Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-09-04

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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. 163/97 -- 4.9.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Egypt's disclosure on missile components fails to satisfy Turkey

[02] Cem, Vedrine, Moskovici issue joint statements after talks

[03] Denktash threatens: "Boarders" to be closed if EU-Greek Cypriot talks begin.

[04] Talat criticizes Greek Cypriots on S-300 missiles it is "a stupit act"

[05] Denktash claims there is possibility of Egyptian, Syrian aid on Missiles

[06] Report on allocations made for southeast Anatolia Project in Turkey

[07] Turkish troll ships fish near shores of Cyprus without any control

[08] Yilmaz: deploying the missiles is "stupid act"

[09] Ecevit repeats threats of partial integration

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Outcome of Poos' visit to Turkey viewed by Mehmet Ali Birand

[11] Columnist views EU's approach on Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Egypt's disclosure on missile components fails to satisfy Turkey

Egypt's disclosure has not fully satisfied Ankara, which has adopted a cautious approach on the matter. Its reaction was: "What is important for us is the missiles not reaching the Greek Cypriot side. We will strongly react to countries that act as mediators. We do not believe that Egypt will adopt such an approach".

Acting on a report HURRIYET published the day before yesterday, the Egyptian Embassy informed the officials in Ankara early in the morning that what the ship carried was components for arms, not missiles.

However, Egypt's belated initiative failed to satisfy Ankara. A diplomat agreed that missile components can be transported through the straits and noted that Ankara is worried that the Greek Cypriots may decide to but S- 200 missiles in addition to the S-300 missiles they have already bought.

[02] Cem, Vedrine, Moskovici issue joint statements after talks

Recounting that views were exchanged on various issues with his French counterpart Vedrine, Cem said he was pleased that Turkey and France did not have deep differences of views on issues and added that Vedrine will visit Turkey soon.

Vedrine, in turn, said that Turkey is part of the European expansion process. Stressing that Turkey is determined to join the EU, Vedrine added that France had not changed its positive approach with regard to Turkey's membership in the EU.

The EU issue was taken up during Cem's contacts with his French counterpart in addition to the Middle East, the Caucasus and Turkish - French relations. A joint statement was issued after the meeting between Cem and Moskovici.

Explaining that obstacles in the way of Turkey's memberhsip in the EU were discussed during the meeting with Moskovici, Cem stressed that Moscovici said that the unsettled Cyprus issue and economic and political issues stood in the way of Turkey's EU membership. Moscovici in turn pointed out that the EU membership of Turkey and Cyprus should be assessed separately.

Cem, who later replied to reporters' questions, recalled that EU membership constituted a goal and not an obsession. If the EU can understand the historical significance of Turkey, it will see that Turkey will serve its interests, added Cem.

[03] Denktash threatens: "Boarders" to be closed if EU-Greek Cypriot talks begin

A European - Turkish Academicians Union delegation began holding contacts in the "TRNC" . The delegation which arrived at the invitation of Denktash, met with Assembly Speaker Hakki Atun, Rauf Denktash and Taner Etkin, "foreign affairs and defense minister". The visiting delegation was briefed on the past and present of the Cyprus problem.

In his briefing to the delegation, Denktash claimed that the EU intends to solve the problem on the island politically by ignoring the law. "If membership talks between the EU and the Greek Cypriots begin at the end of the year" Denktash declared "the TRNC will close its borders and implement the agenda of integration-special relations with Turkey". He said that the Cyprus issue is a problem that is based on the law, on international agreements and on human rights and freedoms. In addition to that, Denktash noted the Cyprus issue is also very important in terms of Turkey's geopolitical interests .

He stated: "Turkey has made its decision. There is no going back. It is impossible to revoke the rights gained by Turkey through the 1960 agreements".

In reply to a question Denktash said that the formula he envisages at present for a solution of the problem is an agreement based on two equal states. He pointed out that at the initial stage, the two states should sign a nonbelligerency agreement, and on the basis of the ease resulting from such an agreement, they should conduct an exchange of property. Denktash added:

"A population exchange has already been conducted. An exchange of property is the inevitable consequence of this. Productivity, self-sufficiency, and security would be the principles governing such an exchange . This is incorporated in the agreements signed with Makarios".

