the question for the missiles to be used as an issue for negotiations. The missiles were sought to be deployed on the island in line with the last stages of dangerous efforts. It is out of the question, however for this issue to be used as a trump card in negotiations", he claimed and added that the parameters and elements necessary to secure a Cyprus solution are clear.

He said that Turkey will not allow the balances in the region to be disrupted.

Explaining that statements have been issued to the effect that the crisis was over since the missiles would be deployed on the island after 16 months, Akbel said: "Our views on the issue and our reaction will not change even if the missiles are deployed after 16 months."

[06] Denktash repeats views on Cyprus problem

"They have created the impression that Cavanaugh arrived and persuaded the sides to reach an agreement. There is no such thing. We agreed to various formulas on the withdrawal of troops from the confrontation line. This was when Madam Albright visited the island. Until then, the Greek Cypriots rejected the withdrawal. Cavanaugh informed Glafcos Clerides that we agreed to the proposal. The Greek Cypriots then said they will hold a meeting to discuss the matter. This has been reported as a breakthrough, as if a significant step was taken for an agreement. I was surprised".

He went on and claimed the EU will create a catastrophe in Cyprus when it allows the Greek Cypriots to join its framework. "The Greek Cypriot side's accession will be catastrophic for the EU and Cyprus", he alleged.

Replying to a question on Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller's expected visit to the pseudostate, Denktash said that the date of her visit has not been finalized. He noted, however, that it will be disclosed in the ear future.

[07] Istanbul's young businessmen to establish "Cyprus Holding"

The group, Istanbul Young Businessmen Group (IGIG) met last week in Istanbul with "Prime Minister" Dervis Eroglu and discussed the "Cyprus Holding" project.

IGIG chairman Vedat Celikbas said the group will meet next week and assess the developments regarding the establishment of "Cyprus Holding".

"We consider it our duty to make investments in northern Cyprus", Celikbas said, adding that to start with "Cyprus Holding" would concentrate on agro-industry investments in the pseudostate.