Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-07-21

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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. 131/97 -- 19-20-21.7.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ecevit flies to Cyprus accompanied by eight ministers

[02] Demirel, Yilmaz pledge continued support for Cyprus

[03] Denktash asks Chizhov to "Warn" President Clerides on EU membership

[04] Ismail Cem on Cyprus issue

[05] Turkish Spokesman: Solution based on sovereign equality

[06] Talat calls on Media to contribute to peace process

[07] Denktash: Turkish side can balance Greek arming activity

[08] Turkey's Gen. Corekci arrives in Cyprus to mark 20 July

[09] Turkey, Turkish Cypriots decide on integration, issue "Joint Declaration"

[10] Denktash, Ecevit, Cem joint news conference

[11] Puerto Rico reportedly model for "TRNC"-Turkey integration

[12] Denktash speech on 20 July 'anniversary'

[13] Erbakan calls for two independent states in Cyprus

[14] Turkish National Security Council to Discuss strategy against EU decision

[15] 700 thousand to acquire dual citizenship to equal the number of Greek Cypriot population

[16] Ecevit addresses Turkish Cypriots, says pseudostate must live forever

[17] Turkish Frigates, gunboats arrive in occupied Kyrenia

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ecevit flies to Cyprus accompanied by eight ministers

Yesterday, Bulent Ecevit, state minister and deputy prime minister, went to the "TRNC", accompanied by certain ministers, to attend the festivities. Ecevit was received at occupied Tymbou airport by Ertugrul Apakan, Turkish envoy to the pseudostate, "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu, Lieutenant General Ali Yalcin, commander of the Turkish occupation Forces in Cyprus, Brigadier General Hasan Peker Gunal, commander of the so-called Turkish Cypriot Security Forces, "ministers", the representatives of various establishments and others.

Accompanying Ecevit during the visit are State Ministers Husamettin Ozkan, Sukru Sina Gurel, Mehmet Batalli, and Ahat Andican; Foreign Minister Ismail Cem; Finance Minister Zekeriya Temizel; Industry and Trade Minister Yalim Erez, and Tourism Minister Ibrahim Gurdal.

[02] Demirel, Yilmaz pledge continued support for Cyprus

Demirel issued a message on the occasion of the 23d anniversary of the Cyprus invasion. In his message, Demirel claimed that the 20 July 1974 "Peace Operation" has secured stability and security on the island and in the region. According to a statement issued by the Presidential Press Center, Demirel's message continued: "Turkey seeks a just and realistic solution to the Cyprus problem, a solution based on political equality and to be attained through negotiations. The path to this solution passes through an atmosphere of confidence to be built between the two sides. The political will and consent of the two peoples are necessary for a solution."

Demirel said that raising the level of prosperity of the pseudostate will serve peace and cooperation on the island. He noted that the joint declaration accepted by him and Rauf Denktash on 20 January 1997 "confirms the two countries' stand on the Cyprus national cause". Demirel added that in line with this stand, Turkey will continue its firm support for the "TRNC" and will boost its cooperation.

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz also issued a message saying that Turkey's major goal is to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots, to ensure that the conditions necessary for the community's secure and tranquil existence are perpetuated, and to make sure that the status of equality is accepted. Yilmaz said that the solution to be found to the Cyprus problem should include inalienable principles such as bizonality, bicommunality, equal sovereignty, and the continuation of effective and de facto Turkish guarantees. He stressed that the solution should also aim at preserving the Turkish-Greek balance established through the 1960 Cyprus agreements. He reiterated the claim that it is impossible for Cyprus to become a EU member before a Cyprus solution is reach and before Turkey's membership is realized.

[03] Denktash asks Chizhov to "Warn" President Clerides on EU membership

In a statement he issued at the meeting with Chizhov, Denktash said he is curious about how the Russian Government will assist in finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. Alleging that the time has come for the world to quit recognizing the Greek Cypriot side as the legitimate Cyprus Government, Denktash added: "I call on the world not to take any action that will make the Greek Cypriots believe that they can own the whole of Cyprus. It is the world that made the Greek Cypriots believe that they are the owners of Cyprus".