[04] Talat criticizes Greek Cypriots on S-300 Missiles issue

In a statement he issued, Talat said that the best response to this Greek Cypriot stand is to exert efforts toward a permanent solution that will safeguard the interests of the Turkish Cypriot community. Talat said that at a time when there are masses of problems facing them as we approach the month of December, "the S-300 missile issue may turn into the initial spark of an explosion". Talat called on the Greek Cypriot side to refrain from such activities, and appealed to the two sides to display enthousiasm in all areas, including mutual military reduction for a lasting peace. Talat said that he considers it a patriotic duty to remind the sides that the Turkish and Greek Cypriots will be the losers of a possible war in Cyprus. (MY)

[05] Denktash claims there is possibility of Egyptian, Syrian aid on Missiles

"Naturally this is entirely possible. Let us not forget that in 1963, 1964 and 1965 Russian naval ships were delivered to Makarios via Egypt because Egypt believed that Makarios was fighting for full independence". He added that he believes that Turkey is in a position to determine whether these missiles and missile parts belong to Egypt. "I hope that this is the case and that this is the truth. We don't have a quarrel with Egypt. We consider Egypt a brother. I hope that Egypt was not part of any deception", he said.

Asked from what other countries can the Greek Cypriots receive aid in this regard, Denktash alleged: "Such assistance can come from Syria. It can easily come via Syria. Let us not forget this. Moreover, many countries would do this for money. There is no humanity any more. There is no such thing as human rights in the world anymore, there is money. There is nothing that cannot be achieved with money. Therefore, we must be very careful. We are grateful for Turkey's meticulous attitude.

I would like to state, however, that these missiles and these armament efforts do not only pose a threat to us or to Turkey, they are a threat to NATO as well. This must be taken into consideration. According to NATO and to the 1960 agreements, this should not take place here. But, they have gone mad, and they are doing this. It is my expectaton and hope that the Americans, who declare that they will never allow this, and the British, who note that this will not happen in more moderate tones, will prevent this. The actual responsibility falls on them. If they fail to fulfill this responsibility, someone must take action to safequard his own interests and security and that party is naturally Turkey. In that case, no one should condemn Turkey", he claimed.

To a question if the Greek Cupriots insist on deploying the S-300 missiles, what would Turkey do, Denktash claimed: "This would give Turkey the right to prevent this. The 1960 agreements also grant Turkey this right. These agreemets are formulated very meticulously. They cite the number of troops and weapons Turkey and Greece are allowed to maintain on the island".

[06] Report on allocations made for Southeast Anatolia Project in Turkey

In a study named "The Latest Situatio At The Southeast Anatolia Project", prepared by the GAP Regional Development Administration Presidency, it is indicated that the required public finacing between 1990 and 2005 for attaining the targets set at the GAP project is 4.224 quadrillion lira at 1997 fixed prices.

Indicating that the cash investments have reached 39.6 percent of the envisaged target, the study prepard by the GAP Regional Development Administration Presidency gives the distribution of the investment percentages by sector in the following manner:

Agriculture, 9.4 percent; energy, 71.3 percent; metallurgy, 88.3 percent; manufacturing, 40.3 percent; transportation, 28.1 percent; tourism, 23.3 percent; housing, 30.3 percent; education, 41.9 percent; health, 77.6 percent; others, 43.2 percent.

It is also stressed in the GAP study that for the 1997 Investment Program, a fund worth 77.991 trillion lira has been appropriated, of which 59.956 trillion lira is for the economic sectors (agriculture, metallurgy, energy, transportation, tourirsm), and 18.35 trillion lira for the social sectors (housing, education, health, municipality substructures and other public services).

Expenditures per Sector at GAP Sector Expenditures (in Billions of lira)

Agriculture		1,278,700
Energy			1,358,500
Metallurgy		   98,100
Manufacturing		  188,100
Transportation		  935,300
Tourism			    7,100
Housing			   40,900
Education		   84,200
Health			   27,900
Others			  205,900
Total			4,224,700

[07] Turkish troll ships fish near shores of Cyprus without any control

YENIDUZEN says that these ships fish only a hundred meters off the shore, thus destroying small fish and their feeding grounds.

