Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-07-25

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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. 135/97 -- 25.7.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] MHP welcomes government stand on Cyprus issue

[02] Turkey to be asked to implement financial protocol

[03] Four projects to pump water to occupied area viewed

[04] Turkish businessmen's reaction to occupied area's integration viewed

[05] Akbel alleges "Greece Responsible for Cyprus Problem"

[06] Denktash threatens to close `Book' if EU-Cyprus talks begin

[07] ANAP wants a ministry for Turks abroad

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] `Declaration' seen leading to federation with Turkey

[09] Columnist views EU membership, Cyprus problem

[10] Turkey criticized for deciding for Turkish Cypriots

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] MHP welcomes government stand on Cyprus issue

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, Semsek said that the strategic importance of Cyprus, which is expected to increase in the near future, explains the interest shown by the United States and the EU on the island, adding that this interest also raises certain questions. Semsek expressed the belief that the EU did not reject the membership application of the Cyprus government in a bid to supervise the Caspian oil.

[02] Turkey to be asked to implement financial protocol

Illegal TAK reports that Eroglu said that if the economic cooperation protocol signed between the Turkey and the occupied area is not implemented the pseudostate's economy will deteriorate further. He pointed out that as a result of the difficult situation in turkey, the implementation of the protocol signed in January was delayed. He added: "We were forced to postpone all our projects. The new government has shown that it is very sensitive about Cyprus. We believe that the protocol will be further reinforced and implemented as soon as possible."

Eroglu said that during the talks with Sukru Gurel, the Turkish Cypriot side will seek the implementation of the protocol, especially the release of the second apportionment of the $250 million loan agreement, and for aid to compensate the farmers.

Eroglu added that the necessary decree must be issued as soon as possible to enable the Turkish Cypriot farmers to benefit from the Ziraat Bank loans as cited in the protocol. He added that they will also ask for resources to implement the highways master plan.

[03] Four projects to pump water to occupied area viewed

According to estimates, the occupied area currently needs 112 million cubic meters of water annually. While 87.5 million cubic meters of water is drawn from reliable sources, there is an annual shortage of around 25 million cubic meters. The projects to be implemented are as follows:

1. Pumping water from the Goksu River through pipelines: the route crossing from the Silifke regulator to Tasucu (not further specified), Platanisso, and (Morphou) is seen as the best route for the pipeline. The French firm OTP has made a study of the issue. It will cost just $0.99 to pump 1 cubic meter of water through this pipeline.

2. Carrying water in tankers: It is envisaged that the water will be carried from the Manavgat filling station to the Morphou Bay by tankers, and, from the draining station to be constructed the water will be connected to the conduit by a pump system that will be built. It will cost $1.10 for the tankers to carry 1 cubic meter of water.

3. Desalination of Sea Water: Attention is being focused on desalination by (reverse osmosis) sea water to meet the need for water. The cost of the station and that water acquired in this way will cost $1.22 per cubic meter has decreased the chances for this project.

4. Pumping water from the Dragon tributary by way of a pipeline: this project has been proposed by Alarko holding. The initial investment of the project envisaging pumping water from the Dragon tributary in Anamur to the occupied area is high, but, since a large volume of water will be pumped, this project is considered to have advantages.

[04] Turkish businessmen's reaction to occupied area's integration viewed

Indicating that Turkey has not followed a consistent policy regarding the Cyprus issue, the businessmen said that raising the issue on Cyprus' full integration with Turkey within this climate will create major problems in foreign policy.

Emre Gonen (subhead)

Indicating that a drive such as this could lead to a dangerous escalation, Economic Development Foundation Undersecretary Emre Gonen pointed out that it will be better to be composed. Stating that Turkey's reaction was expected following the EU's behaviour toward it, Gonen said: "Of course, as always, Turkey reacted by going to the extreme. Negotiations will go on. Meetings with the EU, the WTO, and the UN will go on. The system of negotiations has been used everywhere since World War II. The international community has accepted no border changes since then, with the exception of the reunification of the two Germany's, the separation of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Repulic, and the separation of east and west Pakistan. This is very important.

Turkey cannot shake global consensus despite its right cause."

Muharrem Kayhan (subhead)

Saying that it is normal for the government to be sensitive about the Customs Union issue, the Association of Industrialists and Businessmen of Turkey (TUSIAD) chairman, Muharrem Kayhan, stressed that the balance cannot long be maintained against Turkey, adding: "But wholesale approaches to the EU and Customs Union are wrong. TUSIAD defends the view that Turkey's attainment of Customs Union, which it sees as a stage on the path to full EU membership, is in accord with Turkey's long-term benefits. It was also expected that developments would go against Turkey in the first years of Customs Union. The important thing here is the sides' carrying out their responsibilities. Turkey has carried out its economic responsibilities and has reached the EU platform with its partnership agreement in a way no other new member candidate has. What is more, it has done it without financial assistance."