Denktash said that during the New York talks, he observed that President Clerides believes that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey stemming from the 1960 agreements will not pose an obstacle to Cyprus' accession to the EU and claimed: "Unfortunately, the international community does not realize this Clerides bluff".

Denktash asked Chizhov to draw President Clerides' attention to the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side, together with Turkey, will take all the necessary measures if the Greek Cypriot side pursues the EU membership process and added: "We are very serious on this issue because a unilateral Greek Cypriot membership in the EU will disrupt the Turkish-Greek balance in Cyprus".

In reply to reporters' questions, Chizhov said that the unresolved Cyprus issue constitutes a source of concern for the international community. A Greek Cypriot reporter asked Chizhov to assess Denktash' earlier statement calling on the world to quit recognizing the Greek Cypriot side as the Cyprus Government. In response, Chizhov said he understood that Denktash' statements were directed to the international community. Explaining that the international community is greatly concerned over this issue, Chizhov expressed the hope that the international community will understand the facts in Cyprus.

Denktash later met with US. State Department officials. No statements were issued following this meeting.

[04] Ismail Cem on Cyprus issue

[05] Turkish Spokesman: Solution based on sovereign equality

Gurel said that 20 July constitutes the anniversary of peace and sovereignty for Turkey as well as the "TRNC".

"It is imperative that everybody on the island and in the world agree to a lasting solution based on the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots so that the security of the TRNC can be maintained. Turkey, in turn, will continued to make every contribution necessary along the lines of securing such a lasting solution" Gurel said.

Noting that a delegation headed by Bulent Ecevit, deputy prime minister and state minister, will represent the Turkish Republic at the 20 July "anniversary", Gurel added: "In this way, Turkey will show the whole world that it maintains the same determination it displayed on 20 July 1974."

[06] Talat calls on Media to contribute to peace process

In a written statement he issued, RTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat said that important duties fall on everyone who seeks the integration of Cyprus with the world through the establishment of a federal structure on the grounds of a bizonal and bicommunal solution based on political equality in Cyprus. Recalling that the 15 July coup, the 20 July invasion, and the "border" incidents last August, all of which can be used by the fanatics of both communities to escalate chauvinism, occurred during similar interim periods, Talat added: "This is why the period leading up to 11-16 August is very important. In this vein, the media, which has an impact on shaping the views of the public, has an important responsibility." Stating that duties fall upon the Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Greek, and Turkish media organizations, Talat called on the press to avoid reports that are not objective and that hurt the other side's feelings.

Talat said: "In order to contribute to this very important opportunity on the path to securing peace, the press should take steps to bolster the softening between the communities and encourage the leaders along these lines."

[07] Denktash: Turkish side can balance Greek arming activity

In a statement at occupied Tymbou airport, Kamer Genc said that the Turkish Cypriots are not alone and that Turkey wants everybody to know that it will not allow a fait accompli on the island. He stressed that it is impossible to leave, by armed force, the Turkish Cypriots to the initiative of another state under the guise of a single framework solution.

He claimed that certain states that were disturbed by the fact that Turkey exercised its right of intervention in 1974, are displeased that the Turkish Cypriots are living in tranquility. "They must all come to their senses", he said.

Hakki Atun said in a speech that the meeting between the two community leaders was favourable but it would be too early to say anything before seeing the results. "Our duty", he said, "is to show that the Turkish Cypriot people can live in a sovereign and free manner, with the support of the motherland".

Atun stressed that the time has come to reach major economic and political decisions, if necessary, in line with the decisions adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and that the Turkish side must assess this option.

The delegation later met with Rauf Denktash.

Speaking at the meeting, Denktash claimed that by ignoring Turkey's status in Cyprus, the Greek Cypriots took a major step and brought S-300 missiles to Cyprus. He added: "They have started to swim in dangerous waters."

Denktash said that the Turkish side is at a level where it can balance this arming activity, and noted that he expressed his views on the matter to President Clerides in New York. Denktash pointed out that the developments are being constantly assessed with the authorities in Turkey, and added:

"Our cause is one, our aim is one, and our course is one."

