Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-01-23

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.15/97 23.1.97

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat, Vassiliou meet, stress need for peace.

[02] Russian envoy says declaration on Cyprus escalates tension.

[03] The Joint Declaration with the occupied area.

[04] Denktash returns, says balance with Greece cannot be upset.

[05] Turkish Cypriots delegation to Turkey to consult on Strasbourg meetings.

[06] Serdar Denktash seeks declaration with Turkey's Assembly.

[07] Akbel on visit by NATO's Solana, ships' call on Cyprus port.

[08] Grey wolves threaten to enter Varosha.

[09] Faculty of Law at "Near East University".

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Columnist on defense concept with the pseudostate.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat, Vassiliou meet, stress need for peace

A CTP delegation headed by leader Mehmet Ali Talat met with a delegation from the United Democrats, headed by former President Vassiliou. The meeting was held in the Greek Cypriot sector of Nicosia. Both party leaders stressed that Cyprus needs peace and a solution.

Before the meeting, Talat pointed out that contacts must be held between the two communities at every level in order to establish mutual trust. Vassiliou said that such meetings between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot parties contribute to the atmosphere of peace. [02] Russian envoy says declaration on Cyprus escalates tension

According to ANKARA TRT (22.1.97) Ambassador Onur Oymen, Foreign Ministry under secretary, has briefed the ambassadors to Ankara of the permanent and temporary members of the UN Security Council.

During the briefing where the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, Russia, Great Britain, France and China -- were represented at the ambassadorial level, Oymen commented on the tension created in the wake of the Cyprus Government's decision to purchase S-300 missiles from Russia and the subsequent developments. Oymen also explained Turkey's and the occupied area's views on the issue, following Rauf Denktash's visit to Ankara.

In a statement after the meeting, Ambassador Oymen remarked that he briefed the ambassadors on the declaration signed during Denktash's visit to Ankara.

Also replying to reporters' questions after the meeting with Oymen, Russian Ambassador to Ankara Vadim Kuznetsov declared that, in its capacity as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia continues to exert efforts to find a peaceful solution for the Cyprus problem. He stressed that the agreement pertaining to the sale of S-300 missiles is entirely commercial in nature. Kuznetsov recalled that the missiles will be delivered in 16 months. In response to another question, Kuznetsov claimed that the declaration, which was signed during Denktash's visit to Ankara and which stipulates that any attack against the occupied area would be considered directed against Turkey, has served to further escalate the existing tension.

[03] The Joint Declaration with the occupied area

Text: "Referring to the joint declaration they signed on 28 December 1995; outlining their wish and determination for the improvement of relations between Turkey and the TRNC on the basis of close solidarity and cooperation; recalling that the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot people have made every effort to contribute towards the peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem and that a just and realistic solution in Cyprus can be found only through talks held on the basis of the free will of the two sides; reaffirming the Turkish Cypriot people's rights, which are based on international treaties, and their full political and legal equality, which are confirmed by the said treaties; stressing that the system of guarantees, which has been established on the basis of the 1960 Agreements, will remain in effect regardless of the conditions that may exist, as they have been so until now, and that Cyprus cannot pose a threat to the guarantor countries in accordance with the agreements; and assessing the recent developments that have affected peace, stability, and security in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, President Suleyman Demirel and TRNC President Rauf Denktash have disclosed their common views and decisions as follows:

