Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-12-16

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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. 234/97 -- 16.12.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Embassy tries to counter State Department and Juncker.

[02] EU chairman's charge of threat to Cyprus denied by Turkey.

[03] Denktash: No time to waste with those who do not accept existence of "TRNC".

[04] Talat favours intercommunal, EU talks on equal status.

[05] Denktash announces intercommunal talks terminated.

[06] Gurel: "When EU begins negotiations with Cyprus, it will have taken a step towards acknowledging existence of two states."

[07] Eroglu welcomes Turkey's stand on EU decisions.

[08] EU should take over Famagusta.

[09] Turkish military to take countermeasures against EU's decision.

[10] Pseudostate's Bulgarian muslims see Denktash to discuss problems.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Turkish Columnist views polls on political preferences.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Embassy tries to counter State Department and Juncker

Greece recently complained that two Turkish jets flew over the Greek airspace near Thessaloniki. US State Department spokesman Jim Foley told press on Thursday that NATO radar data confirmed the Greek contention. Foley called the incident "needlessly provocative and totally unnecessary."

The Turkish Embassy responded by saying "the statements of the US State Department's Spokesman made on December 11, 1997 do not reflect the real nature of the incident, and the US Embassy in Ankara has been duly informed about the facts and Turkey's views".

The Turkish Embassy claimed two Turkish F-16s were conducting "routine training flights within international airspace over the Aegean Sea" when they were "seriously harassed by ten Greek Air Force war planes" on Thursday.

The Turkish Embassy also took issue with a Luxembourg daily quoting Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, who supposedly said that he told Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on December 10, 1997 "to abandon the threat of resorting to force should the EU initiate accession talks with the southern part of Cyprus".

"The Turkish side is surprised and dismayed by Prime Minister Juncker's statement since no such conversation took place during the above mentioned meeting," the Turkish Embassy statement said.

"Turkey is making every effort in helping to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and does not threaten to use force. Similarly, Turkey expects the EU to contribute constructively and realistically to the efforts of the UN Secretary General," the Turkish Embassy claimed.

[02] EU chairman's charge of threat to Cyprus denied by Turkey

Replying to a question, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Necati Utkan said that even though a decision was made not to comment on the EU until the end of the summit, Juncker's statement to the daily Luxembourg Vort cannot be ignored. Utkan alleged: "The offensive and undignified remarks made by Mr.

Juncker about Turkey are regrettable. Turkey always listens to justified criticism about its human rights record, and is making serious goodwill efforts in order to rectify mistakes that may be made. Turkey is also proud of the fact that throughout its history it has kept its distance from xenophobia and intolerance. All this has been explained during talks with EU officials. Juncker's remarks are unacceptable. Of course, if the so- called issue of human rights is being used as a cover for the main target of keeping Turkey outside the EU, then that matter will have to be addressed separately."

Furthermore, according to TRT (5:30 hours, 13.12.97) the Turkish Foreign Ministry has refuted the statement by Luxembourg Prime Minister Juncker to a Luxembourg newspaper that at his meeting with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz he asked Turkey to give up its threat of using military force against Cyprus in case the EU starts full membership negotiations with Cyprus.

In a written statement, the Foreign Ministry stated that such a conversation was not held at the meeting, and that Juncker merely referred to the points discussed earlier by other EU officials regarding Cyprus. The statement adds: "In response, he was told that we will adopt a stand based on the joint declaration signed by the presidents of Turkey and the TRNC on 27 January 1997, and that making any concessions regarding the Cyprus problem is out of the question. We are amazed at and regret Juncker's remarks that do not reflect the truth. Turkey makes efforts for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue. We have not made any threats to resort to force. We expect the EU to adopt a constructive and realistic attitude, to contribute to the efforts for a solution in Cyprus, and to refrain from moves that may endanger these efforts."

[03] Denktash: No time to waste with those who do not accept existence of "TRNC"

Asked what does the announcement by the EU that is in favour of the "Turkish Cypriot congregation" participating in the talks to be held with Cyprus mean, Denktash claimed:

"This is an invitation for us `to come to the table but accept the Greek Cypriots as the legitimate government'." And he went on: "The necessary answer has been given to this: We do not attend meetings where no consideration is given to the existence of the TRNC".

Asked what will happen now, Denktash replied: "The TRNC citizens know the answer to this question very well. The answer to this should be: `The TRNC exists and will continue to exist.

