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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-09-21Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIANo. 173/98 -- 19-20-21.9.98[A] NEWS ITEMS
[A] NEWS ITEMS[01] Turkey´s Cem on Cyprus problem, confederation proposalAccording to a report in MILLIYET (18.9.98), Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem claimed that a Cyprus solution will not be imposed by pressuring only the Turkish Cypriot side. Stating that the UN resolutions envisage that a solution will be found only through mutual understanding between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides, Cem alleged that the pseudostate made its ``confederation proposal'' exactly for this purpose.The Foreign Minister told MILLIYET of the latest developments in the Cyprus problem ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York next week. The following is a summary of Cem´s views, according to the paper: ``1. Parameters should change: The parameters put forward by the UN have not achieved any results. That is, these parameters are not working. We have no complaints regarding the position of the TRNC. As Turkey, we do not view the Cyprus problem as unsolvable but we want a solution based on accord. The present parameters did not bring forth any such solution in 25 years. For this reason these parameters should be reviewed. 2. Mutual understanding a must: The UN resolutions regarding Cyprus envisage mutual understanding as a solution for the problem but it appears that this fact has been forgotten now. The Greek Cypriots dragged the matter to a point where they want to impose a solution by force. The confederation proposal, which has Turkey´s full backing, introduced the search for a mutually acceptable solution. 3. The US understands us: I can see that the United States and other countries are seriously concerned over the deployment of S-300 missiles on the island. The United States has always appeared to be making a well- intentioned effort to reach an understanding in Cyprus. The United States acknowledges the problems and difficulties and our rightful position with regard to these problems but it is looking for a solution. The United States will recognize any inclination by the two sides toward an understanding as an acceptable solution.'' [02] Claims about shots fired by Greek Cypriot bikersAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (15:30 hours, 18 9.98) three Greek Cypriot motorcyclists fired shots arbitrarily around them on the British Bases road in the Akhna region Friday afternoon. No one was killed or wounded, illegal Bayrak said.[03] Cem on S-300According to TRT Television network (7:00 hours, 19.9.98), Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has declared that Turkey´s foreign policy goal for the 21st century is to become the central country in Eurasia. Cem attended a dinner hosted in Istanbul by the Young Managers and Businessmen Association.In a speech delivered at the meeting on foreign policy issues, Cem said that Turkey has the economy, military power, and democracy that constitute the three important elements of foreign policy. Stating that Turkey has been European for 700 years, Cem added: ``We do not need to have our European identity confirmed by anyone. Turkey is both European and Asian''. Also answering the questions put to him, Cem stated that if the S-300 missiles are introduced to the island, ``a new world will be formed in Cyprus, and many things will change between Turkey and the pseudostate from a political aspect.'' [04] Turkish paper MILLIYET reportedly soldAccording to ZAMAN (Internet version, 19.9.98) Turkish daily MILLIYET, which has been part of Aydin Dogan´s Dogan Media Group, has changed hands and now belongs to Korkmaz Yigit. Yigit reportedly bought the MILLIYET daily together with all of its equipment for $550 million and is said to be negotiating the purchase of the daily Aksam. MILLIYET´s General Publishing Manager Derya Sazak reportedly resigned from his position after the sale of the newspaper. It is also reported that the situation of MILLIYET´s employees is not yet clear. Guneri Civaoglu will reportedly fill the position of General Publishing Manager vacated by Derya Sazak, and HURRIYET columnists Ugur Dundar and Emin Colasan will move to MILLIYET. It is alleged that Yasar Eroglu, who played a key role in the sale of HURRIYET, also had an important role in the sale of MILLIYET and that he has been appointed to head the Korkmaz Yigit Media Group.Meanwhile, the Uzan Group is also reported to be finalizing its work to publish a newspaper. The newspaper will reportedly be published by Fatih Cekirge and his team in SABAH. The Uzan Group has reportedly offered a transfer fee of $2.5 million to Fatih Cekirge and his team and the position of general publishing manager of the new paper to Cekirge. It is reported that an agreement has been reached in the negotiations between the Uzan Group and Fatih Cekirge. [05] Turkey-Libya diplomatic crisis endsAccording to Anatolia Agency (14:02 hours, 18.9.98), Mansour Muhammad Bedir, the Libyan Ambassador to Turkey, said on Friday that the information which were conveyed by himself to the Turkish Foreign Ministry concerning the incident that caused a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Libya last week, were received positively.The Turkish Foreign Ministry pointed out that Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, received Bedir last Tuesday. The statement of the Ministry noted, ``Ecevit expressed to Bedir that the incident can´t be tolerated by Turkey in any manner and stressed that statements concerning