Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-01-28

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 18/97 28.1.97

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] TURKEY'S NSC DECIDES TO IMPLEMENT SANCTIONS TO DEFEND INTERESTS

[02] TURKISH COMMANDERS ASSESS GOVERNMENT POSITION

[03] INFLATION 87% IN THE OCCUPIED AREA

[04] DENKTASH MEETS FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

[05] RUSSIAN ENVOYS IN ANKARA FOR CONTACTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] TURKEY'S NSC DECIDES TO IMPLEMENT SANCTIONS TO DEFEND INTERESTS

The NSC Secretariat General issued the following statement on the NSC meeting held under President Suleyman Demirel at the Cankaya Mansion yesterday: "At its meeting today the NSC reviewed and assessed security and public order throughout the country and domestic and foreign developments that affect them. The NSC discussed the report prepared under the coordination of the Transportation Ministry on legal, administrative, and technical measures against all domestic and foreign destructive, separatist and illegal electromagnetic broadcasts, including radios and televisions. The NSC found the proposals put forward in the report suitable and decided to advise the Council of Ministers on the issue.

Significant world and regional political developments were also reviewed at the meeting. The NSC dwelt especially on the measures that have been and will be taken to safeguard the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the face of the recent Greek initiatives to disrupt peace in the Aegean, Cyprus, and eastern Mediterranean. The NSC, in conjunction with these measures, decided to implement in a determined manner the necessary sanctions in line with Turkey's national policies."

[02] TURKISH COMMANDERS ASSESS GOVERNMENT POSITION

According to the information backstage at the TGNA, the commanders "assessed the situation" in light of problems in foreign policy, problems that have placed Turkey in a difficult situation, and the increasing unease created by the government's antisecular initiatives.

A nonmilitary source, one the military commanders consult on various issues, has said the claim that the commanders have assessed the REFAHYOL (Welfare Party-True Path Party) government's situation in Golcuk was not wrong. The source said "there is agitation in the military forces and the commanders may convey a message to President Suleyman Demirel and some of the political party leaders calling for a national reconciliation government to hold early elections in a year at the latest."

The same source said the disclosure by the Democratic Turkey Party, which is headed by Husamettin Cindoruk, to the effect that it will establish a parliamentary group soon may have been linked with similar claims.

Reportedly, the unease the government's antisecular initiatives has caused in the military forces has been seriously aggravated by the fast-breaking dinner Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan gave for the leaders of sects and religious communities a few days ago. Erbakan's guests, the paper writes, attended the dinner "dressed in a way that violated the revolution's laws, which are protected by the Constitution."

[03] INFLATION 87% IN THE OCCUPIED AREA

[04] DENKTASH MEETS FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

After the meeting, which lasted more than the expected time, Denktash made no statement. Present at the meeting was the US Embassy's second secretary responsible for Turkish Affairs John Lister.

After the meeting, Ambassador Brill said that with Denktash they discurred past and present developments. "We have discussed how we could progress positively on the Cyprus problem. We have conveyed our views and concern over this issue."

When asked to give details about the views conveyed to Denktash, Ambassador Brill did not elaborate.

Asked about the Cyprus problem he said: "The Cyprus problem is neither a military nor a legal problem. It is a political problem, and it is necessary to hold talks between the sides. I hope Mr. Han Sung Joo's visit will help to reach this objective".

After meeting Ambassador Brill, Denktash had a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner, John Sullivan.

[05] RUSSIAN ENVOYS IN ANKARA FOR CONTACTS

During their contacts they will hold talks on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem. The Turkish officials conveyed to the visiting Russian envoys their concern regarding the agreement to sell S-300 surface to air missiles to Cyprus.

The Russian envoys met with Foreign Ministry Deputy under secretary Inal Batu and the Director General of the Greece-Cyprus Maritime and Aviation Desk, Ambassador Ahmet Ermishoglu. The Russian envoys declared that they want to discuss the Cyprus problem with all the sides involved, and all its aspects, and as a result of this they intent to visit the occupied part of Cyprus as well.

They expressed support for the intercommunal talks as well as the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the sale of the S-300 missiles, the Russian envoys said that this was an entirely business issue and that once demilitarization is realized in Cyprus, then they will re-evaluate the issue of selling the missiles. (MY)