Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-06-10

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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. 104/97 -- 10.6.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] "The American Plan for Cyprus": more details.

[02] Denktash postpones Hannay meeting, demands `Equal Treatment'.

[03] Denktash slams Hannay claim of `Common Ground' between sides.

[04] Eroglu: Hannay to uphold equality in conducting talks.

[05] Etkin claims Greek Cypriots "must end support for PKK terrorism".

[06] Street fighting between Turkish and Kurdish students.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] "The American Plan for Cyprus": more details

"Yesterday I tried to describe the general outline of the American plan. Today I will enter into the details a little bit.

For this plan the Americans consider at least a five year implementation period.

First, they plan to make the two leaders sign the agreement through a Dayton type arrangement. This will be followed by a "rearrangement" of borders, and development of new housing areas. As the Turkish troops will withdraw to the new TRNC borders, the landing and deployment of US troops in the evacuated buffer zone will follow.

I would like to draw the attention to the following important issue. When I speak of US troops under NATO's umbrella, I mean a multinational force made up of mainly American troops.

So, after pinpointing this important issue, let us continue describing how this plan will function.

In the meantime, the development of Varosha, which will be within the buffer zone, will start. Once the developments in the buffer zone and the TRNC are completed, a certain number of Greek Cypriots will return to their homes in the buffer zone.

All the embargoes imposed on the TRNC will be lifted.

While doing all this, Cyprus' integrity and the EU membership process will continue. Together with Turkey the EU membership will be arranged. With the help of the other two guarantor powers, which have direct influence on the Cyprus problem, simultaneous membership will be secured.

As I said earlier, the Americans want to complete this process within five years and in the meantime they plan to start working, as of today, to secure the signing of the agreement within one year. The Americans also plan to reach economic parity between the two sides within this five year period. The Americans expressed readiness to spend money for this purpose.

I do not want to enter into arguments whether the US plan is good or not. I only tried to describe the American Plan that exists. It is possible that I might have committed some mistakes regarding the fine details, however I don't believe that I have committed mistakes regarding the general outline of the plan. It is our people that will decide whether it is a good or a bad plan."

(MY)

[02] Denktash postpones Hannay meeting, demands `Equal Treatment'

In a statement following the postponement of the meeting, Denktash recalled that two meetings were planned with Sir David, the first one being at a private dinner. He went on to say that it became necessary to postpone the meeting scheduled for 16:00 (13:00GMT) yesterday.

Denktash claimed that the equal treatment of the two sides in every contact is an inevitable precondition for the Turkish Cypriots. That is also the basis of the intercommunal talks, he noted, adding: "That is why the talks have continued to this day. Neither the UN Secretariat General nor anyone else involved in the intercommunal talks contacts the so-called government and then the community. They contact the leaders of the two sides under equal conditions".

Denktash explained that he heard on Greek Cypriot radio yesterday morning that Sir David would meet with House Speaker Kyprianou and Foreign Minister Kasoulides. Denktash went on to say that he investigated what House speaker and what foreign minister Sir David was going to meet. Denktash said: "We realized that it was the Greek Cypriot House speaker and the Greek Cypriot foreign minister. This means that Sir David is going to have full contact with the so-called government and its various officials and then with community leader Denktash. We regret this situation."

Denktash noted that Sir David has been informed that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept this. He claimed that the problem can be resolved if the solution is based on equality, sovereignty, Turkey's guarantees, and the equality of Turkey and Greece regarding Cyprus.

Denktash said he will explain these issues in more detail to Sir David during their meeting today.

[03] Denktash slams Hannay claim of `Common Ground' between sides

Denktash criticized Hannay for saying: "There is a rapprochement between the two sides that even the sides themselves are not aware of. There is common ground which has not been recorded."

Denktash claimed that these are not remarks that should have been uttered by a diplomat who must be trusted by the concerned sides. Denktash said: "We tried till we turned blue in the face that the differences between the two sides stand at 180 degrees."

Denktash went on to claim that as a result of a mistaken decision the British Government made in order to protect its bases from the Greek Cypriot "terrorists", it started to consider the Cyprus Government as the government of the whole of Cyprus.

Denktash alleged: "The equal partners, the Turkish Cypriot people, did not accept this, and they will not be thrown into the fire just so that the bases can be protected."

He alleged that by claiming that there is common ground between the two sides, Hannay is deceiving both himself and the two communities.

[04] Eroglu: Hannay to uphold equality in conducting talks

In a statement after the 30-minute meeting, Eroglu said that they discussed foreign policy issues in particular, as well as the current visit of Sir David Hannay, the British special envoy. Eroglu said that they stressed how necessary it is for Hannay to conduct his talks with the two sides in line with the principle of equality.

Replying to a question, Eroglu said that efforts are being made to implement the "protocol" signed with Turkey.

Asked if there is a problem in the coalition "government", Eroglu and Serdar Denktash said that as the leaders of the two coalition parties, they are determined to proceed with this "government".

[05] Etkin claims Greek Cypriots "must end support for PKK terrorism"

[06] Street fighting between Turkish and Kurdish students

ORTAM says that Denktash's "police" arrested 101 students mainly of Kurdish origin.

The fighting started when a group of Kurdish students tried to avenge the beating up of a friend of theirs by the Idealists.

ORTAM says that during the fighting one person was hospitalized because of blows he received on the head. Six more people were slightly wounded.

A "court" issued a three days remand order for the arrested students.

Meanwhile, fascist Turk-Bir organization, that harbours terrorist elements, in a statement warned that "Hands that are raised against Idealists shall be broken".

(MY)

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

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