[08] Turkey's Gen. Corekci arrives in Cyprus to mark 20 July

In a statement at occupied tymbou airport, Gen. Corekci said that the "Peace and Freedom Day" is being marked under special conditions this year, adding:

"What is special is the initiatives for and developments concerning the start of peaceful negotiations between Turkey and Greece, and between the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot Administration."

Gen. Corekci said that even though these initiatives and developments seem far from establishing a lasting peace, friendship, and cooperation between the sides, they make it possible to look to the future with hope. He said:

"Today, Turkey and Greece are about to take more courageous, more unprejudiced, and more peaceful steps than before in order to solve the problems between them". And he continued:

"If you consider the long-lasting and ossified problems between Turkey and Greece and between the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, you will see that the current developments should not be underestimated. At the same time, however, they should not be seen as a knife that will eliminate the problems of long years with one clean cut. It should not be forgotten that there are many steps to be taken and many obstacles to be overcome to reach a lasting peace, friendship, and cooperation. What is important is how much the sides want peace, and how much they respect each other's rights," he said.

Furthermore, according to TRT (17:00 hours, 19.7.97), General Corekci also said: "Those who spend millions of dollars every day to buy weapons they cannot use themselves are mistaken if they think that they can frighten you, the Turkish Cypriots, like that. Those who allow the construction of naval and air bases because they fall into the trap of the circles who want to draw Turkey's attention to Cyprus must realize that if they use these weapons, they will be the ones who suffer most. As in the past, they will never have the power to eliminate the Turkish Cypriots, remove them from the island, or assimilate them, at the present or in the future."

And he continued: "Cyprus will never become another Bosnia. On this occasion, we consider it essential for the continuation of peace in Cyprus and in the region, to remind friend and foe alike, once again, that the Turkish nation and its TAF have the equipment and power necessary to prevent that."

[09] Turkey, Turkish Cypriots decide on integration, issue "Joint Declaration"

"Prime Minister" Dervis Eroglu hosted a luncheon for Ecevit and the ministers accompanying him who are in the "TRNC" to participate in the so- called Peace and Freedom Day. At the luncheon, Ecevit said that for the "TRNC" to be economically strengthened, investors should feel confident about the future and, therefore, the Cyprus file should be closed as soon as possible. After the luncheon, the "official" talks between the "TRNC" and the Turkish Republic were held between the respective delegations headed by Denktash and Ecevit. Denktash, in a short statement opening the talks, said that the contacts had been positive and that they felt secure after having observed that all their concerns were also shared by the Turkish government. Ecevit said that at the talks the stand to be adopted in view of the recent developments was discussed and that an agreement was reached on a joint text.

A joint declaration on the talks has been issued. According to the declaration, the sides assessed the New York talks and the announcement made in the EU Agenda-2000 report to the effect that negotiations on full membership with the Cyprus Government will begin. Alleging that this stand adopted by the EU might render the negotiation process resumed between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders useless, the declaration added that the sides agree that attaining a positive result from this process will become very difficult. Referring to the Greek Cypriot armament efforts, the declaration noted that Turkey is a guarantee for the "TRNC", stressing the increasing importance of the "TRNC" in Turkey's security. The declaration went on to enumerate the measures that will be implemented for economic and financial integration between Turkey and the "TRNC" and for a partial integration based on a partnership in the fields of security, defense and foreign policy in parallel with the full membership process between the Cyprus Government and the EU.

KIBRIS (21.7.97) publishes the full text of this joint declaration as follows:

"1. The TRNC will continue its existence as an independent state. Until, however, the TRNC is officially recognized by the world and it takes its rightful place in the international field as an independent and democratic state, a special relationship will be established between the two countries in a bid to defend the foreign policy interests of the TRNC. Representatives from the TRNC will be included in Turkish delegations to attend every international meeting that concerns Cyprus but in which the Turkish Cypriot are not granted the right of speech. With this goal in mind, a framework agreement will be signed between the two countries and the functional and structural cooperation of the foreign ministries will be regulated by a protocol.

2. An attack to be launched on the TRNC will be considered an attack launched on Turkey. A joint defense concept will be formulated between Turkey and the TRNC for that purpose.

3. A partnership council will be established between the two states with the participation of their parliaments and the pertinent ministries.

