Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-04-22

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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. 69/98 -- 22.4.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu said to have withdrawn "passport bill".

[02] Denktash on Cyprus' request for WEU membership.

[03] Cem says imposible to trust EU on future promises.

[04] Denktash threatens to take steps in Varosha if missiles deployed.

[05] Utkan on 2 May Holbrooke visit to Cyprus.

[06] Denktash reacts to Van den Broek's remarks that Turkey cannot hold Cyprus hostage.

[07] Denktash: EU invitation to "TRNC" to be considered.

[08] Turkey said to be behind "Draft Bill on Passports".

[09] Sezgin on "Necessary measures" against S-300 missiles.

[10] Denktash denies invitation to `Dayton' talks, leaves for Ankara contacts.

[11] Talat explains party views on Cyprus problem.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu said to have withdrawn "passport bill"

Indicating that he withdrew the "Draft Bill on Passports", approved during the "council of ministers" meeting that he did not attend, to review it, Eroglu said that some changes will be made to the "bill". However, Eroglu did not specify the issues regarding which changes will be made.

Eroglu made this announcement during the Third Dimension program hosted by illegal Bayrak Radio and Television. The "Draft Bill on Passports", which passed through the so-called council of ministers on 18 March but was withdrawn for reassessment just when it was going to be presented to the pseudo-assembly, envisages fines of 2 billion Turkish lira, or a prison term of up to five years, or both fines for those carrying Republic of Cyprus passports or passports or travel documents obtained from offices authorized by the Republic of Cyprus.

Some Turkish Cypriot political parties, trade unions, and various civilian organizations reacted strongly against the "Draft Bill on Passports", which also envisages giving the migration "officers" the right to conduct searches (for passports) in the same way the police do.

The "TRNC Draft Bill on Passports" envisages that those who carry Republic of Cyprus passports should return these travel documents within 90 days from the time the "law" becomes effective. Otherwise, those carrying Republic of Cyprus passports will be considered as having committed crimes and will be fined heavily.

Dervis Eroglu also said that the "Passport Law" is long overdue and that, after being rearranged, it will inevitably pass.

Pointing out that no regulations regarding identity cards will be introduced in the forthcoming changes, Eroglu said: "The Passport law should have been introduced in 1975, or immediately after 1983 following the proclamation of the then unknown TRNC.

This was not done, it was a mistake. This (mistake) should be rectified immediately. A draft bill has now passed through the Council of Ministers. I was absent in that meeting. I withdrew that draft bill to examine it. We will review and examine some of the features of the draft bill. We will also ask the oppositions's views about the draft bill."

[02] Denktash on Cyprus' request for WEU membership

In a statement he issued Denktash claimed that this WEU issue can further exacerbate the "mistake" of accepting the membership application made by the Cyprus Government under the title of the Cyprus Republic as an application submitted on behalf of the entire island. Alleging that such a membership would be tantamount to a military agreement between Cyprus and the WEU, Denktash said that it is impossible to concede to it. He claimed that "this would constitute another additional and unacceptable EU blow on the Turkish Cypriots". Denktash concluded: "It would be beneficial to note that it will be reciprocated."

[03] Cem says impossible to trust EU on future promises

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, however, issued harsh statements against Europe in his opening address of the meeting. He said that it is impossible for Turkey to trust the promises of the EU, which is not even capable of fulfilling its responsibilities with regard to the Customs Union (CU).

[04] Denktash threatens to take steps in Varosha if missiles deployed

Denktash last Friday visited Turkey's Elazig Governor Lutfullah Bilgin at his office and conferred with him for some time. Replying to reporters' questions, Denktash claimed that Hans van den Broek, the EU commissioner for external affairs who said that Turkey cannot mortgage Cyprus and that it cannot prevent the island's membership in the EU, is either not familiar with the Cyprus problem or is intentionally making such statements.

Denktash said that if the Greek Cypriots take steps toward unification with Greece, then the Turkish Cypriots will take similar reciprocal steps with Turkey. He added that any sacrifice to be made by Turkey regarding Cyprus would be tantamount to sacrificing the Turkish Cypriots.

In reply to a question on what the Turkish Cypriot stand will be in the event the Greek Cypriots deploy the S-300 missiles on the island, Denktash said: "If they deploy those missiles on the island, then we will take the necessary measures regarding Varosha."

[05] Utkan on 2 May Holbrooke visit to Cyprus

Utkan said that, contrary to press reports, Marc Grossman, US under secretary of state in charge of European and Canadian affairs, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem did not hold a secret meeting. Utkan remarked that Grossman asked for a meeting, and subsequently met with Cem. All matters that concern the United States and Turkey were discussed during the meeting, Utkan announced. Pointing out that during the meeting Cem once again underlined the Turkish views regarding the Cyprus issue, Utkan said that neither Turkey nor the "TRNC" are opposed to a meeting, but Grossman was told that Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos' remarks describing the Turkish Cypriots as a minority are unacceptable.

[06] Denktash reacts to Van den Broek's remarks that Turkey cannot hold Cyprus hostage

Denktash last Friday went to Turkey to address conferences at the Firat University in Elazig and the Inonu University in Malatya.

