Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-04-16

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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. 69/97 -- 16.4.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Etkin refuses Talat statement describing occupied area as prison.

[02] Lee Hamilton: Cyprus not a priority in US foreign policy agenda.

[03] Ciller stresses need for dialogue with Greece.

[04] Inflation rate of 3.9 percent for March in pseudostate.

[05] Turkey's internal debts increased.

[06] Turkey welcomes South African decision to lift arms embargo.

[07] Eroglu lauds Fifth Turkic Congress Recommendation.

[08] Ciller on Cyprus.

[09] US Ambassador meets Turkish Cypriot trade union leader.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Etkin refuses Talat statement describing occupied area as prison

Replying to reporters' questions on the issue, Etkin claimed that this comparison is unbecoming and that he condemns it. He added: "The fact that a person, who has served in the highest echelons of the state and who is the leader of a party that is a contender to the government, can so belittle his country will receive the reply it deserves in the free conscience of his people. There is no justification for a party leader to make such an ugly and untruthful comparison about our country."

Etkin alleged that it is impossible to understand why Talat opposes the principles put forward by the "state" regarding the bicommunal activities that stress equality. He noted that permission is granted for bicommunal activities being held in the buffer zone or at Ledra Palace and in which Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are represented under equal status.

[02] Lee Hamilton: Cyprus not a priority in US foreign policy agenda

Congress soon at the end of a 32-year career, in reply to a relevant question by the paper, on Cyprus, admitted that other big-ticket agenda items like China and Russia do not leave much time and energy to easily launch an initiative. The United States government genuinely wants to try to move Cyprus toward a solution, Hamilton said. "I think all of us are highly frustrated with what's been the status quo there for many years. The problem from the standpoint of the United States government is that many, many other things keep intruding. The agenda of the United States in foreign policy is a very crowded agenda and it is not easy to get the attention of American top policy makers focused on the Cyprus problem. I very much hope the year of Cyprus will come about. I certainly will do all I can to make it come about," he said.

[03] Ciller stresses need for dialogue with Greece

"The solution of the problems between Turkey and Greece would benefit both Turkey and Greece. In light of the latest Clinton-Yeltsin agreements, everybody knows that there is a speedy disarmament process, and that the superpowers are pulling themselves out of positions that may threaten world peace. The conflicts in the world are no longer those between the superpowers. Under such conditions, at a time when disarmament continues throughout the world and contributes new resources to world economies, we must see that peace in this region is important for both countries and for all the countries. We have always said we are in favour of a dialogue. I repeat: If there is a problem between the two sides, and there are indeed problems between Turkey and Greece, they must be resolved through negotiations. It is impossible to show any sincerity when the two sides do not talk with each other".

[04] Inflation rate of 3.9 percent for March in pseudostate

According to data released by the so-called Prime Minister's State Planning Organization Under Secretariat, the consumer price index rose by 3.9 percent from 10 March to 10 April 1997.

[05] Turkey's internal debts increased

The Treasury will incur new foreign debts. It has planned to sell bonds worth at least 250 million "Euro Dollars" next week. The duration of the bonds will be five years.

[06] Turkey welcomes South African decision to lift arms embargo

In reply to a question, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Omer Akbel recalled that the Republic of South Africa stopped its sale of arms and military equipment to Turkey on 4 May 1995. Noting that the decision lifting the embargo was conveyed to the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria, Akbel said that Turkey is pleased that this embargo has been lifted.

[07] Eroglu lauds Fifth Turkic Congress Recommendation

In a statement at occupied Tymbou airport, Eroglu recalled that he was given the honour of delivering the closing speech, during which he called on the Turkic states to recognize the "TRNC".

[08] Ciller on Cyprus

Speaking at the opening of the Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary committee meeting, Ciller alleged that "it was the Greek Cypriot side that is precluding a settlement in Cyprus because it was promised EU membership".

"Our desire is to put peace into practice in Cyprus as soon as possible, as in Bosnia-Herzegovina."

She alleged that the Cyprus problem was all of a sudden frozen at a moment when it was on the verge of a settlement, that this settlement was adopted by both sides as well as by Europe and the world. "However, the biggest obstacle for this settlement to be put into practice is the break down of the dialogue during the last two years" claimed Ciller and added that the reason for this was that "the Greek Cypriot side does not feel the need to engage in dialogue any more, because of the EU membership promise given to them".

Ciller further said that a point has been reached where direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash could resume.

Noting that friendly states want to contribute to this settlement as they have done in Bosnia, Ciller said: "The platform is ready for these countries to contribute to the settlement".

(MY)

[09] US Ambassador meets Turkish Cypriot trade union leader

Brill was accompanied by John Lister, who is in charge of the Turkish Affairs section at the US Embassy.

Ambassador Brill exchanged views with Turk-Sen officials on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem as well as on economic and trade union life in the occupied area.

(MY)

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

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