4. With a view to ending the TRNC's economy being affected from unfair embargoes and obstacles, an economic and financial unity shall be established between the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey. During that time the TRNC shall be included within the macro-economic master plans of Turkey and shall be included in Turkey's regional development plans.

The TRNC shall benefit from the aid extended and incentives given to the developing regions in Turkey.

5. The free zones of the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey shall be integrated and a large trade and industrial centre shall be formed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

6. Transportation possibilities to the TRNC via Turkey shall be expanded.

7. Transmissions of the Bayrak Radio Television (BRT) will be broadcasted to regions where Turkish Television broadcasts reach through the TURK-SAT satellite.

8. The water needs of the TRNC shall be met by Turkey as soon as possible.

9. In addition to these measures Turkey and the TRNC shall take comparable steps for all the structural cooperation and the harmonization arrangements to be undertaken between the Greek Cypriot Administration and the EU.

The aim of all these work and the steps to be taken is to reach an agreement that will safeguard the continuation of peace and the guarantees on the island, that will maintain the Greco-Turkish balance, that will accept both sides equality and sovereignty and prevent the denomination (hegemony) of one side over the other." (MY)

[10] Denktash, Ecevit, Cem joint news conference

"The issue of whether I will be going to Geneva stands before me. We are still continuing our in-depth assessment of the situation. If necessary, we will convene the Assembly in an extraordinary session. The interference of the EU Commission, however, in the negotiations through its report entitled Agenda-2000 is unacceptable. This should be very well assessed. The other issues are included in the document we have given to you. They also provide security. Especially the decision to establish a free trade zone between the two countries can, I believe, be assessed as the best step toward the development of our economy. The issue of water is, in the same manner, a very important and vital one. In addition, the aid Turkey is to extend in other fields and the aid it is to extend to our agricultural sector through cooperatives have also been mentioned."

On his part, Ecevit said: "As I have stated in my speech at the ceremony this morning, we will never allow the TRNC to be squeezed into a corner through the most unjust EU decisions that are contrary to agreements. The state of the Turkish Republic will resort to every measure to solve and overcome the economic problems of the TRNC, increase its productivity, render it self-sufficient. We consider this our national duty." And he continued: "Turkey's guarantorship rights should continue without them being diluted or degenerated for the security of the TRNC as well as that of Turkey.

One can say that the United States made the Greek Cypriot side agree to the resumption of the dialogue after a long interval. The United States hosted the meetings. While these meetings were in progress, however, the EU undermined them. On the one hand, the EU further opened its doors to the Greek Cypriot administration, and on the other hand, it completely closed the door to Turkey's EU membership. The EU, thus, consciously and intentionally chose to sabotage the new negotiation process. I am curious whether the United States, as a superpower, will show the reaction that befits it in the face of this EU sabotage of the US initiative. If the United States does not show the necessary reaction we might get the impression that we are faced with a (word indistinct). I believe the United States will not give rise to such an impression. As Mr. Denktash pointed out a while ago, we have certain serious conditions as well as hesitations regarding the continuation of the dialogue following this attempt to sabotage the negotiation process. It is natural for us to wait for the authorized organs of the TRNC, the TRNC government and Assembly, to discuss the issue in all its details and to reach a decision. We know there will be no differences of views between us. Naturally, we will wait for the government or the Assembly to reach their decision in line with the respect we have for the independence of the TRNC. The two republics will then act in unison and solidarity as has always been the case."

In reply to a relevant question, Denktash said: "We saw through the EU report there that their approach does not accept that Cyprus is a partnership state created by the 1960 international agreements, that the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey have rights in this state, and that Turkey and Greece have equal rights over Cyprus. We also understood that they have no intention of accepting these facts. After having understood these facts (passage indistinct). The national cause calls for a reassessment of the situation. We will, no doubt, make this assessment. We will also make it without any fear".

To a question whether Turkey will sever its ties with the EU after the EU Commission report, Ecevit said: "Turkey's relations with the EU have not reached the level where they can be severed. The EU is exerting efforts to close the doors of full membership to Turkey despite its application and despite the right of full membership stemming from the 1960 agreements. I believe, however, that these efforts are temporary and unfavourable. I believe it will not be long before the EU will knock on Turkey's door asking it to become a full member once Turkey succeeds in putting to good use its economic potential and geo-political location. As I said this morning, Turkey and the TRNC will walk through the EU doors together."

