Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-01-08

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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. 3/98 -- 8.1.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash on suit filed against Turkish Cypriot newspaper.

[02] Denktash tells Feissel he will reject document from Cordovez.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Columnist views significant change in Turkey's basic policy on Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash on suit filed against Turkish Cypriot newspaper

Stating that "deliberate and unfounded accusations" were leveled against his person, Denktash added that he filed the suit so that those who leveled the accusations against him may prove their allegations. Denktash continued: "The accusations are leveled against the president of the country. These dirty and inconceivable accusations are an unexpected stroke of luck for the Greek Cypriots. The Greek Cypriots translate these accusations and disseminate them to the whole world. Actually, this is the reason behind these accusations. Consequently, the decision lies in the courtroom."

Explaining that he could ask the "Public Prosecutor's Office" to detain those who leveled these insults and accusations, Denktash added: "In such a situation, however, those who wrote these words would become heroes. I have no intention of making anybody a hero".

The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said it is unacceptable for Denktash to file a suit against the Avrupa newspaper columnists Sener Levent and Arif Hasan. In a statement he issued on the issue, CTP Secretary General Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that Denktash has the right to defend himself on issues of politics or outlook. Soyer added, however, that this defense should not be undertaken by using the financial power of his "Office" or through the channels of the press and media.

[02] Denktash tells Feissel he will reject document from Cordovez

Denktash reiterated his claim that the talks can be conducted only according to the principle of two equal "states".

Denktash met Gustave Feissel, UN Secretary General's assistant special envoy for Cyprus, and conferred with him for approximately one hour. In a statement after the meeting, Denktash said that the diplomats who visited the occupied area in the wake of the Luxembourg decision are trying to learn the views of the Turkish Cypriot side in connection with the decision.

Pointing out that the intercommunal talks process was beneficial up to a point, he claimed that the negotiations were derailed as a result of the intervention of the EU during the Troutbeck and Glion talks and that the Greek Cypriots were given the impression that they had won everything.

Reiterating that a new arrangement will be introduced with regard to the contacts with the Greek Cypriot side Denktash stated: "We are not in favour of severing contacts. We are seeking ways to utilize the methods of crossing from one state into another state. We will demonstrate the utmost flexibility in this regard".

Denktash claimed that those who come and go to and from the pseudostate must realize that they are crossing from one state into another. Denktash alleged that because certain people are acquiring Cyprus Republic passports out of a sense of obligation or to serve their own interests, Greek Cypriot officials are saying: As you can see, they recognize the Cyprus Republic and do not want the "TRNC". "At this stage", Denktash claimed, "the TRNC has the right to assess its situation and adopt measures, and this does not concern foreigners in any way."

In reply to a question, Denktash said that he also conveyed to Feissel his views concerning the initiatives Cordovez will reportedly undertake. Denktash went on: "I told Feissel that I do not believe that Cordovez could have said such a thing. Cordovez also knows that the situation has changed in the wake of the 12 December decision. This new situation does not allow him to start where he left off".

Recalling that the agreements stipulated that the sides prepare separate documents and that Cordovez join them together, Denktash emphasized that neither side has prepared a document. He added that if Cordovez arrives in Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriots will meet with him but will not accept any document he may submit. He declared: "We will not, we cannot, meet with Clerides unless our status is accepted."

Feissel, answering reporters' questions at the end of the meeting stated that a general discussion was conducted with Denktash at the beginning of the new year focusing on certain special subjects. In reply to a question, Feissel said the talks on the Cyprus issue will take shape following the Greek Cypriot elections.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Columnist views significant change in Turkey's basic policy on Cyprus

Ismail Cem's views on Turkey's relations with the EU, the Cyprus problem, the dispute between Turkey and Greece, the talks on oil and the construction of oil pipelines, and the strategic cooperation between Turkey and the United States brought to light Ankara's approach and indicated the direction Turkey will give to its foreign policy in the future, Kohen says and adds that the conclusion he has drawn from Cem's views on the EU issue is as follows: Ankara will wait for the EU to improve its summit decision and include Turkey amount its "candidate members that have an equal status". That may take place only during the summit that will be held in Britain in June. Will Turkey make an initiative until then? Can the summit adopt a decision in favour of Turkey in June, Kohen asks.

Cem replied to these questions as follows: "We will wait and see whether or not the EU will activate the necessary mechanisms and fulfill its obligations, which are based on the agreements between the two sides. The EU seems to have been captivated by Greece. Whether or not it will be able to rid itself of that state of affairs will be established during that period. If the EU maintains a serious approach, then it will reconsider its decision. The deadlock will be resolved if it does so. Otherwise, it will continue to exist. Meanwhile, Turkey will adopt its own measures to deal with the human rights situation and other issues. However, it will not agree to the EU conditions."

According to Kohen, Cem's reply indicated that the approach Turkey adopted after the Luxembourg summit will not be changed and Ankara will continue to wait for the EU to make an initiative. Ankara's capability to maneuver will be limited if Turkey's expectations are not met. Consequently, the dispute between Turkey and the EU will not end...

As regards the Cyprus problem, Kohen writes that the recent developments have showed that the sides are moving toward a confrontation. He claims that the EU approach has had a significant bearing on that and adds that Ismail Cem has defended the view that the talks that will be held to find a solution to the problem will have to be between "two states" and not between two communities. "Naturally", Kohen says, "that will require the recognition of the TRNC. But that seems to be impossible. Cem's approach can be outlines as follows: `Well, it is up to them to decide... Talks will not be held. Turkey and the TRNC will maintain their direction'." He adds that he asked Cem when will the integration process between Turkey and the "TRNC" start, will it do so when the accession talks with Cyprus begin in April, and writes that Cem's reply can be summed up as follows: "The step-by-step integration process will start at the same time.

The matter will not be delayed. Each step the Turkish side will take will convey the message that the idea of finding a `federal solution' to the problem is being shelved."

Cem's statement that "we are gradually losing our hope for a federal solution" indicated a significant change in Turkey's basic policy on Cyprus, Kohen concludes.

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

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