Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-09-15

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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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash ``explains'' proposal; to meet Holbrooke.

[02] Turkey´s Cem on confederation in Cyprus.

[03] Islamic reactionism in the occupied area.

[04] Yilmaz to pay illegal visit on 20 October.

[05] Atun returns from Moscow.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash ``explains'' proposal; to meet Holbrooke Turkish Cypriot daily

``We do want to reunited, and here is the proof of our desire:

`Confederation´. That shows that we favour unification. If you are for a confederation, do not want to govern and oppress us, instead want to cooperate with us, then this proposal in no way can hurt or harm you. Rather, it will be a step toward unification. Once mutual confidence evolves in the future, it will be up to the people of the time to choose where to go from confederation, provided that they trust each other. That is, a confederation is not closed to other types of unification, including a federation. It is but a start. Why it is a start? Because for now there is no trust in the other side, and because this is the only formula that could prevent the opposite side from repeating what it has done in the past. The principle of statehood should never be undermined henceforth.

Their second accusation was that we have been unifying the island with Turkey. That too is a lie. Because with our proposal we want to prevent the `enosis´, the policy for the last 35 years to unite the island with Greece, the `taksim´, the unification of half of it with Turkey, and Cyprus´ membership in any organization where Turkey and Greece are not simultaneously members; to reinforce the balance between Turkey and Greece, and to ensure the continuation of the guarantee system. Therefore, they are lying when they say that we want taksim. We want a guarantee system that prevents taksim. Turkey will again give a guarantee that it does not want taksim.''

Asked if his confederation proposal will be substantiated, Denktash replied: ``Naturally. Let them accept it in principle, and it will be substantiated''.

Asked to clarify whether there is a preparation on their side to formulate the ``conditions for a confederation, and the status of the two (confederated) states'', Denktash said:

``Of course. Work is going on it. There is a plan and program. But, we had first to prepare ourselves mentally. They (the details concerning the confederation formula) will come to light when the Greek Cypriots accept the principle (of a confederation)''.

Asked what he plans to do henceforth, he replied: ``I will go to New York at the end of the month for contacts. I will explain the situation to the UN Secretary General. I still do not know whom Clerides will meet but I will also meet those same people and explain the situation. I will also attend the Islamic countries´ conference to be held in New York on 1 October under the UN auspices. I will meet the representatives of the Islamic countries and their leaders. I will meet the press. From there I will go to Canada to give a conference. If I find the opportunity I will hold contacts there too. I will stay there one day and one night. From there I will go to Washington for meetings, conferences, and contacts with the press. I will also meet everyone I can''. Denktash also said that he would also be meeting Richard Holbrooke.

[02] Turkey´s Cem on confederation in Cyprus

``The proposal by TRNC President Rauf Denktash, which we fully support, was based on the following: Considering the present realities, the parameters of the past 25 years are now useless. If there is a sincere desire to reconciliate to solve the Cyprus problem, then a proposal should be made for a new framework.

However, I seriously wonder if the Greek side wants that. I am very leery of its opinion that talks should be resumed and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We want to determine the outcome beforehand.''

Asked if that is not an approach which rejects the process of bargaining at the very beginning, Cem claimed: ``The Turkish Cypriot people may find themselves in a dangerous adventure if we act without first being informed on the outcome. A process initiated on the basis of `let´s just see what happens´ would be very dangerous. It could lead us to a point where an unimportant friction in Cyprus could create serious incidents in the future. Denktash has said: `If that is the picture in the end, then we can agree to hold talks´.''

Asked whether the timing of Denktash´s proposal has not diverted attention from the difficult position the Greek Cypriots have found themselves in because of the missiles, Cem replied: ``The situation seems to be inclined towards the division of the island. That has to be obstructed. The transfer of the missiles to Cyprus will create a new situation. We have informed the entire world that the deployment of the missiles on the island will be wrong. We have almost completed our preparations in anticipation of their transfer to the island''.

Asked if there has been a deviation from the framework that was drawn up by the UN organization, Cem inter alia claimed: ``That is debatable. Denktash has informed the UN officials of his views. However, the time has not come to debate them. Meanwhile, it must be noted that the UN parameters can be debated. Some circles believe that a confederation is a form of federation. Furthermore, a UN parameter has been overlooked. The UN organization has called for a structure that `will be mutually accepted´ in Cyprus. Imposing a formula that will definitely be unacceptable to the Turkish side will conflict with the UN parameters. The no-solution situation will continue to exist if the interpretation of the UN parameters is avoided''.

[03] Islamic reactionism in the occupied area

He said that in the occupied area there are ``extensions'' of foreign Islamic reactionary centers. He said ``the pimple should be cleared off its harmful germs before it turns into a wound''.

He also invited the occupation regime to be more sensitive when issuing licences for carrying guns. He said that 1401 people today carry licenced guns. (MY)

[04] Yilmaz to pay illegal visit on 20 October

He will also receive an honorary doctorate degree from the so-called EMU. (MY)

[05] Atun returns from Moscow

Speaking at the occupied Tymbou airport, Atun claimed that he was treated equally at the Cyprus Follow-up Committee. (MY)

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

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