Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-06-15

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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. 103/98 -- 13-14-15.6.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat, Akinci brief Italian deputies on Cyprus developments.

[02] Sezgin says NATO must not allow S-300 deployment.

[03] Denktash notes harm in keeping missile issue on agenda.

[04] Denktash reacts to Pangalos remarks.

[05] Denktash expresses readiness ìn principle to clean mines.

[06] Ecevit: ``If S-300 are deployed, we will increase our military strength on the island''.

[07] Cem: No concessions in return for withdrawal of missiles.

[08] Demirel visits Russian ambassador who says S-300´s commercial matter.

[09] Former Turkish Naval Commander: ``Turkey cannot attack the S-300 missiles if shipped through the starts''.

[10] State Minister Gurel in pseudostate to `further advance´ties.

[11] Denktash wants Greek Cypriots to join pseudostate´s ``fair''.

[12] Denktash, Gurel address visiting groups on ``TRNC status''.

[13] Denktash, Eroglu, Gurel address Turkish economic delegation.

[14] Gurel: ``Turkey and TRNC view their future together''.

[15] Italian parliamentarians meet Denktash.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat, Akinci brief Italian deputies on Cyprus developments

CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat briefed the Italian parliamentarians who visited the party headquarters on the CTP identity and goals and expressed his views on the recent developments regarding the Cyprus problem. Noting that the interests of the Turkish Cypriots lie in a solution within the framework of the summit agreements, Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots are the ones who suffer most from the nonsolution of the problem. He noted that the CTP wants reason to prevail, the elimination of the factors that can create a hot clash atmosphere, the sides to take initiatives toward peace and a federal solution. He stated that an end should be put to the craze of armament, adding that communal energy should, instead, be allocated to the intercommunal talks.

The delegation called on the TKP and met with leader Mustafa Akinci. In a statement at the meeting, Akinci expressed the TKP views on the Cyprus issue and replied to questions put to him by the Italian parliamentarians. Akinci began his statement by expressing his pleasure over seeing the delegation in the pseudostate and at his party headquarters. Referring to the importance of the visit at this critical stage of the Cyprus problem, Akinci noted that observing and learning the views of the Turkish Cypriots would be most beneficial. He continued: ``We are the social democratic party of the Turkish Cypriots. We want peace. We believe that there is no place for new wars in Cyprus. This island is big enough for the two communities.

Akinci expressed the wish for a solution that will grant the Turkish Cypriot community equal rights. Claiming that Greek Cypriot efforts to join the EU are very wrong and have drawbacks, Akinci continued: ``There should first be a solution in Cyprus and then EU membership should come on the agenda. Otherwise, the division will become more permanent.'' Explaining that there are two additional important points in the Cyprus question, Akinci said that one of them is Turkish-EU relations and the other Turkish- Greek relations. Pointing out that the EU should draw a perspective with regards to Turkey´s membership, Akinci said that the EU should contribute to the peaceful development of Turkish-Greek relations. He noted that the wrong course of Turkish-Greek relations does not contribute to a solution in Cyprus.

Replying to questions by the Italian parliamentarians, Akinci said that despite its strong wish the TKP cannot join the Socialist International because of the obstacles created by EDEK (Unified Democratic Union of Cyprus) and PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement). One of the parliamentarians from the Italian Socialists Party invited Akinci to attend the party congress to take place in the coming months.

[02] Sezgin says NATO must not allow S-300 deployment

In reply to a question on the S-300 missiles, Sezgin said this issue was not raised at the meetings and alleged that, nonetheless, it is out of the question for the missiles to be deployed in Cyprus.

``It is out of the question for the S-300 missiles to be deployed in Cyprus that is, nobody would dare, because their deployment will pave the way to a new crisis. In other words, the NATO members cannot and should not allow another NATO country to adopt such behaviour at a time when NATO is exerting efforts to eliminate

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crises, maintain stability, and reestablish peace and security,'' he said.

[03] Denktash notes harm in keeping missile issue on agenda

In reply to reporters´questions on the issue, Denktash said: ``Even if we had such information, the decision to issue an official announcement in this regard will be made only after the political situation is assessed. The necessary measures will be taken and responses given accordingly.''

Explaining that it is harmful to constantly place this issue on the agenda, Denktash stressed that the necessary steps will be taken once it is determined that the missiles have arrived on the island.

[04] Denktash reacts to Pangalos remarks

In reply to Pangalos´ comments to the effect that ``Denktash is an interlocutor who has lost his international esteem,'' Denktash claimed: ``He probably made these remarks after seeing his reflection in the mirror and thinking it was me. One can only sell what one has.''

Noting that ``there is no Cyprus nation in Cyprus'' Denktash added:

``There is a partnership state, which was established under equal conditions by the two nations in Cyprus. The Greek-Greek Cypriot duo can no longer engage in the ploy of turning this partnership state into a Greek Cypriot republic by exploiting the rights of its Turkish partner and by the force of arms. This ploy will end in the division of the island. Let them consult a good ophthalmologist if they still do not see this truth.''

