Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-09-14

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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. 168/98 -- 12-13-14-9-98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey´s Gurel says confederation ``offer'' non-negotiable.

[02] Cindoruk terms confederation ``last goodwill gesture''

[03] New Russian envoy to Ankara says there will be no crisis over S-300 missiles.

[04] Akinci favours deconfrontation measures to reduce tension.

[05] Cem claims Greece launching crusade against Turkey.

[06] Turkey, Libya recall ambassadors.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey´s Gurel says confederation ``offer'' non-negotiable

Asked to comment on Denktash´s confederation proposals Gurel claimed:

``Denktash´s confederation proposal is not a deviation from what we have been saying, what Denktash, and what Turkey and the TRNC have been saying unanimously. Why not a deviation? Because, when discussing certain issues with President Denktash in November (1977), we announced that a final solution acceptable to all could only be found on the basis of mutual recognition on the island. Following that, both the TRNC and Turkey endorsed the principle of two states as the basis for future Cyprus talks. Now, Denktash put forward a proposal for confederation. That proposal actually relates to the formation of one roof over the two states. It is a practical proposal in other areas too, and one that also protects Turkey´s rights and interests. It is not yet clear what others think about this issue. That is, though the Greek Cypriot side and Greece immediately rejected it, others are still thinking about it. While they can take time to think, I want to underline the following point, and I guess President Denktash too shares my view: This proposal is not a negotiating point. That is, it is not a paper that one can say of it: I liked this part but not that, let us change this part but keep the other. If there are to be any negotiations, all the conditions in that paper, in that proposal, must first be accepted. Only then can there be talks on determining confederal powers. That is what I gather from this proposal. Therefore, anyone who wants to see it as a negotiating paper would be wrong. I think Denktash shares my view.

This could be the last chance. I mean, the Turkish Cypriots´ opportunities will never end. They will continue their existence within a far better organized communal and economic structure, and Turkey will continue walking alongside the TRNC. There is no reason why we should deviate from this course. The proposal is just a chance for those who are anxious about the division of the island and permanence of the division.''

Illegal Bayrak Radio (10:30 hours, 12.9.98) adds that Gurel also stated that if the Greek Cypriot side rejects the confederation proposal, the division of the island will become finalized.

``In that case with Turkey´s support, the TRNC will look after its own interests and reach a solution''. He added that he does not think another chance will be given after the confederation proposal.

Gurel disclosed that at its meeting next week, the Turkish Council of Ministers will discuss the general situation in the pseudostate and review the economic reports on the pseudostate drawn up by the concerned ministries. He affirmed that the necessary framework is ready for the establishment of a common economic field between the pseudostate and Turkey. The content of this framework must now be filled, he said.

[02] Cindoruk terms confederation ``last goodwill gesture''

In a special statement to illegal BRT (Bayrak Radio and Television) in Ankara, Cindoruk claimed: ``The confederation proposal submitted by Denktash is a solution. It is the legalization of a de facto situation.'' Cindoruk alleged that the confederation proposal does not have any illegal aspects and that if this formula is accepted, a solution will also emerge concerning relations with the EU.

Referring to the immediate rejection of the confederation proposal by the Greek Cypriot-Greek side, Cindoruk claimed: ``It is impossible to oppose this proposal from a legal viewpoint. If they reject this proposal as well, the outcome will be full independence.'' And added: ``When they think logically, they will realize that this proposal is the last lifesaver. A strong Turkey and a strong Turkish state could not have accepted faits accomplis. The Turkish Cypriot side revealed its last goodwill gesture with the confederation proposal. If this is also rejected, Turkey and the TRNC will be free. I am underlining this''.

[03] New Russian envoy to Ankara says there will be no crisis over S-300 missiles

Explaining that he is a former correspondent, Lebedev said he seeks to set up a real partnership between Turkey and Russia during his term and added that he will exert efforts to strengthen the cultural, economic, and military ties between the two countries. Lebedev further said that Russian President Boris Yeltsin encouraged him to assume an active role during his service in Turkey. Explaining that he was not an expert on Turkey even though Turkey always interested him, Lebedev added that he was appointed in a bid to prevent the emergence of serious difficulties between Turkey and Russia.