It reports that some of the owners of these troll ships have established friendly relations with people of Denktash's regime and they market their fish without letting their catch be controlled and without paying any "customs duty".

YENIDUZEN says that when asked, the owners of these troll ships say that "We have permission from Denktash's Minister".

The paper further reports that Turkish Cypriot fishermen in the occupied Famagusta area complain that while Denktash's regime imposes harsh measures on them, on the other hand turns a blind eye to the activities of Turkish troll ships.

[08] Yilmaz: deploying the missiles is "a stupid act'

"I think (the S-300) will be used as a bargaining chip or a trump car, because these missiles are not enough neither for defending themselves not for hitting Turkey. There is no logic."

Yilmaz made this statement at a launcheon given to the Ankara representatives of newspapers.

[09] Ecevit repeats threats of partial integration

As for Turkey hitting the launching pads of the S-300, Ecevit said: "I don't know if anything will be achived if the launching pads are hit. However, as long as the Greek Cypriots take these steps, Turkey will have counter steps. If they continue, this will reach the point of the TRNC's partial integration with Turkey. If de facto such a situation exists, the same result can be reached legally".

Ecevit further alleged that if the Cyprus Government resorts to "madness" then the EU will be held responsible.

Ecevit, referring to the intercommunal dialogue, alleged that "if Greece and South Cyprus accept the reality that the TRNC is an independent state then the possibility of holding serius dialogue will be created. Otherwise the process will lead to partial integration", he said.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Outcome of Poos' visit to Turkey viewed by Mehmet Ali Birand

"Foreign Minister Poos, who is the current EU chairman, has paid an interesting visit to Turkey. Luxembourg is one of the countries that maintain an adverse approach toward our country. This has added to the importance of the message he has conveyed to Ankara.

The situation until he visited Turkey can be outlined as follows: The European Commission's report on the expansion of the EU `excluded Turkey from the list of candidate members and called for talks with only five countries'. Furthermore, it called for the establishment of `pre-accession mechanisms' to help the candidates improve their economy to comply with EU requirements.

According to the existing agreements, Turkey was described as a `country with the right to join the organization as a full member'. But this situation was not clarified.

Was Turkey a candidate? If so, why was that not clearly stated? Why was it excluded from the framework of the `pre-accession mechanisms?'. Was its accession ruled out?

The uncertainty made Ankara very uneasy.

Italy was the first country to outline its opinion. It said: `Turkey should be a candidate country and it should be included in the talks on accession'. However, it could do very little by itself.

That is when Foreign Minister Poos arrived in Ankara. He clarified a few points:

1. The European Commission's report can be debated. It has not yet been accepted by the member countries. The final decision will be made by the Ministerial Council and the EU summit, which will convene in December. In other words, nothing can be said at this time.
2. Turkey is included in the expansion process. Excluding it is out of the question.
3. The European Commission's report weighs on economic issues. The reason Turkey has not been included within the framework of the accession mechanisms is that its economy is far ahead the other countries. Neither Poland nor Hungary can be compared with Turkey. Turkey does not have an economic problem from the point of view of its full accession to the organization.
4. Turkey has not been included in the negotiations for political reasons, despite being included in the expansion process and there being no economic problem.
5. The political reasons are as follows:
   1. The question of human rights and prolonging the Kurdish problem.
   2. The nosolution situation in Cyprus.
   3. The prolonging of the problems between Greece and Turkey.

Foreign Minister Poos' approach confused Turkish officials because he clarified the situation somewhat and conveyed the message that Turkey has not been excluded.

That was the positive aspect of this visit. The negative aspect was:

The political reasons were common knowledge. But they were not outlined so clearly in the past. Considering Poos' views, had the Turkish officials asked a critical question? You have linked the organization's decision not to initiate talks with Turkey on accession with political reasons. Will it initiate the talks on full membership if the political issues are resolved by next spring?

Everyone was surprised by the way Poos replied to the question. He unhesitatingly said: Yes, we can quickly move to hold talks.