At one point of the conference, Denktash made the following statement: "I would like to point out to the alternatives open to us. One of these alternatives is not continuing with the negotiations after these messages since our sovereignty is anyhow not recognized and will continue not to be recognized according to Clerides. The EU described Cyprus as a Greek Cypriot republic in its June 1995 decision and made it clear that it considers the Turkish Cypriots as a minority in this republic. In this way, the EU closed its doors to Turkey and to the TRNC completely by saying that all negotiations will be undertaken with the legitimate Cyprus government. For this reason, one alternative is not to continue with the negotiations in the wake of these assessments.

The second alternative is to go to the meetings, explain our cause, and leave after putting our document on the table with the following comments:

This is our cause. You do not understand our cause. Call us again when you understand our cause. The third alternative is to postpone the August meetings after the EU makes its decision in order to see the EU stand first. In this way, we will ascertain whether the EU took into consideration our views. There is no need to participate in the talks if the EU did not take into consideration our views and closed all its doors to us and to Turkey. Consequently, our government will assess which alternatives to chose from. We will make a decision after conducting an assessment with the Turkish Government."

In reply to a question on the anger and reaction of the Greek Cypriot side to Mr. Ecevit's visit to the occupied area, Denktash claimed: "First, it is not the affair of the south Cypriot republic who comes and goes to the sovereign TRNC. Secondly, do not pay attention to these reactions since the Greek Cypriots would like to put up a wall in order to stop the wind coming from Turkey if they can."

[11] Puerto Rico reportedly model for "TRNC"-Turkey integration

The Turkish government has begun to finalize its plans for integration with the "TRNC" in the wake of an EU Commission report that proposes to start full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriots and which excludes Turkey from membership. The government plans to conclude a "Puerto Rico style" integration with the "TRNC" if the EU does not change its negative posture. The government is preparing to accomplish this through the recent decisions taken in the TGNA (Turkish Grand National Assembly.)

The final objective of the plan is to allow the "TRNC" to retain its independence but transfer the responsibility for its foreign and defense policies to Turkey. The model after which the plan is fashioned is currently being implemented between the United States and Puerto Rico.

Within this framework, it is planned to formulate immediately a defense doctrine between Turkey and the "TRNC" and to establish naval and air bases in the "TRNC". Although these measures have been announced as a "reprisal against Greek bases in the Greek Cypriot sector", they also constitute part of the infrastructure of the "Puerto Rico" model. In addition to the steps in foreign and defense policies, the following measures will comprise the principal elements of the integration:

"All customs barriers and trade and bureaucratic impediments between the two countries will be lifted.

Turkey will allow TRNC citizens to have `dual citizenship'.

Economic relations between the two countries will remain under the rubric of `foreign aid' in order to protect the TRNC's independence. However, cooperation in all fields will be expanded."

The following measures are listed under the heading `economic relations':

"TRNC banks will be integrated into the Turkish and world financial markets.

Turkey will provide technical and financial support to stabilize the TRNC economy, to reduce the share of the public sector in the TRNC economy, and to realize tax reform.

Credit opportunities provided to Turkey's farming, industry, tourism, and education sectors, as well as its small businesses and artisans, will be open to corresponding sectors in the TRNC.

Eximbank credits provided by Turkey to the TRNC to help it open up foreign markets will be expanded.

New tourism zones will be opened in the TRNC to attract foreign investments."

The planned measures in educational and cultural fields are enumerated as:

"New universities and faculties will be opened in the TRNC with the cooperation of Turkish universities.

Cooperation in the transportation sector, particularly in maritime transportation, will be expanded to solve the TRNC's transportation problems.

Work on the transportation of water from Turkey to the TRNC will be stepped up."