Stressing that any conciliation in Cyprus can only be based on the principle of ``two states'', Denktash said: ``Let them stop dreaming.''

[05] Denktash expresses readiness `in principle´ to clean mines

Denktash said during the visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy that they focused on the cleaning of land mines in the buffer zone and expressed readiness in principle in this respect.

Denktash said that they expected the package, which was proposed by UN Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, put on the negotiation table by the UN to be accepted by the Greek Cypriots.

Denktash said, ``we should conclude the package first of all, then we will look at the land mines afterwards.''

The Turkish side accepts the withdrawal of soldiers on the condition that the positions of both sides, especially in Nicosia, remain the same. Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriots want the positions of the troops to be changed.

[06] Ecevit: ``If S-300 are deployed, we will increase our military strength on the island''

Ecevit received the leading officials of the Turkish Parliamentary Union and the members of the so-called parliamentary union of the pseudostate who were visiting Turkey, in his room at the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Referring to the claims that the S-300 missiles have been deployed in Cyprus, he said more pressure may be put on the Turkish side during the next few months. Ecevit asserted: ``That is not a problem. We are prepared to stand against any kind of pressure.''

Replying to a question on the position Turkey will adopt if the S-300 missiles are deployed in Cyprus, Ecevit said: ``We will take a countermeasure against any initiative that may be made in south Cyprus. We will increase Turkey´s military presence in the TRNC in parallel with the deployment of the S-300 missiles on the Greek Cypriot side.''

[07] Cem: No concessions in return for withdrawal of missiles

Cem continued: ``We have not and will never bargain. There is no such thing as Turkey making concessions in return for the withdrawal of the missiles. Let those who brought the missiles resolve the problem.''

[08] Demirel visits Russian ambassador who says S-300´s commercial matter

He was received by Ambassador Vadim Kuznetsov. After spending a short time with the guests, Demirel held a meeting with the ambassador on an upper floor of the building.

After this meeting, the reporters asked Demirel if they discussed the S-300 issue. He replied: ``This was a courtesy call. I came to congratulate and extend my best wishes.''

After that the president left the embassy. Ambassador Kusnetsov replied to questions. He affirmed that the S-300 issue was not raised at the meeting. Asked what he has to say about Turkey´s reaction to the S-300 issue, Kusnetsov stated that this is a commercial matter and that the Cyprus Government has the right to meet its defense needs.

[09] Former Turkish Naval Commander: ``Turkey cannot attack the S-300 missiles if shipped through the starts''

Speaking at the panel on the ``Straits and Montreux Agreement'', which was organized by the Women´s Intellectual and Cultural Association, Erkaya argued that Turkey will not be able to adopt a ``firm'' and ``clear'' approach against the shipment of the missiles through the straits. He said: ``You do not have to depend on anyone if you are right. The Montreux Agreement gives the most comprehensive rights to a country that has straits. However, we have not been able to successfully interpret the agreement. Consequently we have created a legal loophole. In view of that, we will not be able to justify our case to the international community.''

Stressing that the missiles can be shipped through the straits because of the existing situation, Erkaya defended the view that the Montreux Agreement authorizes Turkey to search any vessel the cargo of which might harm it in time of war but it does not authorize it to take similar measures in normal times.

Erkaya´s attention was drawn to a statement by the government officials that ``missiles will be attacked.'' He said: ``I want to assure you that Turkey cannot attack the missiles if they are shipped through our straits.''

Erkaya said that the clock cannot be put back and noted that Turkey will be humiliated if the necessary measures are not taken. He asserted that the Turkish politicians´passive approach to national problems is due to a lack of information.

[10] State Minister Gurel in pseudostate to `further advance´ties

In a statement at the airport, Gurel said that besides attending the opening of the ``fair'', he will have the opportunity to exchange views on how to further advance the increasingly developing relations between Turkey and the ``TNRC''. He asserted that the Turkish people are always on the side of the Turkish Cypriots adding: ``We will deepen our relations and further advance them.''

Eroglu expressed his pleasure at welcoming Gurel to the pseudostate once again and said that they will assess the latest developments concerning Cyprus.

[11] Denktash wants Greek Cypriots to join pseudostate´s ``fair''

Addressing the opening ceremony, Gurel pointed out that Turkey and the ``TRNC'' looked at the future together. He added that the cooperation between Turkey and the ``TRNC'' will make the whole world know about the Cyprus facts, stressing that Turkey will support the ``TRNC'' in every field.

Rauf Denktash noted that the Turkish Cypriots want to see representatives of all countries at the ``fair''. Denktash called Greek Cypriots to join the ``fair'' and wanted them to lift the embargo in order to improve cooperation between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot businessmen.