To discuss the Cyprus problem with those who do not accept this (fact) is nothing but a waste of time. We have not time to waste. We have plenty of work to do'."

Asked to explain his statement to the effect that intercommunal talks have come to an end, he claimed: "The intercommunal talks were a chain that they tied our feet with.

They tied us to the table with this chain. They gave the Greek Cypriots the chance to own Cyprus under a `legitimate government' hat. The result is obvious. They are inviting us to lock the door of this trap and throw the key into the sea. As we were not deceived by this game, they are the ones who killed the intercommunal talks process, not us."

To a comment that Mr. Cordovez is said to be preparing documents regarding the Constitution and other subjects in order to start the meetings in March, Denktash replied: "I think that Mr. Cordovez is not a person who spends his time in vain. He has the capacity to understand that `the intercommunal talks have come to an end' by making an assessment of the situation. We will continue our contacts with the UN General Secretariat, but as the TRNC authority and not as a `congregation'."

To another comment that some say that the "TRNC" will be further pushed towards isolation, Denktash claimed: "They may try every kind of pressure for a while. They cannot wipe us out because they want the unification of Cyprus. They will now see how their actions will backfire. .../..

We should from now on see how we can organize conditions between the two states. Under no circumstances will any further assistance be given to the representatives of governments which view the Greek Cypriots, who do not recognize us, as the legitimate government of Cyprus, and which do not give any consideration to any of our rights to move freely among us and disturb the public peace by holding meetings and festivities that have no use other than to deceive the world. Work should immediately be carried out regarding these issues. The world should see our determination and that we will not bow to injustice, and that we are intent on getting equality by enduring against every difficulty. This means complete self-sacrifice and complete shake up."

[04] Talat favours intercommunal, EU talks on equal status

In a news conference at the so-called assembly yesterday Talat assessed the developments in the wake of the EU Luxembourg summit and his contacts in Greece. Explaining that the recent developments indicate that the Cyprus issue is moving toward new crossroads, Talat said that the pseudostate should face possible negative developments with the help of a new policy to be prepared following an evaluation of all the factors, rather than by means of a policy of reaction.

Talat charged that policies are being pursued that played an important role in the creation of an atmosphere which turned the Greek Cypriots into the "owners", of the Cyprus Republic. He said that the statements issued by Denktash and the so-called council of ministers bring to mind the proverb which says that he who rises up in wrath will sit down with loss. These statements disturb all our people, Talat remarked.

Talat recalled that his party proposed that a language be used that is understood by both Europe and the world, and suggested that the Turkish Cypriots participate in the EU talks with a formula that will reflect equality with the Greek Cypriots.

The CTP foreign affairs official and the press secretary also attended the news conference, in which Talat acceded that the EU decision is one that fills only half the glass. He said that Turkish Cypriots must exert efforts to ensure that they participate in the talks in a way that will reflect their politically equal status, rather than in the manner proposed by the Greek Cypriot side and accepted by the EU.

Answering a question, Talat said that the Greek Cypriot policy on Cyprus is well-known, and the Turkish Cypriot side must develop policies accordingly. He added that nothing is perfect in the EU. In response to a question on "border closure" and other possible countermeasures, Talat stated that it will be wrong to isolate the community from the rest of the world, and this will not suit the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to his contacts in Greece, Talat recounted that Greek leftist circles and intellectuals displayed a keen interest in the CTP, and an agreement was reached to continue such contacts.

[05] Denktash announces intercommunal talks terminated

Denktash met with a "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu for their routine weekly meeting yesterday. The decision adopted by the EU at the Luxembourg summit was assessed during the meeting.

Turkish envoy Ertugrul Apakan also attended part of the meeting.

The satisfaction over the stand adopted by the Turkish Government regarding the EU decision was relayed to Apakan.

In a statement after the meeting, Denktash noted that the Turkish Cypriots continue to assess the latest situation, adding that the assessments are very positive. He added that the doors to a unification can again open in the future if the two "states" in Cyprus engage in good-neighbour relations and respect one another.

"At this stage, the youth must be filled with new enthusiasm, the kind of enthusiasm that will uplift and further advance this country. Today I am happy," he said.