[12] DENKTASH SPEECH ON 20 JULY 'ANNIVERSARY'

"The Greek Cypriots claim that sovereignty belongs to them. They claim that our equality will depend on how much they choose to grant us. They claim that the guarantee agreement will either be diluted or eliminated, that a multinational force will be brought to the island, and that the ownership of Cyprus will be given to the Greek Cypriots through the EU - in which Turkey is not a member - as a result of the application they have made under the title of the government of Cyprus. They have not budged from their position. Therefore, I wanted to meet face-to-face with Clerides to see whether they might renounce their demands. I did meet with him. I understood that they have not and will not renounce their position and demands. We are assessing the situation. We will continue to assess our options within the framework of EU intervention. At the end of this assessment we will announce to our people whether we intend to go to Geneva."

And he went on:

"There is no loftier position then becoming a state. You should realize that. This state can form a partnership with the Greek Cypriots, with the Greek Cypriot state, the state in the south provided the Greek Cypriots agree to the conditions posed by our state. Paying lip service to holding negotiations on the principle of bizonality and then renouncing the exchange of property and real estate which is the basis of bizonality and trying to make arrangements that will once again place us among the Greek Cypriots is devoid of sincerity and does not constitute a peaceful path.

We are not concerned about the Russian missiles and Russian presence on the island, nor are we concerned about the increasing armament efforts and the bases being granted to Greece because we are sufficiently strong to reciprocate ten-fold to every step they take. They should be aware of this fact. They should not open up this path. I told this to Clerides in all sincerity.

This is not the path we should take. The Cyprus issue cannot be solved through the use of arms. They tried that path in the past but failed. If they try it again they will fail again because they cannot change the geography. Cyprus is 40 miles away from Anatolia. This distance will not change. Cyprus is beating and will continue to beat in the hearts of 60 million.

It is our duty to make Cyprus a bridge of peace between Turkey and Greece. The internal balance established by the 1960 agreements and the balance between the homelands are the foundation and the raw material of this bridge."

And he concluded:

"The Greek Cypriots chose to believe that the Turks were bluffing and that they would not come to Cyprus, that the Turks were bluffing and that they would not take any action. In 1974 Turkey showed that it was not bluffing. Turkey does not bluff. Turkey is great. Turkey is loyal to its undertakings. Turkey is in favour of humanity and peace. If I have, so far, not deserted the negotiating table saying that it is impossible to reach an agreement, it is because Turkey has always encouraged me to continue the negotiations in the hope of reaching a solution. Otherwise, I had, long ago, foreseen that nothing would come out of these negotiations. I, for a long time now, have been telling you to concentrate on the TRNC and develop our relations with Turkey. What is done is done. Come and let us get on with our own business. In the future when the Greek Cypriots realize that we are growing roots, that we will not be defeated, that we will not disappear, and that we will not be separated from Turkey then they will come to us to make peace. Then we will reconsider."

[13] ERBAKAN CALLS FOR TWO INDEPENDENT STATES IN CYPRUS

[14] TURKISH NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS STRATEGY AGAINST EU DECISION

Quoting diplomatic circles Sarribrahimoglu says that Turkey still is in search of a strategy against the EU decision expressed in the report Agenda - 2000.

The same diplomatic sources in Ankara have noted that in order to declare political and military integration with the "TRNC" it is necessary to wait for the NSC decision. (MY)

[15] 700 THOUSAND TO ACQUIRE "DUAL CITIZENSHIP" TO EQUAL THE NUMBER OF GREEK CYPRIOT POPULATION

Lale Sarribrahimoglu says that Turkey has decided to grant "TRNC citizenship" to those Turkish nationals, who live in Turkey and have a Cypriot origin. Also to grant the Turkish nationality to all those who are "TRNC citizens" and are living in the occupied area.

With this arrangement, reports CUMHURIYET'S correspondent, nearly 500 thousand Turks having Turkish Cypriot origin together with the 200 thousand Turkish Cypriots living in the occupied area will be acquiring dual nationality. Thus their number will reach 700 thousand, equalling the 700 thousand Greek Cypriots living in the free areas.

Thus, the majority/minority issue will be done away with in the future federal settlement, claims Sarribrahimoglu.

