Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-10-03

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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. 183/97 -- 3.10.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash asks for recognition of pseudostate to continue talks.

[02] Denktash says no chances of resuming the negotiation process.

[03] Turkish Cypriot association asks for the illegal declaration of the pseudostate to be rendered null and void.

[04] Onur Oymen in the occupied area.

[05] Denktash meets British High Commissioner.

[06] Denktash's regime to investigate all Turkish Cypriots who attended the recent bicommunal UN activity.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash asks for recognition of pseudostate to continue talks

The recent developments concerning the Cyprus problem were discussed at a meeting held under the chairmanship Denktash. Attending the meeting, were "assembly speaker" Hakki Atun; Serdar Denktash, "deputy prime minister" and Democratic Party leader; "assembly deputy speaker" Olgun Pasalar; the leaders or representatives of the political parties represented at the so-called assembly; judicial organ representatives; and a group comprised of former "ministers" and bureaucrats.

In a statement to the press before the meeting, Denktash said that the meeting would be an exchange of views regarding the Cyprus problem, and it does not concern a "national congress" as stated in the media. Recalling that views and assessments have been expressed with regard to a "national congress," Denktash commented on why he found it necessary to institute such an organ. He said: "The congress issue constituted seeds of thought proposed to bring about an activity I felt was needed with regard to the Cyprus problem. The seeds have sprouted, discussions have been launched, ideas have been expressed, and the process will continue."

Denktash remarked that he proposed such an idea with the aim of publicizing the matter, disseminating it, and underlining the danger. He recalled his statement that he will discuss the "national congress" issue during a special Cyprus session to be held at the "assembly" after the matter has been discussed at the "government". Denktash declared that there cannot be an authority above the "assembly".

Denktash explained that those who will be invited to the congress will be persons who have been elected by the Turkish Cypriots or have recently served the Cyprus issue. Denktash described the decision adopted by the National Unity Party (UBP) on this subject as strange. Denktash noted that he spoke to Dervis Eroglu, UBP leader and "prime minister", who reported to him that he is not aware of the decision adopted by the UBP.

Further alleging that Europe is behaving to suit its purposes, Denktash stressed that decisions concerning the Cyprus problem were adopted at the "assembly", a joint declaration was issued with Turkey, and the Turkish Grand National Assembly assessed the matter, but no one is taking this into account.

Pointing out that there is a fast - moving European train as a result of the EU stand, Denktash reiterated his claim that Europe is ignoring the Turkish Cypriot side. At this stage, Denktash announced, "the assembly represents the people, and it is necessary to demonstrate that the people are on the side of the Assembly and the president". Therefore, Denktash explained, he felt the need for a "national congress". And he continued:

"When we face Europe and the rest of the world with a united voice -- together with the persons that you will also propose, regardless of what we want to call it -- the diplomats here will realize that we are determined."

Denktash emphasized that he will not allow for the disruption of the balance between Turkey and Greece, the dilution of the guarantee system, or any interference with the principle of bizonality. Denktash reiterated that bizonality will continue and there will be an exchange of property. "The Turkish Cypriots' equality and sovereignty must be recognized within the framework of these fundamental principles" Denktash said. He announced that if all these basic principles are not accepted, the Turkish Cypriots will not sit at the negotiating table unless the "TRNC" is recognized.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriots will be "eroded" when they sit at the negotiating table in goodwill, Denktash said that his only aim is to go down to the people together with the "assembly", underlining that he does not intend to establish an organ above the "assembly".

After his statement, the assessment meeting continued in camera. Speaking after the meeting, UBP Secretary General Vehbi Zeki Serter said that alongside the detailed information supplied by Denktash with regard to the recent developments on the Cyprus problem, he expressed his party's views on this subject. Serter explained that Denktash will meet with the political party representatives again on 9 October to conduct a broader assessment. In reply to a question on the "national congress" issue Serter declared that the authorized organs of the UBP discussed this matter, and there is no question of amending the announced decision. Asked if Eroglu is aware of the UBP decision, Serter said that the decision was made by the party's authorized organs and Eroglu is aware of the decision.