Denktash continued: "The EU proceeded to inflict the greatest damage on us. In response, we are telling them they that cannot do this. This, in turn, demonstrates our people's dynamism, their love for freedom, and their loyalty to their sovereignty."

In reply to a question, Denktash noted that those who accept the "TRNC" can conduct talks with the Turkish Cypriots, but talking to those who recognize the Greek Cypriot side as the legitimate government is a mere waste of time. Stating that the traffic between the two sides must be bound to a protocol between two "governments", Denktash announced that all this is under consideration and the necessary steps will be undertaken.

Asked if he will meet with UN officials, Denktash said that there is no change in the agenda of talks with the United Nations, but nothing will be discussed regarding intercommunal talks. Denktash revealed that he sent a letter to Diego Cordovez, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's special adviser on Cyprus, adding that the letter clearly explains why the talks must now proceed on the basis of two "states".

Denktash stated that Turkey also adopted "a positive, cool-headed, and brave stance", against the EU decision. He "wholeheartedly congratulated" Turkey in this regard.

In his statement after the meeting, Eroglu declared that the principle of "two states" is foremost in any talks to be held in the future. Pointing out that the Turkish Government also expressed the same view and announced this to the world, Eroglu said that he is extremely pleased in this regard. Eroglu went on to say that work is under way to determine the path to be pursued by those who wish to establish contact with the "TRNC", adding that this will be announced to the public soon. He said that the latest situation will be evaluated with the Turkish Government, and added: "There are certain other agreements we must conclude with Turkey."

In reply to a question, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots want to conduct the meetings with foreign ambassadors on the basis of contacts "between states and governments", adding that work is under way on the details of these procedures.

[06] Gurel: "When EU begins negotiations with Cyprus, it will have taken a step towards acknowledging existence of two states"

Sukru Gurel, who participated in the "Political Pulse" program presented by journalist-writer Kurtul Altug and broadcast live on TRT-1 television, replied to questions on the recent EU summit. He claimed that the foreign and domestic policy concerns of certain leading EU members and Greece played a role in shaping the recent EU decision. He said:

"We will continue our existing framework of relations with the EU. We will, however, link the development of these relations to the EU fulfilling the obligations it has undertaken toward us within this framework but has failed to do so.

Meanwhile, we will normalize our relations with the EU without discussing the political issues that are not included within the framework of these relations and that do not directly and jointly concern the two sides, such as the Cyprus issue, Turkish-Greek relations, and Turkey's domestic political developments."

Gurel further claimed that the EU took an extremely wrong step regarding the Cyprus issue.

"They intended to make the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey pay the price of this step. They, however, will not be able to do that. Let me explain it: The Greek Cypriot administration cannot conduct the negotiations for full EU membership on behalf of the entire island. It can only conduct negotiations on its behalf. Especially given the mentality exhibited in the recently issued joint communique, it is out of the question for the Turkish Cypriot people to participate in these negotiations without having any status, without being recognized as an equal partner by the Greek Cypriot administration, and without submitting a new joint application.

Therefore, when the EU begins negotiations with the Greek Cypriot administration it will actually have taken a definite step toward acknowledging the existence of two separate states", he claimed.

Gurel further claimed that Turkish-EU relations are not linked to the Cyprus issue.

[07] Eroglu welcomes Turkey's stand on EU decisions

Therefore, the declaration signed by our presidents on 20 January 1997, the subsequent resolution adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and the joint protocol we issued with the arrival of Mr. Ecevit in Cyprus on 20 July envisage the further development of our relations with Turkey. We, as the TRNC, are not sad about the current developments. We were especially pleased with the statements issued by the Turkish government, its prime minister, and its foreign minister. We are very happy to have observed that our motherland is with us, that its determination to deepen its relations in all fields continues, and that it has declared its intentions on the issue to the world.

We, the Turkish Cypriot people, want to deepen our relations with Turkey, to further improve our cooperation in all fields, and to thus strengthen the TRNC economy. As you know, the per capita income is $15,000 in the south whereas ours does not exceed $5,000. Therefore, it will be in the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people to cooperate and act in unison with Turkey in the economic, military, and foreign policy fields.

Furthermore, basing the talks on the Cyprus realities, in other words on the principle of two states, a principle which has been put forward by the current Turkish government and which I have been defending for years, has made us extremely happy."