Meanwhile Turkey's State Minister Responsible For Cyprus Affairs Pr. Sukru Sina Gunel told CUMHURIYET: "We intend to demonstrate to everybody Turkey's resolve about what it could do in the face of the EU decision". (MY)

[16] ECEVIT ADDRESSES TURKISH CYPRIOTS, SAYS PSEUDOSTATE MUST LIVE ON FOREVER

"Even if foreign circles and the Greek Cypriots continue to speak of a solution for Cyprus, actually the solution was reached with the Turkish Peace Operation in Cyprus." He also claimed that Cyprus was a poor island before the Turkish invasion but today on the 23 rd anniversay of the invasion "we see how developed the Greek Cypriot economy has become, and we also see that the Turkish Cypriot economy has advanced to an extent that should not be underestimated". He further claimed that after the invasion both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots gained a most advanced democracy. "If the Turkish Peace Operation brought these things to Cyprus, if it brought peace and freedom, development and prosperity, democracy and freedom, what other solution is being sought? What makes this success possible is that the two communities live in two separate sectors and rule themselves with equal sovereignty. That is how the de facto solution came about. An official solution can become valid and lasting only if it is based on this foundation." he claimed.

And he went on claiming: "As affirmed by the joint declaration issued by Presidents Demirel and Denktash on 20 January 1997, any move to undermine the Turkish Cypriots' equal sovereignty, and to break Cyprus away from Turkey and drag it into the EU, and consequently, into Greece's area of influence, will increase the exigency of integrating the TRNC with Turkey.

I am saying integration, not annexation. The TRNC must live on forever as an independent state. The steps toward integration will be taken only in the field of foreign security, foreign relations, and in the economic and financial fields. It is Turkey's duty to strengthen the TRNC's economy in this process of relative integration, and Turkey has the power to succeed in that.

What is important is to stengthen the Turkish Cypriot economy to the degree that it will not desire a membership in the EU.

Turkey will do everything it can to do that. Our government assumed power with the resolve to achieve that. We are determined to prevent the crushing of the Turkish Cypriot economy by the EU-supported Greek Cypriot economy. We are determined to take every measure to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from feeling inferior each time they see the development efforts in the Greek Cypriot sector which are supported by foreign circles. We will discuss ways to achieve that at a meeting we will hold with the ministers of the two brotherly republics today.

The fact that no state other than Turkey recognizes the TRNC is merely self- deception. No state has been able to protect its independence in the face of such heavy foreign obstacles as much as the TRNC. Even if they are not recognized, the Turkish Cypriots have promoted themselves in the world in the field of science and education. In the TRNC, which has a population of 183,000, there are six universities that open Cyprus to the world and make it known in the world. As Ataturk - our joint leader and the eternal leader of the entire Turkish world - said, the best quide in the world is science. The Turkish Cypriots are advancing in the best path by supporting science and education. In the early 1930's, the great statesman and commander Ataturk told a group of officers during an exercise in the southern coast of Turkey: Pay attention to Cyprus. If Cyprus is taken by an enemy force, it will constitute a serious danger for Turkey's southern coast.

Ataturk's diagnosis was of course correct. Furthermore, the advance in the technology of weaponry and the intensive arms buildup in south Cyprus in recent years, has greatly increased the importance of northern Cyprus for Turkey's security.

It is now obvious that the target of the intensive arms buildup in south Cyprus is not only north Cyprus but also Turkey. Nobody has been or will be able to intimidate the TRNC or Turkey with such threats.

My dear Cypriot brothers, every contribution Turkey will make toward the strengthening of the TRNC as an independent state and toward its security will also reinforce Turkey's own security. Cyprus, especially north Cyprus, now carries great importance for Turkey's security. We will use our security force not to threaten the Greek Cypriots but to strengthen peace and tranquillity both in Cyprus and in the entire region."

[17] TURKISH FRIGATES, GUNBOATS ARRIVE IN OCCUPIED KYRENIA

The commanders of the six Turkish warships paid a courtesy visit to Denktash. During his address at the meeting, Denktash said: "This is your port and home. Therefore, these visits are a source of strength and security for us. I hope that the Greek Cypriots understand that Turkey is only an arm's length away and that it will never relinquish this island to the Greek Cypriots or the Greeks. Neither will we."

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

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