Serdar Denktash, in his comments, reported that Denktash presented the latest stage of the Cyprus problem, and the issue of a "national congress" emerged as a great need at this stage. He said that the "national congress" must be implemented after being renamed a "thought platform". He added that it has become clear that the Democratic Party is not following the same line as its "coalition" partner on the "national cause".

Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat, in his statement, declared that a process is currently being experienced with the EU regarding the Cyprus problem, and the Turkish Cypriot community must influence this process as a politically equal side in favour of a federal Cyprus republic. Talat said that it is necessary to join in the process and influence it in order to prevent the EU process from progressing against the Turkish Cypriots. Talat added that the interests of the Turkish Cypriots lie in joining this process.

Communal Liberation Party leader Mustafa Akinci, also speaking after the meeting, declared that it is important for the political parties and Denktash to exchange views and make joint decisions. He said decisions and alternatives that cannot be implemented should be avoided. Pointing out that the EU is an important factor and the Turkish Cypriot side has no possibility of participating in this process on an equal footing, Akinci said that this can be achieved only after the framework for a solution emerges and the two communities submit a joint application.

[02] Denktash says no chances of resuming the negotiation process

During his address at a Rotary Club meeting, Denktash claimed: "The fact that the Greek Cypriot side disregarded the parameters needed for a solution when it launched initiatives to join the EU and received full support from the world along these lines only makes the issue an insoluble problem."

Alleging that it has become meaningless now to sit at the negotiation table with the Greek Cypriot side in order to secure a solution, Denktash added: "The Turkish Cypriots will never sit at the negotiation table with the Greek Cypriot side in order to secure an agreement that does not recognize the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. There are efforts to destroy the principles in question by laying the grounds of the negotiations on not recognizing our sovereignty and political equality, not protecting our most basic rights, and diluting Turkey's right of guarantorship. The efforts along these lines have reached such a dimension that there are no chances of resuming the negotiation process.

Consequently", claimed Denktash, "the Cyprus issue is being linked to the EU full membership process in the eyes of the world through the stand adopted by the Greek Cypriot side and it is being dragged into a timetable, which is in the hands of the EU. For this reason, I put on the brakes."

[03] Turkish Cypriot association asks for the illegal declaration of the pseudostate to be rendered null and void

In his written statement Durduran recalled that whenever Denktash was cornered and he found himself in a difficult situation, he used to convene such meetings and resort to soap box rhetoric. "However he is no longer able to realize his wishes", stressed Durduran.

Accusing him of repotism for securing support for his demands, Durduran said that Denktash, with his mishandling of the Cyprus problem, has paved the way for the Turkish Cypriots to emigrate en masse.

Meanwhile, the London Solidarity Association, which is affiliated to Durduran's New Cyprus Party, demanded that the decision taken regarding the declaration of the pseudostate be rendered null and void, because, it argued, the existence of the so-called "TRNC" is an obstacle before a Cyprus settlement.

The Association, has also declared that "Denktash does not represent the will of the Turkish Cypriots".

The Association also suggested that Greek and Turkish Cypriot children be educated in the same schools. (MY)

[04] Onur Oymen in the occupied area

Onur Oymen who is Turkey's NATO Permanent Representative will hold talks with Denktash and will leave the occupied area on Sunday. (MY)

[05] Denktash meets British High Commissioner

Madden has declared that they support every step geared to securing progress in the settlement of the Cyprus problem, "We are always in favour of the direct talks", declared Madden. (MY)

[06] Denktash's regime to investigate all Turkish Cypriots who attended the recent bicommunal UN activity

KIBRIS reports that the "police" are taking down the names, addresses and other necessary information to start investigation against those who attended the activities which were declared open to everybody by the UN. (MY)

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

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