And he continued claiming:

"The time has come for the world to accept one reality, namely the existence of two separate states in Cyprus. These two states should sit at the negotiating table under equal status.

This is the path to a solution. If this reality is not accepted then it is impossible to reach a decision on the Cyprus issue. We should definitely abide by the 20 January declaration and the 20 July protocol and we should act in line with their provisions. If we do not act according to those provisions then we will lose our credibility. I am happy to observe, however, that the government of the Turkish Republic, through the statements it issued today, informed the world of its determination on the issue.

You have mentioned an integration. There are those who equate integration with annexation. Whereas we and the Turkish government, in the 20 July statement, announced our determination to deepen the relations between Turkey and TRNC on the basis of the existence of the latter. When we refer to political issues we are talking about our foreign policy relations and cooperation.

When we say economy, we are talking about strengthening the TRNC economy and securing an economic unity. We, anyway, cooperate on defense issues. We have already stated that the TRNC will not renounce Turkey's guarantees. Those who call for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island or their reduction and who expect Turkey to make concessions in Cyprus have, I believe, realized Turkey's determination after having listened to the statements made today. The Turkish troops here are our guarantee. The Turkish governments will continue their cooperation with us.

They will continue their cooperation by further developing it. In this way the TRNC economy will improve. As you know, we are on an island. One of the biggest problems of islands is employment and markets. If the issue of markets is solved, then the employment issue is also solved. If the incentives introduced to regions in Turkey that have priority regarding development projects are made available to investors in Cyprus as well then we can continue our determination to keep our state alive without being anxious about our future. In this manner, we can prevent our youth from migrating."

[08] EU should take over Famagusta

Edward McMillan-Scott, MEP for North Yorkshire and leader of the Tory group, said the plan could be the first step in an attempt to "normalise the Cyprus question".

Mr. McMillan-Scott, is preparing a report for debate in the new year on EU/Turkey relations and has written to Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to take the initiative during Britain's EU Presidency.

The MEP made the appeal after the European Parliament voted to detach negotiations on Cyprus EU accession talks from discussions with Turkey.

On a two-day visit to Cyprus, Mr. Mcmillan Scott said "the EU has the experience from its work in Mostar, and the financial means to put Famagusta on its feet again. Britain, as a guarantee power in Cyprus, has the moral duty, and the opportunity as the EU Presidency, to take the lead. If Turkey does not agree, it is difficult to see how the European Parliament can sustain the Customs Union with Turkey, let alone enhance it as planned."

[09] Turkish military to take countermeasures against EU's decision

Speaking to the Turkish Daily News, senior military sources said that the military had decided to launch a special initiative, as a sub-unit of its think tank, to consider the military's possible reaction against the EU's decision which excluded Turkey from the enlargement process of the EU. The sources said that the initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the government and the foreign diplomacy circles.

The most significant measures to be taken by the military in a reaction against the EU decision are as follows: To impose limitations on delegations from EU countries who want to talk to the Turkish senior generals. The Turkish generals are also preparing to cancel some of their visits to the EU-member countries, especially the countries that issued negative propaganda in the EU meetings against the country's membership.

"We, once again, clearly saw that there are some countries in the European Union which did their best not to open doors to Turkey for its EU membership. Germany, the Benelux countries, especially Luxembourg and of course Greece unfortunately played a role against Turkey", claimed a senior general.

He added that despite the fact that its ties will be limited with some, Ankara will continue its bilateral contacts with the European Union member countries, but it cannot remain indifferent to some negative actions and behaviours that are against Turkey' interests.

Another senior general said that Europe has until now displayed a central European-oriented attitude by excluding Turkey from the process of enlarging the European Union claiming that the EU has become the toy of Greece and Cyprus.

"From now on, in addition to its current sensitivity on Cyprus, Turkey will be more cautious on Cyprus and its plans on integration with the TRNC and Ankara will never permit any country or any union to harm its interests on the disputed island", he said.

The Turkish military will also tighten its attitude on its red and yellow lists, a general and a high-level defense source said. From now on, the efficiency of the lists will be increased for certain countries and referred to in the matter of defense relations between Turkey and these countries, they added.

The "Red List" (denoting countries from which Turkey will not purchase arms or accept tenders for military equipment) includes Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria and South Africa, and the "Yellow List" (denoting countries with which Turkey will carefully monitor its relations) includes the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and Finland.

