Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-09-26

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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. 179/97 -- 26.9.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Force reduction, eventual demilitarization urged.

[02] Cem discusses ties with Greece, Cyprus issue with Albright.

[03] Etkin: "Steps may be taken as Countermeasures, when needed".

[04] Etkin returns: comments on Ankara contacts.

[05] Denktash reiterates call for "National Congress"

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Force reduction, eventual demilitarization urged

According to the statement, the believes that Cyprus' decision to buy S-300 missiles to strengthen its defence does not promote peace. The CLP says deconcentration measures must be taken immediately, a mutual reduction of military forces must be carried out within the framework of a short-term agreement, and the island must be demilitarized in the long-term as cited in the Denktash-Kyprianou summit. The party also stresses that the two sides must take confidence-building measures in other fields.

The CLP recalls that it has always been its policy that a federal solution should be reached on the basis of the Ghali Set of Ideas and that membership in the EU should come after a solution. It notes that the green light given to Cyprus that it can join the EU even without a solution in Cyprus does not contribute towards a solution.

The CLP believes that a conciliation must be reached regarding a solution, that an application for membership in the EU must be submitted jointly, and that accession talks must be attended with a joint delegation and under equal status. It stresses that if the federal Cyprus republic becomes an EU member, then measures must be taken to protect the balance between Turkey and Greece regarding Cyprus until such time as Turkey joins the EU.

The CLP describes the call for a "national congress" as a waste of time, noting that calling for a "national congress" when an assembly exists is nothing but a move to change the agenda.

[02] Cem discusses ties with Greece, Cyprus issue with Albright

Cem's meeting with Albright lasted for about 45 minutes. In a short statement after the meeting, Cem said that they exchanged views on Turkish- Greek relations and the Cyprus issue.

Cem said: "We conveyed our views on these Cyprus' decision to buy S-300 missiles and to deputy them) to the secretary of state. She listened to us carefully and said that we are right to be concerned." Noting that Albright expressed her concerns over Turkish-Greek relations, Cem added that the issue of the tripartite summit among Turkey, Greece and the United States was not discussed in depth during the meeting.

[03] Etkin: "Steps may be taken as Countermeasures, when needed"

Etkin, who is in Ankara, made a statement to Anatolia Agency, stressing that the full membership application which the Greek Cypriots submitted to the EU on behalf of the entire island and which is based on no legal foundation is totally unacceptable. He claimed that this application was made with the aim of reducing the status of the people of the occupied area to that of a minority. Recalling that the 1960 agreements grant the occupied area equal partnership status and equal right of speech, Etkin claimed: "This unilateral initiative taken without consulting us while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved is aimed at eliminating our rights and status". Etkin said that the EU, which claims that world countries that take an interest in the Cyprus problem believe that the problem and the EU membership are unlinked, should review its stand on the issue.

Etkin alleged that the Greek Cypriots, acting jointly with Greece, are trying to arm the island, adding that their recent armament efforts are aimed at deploying the S-300 missiles on the island. He noted that the measures against this deployment was incorporated in the 20 December declaration. Pointing out that these measures are political, economic and military, Etkin continued: We are saying that steps might be taken for a unification with Turkey within the framework of our special relations. Some of these steps have already been taken. When the time comes these measures will be taken. We expect the concerned countries to act with a cool head and to hold the necessary contacts. The measures cited in the joint declaration will be taken as countermeasures when necessary.

[04] Etkin returns: comments on Ankara contacts

In a statement at the occupied Tymbou airport, Etkin said that besides participating in the fair he also held beneficial talks with state and government officials. Noting that these talks were held within the framework of courtesy calls, Etkin said that, however, he took the opportunity to discuss and assess with Turkish officials the latest situation in the Cyprus issue. He added: "At the end of my contacts I returned to heme with increased trust."

Etkin stressed that the measures to be taken against every step the Greek Cypriot side will taking will be implemented with determination, adding that whatever is necessary will be done.

Etkin said that Brigadier-General Hasan Peker Gunal, commander of the security forces, who accompanied him to the international defense industry and civil aviation fair, will return to the island in a few days. He added that Gunal postponed his return to the occupied area in order to hold various contacts relating to the Security Forces Reinforcement Fund.

[05] Denktash reiterates call for "National Congress"

Denktash made a situation assessemnt to illegal Bayrak Radio and Television today prior to the meeting he will be holding with President Clerides on security issues tomorrow. Assessing his forthcoming meeting with President Clerides, Dnektash said that it is an important one but it is not the Cyprus issue. He continued: "EVen if we solve the Cyprus issue, we should continue discussing the topics we will be taking up tomorrow, in other words, we should continue discussing the relations between the two sides and the factors aimed at ameliorating these relations. He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side is constantly raising the difficulties encountered in solving the Cyprus issue. Recalling tht these difficulties are the EU and the intentions of the Greeks and the Greek Cypriots, Denktash claimed that there are attempts to separate the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey.

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

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