1. The Greek Cypriot side's serious rearming program, the Greek-Greek Cypriot military doctrine, and the construction of Greek air and naval bases in south Cyprus have created a situation that threatens the stability and security of Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.
2. The decision to have missiles installed in south Cyprus has deepened the confidence crisis between the two peoples on the island to such an extent that reconciliation has become very difficult.
3. The so-called reassurance that the missiles are of a defensive nature and that they will not be deployed on the island for some time is meaningless. The point that should be considered is the fact that the Greek-Greek Cypriot side has turned its back on reconciliation, regardless of the warnings that have been made and opted for conflict as its priority objective. Furthermore, it has established a de facto military alliance between Greece and south Cyprus.
4. Acting with a sense of responsibility and common sense, Turkey and the TRNC will adopt all the necessary measures that are required for the maintenance of the balances in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean and for the obstruction of policies which threaten peace. Within that framework:
   • Turkey, in accordance with the 1960 system of guarantees, will continue to provide full effective and de facto guarantees for the TRNC in order not to allow the Turkish Cypriot people's security to be threatened.
   • Any attack on the TRNC will be regarded as an attack on Turkey.
   • Military and political measures will continue to be adopted without hesitation if the Greek-Greek Cypriot side maintains its effort to disrupt the balances in Cyprus and between Turkey and Greece and pose a threat to the Turkish Cypriot people's security on the island. Within the framework, Turkey strongly supports the views and the measures President Rauf Denktash outlined in his disclosure on 10 January 1997.
   • Considering the fact that Greece is entrenching itself in south Cyprus with air and naval bases, work will commence for the establishment of similar air and naval bases in the TRNC if such activity is maintained in the south.
   • Aggression and faits accomplies against Turkey and the TRNC will be jointly obstructed and a joint military coordination and planning concept will be put into effect for that purpose. Considering this, a joint defense concept will be drawn up between Turkey and the TRNC.
5. Turkey and the TRNC regard the Greek-Greek Cypriot side's planned activities and provocations to escalate tension on the island as part of their intention to have Turkey's effective and de facto guarantees weakened through the deployment of a multinational force in Cyprus. This will not be allowed to take place. The Turkish side will regard any attempt to directly or indirectly have the 1960 Treaty of Alliance and Guarantees changed as a flagrant violation of the 1960 Agreements and will adopt the necessary measures and political decisions.
6. The Greek Cypriot side's rejection of the UN Set of Ideas five years ago and the UN confidence-building measures package, which was aimed at establishing an atmosphere of trust three years ago, has created a deadlock in the effort that has been made for a comprehensive solution in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side completely alienated itself from the effort that has been made for a reasonable solution and the parameters for a settlement in that period.
7. It has been observed that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece have opted for conflict and tension, instead of reconciliation.
8. Neither a qualified and authorized state nor a government, parliament, judiciary, and administration, which represented the two equal peoples in Cyprus and which was authorized to speak for the entire island, has existed since the partnership between the two peoples, which was established in accordance with the 1960 Agreements, was destroyed by the Greek Cypriots with Greece's support and use of armed force.
9. Considering international treaties, the measures that have been taken by the Greek Cypriot administration on behalf of the Cyprus Republic, including its claim to have assumed the title and qualities of the 1960 partnership it destroyed through its acts of aggression and arms imports, are illegitimate. The Greek Cypriot administration's effort to present itself to the world with those titles and qualities will not legalize its claims or secure privileges for it. The administration that uses the title of "the Cyprus Government" in south Cyprus is actually a Greek Cypriot administration from the legal viewpoint. The Greek Cypriot side's effort to maintain its illegitimate qualities and claims is the main reason for the no-solution situation that has continued for 34 years.
10. A just and durable solution cannot be found to resolve the Cyprus problem if the realities on the island and the Turkish Cypriot people's sovereignty rights are ignored and if the two sides are not treated equally.
11. The green light the EU gave to the Greek Cypriot administration as a result of Greece's pressure for the island's accession to the organization was a historic mistake, as the present situation has confirmed. It has had a destructive effect on the negotiation process. The Greek Cypriot side's only objective now is to join the EU as the second Greek state without trying to reach an agreement with the Turkish Cypriot side. This will enable it to indirectly integrate with Greece.
12. What should be known, so that the mistake that has been made can be prevented from causing more harm, is as follows:
    • According to international treaties, Cyprus can join a union only if Turkey and Greece are both members.
    • Cyprus' accession to the EU can be considered only after a solution is found for the island's problem.
    • The two peoples in Cyprus have to approve the decision to be made in that direction through the referendums they will hold separately, as called for by the UN Set of Ideas.
    • The Turkish side will assess the commencement of the talks on accession between the Greek Cypriot administration and the EU on the b asis of the unilateral Greek Cypriot application, which conflicts with the norms of international law, as the complete removal of the accords, framework, and parameters for a settlement, which emerged during the negotiations process. Each and every unilateral step the Greek Cypriot administration will take towards accession to the EU will give momentum to the TRNC's integration with Turkey.
13. The continued isolation of the TRNC from the international community cannot be accepted in any way. Turkey will take the necessary steps to help the TRNC integrate with the international community. TRNC representatives will be joining the Turkish delegations which attend the international meetings on Cyprus, in which the Turkish Cypriot people are not given the right to speak.
14. The economic relations between Turkey and the TRNC will be broadened in accordance with the comprehensive economic protocol that was signed by the prime ministers of the two sides on 3 January 1997. The TRNC economy will be strengthened through concrete projects for cooperation.
15. The political consultation mechanism, which was established through the declaration the Turkish and the TRNC presidents signed on 28 December 1995, will be enlarged so that it can also focus on defense matters and the solidarity between the two sides will be strengthened."