Turkey´s territorial integrity, and her democratic and secular order are unacceptable for the Turkish people''. Turkey has recalled Mufit Ozdes, the Turkish Ambassador to Libya, for consultation for an indefinite period in order to protest the participation of the PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan) organization members carrying pictures of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the organization, at the parade organized for the anniversary of the Revolution in Libya on 1 September. Bedir pointed out that those responsible for the incident will be brought to justice soon and receive the punishment they have deserved. [06] Cem on Turkey´s Cyprus policyDaily SABAH (31/8-6/9/98) published seven installments of a 12,000-word article by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the Foreign Ministry´s performance during the past year and objectives in the 21st Century.Cem says Turkey´s foreign policy from July 1997 to July 1998 was planned on the basis of the principles he disclosed at his news conference on 14 July 1997. Outlining the decisions that were made on priority issues, Cem referred to the Cyprus problem. He described his Ministry´s decision on Cyprus as follows: ``Preventing the strategic balances in the Eastern Mediterranean and the balance between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides in Cyprus from shifting against Turkey; strengthening the TRNC and its economy; and explaining to the world that two equal and sovereign entities exist on the island and that the Cyprus problem can be solved through the joint will of the two equal sides.'' Focusing on the Cyprus problem, Cem says: ``Turkey `does not view the Cyprus issue as a problem´ because peace exists on the island, regardless of the fact that the two communities, which do not trust each other, live side by side. The economic situation of the two communities is improving. They have democratic laws and establishments and a normal life. Considering that, it will be wrong to describe the Cyprus issue as a problem''. He further outlines Turkey´s policy on Cyprus as follows: ``Our policy calls for the continued existence of the TRNC. Within that context, plans have been made to help the TRNC achieve economic development and establish strong ties with Turkey. The `Partnership Council´ Turkey and the TRNC established in August 1997 paved the way for them to institutionalize their cooperation in the political and economic fields. Thanks to the effort made by one of our ministers of state, the project for transporting water from Turkey to the TRNC in plastic containers has been realized. So, the project that was drawn up to help the TRNC water its agricultural fields and export an excess amount of water to various countries in the Eastern Mediterranean has been realized.'' Alleging that the two communities on the island drawing up a model for coexistence depends on the recognition of the existence of ``two equal and sovereign states in Cyprus'', Cem says: ``The acceptance of an approach that will convert the Turkish Cypriots into a helpless minority under Greek Cypriot sovereignty and upset the balances in the Eastern Mediterranean against Turkey is out of the question. Undoubtedly, Turkey will not gamble on the future of its people and kinsmen in Cyprus''. Cem asserts that the Foreign Ministry´s approach has given momentum to Turkey´s policy on Cyprus in the world and notes that a reconciliation on the island´s problem can be reached ``in the light of the present realities, not on the basis of factors that existed in the past''. Referring to he S- 300 missiles issue Cem claims: ``The S-300 missiles will not only enable the Greek-Greek Cypriot side to monitor NATO and create a dangerous situation for the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean but also to threaten Turkey. Our ministry has made plans for the political initiatives it will make if the missiles are deployed on the island. The deployment of the missiles in Cyprus will change all the political parameters on the island and pave the way for the establishment of far more enhanced relations between Turkey and the TRNC. No one must doubt that. The Greek-Greek Cypriot side will either disclose that it has decided not to have the missiles deployed in Cyprus or accept the consequences of deploying them on the island. As far as Turkey is concerned, disclosures that `we will deploy the missiles but we have decided to postpone their transfer to the island for another 12 months´ will be meaningless''. [07] Gurel on economic cooperation with TurkishAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (5:00 hours, 19.9.98) Sukru Sina Gurel, Turkish state minister in charge of Cyprus affairs, has declared that following the advancement of the economic cooperation between Turkey and the pseudostate and the new arrangements introduced between the two sides, the Turkish Cypriots can look at their future with confidence.Gurel made this statement to illegal BRT in response to questions regarding the comprehensive Council of Ministers meeting held in Ankara on 15 September focusing on the economic situation in the pseudostate. Gurel recounted that a document incorporating all the aspects of the relations between Turkey and the pseudostate were discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting. He noted that in this context, every subject was discussed in detail and the respective positions of his ministry and the pseudostate as well as the steps that must be taken were reviewed at the meeting. Gurel explained that the Turkish Ziraat Bank will have to take measures to allow the pseudostate