Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-04-08

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 63/97 -- 8.4.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash leaves for Istanbul on way to meet Annan in Geneva.

[02] Turkish Spokesman welcomes Greek proposal for experts Committee.

[03] US firm hands planes to "Turkish Cypriot Airlines".

[04] Serdar Denktash leaves for Italy.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash leaves for Istanbul on way to meet Annan in Geneva

In a statement at occupied Tymbou airport, Denktash said that he will be meeting the new UN Secretary General for the first time. He expressed the hope that, in line with his impartial and high performance attitude known to all, Annan will view the Cyprus issue from a new perspective. Denktash cited the important issues for the Turkish Cypriots as follows: political equality; Cyprus cannot become a Greek Cypriot-Greek island; the issue of property ownership by the two communities; the solution of the problem through intercommunal negotiations under equal conditions; the unaltered continuation of the guarantee system; and the nondilution of bizonality. Denktash said that during his meetings with Annan these points will be underlined.

After meeting with Annan on 9 April Denktash will return to Istanbul and will participate in the meetings of the Fifth Turkic States and Communities Friendship, Brotherhood, and Cooperation Council.

According to TRT (3:00 hours, 7.4.97) Rauf Denktash left for Geneva yesterday to exchange views on the Cyprus problem with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and in a statement at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Denktash declared that he expects the new secretary general to display a new and positive outlook on the Cyprus issue.

Asked to relate his feelings and thoughts on Alparslan Turkes, Denktash said that the Turkish world has lost a patriotic leader who was a statesman in every way. Noting that a piece of history will be buried today, Denktash stressed that the Cypriot origins of Turkes, whose views on many issues have been vindicated, have special significance.

According to illegal Bayrak Radio (15:30 hours, 7.4.97) Rauf Denktash has reiterated that he is ready to meet face-to-face with President Clerides within the framework of the Boutros-Ghali Set of Ideas. Denktash also said that he expects the UN Secretary General to invite the Greek Cypriot leader to the negotiating table.

In a statement to Anatolia Agency aboard the plane to Geneva, Denktash explained that former UN Secretary General Boutros-Ghali submitted certain views within the framework of his goodwill mission, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side accepted 91 percent of this Set of Ideas at the time. Denktash remarked:

"Vassiliou, the Greek Cypriot leader at the time, had also seemingly accepted these views. Clerides, on the other hand, is avoiding them".

[02] Turkish Spokesman welcomes Greek proposal for experts Committee

Addressing his party's meeting over the weekend, Bolkestein declared that Turkey does not belong to Europe and its membership in the EU will be the end of the union.

In his news conference, Akbel also answered a question on Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos' recent press statements regarding a proposal for an experts committee and Turkish-Greek relations.

The spokesman noted that it is not customary to conduct a dialogue on such an important issue via the media. Pointing out that Turkey is in favour of discussing together all the issues between Turkey and Greece, Akbel declared that Ankara will welcome an experts committee process or similar proposals that could contribute to the establishment of such a dialogue.

[03] US firm hands planes to "Turkish Cypriot Airlines"

The long-awaited McDonnell Douglas MD-90's landed at rain-swept occupied Tymbou airport.

The two new craft bring to eight the so-called airline's fleet, with a ninth craft due - an MD-80, which has the same technical specifications but fewer seats.

[04] Serdar Denktash leaves for Italy

(MY) EF/SK

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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