Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-08-31

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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. 158/98 -- 29-31/8/98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey backs Denktash's view on Simitis - Clerides Communique

[02] Denktash threatens Greek Cypriots: Anatolia 40 miles away

[03] Denktash's proposals for a Cyprus Confederation

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey backs Denktash's view on Simitis - Clerides Communique

In a statement to illegal TAK, Denktas claimed that in their communique, ``which may lead to increased tension'', the Greek Cypriot and Greek side try to camouflage ``the dangerous and adventurist policy they have been pursuing in Cyprus and the region''. He alleged that with the joint military doctrine, the deployment in Cyprus of the S-300 missiles, the establishment of the military air base in Paphos, and their ``continuing threats'', the Cyprus Government and Greece are responsible for the increased tension in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean. Denktas said that ``the faits accomplis created by the Greek- Greek Cypriot duo'' will not be accepted as bargaining or pressure tools. ``It is impossible to achieve anything'', he claimed, ``by ignoring the fact that there are two separate peoples and states in Cyprus.'' He noted that the pseudostate will continue to cooperate with Turkey ``in order to protect peace and stability in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.''

Furthermore, according to Ankara TRT Television Network (1700 hours, 28/8/98), Turkey has reiterated that the S-300 missiles issue is one that was created by the Greek-Greek Cypriot side and that if it is not resolved, the responsibility for the negative consequences will lie solely with the Greek-Greek Cypriot side. A statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry says that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash expressed his views in connection with the joint communique issued at the end of the meeting between Greek Prime Minister Simitis and Cyprus President Clerides. In its statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry says that Turkey shares and supports the views stressed by Denktash. It adds that there has been no change in the view Turkey has expressed regarding the deployment of the S-300's.

[02] Denktash threatens Greek Cypriots: Anatolia 40 miles away

The other night, Denktas opened the beach facilities built by businessman Kemal Deniz and his sons in occupied Famagusta. In a speech at the ceremony, Denktas threatened the Greek Cypriot side, saying: ``The Greek Cypriot side is reportedly deploying missiles, tanks, and guns. It is forgetting one thing: Anatolia is 40 miles away. No matter what tanks or missiles the Greek Cypriots deploy, the voice that will roar from 40 miles away will destroy them the day they try to use them.''

[03] Denktash's proposals for a Cyprus Confederation

As a final effort to achieve a mutually acceptable lasting solution in Cyprus I propose the establishment of a Cyprus Confederation based on the following arrangement:

1. A special relationship between Turkey and the TRNC on the basis of agreements to be concluded.
2. A similar special relationship between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration on the basis of symmetrical agreements to be concluded.
3. Establishment of a Cyprus Confederation between TRNC and Greek Cypriot Administration.
4. The 1960 Guarantee System shall continue.
5. The Cyprus Confederation may, if both parties jointly agree, pursue a policy of accession to the EU. Until Turkey's full membership to the EU, a special arrangement will provide Turkey with the full rights and obligations of an EU member with regard to the Cyprus Confederation. The ultimate aim of the negotiations will thus be a partnership settlement which will be a confederated structure composed of two peoples and of two states of the island supported by symmetrical agreements with the two respective motherlands and guarantor states. All rights and powers which are not referred to the confederal state/entity will reside with the two confederated states. The agreement to be reached as a result of the negotiations will be submitted for approval in separate referenda. By participating in these negotiations the parties will acknowledge that the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides are two sovereign and equal states, each with its own functioning democratic institutions and jurisdiction, reflecting the political equality and the will of their respective peoples. They will also acknowledge that the authorities of one party do not represent the other.

We believe that only this structure will provide for the security of both sides, will safeguard their identity and well-being. If the Greek Cypriots agree to this final basis, we are ready to begin negotiations to establish the Cyprus Confederation.''

Speaking after Denktash, Cem said Denktash has Turkey's full support and that the above proposal was prepared by Denktash himself and not by mediators.

After reading the proposals and answering some questions by journalists Denktash translated in english the following text which he first read out in Turkish:

``Briefly I am saying that, after thanking the Foreign Minister for his support and for his explanations. The text which I have read, it offers, are enough in themselves they are clear enough in themselves. And therefore, until we receive an answer from the Greek Cypriot side we should not be called upon to make any further comments or give any further explanations on it. The position of Turkey and the TRNC rests on realities. The TRNC exits as a reality. The existence of this republic or this state. Its sovereignty and equality have to be agreed upon and until this is done there can be no solution. Any solution foreseen away from these realities based an hallucinations or imaginations will only serve for the present situation to become permanent. The application by the Greek Cypriot Administration to EU is contrary to international law, contrary to 1959- 1960 agreements and contrary to realities. This application is void ab initio as far as we are concerned and will remain so. The fact that there is no progress in Cyprus is also a reality because this is the result of unrealistic, irresponsible Greek Cypriot policies.

Tension in the island, therefore, is increasing. On the other hand the decisions of Luxembourg last year, the division of the island has become more eminent. We have made a proposal as regards to the peace in the island and in the region. It is a realistic proposal. We have decided this risk can be taken by us and we have taken it in order to help a solution. I hope that this will be regarded as an opportunity and the last chance for a settlement which we have made to the Greek Cypriot side.''

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

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