Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-07-20

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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. 128/98 -- 18-19-20.7.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish ships to occupied Kyrenia

[02] Turkish general receives legion of Merit award.

[03] MILLIYET:Transfer of water to `North Cyprus´ begins.

[04] Karadayi comments on talks in US, Turkish-Greek problems.

[05] Minister Gurel comments on S-300 issue, US efforts.

[06] Address by Denktash.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish ships to occupied Kyrenia

[02] Turkish general receives legion of Merit award

The reason for the award, which is given to foreign chiefs of staff, was disclosed by a document signed by Secretary of Defence William Cohen as follows: ``Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, Chief of the General Staff, won significant respect through his extraordinary services from 30 August 1994 to 15 July 1998. His exemplary leadership and inexhaustible effort in that period played a very important role in the effort to maintain stability in one of the most strategically important areas in the modern world. General Karadayi has contributed towards the leading role of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in NATO´s effort to promote the Partnership for Peace program and defend international peace, as in the case of the former Yugoslavia, and initiated a very effective training program on human rights within TAF framework. Thanks to General Karadayi´s resolute commitment to Ataturk´s principles, the people´s respect for TAF has greatly increased.''

General Karadayi conferred with General Shelton and Defence Secretary William Cohen after the ceremony. Pentagon Spokesman Kenneth Bacon later said: ``We are convinced that Turkey and Greece have realised that stability has to be maintained within NATO.''

Bacon also said that they were opposed to the deployment of S-300 missiles in Cyprus.

[03] MILLIYET: Transfer of water to `North Cyprus´ begins

The water was pumped from the resource in the district to a filling platform on the sea through a 1.8 km pipeline. A balloon-like container was filled with 30,000 cubic meters of water and then attached to a ship to be pulled to the occupied areas.

[04] Karadayi comments on talks in US, Turkish-Greek problems

At the end of his contacts in Washington, Gen. Karadayi made a statement to Turkish reporters about his contacts in the United States.

Karadayi said: ``We conducted very beneficial exchanges of views on bilateral military relations as well as regional issues. I stressed that we support the implementation of the CBM´s initiated by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana; that although we regard this as a positive development, we believe that in the final analysis it tends to postpone the solution of problems; and that the most important point is for steps to be taken for the solution of Turkish-Greek problems, especially the problems in the Aegean, through comprehensive and substantive talks''.

Karadayi said he observed that the United States is naturally concerned about the rising tension between two NATO allies in connection with the Russian-made S-300 missiles.

``I also observed that they are seeking ways to assist in this regard,'' Karadayi added.

The chief of staff stated: ``I was pleased to note that the US side shares our belief about the need to secure peace and stability in our region, which is experiencing various problems and crises, and exert further efforts to this end. I briefed them on Turkey´s initiatives in this regard in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Black Sea. We discussed bolstering all aspects of Turkish-U.S relations, which have recently gained momentum, especially our military ties. I was glad to note that the same desire exists on the US side.''

Underlining that Turkish-US relations have a long history, Karadayi said that the Armed Forces of the two countries joined their efforts both within and outside NATO and demonstrated an exemplary comraderie in arms beyond that of mere cooperation in protecting Western moral values.

Gen. Karadayi declared: ``I believe that we have favourable opportunities for further enhancing this cooperation in the future. In conclusion, I believe that our talks were extremely beneficial and that they will contribute to the efforts to further develop our bilateral relations''.

[05] Minister Gurel comments on S-300 issue, US efforts

``We do not even want to mention such a possibility. Naturally, if Turkey sees any threat to its vital interests in a place that has any bearing on these interests or to the most basic rights of the people it considers a part of itself, it will do whatever is necessary. No one should doubt this in any way. Although everyone is aware of our determination in this regard, we still want to avoid uttering phrases such as clash, war, or military actions. As you have said, however, the matter of the S-300 missiles may again turn into a hot issue toward the end of this summer.

If you ask my personal opinion, the Greek Cypriot side appears to be at a loss as to what to do with regard to the S-300 issue or even where to deploy them. If, however, they do something crazy despite all our warnings…. (pauses). They did this in the past. The history of Cyprus in the 1960´s is full of Greek and Greek Cypriot actions that defy common sense. Naturally they were duly punished for these actions. There is a chance that they will again engage in such nonsensical action, deploy the missiles on the island, and threaten Turkey, the TRNC, and even the entire region. Such a possibility does exist, but for now it seems remote to me because all the sides that take an interest in the region have warned the Greek Cypriot side and Greece in this regard. The warnings are continuing.

