Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-02-24

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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. 34/98 -- 24.2.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: Participation in accession talks if under equal status and a perspective is opened to Turkey.

[02] Some $120 million from Kiev laundered in the occupied area.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: Participation in accession talks if under equal status and a perspective is opened to Turkey

Denktash begins by claiming that the parameters of the Cyprus talks have now been eliminated because of the EU decision and the Greek Cypriots "refusal to share power under a federal structure."

Denktash goes on to say that as long as the world recognizes the Greek Cypriots as a legitimate government "those who think that we could establish a partnership with the Greek Cypriots will be wrong. I am now saying: Let us not be deceived. We said that a federation could only be established between equal entities and, therefore, no matter what we discuss, federation, confederation, or whatever, the sides' status should henceforth be identical. It is obvious that nothing can be achieved as long as the status is not the same and the sides' equality is not recognized."

Stating that no ground can be covered as long as the world, particularly Britain, does not "advise" the Greek Cypriot side to "lower itself to an equal level with the Turkish Cypriots", Denktash goes on to say that the Turkish side has already declared its unwillingness to enter the EU, "because the application was made by the Greek Cypriots, who pursue the political aim of eliminating the guarantee agreement, rejecting bizonality and the exchange of property, upsetting the Turkish-Greek balance, and thus taking possession of Cyprus."

Asked if the EU's efforts to involve the Turkish Cypriots in the accession talks could go anywhere once the EU corrects its "mistake" and recognizes a new perspective for Turkey during its Cardiff meeting, Denktash alleged: "All these things are possible providing our status is recognized. We will be sitting there as the Greek side's citizens under any formula as long as our status is not recognized. This is no joke. No formula could work if we are not recognized as the TRNC, if our status is not recognized.

If we now accede to the invitation and go there, we will be sitting under the Greek Cypriot flag. That is not possible. We had been saying up to 12 December (Luxembourg decision) that we would think the issue over if our status were recognized and a perspective opened before Turkey. Therefore, we might think it over, again in consultation with Turkey, if they now open a perspective to Turkey and recognize our status. But the crucial question is why we (the TRNC and the EU) cannot sit together so that we might submit our reservations. Only as a sovereign side with recognized status could we feel able to submit our reservations, that is, prevent the Greek Cypriots from resettling in their former homes and limit the exchange of property and settlement for the sake of our security. We cannot achieve this by sitting under the Greek Cypriot flag as a minority."

Denktash adds: "The formula to resolve the matter lies in this: If we are going to discuss Cyprus with the Greek Cypriots face to face, then both sides should be recognized as governments and states. In that case, please let them come and we will talk."

Asked to comment on Yalcin Kucuk's (Tr. Note: a Turkish officer said to have witnessed the killing of Greek Cypriot civilians during the 1974 invasion) accusations in the Greek Cypriot press, Denktash says his claims are unfounded and calls on him "to come and show us the place". Denktash claims that 95 percent of Greek Cypriot casualties were soldiers and only a few civilians died in the cross-fire.

Asked what measures the "TRNC" and Turkey are going to take upon the commencement of Cyprus' EU membership process, Denktash says: "What we are saying is that if that commences, the basis of the talks will be destroyed. We should not talk, even with the mediators, until we achieve a result. There are measures that we can take. We are naturally considering them. Some have already been announced. The people always asks about Varosha. I think we should think of Varosha within its own framework. If there are useful buildings and there are, and we still have people to whom we have not been able to give equivalent property then we can find enough space to satisfy them. Also, the opening and restoration of a hotel will not harm anyone; It would at least prevent the collapse of the building. The revival of a market can harm no one, rather it saves buildings from collapse. But let us not give priority to such things. For me, the priority should be to make the world understand the game being played by the Greek Cypriots, and on our part work hand in hand to advance our case."

Denktash goes on to invite President Clerides to talks "as two equal sovereign sides and governments," claiming that Cyprus cannot enter the EU and have the problem solved without the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey.

Commenting on visa countermeasures, Denktash alleged the Turkish side was forced to introduce them because after the EU decision the Greek Cypriots told the world that there is no such thing as "TRNC citizenship." Denktash says he recently told a foreign reporter that "the moment the Greek Cypriots recognize TRNC citizenship, we would immediately hold talks on how to ease these entry and exit requirements. That will comfort many people. But until then it would be natural for them to be uncomfortable".

[02] Some $120 million from Kiev laundered in the occupied area

Money laundering has reportedly been the most profitable business in the "TRNC" in recent months, the report says. Knowing that the "TRNC" is a center for laundering money, numerous "entrepreneurs" are coming to the island as soon as they have money in their hands. Afterward they go to the banks and transfer their money there by paying a commission of 10 to 20 percent, depending on the amount of the money.

According to information received, the entrepreneurs later go to Switzerland to deposit the laundered money in the banks there, the report adds. Reportedly, no investigation has been carried out or questions asked about whether or not these amounts are obtained through selling heroin or weapons or through smuggling.

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

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