[04] Denktash returns, says balance with Greece cannot be upset

In a statement at the occupied Tymbou airport, Denktash claimed that the joint declaration delineates the map of peace, outlines the line adopted by the Turkish side, and emphasizes that this line cannot be crossed. "The Greek Cypriot sector was told to stop acting as though the 1960 agreements do not exist", Denktash warned stressing that peace cannot be achieved by turning one's back to the parameters drafted by the UN Secretary general.

Asked if there is any change in the official policy, Denktash said: "We can reach agreement on the basis of bizonality and on the condition that the balances with Greece are not upset. Let the Greek Cypriots accept the basic principles. Let us then sit and talk. We will never allow the balance to be upset. The Greek Cypriot side must be aware of this and take steps accordingly".

[05] Turkish Cypriot delegation to Turkey to consult on Strasbourg meetings

[06] Serdar Denktash seeks declaration with Turkey's Assembly

Serdar Denktash said that the DP sincerely welcomes the declaration signed between Denktash and President Suleyman Demirel. The DP leader said that a similar declaration must be signed by the "Assemblies" of the two "countries". Serdar Denktash said that a solution to the Cyprus problem must be based on the principle of two states, adding that the whole world must be made to accept the "TRNC" through Turkey. He claimed that given the intransigence of the Greek Cypriots, the parameters on the negotiating table must be reviewed.

[07] Akbel on visit by NATO's Solana, ships' call on Cyprus port

Answering a question on the visit to be paid by Turkish Navy ships to the occupied area of Cyprus, Akbel claimed that the ports to be visited belong to an independent country. He alleged: "This does not concern anyone other than Turkey and the TRNC".

[08] Grey wolves threaten to enter Varosha

He said: "While there are rooms for 3 thousand people, the students are finding it difficult to find a room to live in. "There are people who try to preclude our action, however, we will definitely enter Varosha and we will hold a big event. It will be a mass rally" he claimed. (MY)

[09] Faculty of Law at "Near East University"

English will be the teaching language. (MY)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Columnist on defense concept with the pseudostate

A similar doctrine was drawn up between Greece and the Greek Cypriot side earlier. The latter provided air and naval bases for Greece in south Cyprus. So, Ankara will construct air and naval bases in north Cyprus in accordance with the new joint defense concept.

North Cyprus is a step closer to Ankara now. The agreement reached between the two sides showed Ankara's resolute stand on the Cyprus problem again. In fact, it has disclosed that it will regard any attack on north Cyprus as an attack on Turkey.

Interesting developments are taking place. Is this not right?

Russia has sold missiles (to south Cyprus). Russia's situation is common knowledge. In view of this, Moscow cannot make any move at all without the United States allowing it do so. Nor can Greece and the Greek Cypriots take any action that will be opposed by Washington. So, how can the situation be explained. There must definitely be more to the matter.

While attention has been focused on matters related to north Cyprus, significant developments have taken place in connection with northern Iraq. A very important agreement has been reached with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Jalal Talabani. The Workers Party of Kurdistan will not be an important problem in the future. Meanwhile, the system of village guards will be removed. Ankara will place northern Iraq under its protection. The US companies will operate the natural gas and oil installations in the region and sell their products through Turkey.

Obviously, problems related to northern Iraq are being resolved while attention is focused on north Cyprus.

The military forces seem to have resolved the problem. Demirel must have discussed northern Iraq more than north Cyprus when he visited the General Staff a few days ago.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Fehim Adak has visited the United States. He held important talks with the officials and met the representatives of several lobbies. The outcome of his visit has inspired hope in the two sides! Minister of State Abdullah Gul also will visit the United States in a few days. However, the initial contacts were made by Fehim Adak. The US officials are convinced that he is closer to the Welfare Party (RP) grass roots and Necmettin Erbakan than Abdullah Gul. They believe that the latter has a bureaucratic discipline and represents the new RP generation. The military forces are moving ahead step-by-step. They act more quickly than the politicians to adopt various decisions. Meanwhile, the problems of armed bands, the system of village guards, and the democratization package are still topical issues. Furthermore, the patrons who are affiliated with TUISAD (Association of Turkish Businessmen and Industrialists) have had a democratization package drawn up by a left-wing group.. As such, they showed that they support the process.

Ankara has moved to place the situation in northern Iraq under its control. Meanwhile, it can cooperate with Israel to persuade the United States to put pressure on Syria.

It seems that an inclination exists to have the Cyprus problem resolved through the formula of divide and unite. Obviously, Turkey and Greece will integrate within the EU framework. So, the Greek Cypriots can be trusted to Greece and the Turkish Cypriots can be trusted to Turkey. The division in Cyprus can be removed through the establishment of a bizonal federation in the island when Turkey and Greece join ranks in the EU framework." EF/SK