Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-05-23

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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.92/97 23.5.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] COE's Barsony meets Denktash, Atun, Atakol.

[02] Turkey's IHD releases April report.

[03] Intensified diplomatic efforts for Cyprus.

[04] Greek, Turkish and Cypriot businessmen meet in Istanbul.

[05] Taner Etkin asks Robin Cook "not to convey wrong messages".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] COE's Barsony meets Denktash, Atun, Atakol

In a statement during his meeting with Barsony, Atun said that the COE treated both sides equally until 1983, adding that, however, the Greek Cypriots were first offered a seat in the Parliament in 1983 and then the number of seats were increased to two. He claimed that if the Turkish Cypriots are not granted the right of representation nothing can be achieved.

In a statement during his meeting with Barsony, Serdar Denktash said that a lasting solution cannot be reached in Cyprus without equality. Noting that it would be beneficial to solve human rights problems as we are approaching the third millennium, Denktash alleged that the existing guarantee system cannot be changed. Describing his meeting with Barsony as beneficial, Denktash added that he found the opportunity to express the concerns of the Turkish Cypriot side.

In statements he made during the various meetings, Barsony said that the Parliamentary Assembly is seeking opportunities to solve the political problems on the island and that "the problem is approached from the viewpoint of the parliamentarians and the political parties of the two sides."

Noting that the aim of the PA is to secure a rapprochement between the Turkish Cypriot "parliamentarians" and Greek Cypriots deputies, Barsony added that these two sides get together from time to time but that these meetings are mainly for protocol and that the problem is not discussed in depth. He said that if successful results are achieved during the meeting between the leaders of the two sides then the two communities and especially the political parties of the two sides should be ready to support them. Barsony added that the aim of the PA is to ensure that goal. Noting that the direct talks between the two leaders will begin in July, Barsony said that this is the right period to secure a rapprochement between Greek Cypriot deputies and Turkish Cypriot" parliamentarians".

In reply to a question on whether granting a seat to the Turkish Cypriot side in the COE is not the best way to facilitate a solution, Barsony said: "The important issue is to reach an agreement on the fundamental issues by building confidence between the two sides. Due to past incidents currently the Greek Cypriots have the right of representation in the COE. This cannot be changed with the simple request of a parliamentarian. The Turkish Cypriots can also have a seat in the PA after a political solution is reached."

[02] Turkey's IHD releases April report

While discussing the IHD' s report on human rights abuses taking place in April, Birdal also said that a coup d'etat would most probably happen in the coming months.

According to the IHD report, human rights abuses continued in April with increasing attacks against the press. In addition to the 14 mysterious killings, eight people were murdered in extrajudicial killings and 233 in armed clashes.

IHD also claims that 15 people were disappeared in April and two villages were evacuated. There are still 151 prisoners of conscience in Turkish prisons, he added.

[03] Intensified diplomatic efforts for Cyprus

KIBRIS adds that following the UN deputy Secretary General Sir Kieran Prendergart's contacts at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Dutch Special Representative Kont Jan d'Ansembourg, EU special Representative Kester Heaslip, and Canada's special Representative for Cyprus Michael Bell will have meetings with the officials at the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The paper reports that Germany's special Representative for Cyprus Kont Rantzau will be visiting Ankara next week.

Quoting diplomatic sources in Ankara, KIBRIS reports that foreign envoys are asking the Turkish officials to secure a more flexible attitude from Denktash during the forthcoming direct talks than that he had been exhibiting so far. (MY)

[04] Greek, Turkish and Cypriot businessmen meet in Istanbul

Seven businessmen from each side will attend the meeting.

The meeting, under the title "Cooperation Potential in the Region", is organized by Turkish businessman Tarik Sara and will last for one day. (MY)

[05] Taner Etkin asks Robin Cook "not to convey wrong messages"

In his statement Etkin repeated his known views and allegations regarding the Cyprus problem and its settlement. (MY)

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

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