Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-07-28

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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. 136/97 -- 26-27-28

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Bank grants loan to finance ferry.

[02] TKP statement on negotiations, EU policy, ties with Turkey.

[03] ANAP's Guner calls for more aid to Turkish Cypriots.

[04] Pro-Democracy, centrist daily that caters to intellectuals.

[05] Turkish economic delegation arrives for talks.

[06] Denktash leaves for Istanbul to receive award.

[07] Denktash vows to open Varosha to settlement if Greeks deploy missiles.

[08] Occupied area in WEPZA's Almanac.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Bank grants loan to finance ferry

In a statement at the signing ceremony, Bayram explained that a loan of $3, 729,583 was secured from the Turkish Eximbank to finance the ferryboat, and he thanked the Turkish officials.

Noting that many organizations contributed to the construction of the Canbulat Pasa ferryboat, Bayrak remarked that the Turkish Eximbank provided the funds that were lacking for the project.

[02] TKP statement on negotiations, EU policy, ties with Turkey

A written statement issued today on the meeting notes that the Cyprus problem can be solved through negotiations to be conducted between the two communities on an equal footing and within a framework that is largely expressed in the Boutros-Ghali Set of Ideas and whose parameters have crystallized over the years. Pointing out that alongside Turkey and Greece, the UN Security Council and especially the EU must contribute to this solution process, the statement says that membership in the EU must be viewed as a consequence of the conciliation to be reached at the negotiating table after a federal solution is achieved in Cyprus.

Noting that EU accession should take place after a federal partnership has been achieved and that a reasonable perspective must be provided for Turkey's membership, the statement asks the parties to refrain from engaging in behaviour that will detach the occupied area from the negotiating process.

The statement adds that the occupied area must struggle, in solidarity with Turkey, for an agreement that will protect its basic rights.

[03] ANAP's Guner calls for more aid to Turkish Cypriots

Guner made a statement after the expanded ANAP Chairmanship Council meeting in which foreign political developments were discussed.

Guner claimed that Ottoman archives show that a large part of Cyprus territory belongs to religious foundations, that there are powerful religious foundations in Greece, and that a case can be opened in the Hague Court in connection with violations on the issue. He said that it will be beneficial to seriously implement and expand the decision not to load or supply services to Greek Cypriot vessels at Turkish ports.

He said: "Of the $250 million loan which the previous government promised to Cyprus $50 million was extended with an interest rate of 6.5 percent and was tied up for six months. it is impossible to dress the wounds of Cyprus with such loans. Cyprus wants Turkish money. It wants loans based on the Turkish lira.

It requests long-term and low-interest loans."

[04] Pro-Democracy, centrist daily that caters to intellectuals

In our meeting held at his Nicosia residence TRNC `Deputy Prime Minister' and Democrat Party Leader Serdar Denktash assessed the partial integration saying: `God willing, the good intentions will not remain on paper again and added: `The contribution to economic development should come within a program prepared by the TRNC. A framework agreement that will eliminate obstacles to its implementation should be prepared as soon as possible.'

Indicating that the situation in which a TRNC citizen is obliged to pay 80 percent tax on a Turkish car he wants to import is an example of disparity, Denktash also stressed the importance of technical assistance.

Calling the joint declaration announced in his party's building as `the announcement of the known, Republican Turkish Party Leader Mehmet Ali Talat criticized the integration, saying:

`With his announcement of the integration, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is strengthening the Greek thesis'. Also arguing against the joint defense concept, Talat said: `It is a guaranteed fact that the joint defense is contrary to the alliance agreements. It contradicts the thesis maintained to date.' Claiming that the joint declaration exceeds the powers of the TRNC Parliament and of President Rauf Denktash, Talat said a referendum should be held regarding the issue.

Stressing the benefits of the New York meetings, Talat said: `It is irrational not to go to Switzerland after calling for a face-to-face meeting for years.' Pointing out that Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides has gone to New York in order not to appear intransigent, Talat said: `It is time for the world to understand that Cyprus wants peace'. Describing as dangerous the `tit-for-tat' policy in response to EU membership by the `Republic of Cyprus', which is officially recognized by the UN and the world, Talat said: `I want Ecevit to help. The policy of reacting to action, including the one regarding the TRNC announcement, has never benefited the Turkish Cypriots.' He added: `Turkey is using Cyprus as a trump card for its EU membership.'

Communal Liberation Party (TKP) Leader Mustafa Akinci said in statements he made to press officials that integration with Turkey will strengthen the claim put forward by the Greek side all the time that `the TRNC is not a sovereign state, the addressee is Turkey'."

[05] Turkish economic delegation arrives for talks

In an airport statement, Gurel noted that Turkey will extend every possible support to make sure that the occupied area does not feel isolated in the international field.

Eroglu, speaking at the meeting he held with Gurel, said that the Mesut Yilmaz government came to power at a time when the occupied area is facing various economic problems. He expressed the belief that the problems can be solved in line with the importance Turkey attaches to the occupied area. Noting that the economic problems are, at times, rendering the people restless and forcing them to migrate, Eroglu said that the current situation is not that bad and that the per capita GNP is over $4,000.

In statements he made during the meeting, Gurel said that they arrived on the island to conduct work aimed at taking concrete steps and implementing the decisions that were announced on 20 July. He expressed the belief that the work to be conducted will be productive. Stressing that one cannot consider the occupied area without Turkey, Gurel said that results can be achieved through cooperation in the fields of trade, industry, and tourism, and through structural changes to be made by the occupied area authorities.

[06] Denktash leaves for Istanbul to receive award

After the ceremony, Denktash will deliver a lecture at a conference organized by the Beyoglu Municipality, and he will return to the occupied area in the evening.

[07] Denktash vows to open Varosha to settlement if Greeks deploy missiles

Addressing a conference in Istanbul, Denktash stated that an agreement that does not include Turkey's guarantees and the equality of the two communities will not be signed. Noting that Cyprus is the joint cause of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, Denktash said that this cause cannot be renounced. Replying to a question, Denktash said that if the missiles the Greek Cypriots purchased from Russia arrive on the island, Varosha will be opened to settlement.

[08] Occupied area in WEPZA's Almanac

KIBRIS claims that occupied area's "official" acceptance to the WEPZA is an important step towards the legal recognition of the occupied area.

KIBRIS adds that WEPZA has 38 members all over the world and that the occupied area will be mentioned in the WEPZA's general Almanac as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". (MY)

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

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