That was a new approach.

Why did Poos decide to make such a clear statement? Was it because he was convinced that Turkey will not be able to solve the problems alone? It is common knowledge that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the problems between Turkey and Greece does not depend only on Ankara. Obviously, the Greek and Greek Cypriot approach has to be considered. So Turkey cannot be expected to solve them by itself. In fact, the Turkish officials brought that state of affairs to his attention.

Progress has been made on human rights. But Ankara's hands are tied on matters related to Cyprus and Greece.

Poos said a positive development, if not a solution, will be enough (!). Was that a personal initiative by the current EU chairman or a new approach by all the EU countries? The outcome of the meeting Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had with his French counterpart yesterday afternoon and the outcome of the meeting he will have with his German counterpart on 12 September will clarify that.

But it seems the EU is confused. Apparently, it does not want to create the impression that Turkey has been excluded. This does not indicate that Turkey now has a better chance. Nevertheless, it shows that the bargaining process will be stepped up".

[11] Columnist Views EU's Approach on Cyprus

Elekdag says that the EU Presidency stressed in a statement that it will not change its stand and sent tough messages to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" and Turkey. The statement finds the Turkish Cypriot side responsible for the deadlock in the second round of talks held in Montreux under the auspices of the UN. Following that, the EU stated that it "cannot accept" the precondition Denktash has set that he will it at the table with the Cyprus Government only if the EU freezes the talks with the Cyprus Government regarding full membership. The EU added that the decision to start the talks in the beginning of next year has been made at the highest level, so it cannot be changed.

In essence, it seems very unlikely the EU will reverse its decision form this point on, he says.

He continues by saying that in parallel with the membership talks between the Cyprus Government and the EU, Turkey will have to take steps on the path to integration with the "TRNC", which will result in the final and certain division of Cyprus.

"For this reason, Ankara, has thought that the declaration between Demirel and Denktash, approved unanimously by the Turkish Parliament, will be a serious trump card against the EU and the Greek Cypriot administration. However, developments have revealed that this document has not produced the expected effect. And this", he claims, "inevitably brings to mind the following questions:

Could it be that the Greek Cypriot administration and the EU have considered the certain and final division of the island? Is this the basic reason why they do not care about the decisions made by the TRNC and Turkey regarding integration?

I am convinced that the real answer to these questions lies in the `convincing' identity Turkey has lost as a state. The Greek Cypriot side assesses us in the following manner: `The Turks talk too much, chat too much, but they do not materialize what they say. They recognized their weakness against the political and monetary pressure from the West. For this reason, they are scared of taking even calculated risks. For now, let them talk back and forth. When the time comes, we can overcome this by putting the necessary pressure on Ankara, and prevent them from taking measures for integration with the TRNC'.

On the other hand, the deployment of S-300 missiles in the Greek Cypriot sector is pushing the Cyprus question into a new dangerous dimension. By securing a cover for the aircraft to be placed in the air base under construction in Paphos, the S-300 missiles are found to be able to constitute a significant air threat against our country, restrict Turkey's space movement, and influence the military balance of the region. This analysis is confirmed by the highest level General Staff officials we met. However, the commanders are not making `thoughtless' remarks, like Ciller, that they `will strike at the S-300 missiles as soon as these are brought to the island'. After indicating that they will not remain indifferent toward this new threat against Turkey, they are saying the decision `rests with the political authorities'.

I have already indicated that Turkey has lost its `convincing' identity in the eyes of the world, whereas Turkey is very determined regarding the Cyprus question. It has devoted itself to the action line it has drawn, after letting it (the integration with the TRNC) pass through Parliament. Everything points to the fact that the EU and Turkey are on a course to clash. Under these circumstances, the commencement of the membership talks between the EU and the Greek Cypriot administration in the beginning of 1998 will escalate the tension in the island. The Greek Cypriot administration's insistence on deploying the S-300 missiles in its territory, will further increase the tension.

The responsibility of preventing this serious crisis falls on the United States. For, it is a unique power center that has influence on Athens and the Greek Cypriot administration." Elekdag says.

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

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