Murat Bekdik (subhead)

Indicating that Turkey should carry out its responsibilities against the EU before using Cyprus as a trump card, TUGIAD Chairman Murat Bekdik said: "Turkey should be open for discussion regarding Cyprus. That is, it must hold meetings on a continuous basis. More than using Cyprus as a trump card, it should look for a platform that will not harm its goal of integrating with Europe. These are problems that may be solved with discussions and diplomacy. If we go on in this way, we will be withdrawing into our own shells. To say that we will reevaluate our Customs Union agreement means wasting our time with absurdities. But we can carry out the duties that we are responsible for. Technical problems may the cast aside.

However, saying that I did not like Customs Union and will reasses it means that Turkey will lose time and the EU will gain it."

Stating that Turkey has not formed a stable policy on Cyprus in 23 years, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mehmet Yildirim said that as a result Turkey has faced difficulties globally. Indicating that the most recent example of this is the problems created for Turkey by the EU through the Cyprus issue, Yildirim said: "There is a cold war between us and our neighbour Greece because of Cyprus for the past 25 years. Such is its economic impact that it came to the stage of influencing the Turkish economy. But no result has been achieved in the discussions to date. It is time for Turkey to make a decision.

It should tell the world what it will do or sit down and look for grounds for agreement. Staying in the middle always harms Turkey. Thus I see it benefitting do adopt a final stance."

Erdal Bahcivan (subhead)

Pointing out that important problems will be created if Turkey reaches boiling point and takes a wrong step following the recent EU decision, Istanbul Chamber of Industry Deputy Chairman Erdal Bahcivan said. "Do not be stagnant or too helpless. We should take Cyprus' realities into account, the possibility of this issue being raise against us, and at the same time review the risks and crises we could face from third countries. We are in a situation in which we can make decisions more cautiously without mixing logic and sentiment."

[05] Akbel alleges "Greece Responsible for Cyprus Problem"

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Omer Akbel, replying to a question, said that Pangalos should remember that his country shoulders a grave responsibility for Cyprus. Akbel alleged that the Enosis policy, EOKA terrorism, and the Greek military coup in Cyprus in 1974 clearly show who created the Cyprus problem, claiming that Turkey, which views the Cyprus problem as a national cause, has never used it as a domestic political motive.

[06] Denktash threatens to close `Book' if EU-Cyprus talks begin

In a statement to illegal TAK, Denktash recalled that President Clerides said: "If the EU process is postponed, we will withdraw from the intercommunal talks". Denktash said he thanks President Clerides for these remarks, and added that the EU may have thought that its decision would help promote a solution in Cyprus, but it will soon see that it pushed the problem to an utter impasse.

Denktash charged that with its scenario of a multinational force, the Greek Cypriot side is trying to attenuate Turkey's guarantees.

[07] ANAP wants a ministry for Turks abroad

Guner also said that the declaration between the occupied area and Turkey which outlines a partial integration should be implemented as soon as possible.

He added that the European Union (EU) Commission recommendation to begin negotiations with the Greek and Turkish communities for full EU membership had badly affected the talks in New York under way at the time under UN mediation.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] `Declaration' seen leading to federation with Turkey

This "special relationship" set up with the joint declaration on 20 July 1997, is nothing less than a confederation which has not been given a name yet. It is the Turkish Republic-TRNC confederation. And the most conspicuous proof of that confederation is the decision to set up a "PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL" between the two countries. This partnership council will be made up of the parliaments and ministers of the two countries. that is, a sort of miniature legislative and executive organ will be formed for the confederation.

1. The confederation is formed by independent and sovereign states.

2. A partnership council is usually set up with the equal participation of two states, and it meets from time to time to review relations between the two countries.

In confederations it is essential there should be as much cooperation, coordination, and joint action as possible in foreign policy, defense, and economy.

The "TRNC"-Turkish Republic "special relationship" envisages a far more advanced cooperation. Turkey will consider any attack on the "TRNC" as an attack on itself. The Turkish Foreign Ministry will be defending our foreign policy interests.

This will be laid down in a protocol.

3. "A common economic space" is set up in confederations once they are established.

A common free trade zone will be set up between the Turkish Republic and the "TRNC" too. This will be followed in the future by a free trade agreement.

4. "Special and privileged relations" are also set up in confederations as regards communications and transportation.

The "special relations" already developed between the Turkish Republic and the "TRNC" under the pressure of the embargoes will be further consolidated.

Hence, the "special relationship" now established between the "two countries" has all the elements that make it possible to describe it as a confederation.

Parallel to the special relationship to be established between the EU and the Greek Cypriot side, the transition of Turkey and the TRNC from a confederation into a Turkish Republic-TRNC federation will arise in the future.

The steps now being taken for a confederation will constitute the infrastructure for the future Turkish Republic-TRNC federation.