They added that Turkey has plans to spend $150 billion on its defense projects in the next 25 years, which has drawn considerable interest from the world's giant defense firms. But the "Red List" countries, which also played key roles in burying the hopes of Turkey for the EU, will not be in the running when the country comes to considering such purchases.

[10] Pseudostate's Bulgarian muslims see Denktash to discuss problems

During the meeting the association members relayed the difficulties they are faced with in the occupied area.

The occupation regime, in line with its policy of trying to change the demographic structure of the occupied area, has provided these Bulgarian muslims with houses left by the Greek Cypriots after they were forcefully driven way by the Turkish troops in 1974. (MY)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Turkish Columnist Views Poll on Political Preferences

The leader that the RP voters like most after [RP general chairman] Necmettin Erbakan is [True Path Party General Chairwoman] Tansu Ciller, Civaoglu says.

MHP [Nationalist Action Party] voters also have the same preference. In other words:

The leader that the average MHP voter likes most after [MHP General Chairman] Devlet Bahceli is Tansu Ciller.

RP voters rank [Prime Minister and Motherland Party General Chairman] Mesut Yilmaz sixth in preference. He gets the same ranking from MHP voters.

This picture shows that the Motherland Party [ANAP] does not have much of a chance to vie for RP votes--if the Constitutional Court closes it--and that the DYP [True Path Party] is in a better position to inherit the RP' votes.

Moreover:

One gets the impression that, if an election alliance is formed, the MHP constituency would prefer the DYP, in view of the close ties between the leaders of the two parties.

ANAP's principal partner--outside the pubescent DTP [Democratic Left Party]- is the DSP (Democraticc Left Party). The party that supports the government from outside is the CHP [Republican People's Party].

Even the government's name is Anasol- D [Motherland-Left-Democrat].

Not surprisingly:

The leaders ANAP voters like most after Mesut Yilmaz are, in order of preference, [DSP General Chairman] Bulent Ecevit, [DTP General Chairman] Husamettin Cindoruk, and [CHP General Chairman] Deniz Baykal.

Conversely, the leaders DSP voters like most after Bulent Ecevit are, in order of preference, Mesut Yilmaz, Deniz Baykal, and Husamettin Cindoruk.

As for CHP voters:

After Deniz Baykal, they like most Bulent Ecevit, Mesut Yilmaz, and Husamettin Cindoruk.

Civaoglu continues:``As you can see:

Two blocs have formed one spectrum of political parties.

One bloc is comprised of the partners of the current coalition: ANAP, the DSP, the DTP, and their outside supporter, the CHP.

The other bloc is comprised of the RP, the DYP, and the MHP. Any [interparty] solidarity that exists is within these two blocs.

Let us also point out the following noteworthy observations: The DSP voter ranks Baykal third after Mesut Yilmaz. In contrast, the CHP voter ranks Ecevit second after Baykal. It is not impossible for these two parties [DSP and CHP] to merge. ANAP voters rank Tansu Ciller sixth, just as DYP voters rank Mesut Yilmaz sixth.

In other words:

It would be difficult for ANAP and the DYP to band together with their current leadership.

In fact:

The DYP voters rank even Husamettin Cindoruk fifth, behind Devlet Bahceli, Bulent Ecevit, and Deniz Baykal.

How would votes be cast if elections were held tomorrow?

How would the parties rank?

When undecided voters or those who say ``none'' are distributed among the parties by scientific methods, we see the following outcome:

ANAP 23 percent; RP 19 percent; DSP 16 percent; CHP 13 percent; DYP 12 percent; MHP 9 percent; HADEP 4 percent; others 4 percent''. Civaoglu then elaborates on these figures in light of ``margin of error'' information he obtained from Selim Oktar, the head of the organization that conducted the poll.

Of those polled, 12 percent did not respond, 16 percent were undecided, and 10 percent said ``none.''

These are very high figures, he says.

Moreover:

The proportion of voters who say ``none'' has never been this high.

The political parties and their leaders have alienated the people and are evidently unable to inspire hope.

However:

According to the poll, despite everything 2.36 percent [as published] of the people are satisfied with this government.

The question was posed on the basis of the following weights: ``Very satisfied 5; somewhat satisfied 4; neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 3; somewhat dissatisfied 2; very dissatisfied 1.''

The figure 2.36 is close to a passing grade.

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