Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-07-14

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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. 124/98 -- 14.7.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey´s policies regarding the Cyprus problem.

[02] Spanish Air forces commander in Turkey.

[03] Exercise in Israel to destroy S-300 missiles.

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry denies military air base given to Israel.

[05] Yilmaz in the occupied area on July 20, Demirel on 25.

[06] Demirel: ``TRNC'' will always be under the guarantee of Turkey.

[07] Investigation into forgery case continues.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey´s policies regarding the Cyprus problem

In his editorial, entitled `` vicious circle in Cyprus'', Mr. Turkmen writes, inter alia: ``In my column on 15 May, I indicated that distancing ourselves from our traditional policy of always keeping the door open for talks on the Cyprus problem would create a number of drawbacks. The recent developments confirmed the veracity of this worry. In reality, the two resolutions the Security Council approved on 29 June bear the characteristics of a condemnation of the joint policies followed by Turkey and the ``TRNC''.

Furthermore, the columnist, having analysed the main provisions of the two recent resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, points out: ``The Security Council´s resolutions are only recommendations and do not impose any obligation to carry out these decisions. However, the resolutions carry importance because the Security Council members, especially the permanent members, have taken a stance regarding the resolutions. The least that the Security Council´s approach does is to reveal that the Turkey ``TRNC'' joint policy is not easy to implement.''

In conclusion the columnist writes: ``Mr. Denktash in the past openly said that the ``TRNC´s'' de jure recognition is a precondition for the resumption of talks. It is a logical stand, but in light of the existing conditions in Cyprus, it is far from being realistic.

Denktash has made one more allegation. He claims that Cyprus´ EU membership will render invalid the parameters established during the talks held under the supervision of the UN Secretary General. There is no doubt that the argument he uses in this field carry weight. But a flexible solution may be reached in Cyprus, similar to the one reached in Bosnia through the Dayton talks. It should not be forgotten that beside the drawbacks envisaged by Denktash, EU membership will also bring with it important advantages for the Turkish Cypriots.

We should probably seriously scrutinize our policies regarding Cyprus.''

[02] Spanish Air forces commander in Turkey

Speaking before the meeting Kilic expressed pleasure that the Spanish Air Forces Commander was paying his first visit to Turkey.

Noting that the military training cooperation with Spain wasn´t at a satisfactory level, he added: ``We hope to improve cooperation in this field. Turkey and Spain cooperate only in the production of CASA type planes at the Turkish Aviation Industry (TAI). We are willing to further develop relations in other fields.''

Gen. Lopez, pointed out that they knew the capacity of the Turkish Air Forces and that they would expend efforts to improve cooperation.

Replying to a question if there was a cooperation between the Turkish Air Forces and Israel in air defense training and cooperation against the S-300 missiles in particular, Kilic said: ``we make use of the atmosphere of training reciprocally within the framework of the agreements signed with Israel. There is nothing more. But this doesn`t take place only with Israel. For example four F-14 type warplanes are currently in a training programme with the other NATO countries.''

[03] Exercise in Israel to destroy S-300 missiles

``F-16 planes and their experts and maintenance crews held an exercise against S-300 missiles and radar systems at the Shdema Training Base in the southern part of the Negev Desert in Israel. Flying in a ``six-plane'' formation, the F-16´s carried out an exercise against a possible S-300 missile attack from the Greek Cypriot side on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side. Meanwhile, they carried out war games aimed at avoiding the missile radars at the base and using electronic equipment to confuse them to render the missiles ineffective.

The base was established by the Israeli Air Force and the Rafael Company. Many kinds of radar equipment and surface-to-air missiles, including those similar to the S-300 weapons systems, are based there. It is believed to be one of the most advanced training centers against missiles in the world.

The experts said the outcome of the exercises was ``excellent'' and noted that our planes and pilots ``are capable of detecting and warding off any kind of threat.''

The officials said that a similar training center will be established in Turkey in the near future. They asserted: ``We are not a threat. Turkey is a strong country. It is prepared against any action. That has made it a deterrent force. As such, it contributes toward stability and peace in the region''.

Missile Projects in Full Gear

The special project between Turkey and Israel for the production of Arrow- II missiles has been stepped up. It has been ascertained that a group of 20 military officials will visit that country during the week. Meanwhile, Israel has completed the transfer of several ``air-to-surface'' Poppeye-1 missiles to Turkey. Some of them were among the armaments of the F-16 planes that arrived at the Sideman Base to train.

The second of the joint exercises Turkey and Israel carried out in January will be held either at the end of 1998 or by the year 2000. It will be recalled that the exercises, codenamed Reliant Mermaid, created an uproar in the Middle East.

An Israeli delegation will reportedly visit Turkey during the next few weeks. A number of Israel´s F-15 planes will also arrive to carry out training exercises, including target shooting.''

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry denies military air base given to Israel

The Turkish Air Forces Commander, Gen. Ilhan Kilic, in reply to a question on a newspaper report that an air base was given to Israel to the east of Turkey, said: ``I do not know. Something like this cannot happen without my information.''

[05] Yilmaz in the occupied area on July 20, Demirel on 25

In reply to reporters´ questions after the meeting, Eroglu said that Demirel´s visit on July 25 was assessed at the meeting.

It was previously reported that Yilmaz will visit the ``TRNC'' on July, 20.

Eroglu further said that Mr. Clerides visit to Russia and the developments with regard to the S-300 missiles were also taken up at the meeting.

In reply to a question, Eroglu said that Turkey had released the $36 million loan.

In reply to another question, Eroglu said that the ``general elections'' in the ``TRNC'' will most probably be held on the first Sunday of November and added: However, the final date will be set by the ``Assembly'' after September 1.

[06] Demirel: ``TRNC'' will always be under the guarantee of Turkey

During the meeting Mr. Demirel stressed that the Turkish nation will live forever and that the ``TRNC'' will always be under the guarantee of Turkey.

Demirel also said he would go to the island on July 25, ``with the water'', within the framework of a project to bring water to the ``TRNC.

Demirel added that at the first stage water will be transported to the ``TRNC'' with balloons and later water will be brought to the ``TRNC'' from the Manavgat Stream with pipelines.

[07] Investigation into forgery case continues

Dr. Soyer, who was arrested the other day, told the paper that he has nothing to do with the case.

Meanwhile, KIBRIS said that four more people were arrested and ``police'' continue to investigate the case.

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

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