On his arrival in Ankara, Denktash was received with a military ceremony by Turkish State Minister Sukru Gurel; the garrison commander; Nazif Borman, the so-called TRNC ambassador in Ankara; and other officials.

In a statement to illegal BRT at Esenboga Airport, Denktash said that he was invited to Elazig and Malatya to address conferences on the Cyprus problem and that he would return to the island Sunday evening. Pointing out that he would be meeting with Miller in Nicosia, Denktash said that he will then make an "official" visit to Ankara on 23 April.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Denktash said that he was amazed to hear about a statement made by Van den Broek. He claimed that statements were being made that disregard everything he has been trying to explain and ignore the extent the Cyprus problem has been pushed into an unconciliatory phase. Denktash continued claming: "The conclusion we have reached is that those who speak on behalf of Europe do not feel the need to learn about the Cyprus problem. Van den Broek has said that Turkey cannot hold Cyprus hostage and that the Turkish Cypriots cannot use the right of veto. However, there is a point he has failed to understand. That point is that no valid application has been made on behalf of Cyprus. The application was made on behalf of the Greek Cypriots and it was politically motivated," he claimed.

He further said: "Europe has to realize that the Cyprus problem is not composed of only the island's problem. It is an issue between Turkey and Greece and, therefore, the rights granted to Turkey over the island through the 1960 agreements cannot be ignored."

In his statement, Denktash said that he expressed these views to the Austrian vice chancellor the other day. Denktash said that he was asked whether he would participate in the negotiations if the EU invited him. Denktash replied: "I told them the following: My reply is clear. We cannot be invited since there is no Cyprus application. If an invitation is to be extended to us then our address is the TRNC. Let the invitation be sent to that address. Then we will consider what they have to say".

[07] Denktash: EU invitation to "TRNC" to be considered

Recalling that the EU has launched membership negotiations with the Cyprus Government, Denktash stated that this is not binding on the pseudostate. Denktash claimed that the Cyprus issue must first be resolved through negotiations based on "two equal states". "Shuttle diplomacy is essential" he said, "if talks are to be conducted between the two states for the solution of the problem".

Denktash termed the meeting, which focused on all the aspects of the Cyprus problem, as sincere and constructive.

Denktash expressed the hope that the EU will accord priority to the solution of the problem and assist the Turkish Cypriots in this regard. Replying to questions by Austrian journalists, Denktash stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to conduct talks on the basis of "two politically equal states", but new parameters must first be formulated to this end.

Shuessel, in turn, stated that he understood the views of the Turkish Cypriot side very well, adding: "I hope that you also understood us. The matter may have been misinterpreted. The EU wants the Cyprus problem to be resolved as soon as possible."

The visiting minister explained that the EU would like to see a peacefully reunited Cyprus as part of the EU. Pointing out that the Cyprus membership talks have begun and it will take years to conclude them, Shuessel expressed the hope that the conditions pertaining to the problem will change during the course of the negotiating process and the participation in the membership process will incorporate both communities.

[08] Turkey said to be behind "Draft Bill on Passports"

As it is known, the Cyprus passport department authorities had recently declared that the number of Turkish Cypriots obtaining Republic of Cyprus passports during the past 10 years exceeds 2,000. It is thought that this number is much higher if we go further back in time, the paper says, and adds that according to news reaching the newspaper from reliable political sources, the "draft bill" on passports and identity cards has allegedly been prepared and introduced into the developments on the instructions of the government in Ankara.

According to the information, the Turkish Government is trying to bring the EU which has isolated it to account and to show the world that it will annex the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkey.

All the new attempts for integration (with Turkey) made in the occupied area of Cyprus allegedly have in mind to influence the EU summit meetings to be held in Cardiff in June. The Cardiff meetings will be the continuation of the Luxembourg summit meetings and, most probably, light will be shed during the meetings on Turkey's place within the EU.

Various political circles are stressing that the "draft bill" on passports, which has shocked the Turkish Cypriot community, will give very bad results. But a great number of Turkish Cypriots, who have been intimidated from pressure and oppression, are reportedly preparing to migrate, the report says.

In the meantime, there is concern about whether or not new prisons will be built for the thousands of Turkish Cypriots expected to be arrested if the "draft bill" on passports passes through the pseudo-assembly.

And the report concludes: "Our citizens convicted for carrying Republic of Cyprus passports have no protection whatsoever. The Ankara government can at any time seize these passports. Let us remind that at one point in time, the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia had seized Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Ozker Ozgur's Turkish Republic passport and, in this way, had obstructed his freedom of travel abroad. No explanation was given for the seizure of Ozgur's passport."

[09] Sezgin on "necessary measures" against S-300 missiles

"I believe that the EU will rectify this mistake".

In a statement he issued after his meeting with Werner Fasslabend, Austrian minister of national defense, Sezgin expressed belief that the S-300 missiles will not be deployed in Cyprus. In the event that it happens, Sezgin added, the necessary military measures will be taken.