to use the loans designated for farmers in line with its own conditions. The minister announced that final preparations in this regard are being reviewed and the matter will be resolved. Noting that there are no problems in terms of the Halk Bank, Gurel asked that this bank will increase its credit limits for the pseudostate. The credit limit, which stands at approximately 1 billion Turkish Lira (TL) at the moment, will be increased up to 1.5 billion TL in the near future, Gurel declared. Pointing out that there are projects supported and that must be further supported by Eximbank especially in the tourism sector, Gurel said that loans will be extended to finance these projects, therefore a significant increase in the number of quality beds for tourism will be registered in the pseudostate. Gurel stated that the Emlak Bank will also open a branch in the pseudostate soon and the High Planning Council will discuss the development of a project for 1,000 housing units. This will be realized soon, the Turkish minister augured. He stressed that this will provide employment in the construction sector as well as opportunity for entrepreneurs in the pseudostate and it is therefore a very important development. Gurel said that it is possible for the Istanbul Stock Exchange and its counterpart in the pseudostate to integrate and establish organic ties soon, but both sides must first adopt parallel steps in this regard. He added: ``We are preparing the change needed in our procedures. We will expect the TRNC to so the same.'' Gurel said that the government is also focusing on the issue of importing raki from the pseudostate to Turkey as a problem that must be resolved, and remarked that a solution will be found for this issue soon. Gurel added that illegal BRTK will attain the infrastructure it deserves following the allocation of a ``Bayrak special relationship project'' to the TRT and the Turkish Telecom Corporation as an Ankara-initiated project on the basis of a Council of Ministers decree. [08] Yilmaz announces resignation of State MinisterAccording to TRT Television network (12:00 hours, 19.9.98), Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz has announced the resignation of State Minister Refaiddin Sahin. Replying to a question during a news conference in Ankara, the prime minister said that Sahin submitted his resignation to him, and that the necessary procedures are being carried out in connection with the resignation.[09] Ozcelik ``appointed'' education ``minister'', not AtakolAccording to illegal Bayrak radio (19:30 hours , 18.9.98) Erol Ozcelik has been ``appointed'' the so-called minister national education, culture, and sports. Ozcelik was previously the so-called undersecretary of the ``ministry''.In a statement he made, ``prime minister'' Dervis Eroglu said that he ``appointed'' Ozcelik to the ``ministry'', saying that the ``appointment'' has been ``endorsed'' by Rauf Denktash. He pointed out that Ozcelik will be running the ``ministry'' for a period of three months. Meanwhile, KIBRIS (19.9.98) which had earlier reported that Kenan Atakol would be the new so-called education minister, reports today under the banner headlines ``Atakol politically annihilated'' and says that the other day Atakol told KIBRIS that he had been offered the ``post'', that he had accepted it and was just waiting for Denktash´s approval. However, the paper adds, while Atakol was saying this, Denktash was signing the documents ``appointing'' Ozcelik as ``minister''. KIBRIS reports that Ozcelik´s ``appointment'' caused arguments among the National Unity Party (NUP) ranks. KIBRIS adds that Ozcelik´s ``surprise appointment'' is interpreted within the political circles as ``Atakol´s political annihilation''. (MY) [10] So-called assembly delegation leaves for StrasbourgAccording to BIRLIK (21.9.98) a five member so-called delegation from the pseudo-assembly left the occupied area for Strasbourg to follow up the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly´s deliberations.The members of the so-called delegation, prior to their departure, told the journalists that if the issue of the Armenian St. Magar Monastery is raised at the Sub-committee for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage, they will inform the Sub-committee about the restoration work that is currently being carried out there. (MY) [11] Kofi Annan: Cyprus problem brings Greece and Turkey face to faceHURRIYET´s (19.9.98) New York correspondent Dogan Uluc writes that during a dinner given by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at his residence, he asked Mr. Annan about his recent report on Cyprus where he expresses concern. The UN Chief said: ``Cyprus is not a subject for concern. The issue is a war between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus. The dragging of the problem for so many years is bringing Turkey and Greece face to face. This is the reason why we feel concern''.As for the deployment of the S-300 missiles the UN Secretary General said: ``The missiles coming to Cyprus will be a mistake. We still continue to warn the interested parties, and stop their coming.'' As for Denktash´s confederation proposal Kofi Annan said: ``We are open to all fresh approaches and views which will help a settlement in Cyprus. Proposals should be in line with the good offices mandate given to the UN Secretary General by the Security Council and the Council´s resolutions. Now Special Envoy Diego Cordovez is working to start face to face talks between Clerides and Denktash''. (MY) From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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