Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-06-19

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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. 109/97 -- 19.6.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat sends letters to President Clerides and Rauf Denktash.

[02] Thomas Miller said to join Holbrooke's team in Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat sends letters to President Clerides and Rauf Denktash

In both letters Talat points out that the two leaders have a historic duty to fulfill.

In his letter to Denktash Talat stresses that as long as the settlement of the Cyprus problem is delayed the Turkish Cypriot community as well as the whole of Cyprus is the biggest loser.

Talat also says that he has felt the need to write to the two leaders because on the eve of the direct talks the two leaders have started a "war of statements". President Clerides is stating that he will be going to New York in order not to be considered as the intransigent side in the eyes of the world and Denktash and that he is not hopeful that a solution will be found at the talks, Talat says.

Addressing Denktash, he said: "Being one of the most senior politicians of our country, your providing for a just and lasting settlement for our country will be the biggest present you can ever give to our history, to our community, to Cyprus and the world".

In his letter to President Clerides Talat points out that conflicts and wars made the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who consider Cyprus their common homeland, suffer greatly. He says that no one should ask the question "Who suffered the most?" any more. "This soil should not be watered with the blood of its sons firing bullets against each other. This beautiful island should take its place in Europe and in the world that goes towards globalism as a peaceful and prosperous country", he says.

Talat said that he considers President Clerides' statement that he will go to New York so that he will not be considered intransigent as both a happy and a sorrowful statement. He expressed support to both President Clerides and Denktash in their bold and courageous steps they will be taking in New York towards a solution.

(MY)

[02] Thomas Miller said to join Holbrooke's team in Cyprus

The Turkish Daily News source claimed that Holbrooke's Cyprus team will also include a general from the Pentagon, a member of the US Embassy in Paris, and a foreign service officer who worked closely with Holbrooke in Bosnia. The names of these three individuals have not yet been released.

Miller, described by an informed Turkish Daily News source as a man with a "big personality", once worked as chief of the department's Israel office. The same source described the State Department's Special Coordinators for Cyprus position as not quite the "career enhancing" post that most young and promising foreign service officers volunteer for.

So why would Miller agree to become the next special Cyprus coordinator under Holbrooke, assuming that such information on his appointment is correct? "Grossman", seems to be part of the answer.

Miller is known for his very close friendship with Marc Grossman, the former US ambassador to Ankara, who, incidentally, is currently in Washington preparing for his June 25 confirmation hearing in Congress as the next Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs, Holbrooke's old post.

Since Grossman is also very close to Holbrooke, one observer suggested that Miller perhaps could not turn down Holbrooke's offer since his friend Grossman will also inevitably be a part of the team effort on Cyprus in his new position in Washington.

Holbrooke, despite his previous assertion that he would not be drawn into a discussion on Cyprus anytime soon with officials from either side, has already met with Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis in Atlanta for a long talk on the subject, according to a Turkish Daily News source. The occasion was the annual exclusive gathering of world political leaders, business tycoons, scholars and opinion-makers known as the "Bildenburg Meeting". Some participants from Turkey attended as well, including the president of a well-known Turkish university.

At the Atlanta meeting, Holbrooke reportedly confirmed that he does not favour a Dayton-like controlled negotiation environment for Cyprus.

The same source also claimed that Holbrooke, although not participating in the upcoming meeting of the two leaders in New York City July 9-10, is nevertheless intending to visit the island in August.

SK/EF ..end

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

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