How interesting that while pressuring for a "federation with the Greek Cypriots" the stage has instead been set for a confederation with Turkey...

It was obvious that the Greek Cypriot side's intransigence would have generated this result.

Now, let them think about it. They will have to return from the wrong path they have taken. They will have to either return from their wrong path, or add a new volume to the literature of the "lost opportunities" by contending, like Clerides, that they (the Turks) are "bluffing."

As for us: Undoubtedly, the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot people unquestionably prefer a federation with Turkey over a federation with the Greek Cypriot side. Why should those who talk about a federation with the enemy oppose a federation with the motherland?"

[09] Columnist views EU membership, Cyprus problem

This is a method that Ecevit prefers. He applied this method during the Cyprus crisis in 1974.

He could have safeguarded himself by revealing the cards in hand and the furthest positions to which he could retreat.

After that he would have continued his bargaining but would not have given in on the basic principles. He could have said: "I stated this to the public and cannot retract it."

If not always, this approach has usually produced results.

We are following the same approach now.

In his statements during Sunday's celebrations (in north Cyprus) Ecevit presented Turkey's indispensable "sovereignty" element regarding a final solution in a clear way.

Ecevit indicated "what Ankara would do if a solution not accepted by the Turkish side is promoted and if, for example, the Greek Cypriot side is taken as a full member of the EU on its own".

He also introduced a phased program. In this way the EU and Greece were made to understand what cards Turkey holds, its intentions, its goal, and the scenario it will arrive at. For me, this was good.

It is always better to conduct a policy that is based on sound principles than one that has little said about and that is managed with vague sentences.

The point that attracted most attention was Ecevit avoiding the use of the word annexation an extremely correct approach.

I also tried to explain in my commentary yesterday that the annexation of north Cyprus by Turkey and its treatment like a province will only bring harm to the country. It would be impossible then to be saved from the pressure of the international public. The EU's door might be closed for good.

This should not even be called "integration or unification."

The soundest word would be "special relations". Our Western allies now know what may happen if the two states do not join the EU together as sovereign states.

The First Message Was given to the EU (subhead)

The statements made by Deputy Prime Minister Bulent ECevit came as the first official message to the EU.

With his signal that "he will reevaluate the Customs Union agreement', Ecevit voiced the dilemma in the mind of many individuals.

Turkey recognized the heavy burden the Customs Union would bring. There was a reason for carrying this burden, namely keeping open the door leading to full membership.

We now see that this door is about to close completely.

Not the slightest prospect is being given to Turkey; it is not even being considered as a "candidate member." The credit opened in support of its entry to the Customs Union is being frozen.

If things go on this way, would turkey not ask, willingly or unwillingly, "why should we continue with Customs Union, which benefits the EU more?" Of course it would.

Ecevit's message is this: "If you do not show openly, in the next few months, that there is a possibility of Turkey becoming a full member, then you will be facing two developments:

The first is that Turkey and (north) Cyprus will come nearer to each other in a special status and the Turkish side will not enter the EU. Following that, we would reevaluate the Customs Union agreement."

Our Western allies now clearly know the problems they will be facing from the political and economic viewpoint.

It is up to them whether or not they will act within this framework.

What we should do is, instead of pushing the issue uphill, we should be open to logical compromises when it comes to details.

Ultimately it will be to Turkey's benefit to have the Cyprus problem solved and relations with the EU improved".

[10] Turkey criticized for deciding for Turkish Cypriots

Everybody says so!

In actual fact they are right. The Cyprus problem has reached a very important phase. For some the importance of this phase rests in the fact that the peace has now been knocking on their doors as a serious threat (!). Just when they had done a good job of dividing Cyprus, they now fear that it might reunite.

At the same time, the phase in which we are now is also important for those who want peace. We think and are worried that if the opportunity for peace is lost once again Cyprus stands to face much more difficult days.

In these important days, it is always others that decide in the name of the Turkish Cypriot community. It is said that the TRNC will be attached to Turkey, that the free trade zones will be integrated so as to enrich the Turkish Cypriot community, and so on!

But the most important thing is that these measures are said to be discussed at Turkey's National Security Council in the coming days. By the way, are such statements not issued by the Turkish Republic Ministers, instead of the Turkish Cypriot officials? Have we not begun following the Turkish mainland newspapers for the "decisions" that concern the Turkish community?

Ferdi Soyer too had touched this point in his column recently. When I read it I said to myself: "Before taking up the same issue let me wait a bit in the hope that before and during Ecevit's visit to Cyprus the TRNC officials might be allowed to come to the limelight."

They (the Turkish officials) did not even feel the need for it. Look at their boorishness!

Knowing well that they would come under criticism, they took decisions behind closed doors and did not even have the politeness (!) to let the TRNC officials make the announcement.

Yet, they claim to be "serving the Turkish Cypriot community" with their actions.

Service despite us!

This is how much they respect and love the Turkish Cypriot community!

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

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