This has ceased to be a step that only we portray as wrong. Almost everyone who takes an interest in the security and stability of the region is pointing out the error in such an action to those who are about to make this mistake. If they take a wrong step despite this, as we stated before… (pauses). This is not just a matter of the S-300´s. This is not just a matter of the deployment of some missiles on the island. There is also a so- called joint defence doctrine between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration. Greece established some bases on the island. Consequently, Greece is engaged in efforts to perpetuate its military presence in Cyprus. Given all these facts, the matter ceases to be one that affects peace and stability in Cyprus alone; it starts to have an impact on regional stability and peace, because the balance in Cyprus is also extremely important in terms of the Turkish-Greek balance. We are saying this openly. If we sense such a threat, we will do whatever is necessary to remove this threat, and we will adopt all the additional military measures. As it happens, these military measures are being adopted. We are also declaring that we will not allow anyone to use this issue as a bargaining chip, and this is how we will act.''

Furthermore Gurel added: ``The United States is one of the foremost countries that can approach the region on the basis of international realities, devoid of prejudices. Therefore, we have always welcomed US efforts concerning peace and stability in the region as well as certain specific problems involving Cyprus. We are also pleased that the United States is demonstrating sensitivity with regard to this issue. Naturally, this is not something that is done for Turkey alone, and we are aware of that. This also shows how sensitive the United States is about safeguarding regional peace and stability. We hope that these efforts will bear fruit.''

[06] Address by Denktash

``My dear citizens. We have left behind the 24th year of our rebirth and liberation. You are very fortunate because you overcame all the difficulties and witnessed the birth of our republic by working in cooperation and hand in hand during these 24 years.

You are celebrating this happy day with our soldiers, the representatives of the Turkish army, the government, and the Assembly at a time when the conditions are very favourable, when water is being brought to us from Anatolia, and when our motherland´s Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and President Suleyman Demirel are due for a visit.

It is the duty of all of us to look into the future without forgetting the past and think about the future and plan for it with the same faith, unity, and togetherness, in full realisation that there is no return to the past. What kind of a future do we seek? I will explain this to you: Our liberation, existence, growth, and our efforts to improve the economic situation depends on our close cooperation and brotherly unity with the motherland. What we have to do becomes very easy once we realise this fact.

Our tourism problem will be resolved if as a result of the partnerships and cooperation only one or two percent of the tourists who visit Turkey come here for a week. It goes without saying that the infrastructure along these lines should continue if we seek to resolve this problem. We have to take advantage of the cheap loans in order to continue the infrastructure work. We have to be brave when undertaking investments.

In addition, the cooperative and agricultural loans and the interest rates were lowered. This is a great contribution to our farmers. Efforts should be exerted to lower the interest rates even more. It is envisaged for our people to also benefit from the possibilities open to the farmer in Turkey. Our people will also benefit from all the possibilities open to the industrialists. We should realise and assess all this, and carry out our work with a positive outlook to the future. Let us carry out our work with all our might because it is our binding duty to make this country, which is already beautiful, more beautiful. It is our duty to create businesses for our youth. It is our binding duty to our martyrs to work in unity along these lines.

These are the thoughts that guide me when I look into the future. I am very hopeful and very at ease. I had already told you on the first day of 1998 that we are entering this year under the best of conditions and that 1998 will be a very auspicious year for us. This is becoming true.

The event of transporting water from Anatolia is a historic event, which binds Anatolia to Cyprus. It is an event that adds other elements to the already existing ties of affection. In addition, the project of transporting water from undersea is under way. You can see the roads that are being constructed. The ports will be expanded. In terms of tourism, building yacht marinas is being envisaged. All these things will put a smile on the faces of the Turkish Cypriots and create job opportunities for our young people.

Do not belittle the issue of universities. The issue of universities is a major event in terms of the economy of the TRNC. We should appreciate it. We should assess the integration of the youth who come from Anatolia and all over the world as a great gift. This means that these young people will represent us in the outside world. These young people, who finished our universities, will promote us by representing the TRNC, its beautiful people, its beauty, the fight for freedom waged by this people. We have to put this into good use.

We should say the following: We have suffered greatly; however, we have never become the slave of the Greek Cypriots. We managed to keep our heads high between 1963 and 1974 when the Greek Cypriot knife was at our throats and won through the trust we put in our motherland. We will not waste all that we have gained by being against each other and taken in by those who seek to separate us from the motherland. We will not forget the past and be aware of our cause.''

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

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