Lebedev said he does not think that the S-300 missiles, which Cyprus purchased from Russia, will have a long-term adverse impact on Russian- Turkish relations.

Reiterating that the purchase of the S-300 missiles was a trade agreement, Lebedev added that this issue raised many discussions on Moscow. ``It is incomprehensible that there is opposition to the S-300 missiles when no arguments are raised against French anti-aircraft weapons and US patriots'', said Lebedev.

Lebedev continued: ``The realities should be accepted. Why should Russia not sell its weapons, which are better than the other NATO countries?'' Lebedev noted that there are large quantities of advanced weapons remaining from the Soviet Union.

Lebedev said: ``There will be no crisis concerning the S-300''. Noting that it is up to the Greek Cypriot side to decide when and where the missiles will be deployed, Lebedev added that he also heard reports that the delivery of the missiles has been postponed to October or November. Indicating that Russia upholds its agreements, Lebedev said: ``I do not know much about the contract. However, it is signed. There will not be an international crisis over this issue. Moreover, we are telling Turkey that the S-300 missiles are very good weapons.''

Explaining that the NATO countries are worried about the S-300s´ radars, Lebedev pointed out that the radars of these missiles can be controlled from long distances, and added: ``Why all this worry if there are no enemies?''

[04] Akinci favours deconfrontation measures to reduce tension

In a statement at the Cyprus follow-up committee of the 100th Interparliamentary Union conference in Moscow, Akinci claimed that the Cyprus problem was further exacerbated following the EU decision in Luxembourg. Alleging that this decision constitutes an obstructing factor for Cyprus, Akinci said that the situation, which became strained because of the S-300 missiles, should be channeled towards demilitarization following deconfrontation measures. Akinci also remarked that rather than conduct membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriots, the EU should give a solution under the auspices of the United Nations a chance.

[05] Cem claims Greece launching crusade against Turkey

Cem held a news conference in Iran. Explaining that he was not at all surprised by the comments made by Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos, Cem claimed: ``Greece has exploited every platform in order to carry out activities against Turkey in neighbouring countries.'' He further claimed:

``Greece has assumed the role of a troublemaker. Its aim is to stir up trouble between Turkey and its neighbours. It is launching another crusade against Turkey. It seems that it aspires to recruit Muslim soldiers for this crusade. On one hand, Greece is aiding, abetting, training, and arming the terrorists to advance toward Turkey; on the other, it is putting obstacles in the way of conciliation in Cyprus. It is essential that serious consideration be given to this issue and that extreme care be shown.''

In reply to an Iranian reporter´s question, Cem said that relations between Turkey and Israel are by no means a military pact and stressed: ``In addition, no country or countries are targeted.''

Explaining that Turkey´s policies toward Cyprus and Denktash´s proposal were discussed in detail at the meetings, Cem added: ``We called for a more careful examination of the UN resolution in the light of Denktash proposal and recalled that the UN resolutions envisage a solution acceptable to both sides.''

[06] Turkey, Libya recall ambassadors

A senior Foreign Ministry official said that a protest note has been sent to Libya in connection with the incident. Stating that a satisfactory reply was not received from Libya, the official said that when the Libyan Ambassador in Ankara was summoned to the Foreign Ministry he said that his government ``was not aware of the participation of terrorists in the ceremonies.''

According to information obtained from diplomatic sources in Ankara, Libya recalled its Ambassador in Ankara, Mansour Muhammad Bedir, as a reprisal for the recall of the Turkish Ambassador in Libya.

Furthermore, according to TRT (17:00 hours, 11.9.98), Bulent Ecevit, Turkish deputy Prime Minister has said: ``Unfortunately, Qadhafi is no longer a leader deserving of the Libyan people. I greatly regret this. We are trying, despite everything, to pursue our relations with Libya because we consider the Libyan people our brothers. Qadhafi´s rudeness, however, unfortunately exceeds the limits of tolerability. We have lived together with the Libyan Arabs for hundreds of years without having any problems. For this reason, what I say definitely does not refer to the Libyan people. I hope they will be able to secure a more modern and democratic order 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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