Explaining that Austria will assume the EU term presidency in the coming period, Sezgin expressed the hope that the Turkish-EU relations will then enter a more positive phase.

Sezgin also stressed the importance of Austria in the NATO expansion process.

Fasslabend said in turn that the Cyprus issue cannot be settled without the assistance of the United States. The two groups should be included in the solution process so as to secure a just solution, added Fasslabend.

[10] Denktash denies invitation to `Dayton' talks, leaves for Ankara contacts

Emphasizing that the parameters of such a proposal should first be laid down, Denktash said: "What can Denktash and Clerides talk about in the White House after arriving there out of the blue? Shall we fight in front of Clinton?"

Commenting on reporters' questions Denktash vowed that the Turkish Cypriots will not be reduced into a "minority" or the "TRNC" into an "entity". Denktash said that even the word "entity" needs definition.

Denktash went on to say: "The term entity needs definition. We cannot accept an invitation as an entity. The term entity might be defined as either an ant or an elephant.

What kind of `entity' are we? What are we, in short? I am whatever the Greek Cypriots are. Since they are going to invite two entities, then we should be whatever the Greek Cypriots are; if they are a state and a government, we too are a state and a government. This means that the problem (of invitation to talks) cannot be papered over by a swarm of terms. They wasted our 24 years. Whereas the Greek Cypriots are now getting ready to eat the fruits they have been reaping from being the Cyprus Republic. We cannot eat from the same fruit. This is the crux of the problem".

As known, Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said in Ankara the day before yesterday that if the parameters are firmly fixed then "Dayton-type talks over the Cyprus problem are possible". With that, this subject made its way to the political agenda, KIBRIS reports. .../..

Rauf Denktash met last Monday seven newly-appointed Turkish Ambassadors who paid a two-day visit to the pseudostate.

The Turkish delegation, which included Ambassador in Almaty Kurtulus Taskent, Ambassador in Ulan Bator Varol Ozkocak, Ambassador in Dushanbe Aydin Idil, Ambassador in Bishkek Turel Ozkoral, Ambassador in Tashkent Umur Apaydin, Ambassador in Baku Ecvet Tezcan, and Ambassador in Tbilisi Burak Gursel, met Denktash at his office.

In a statement to the visitors, Denktash noted that the ambassadors serving in the fraternal neighbouring countries also find their agenda occupied by the Cyprus problem, which has now entered a critical stage.

Stressing that for the Turkish side the Cyprus problem is one of not wanting to come under Greek Cypriot sovereignty, Denktash noted that the world sees the Greek Cypriot side as the sovereign of Cyprus and the legal government.

Denktash alleged that they are ready for talks under equal conditions. Noting that this readiness does not mean the Turkish Cypriots are a subject people to the Greek Cypriots, a minority, or an "entity", Denktash said that "the world should finally realize that our sovereignty will never be subject to bargaining."

Denktash asked the Turkish Ambassadors to brief their accredited countries "about the attempt to put the minority play on stage in Cyprus."

In the meantime, Rauf Denktash, who had altered the program of his trip to Turkey because of US State Department Special Coordinator Thomas Miller's visit to the island, is to leave for his Ankara contacts today (22.4.98). Denktash will spend the night to Istanbul and fly to Ankara on 23 April.

Denktash will hold official contacts in Ankara as guest of Turkish President Suleyman Demirel. He will also address a special session of the Turkish Parliament on 23 April National Sovereignty and Children Holiday.

"Foreign and defense minister" Taner Etkin, "presidential undersecretary" Ergun Olgun, and "advisers" Necati M. Ertekun and Hilmi Ozen will accompany Denktash on his Ankara visit.

Denktash and his delegation will return to the pseudostate on 24 April.

[11] Talat explains party views on Cyprus problem

CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat held a news conference at the party headquarters last Friday and expressed the CTP views on the factors that have either a positive or a negative effect on the Cyprus problem. Talat said that at this stage, the excessive and contradictory expectations from the EU membership, the formation of the "Turkish-TRNC Partnership Council", the stand adopted in the aftermath of the initial decisions made by that council, the thesis of "two states", the armament efforts, and the ban on bicommunal contacts are adversely affecting the Cyprus problem.

He added that three are forces and processes in motion that favour the solution of the problem. Talat noted that some of the major factors that contribute positively to the solution of the problem are the international interest shown in the Cyprus issue, the struggle waged by the peace forces, and the contributions to be made through membership in the EU.

Explaining the party views, Talat said that the talks that aim at finding a final solution to the Cyprus problem should be resumed as soon as possible and that to achieve that end the parameters expressed in the summit agreements, the pertinent UN resolutions, and the Ghali Set of Ideas should be taken as a basis. He added that organizing an international conference is also a possibility.

Pointing out that the equal representation of the two communities in the EU accession process should definitely be secured, Talat noted the importance of stressing the unacceptability of a EU membership prior to the solution of the Cyprus problem. Calling on the elimination of international restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot community as a first step toward expanding the confidence-building measures and lifting the embargoes, Talat said that the deconfrontation measures should be implemented as soon as possible.

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

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