[12] Denktash, Gurel address visiting groups on ``TRNC status''

Addressing the dinner, Denktash said that the Cyprus issue cannot be fully understood without experiencing it firsthand and claimed that the issue has been dragging on for 34 years because nobody was allowed to visit the pseudostate. Denktash continued: ``The UN Security Council (UNSC) members, who had never set eye on the TRNC decided that the TRNC was illegal when it was established. This decision did not comply with the realities. The TRNC, is legal. We never opposed the UNSC. We only rebelled against the unjust decision, which denied the supremacy of law, and continued in our way.''

In his address, Denktash said the Turkish Cypriots want him to fulfill his duty to work for the existence of the ``TRNC'' and establish a bridge of peace.

Addressing the same dinner, Turkish State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel claimed that the ``TRNC'' will turn into an international presence very shortly. Alleging that the ``TRNC'' will continue to exist as the center of peace and cooperation not only in Cyprus but also in the eastern Mediterranean and the region, Gurel expressed the hope that the Italian parliament will realize this fact as well.

[13] Denktash, Eroglu, Gurel address Turkish economic delegation

During their meeting, Denktash briefed the delegation on the latest Cyprus developments. Noting that the Cyprus issue is of vital importance for Turkey from the geopolitical viewpoint, Denktash said: ``For many years, Turkey has approached this issue with great sensitivity. With the 1960 agreements, it prevented Greece from seizing Cyprus and secured the existing balances. The balance between Turkey and Greece on this issue is of vital importance.''

Claiming that the Greek Cypriots are dragging the Cyprus issue out with the hope of seeing the Turkish Cypriots crushed, Denktash said the Greek Cypriots´expectations should be dashed.

Alleging that Turkey wants to resolve the Cyprus issue as much as the Turkish Cypriots, Denktash added: ``Turkey has made sacrifices in order to secure peace. It sacrificed its children for the sake of peace. All these sacrifices were made to prevent Cyprus from becoming Greek. Turkey will never allow Cyprus to integrate with Greece via the EU. Turkey and the TRNC cannot shun the 1960 agreements.''

Stressing that what has to be done is to accelerate the development of the Turkish Cypriot economy, Denktash said that important duties befall the Turkish economists, businessmen, and industrialists to this end. The initiatives for economic development should be launched with the idea that they will contribute to peace. Stressing that the Turkish delegations pump new blood and inspire courage and strength with each visit, Denktash added:

``These visits really invigorate us and expand our horizons. In addition, these visits give the necessary realistic message to the Greek Cypriots.''

So-called prime minister Dervish Eroglu hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation and said there is a great need for investments in order to achieve economic development.

Turkish State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, in turn, said the world considers isolation suitable for the Turkish Cypriots and described this situation as a great injustice. Explaining that it is Turkey´s duty to finish the job it started, Gurel added: ``Everybody will slowly accept the reality of the TRNC.''

[14] Gurel: ``Turkey and TRNC view their future together''

In an airport statement before his departure, Gurel said his visit was short but beneficial, adding that during his contacts on the island he found the opportunity to assess with Turkish Cypriot ``officials'' the issue of further advancing relations between Turkey and the ``TRNC''. He continued: ``Turkey and the TRNC view their future together. They consider their security in unison''.

15. .Italian parliamentarians meet Denktash

According to KIBRIS (13.6.98) the Italian parliamentarians and senators who had arrived in the occupied area via Istanbul had a meeting with Rauf Denktash. Addressing the visiting Italians Denktash repeated his known allegations and recalled the statement made in the past by Italian Foreign Minister, Alberto Dini, that: ``being recognized by all, does not make the Greek Cypriots the government of the Turkish Cypriots''.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting Italians the so-called ``TRNC´s Honorary Consul'' Augusto Sinagra said that they came to the occupied area to investigate the problem on the spot. ``It is wrong to take a decision without knowing the reality'' he claimed.

The visiting Italian parliamentarians also met with Hakki Atun, the so- called chairman of the pseudo-assembly.

Thanking the Italian MPs for their visit, Atun said: ``Even if our parliament is not recognize in the world, by attending every meeting, we are reflecting the defacto situation on the island''.

Iitalian MP Alberto Simeone in his turn said that ``we wish that the two states and the two peoples on the island shall establish between them a democracy that will serve as an example even to Europe.''

Quoting Alberto Dini´s statement that ``on the island there are two states, two administrations, two cultures'', Simeone said that all the parliamentarians in the delegation share this view.

Furthermore, the same paper (14.6.98) reports that, speaking at a banquet given in honour of the visiting MPs, Hakki Atun said that Italian Socialist MP Salvatore Lombardo´s establishment of similarities between the occupied area´s people and the people of Sicily was an interesting and appropriate likening.

Salvatore Lombardo has said that people in Sicily like the people in the occupied area wanted to live separately and he urged the occupation regime to establish close relations with Sicily.

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

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