Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-02-03

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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. 19/98 -- 3.2.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel: "The intercommunal talks have ended."

[02] Eroglu repeats principle of "two states"; to visit Ankara 26 February.

[03] Denktash not to meet Hannay until visa issue resolved

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel: "The intercommunal talks have ended"

Indicating that Turkey will give full support to Rauf Denktash's statement that from now on the talks regarding the Cyprus issue may be held only on the basis of "two states", Sukru Sina Gurel stated: "The intercommunal talks have ended."

In reply to a relevant question, inter alia, he said:

"Turkey and the TRNC are intent on having the TRNC gain strength in order to live as a state forever, especially at a time when the world's and, in particular, Europe's views toward Cyprus have been made known clearly. A few small accounts and minor assaults will not be able to change this. Turkey holds the Turkish Cypriot people's happiness and welfare above everything else, in the same way that it views Cyprus within the framework of the 1960 Agreements. Turkey will do everything necessary from the military, security, and economic perspective for the existence of the TRNC, which the Turkish Cypriot people founded and are intent on maintaining as an equal and sovereign reality."

To a comment that EU circles have assumed in recent days that the intercommunal talks will be resumed immediately after the Greek Cypriot elections, Gurel claimed:

"For whatever reasons, the circles viewing the Cyprus issue from the outside are trying to show that they do not understand the declarations and statements made very clearly in both Turkey and the TRNC regarding the matter. In fact, this is very wrong. All the parameters of the Cyprus problem, in particular at this stage, have been changed. Both the TRNC officials and those in Turkey involved with the issue should assess the situation within the framework of new bases and parameters. It is extremely natural to have some definite conditions. Denktash has assessed this situation and has indicated that from now on it will not be possible to resume the intercommunal talks, and has stated very clearly that should the two sides decide to hold talks for the purpose of looking for results that encompass all the sides, then the only way is to hold these talks on the basis of two states. As the Turkish Government, we consider Denktash very rightful in his stand and the statements we have made so far are in line with this fact.

Progress can be achieved in Cyprus only if we approach the Cyprus problem by taking the bases of these very realities into consideration. There are two equal sovereign political units, that is, two states, on the island and if the problem is not assessed on the basis of these two states, then it is as if it has never been assessed. Consequently, if a new effort (to solve the problem) is desired within the framework of the UN Secretary General's goodwill initiative, then the two states in Cyprus should recognize each other and only then sit at the table. The third parties interested in the problem should approach the issue after accepting the mutual recognition. It is impossible from now on to act as if nothing has changed and as if everything has remained the same. The TRNC will not participate in a process that eliminates the bases of its existence. Turkey for its part will not support but will obstruct those who, by not recognizing the existence of the TRNC, want to drag the Turkish Cypriots to another unit by denying their identity and existence, thus distancing them from Turkey. The intercommunal talks have ended."

[02] Eroglu repeats principle of "two states; to visit Ankara 26 February

Rauf Denktash met with Eroglu for their weekly routine meeting. In a statement after the meeting, Eroglu said that he briefed Denktash on the talks conducted with Turkish State Minister Sukru Gurel and the "protocol" signed with Turkey.

Pointing out that he submitted to Denktash the text of the "protocol" signed with Gurel, Eroglu defined the "protocol" as "one of the excellent agreements signed between the two countries". He explained that the agreement aims at extending the incentives given to priority development areas in Turkey to encompass investments to be undertaken in the occupied area as well. Eroglu added that the great difficulty experienced by investors in the "TRNC" today consists of lack of funds and incentives. Noting that these incentives will be bolstered by new incentive "laws", Eroglu stressed that the need to attain in 1998 a tempo that will also overcome the delays experienced in 1997 was discussed during the meeting with Denktash.

In reply to a question Eroglu announced that he will go to Ankara on 26 February as the guest of Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. The visit will focus on accelerating procedures and undertaking the necessary steps in a way that will indeed render 1998 a year of investments and development as declared earlier, Eroglu remarked. He said that the second slice $60 million loan, the agreement on which was signed in Nicosia in January has been secured, but it has not been transferred to the "TRNC" yet.

Noting that the money will be transferred in the coming days, Eroglu said that the remaining $140 million will flow into the "TRNC" during the course of the year.

In his statement, Eroglu also referred to the Greek Cypriot elections to be held in Cyprus on 8 February. He claimed that the speeches made by the Greek Cypriot presidential candidates clearly reveal the intentions of the Greek Cypriots.

"This, in turn, demonstrates that we are very far from a reconciliation and that it is important for us to strengthen our state" he alleged.

[03] Denktash not to meet Hannay until visa issue resolved

Denktash revealed that in this context, work is continuing to impose a visa on Britain in a way that will not hurt tourism.

In a statement during a meeting with members of the "Hotel Owners Union", Denktash commented on the migration to Britain and the visa issue, and said that British officials were asked for the identities of those who sought asylum in Britain.

This request was rejected on the grounds that it is illegal to reveal these names, Denktash added. He said that some people went to Britain with fake passports and asked for asylum, and at least these people must be extradited. Denktash claimed: "We do not issue fake passports here; so, how come these people obtain fake passports? The British must at the very least return these people and relieve themselves of the burden, but they are not doing this."

Claiming that Britain introduced this measure in the wake of the "TRNC" contention that the talks must be held between "two states", Denktash alleged "this as an unjust and unfair decision" and stressed that he will not capitulate. "At this stage", Denktash added, "the TRNC Government is in the process of imposing a visa on Britain and work is under way to ensure that this measure will not undermine tourism". Announcing that the visa requirement will incorporate the Greek Cypriots as well, Denktash said: "We must balance this matter by asking from each Greek Cypriot citizen the same amount of Cypriot pounds that the British Government is asking my citizens to pay."

Denktash claimed declared that he will not meet with Sir David Hannay until all these issues have been resolved. Denktash inquired "what Hannay, who is unable to influence his government with regard to the solution of the visa problem, can do concerning the Cyprus problem". Denktash reiterated his call on the Turkish Cypriots not to go to Britain unless it is absolutely necessary.

Denktash claimed that there are reports that the Greek Cypriots are issuing Cyprus Republic passports to Turkish Cypriots via certain Turkish lawyers. Calling on these lawyers, Denktash said that they must realize that such an attitude greatly harms the "national cause" and asked them to renounce this business.

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

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