Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-10-05

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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. 182/98 -- 3-4-5.10.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Dentkash criticizes US Congress for pro-Greek Cypriot stand.

[02] Dentkash says ``situation fine'' after meeting with Annan.

[03] Denktash asks OIC delegation to visit Cyprus.

[04] Sezgin denies NSC took measures against Syria.

[05] Demirel threatens ``patience with Syria about to be exhausted''.

[06] Turkish envoy to Italy recalled.

[07] Cem terms confederation ``important plan for conciliation''.

[08] Dentkash gives press conference at UN.

[09] Denktash meets Holbrooke, confident S-300´s not to arrive.

[10] FP leader questions hardening of Turkish stand against Syria.

[11] Turkish Cypriots threaten to illegally occupy Greek Cypriot school.

[12] On dilapitaded state of Apostolos Andreas Monastery.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash criticizes US Congress for pro-Greek Cypriot stand

In reply to a question on this issue in New York, Denktash claimed: ``The US Congress punished Turkey for four years just because Turkey saved us from annihilation. Is this the kind of treatment an ally deserves? Is this humanitarian? It is shameful to constantly take a stand against Turkey when the Greek Cypriot side reinforces itself with missiles and tanks. This pro- Greek Cypriot stand does not inspire too much confidence. It is not befitting them…''

Alleging that this kind of behaviour constitutes ``a sign of enmity toward Turkey'', Denktash recalled that ``the issue was placed on the agenda by US Congressmen of Greek-origin'' and added: ``This kind of a behaviour befits them but not the US Administration.''

Denktash added that ``the United States will not be able to secure true balance and even up the scales of justice because when playing its cards, Washington has always taken the Greek lobby into consideration first''.

Denktash further said that an agreement cannot be secured in Cyprus unless the internal and external Turkish-Greek balance is maintained.

[02] Denktash says `situation fine´ after meeting with Annan

Taner Etkin, so-called foreign minister, Osman Ertug, so-called under secretary and Aytug Plumer, so-called representative to the UN, also participated in the Denktash-Annan meeting.

Denktash, who didn´t issue a statement after the meeting, said that the situation is fine.

``Everybody wants the way for a compromise to be open. Our proposals are also in the same line and they will evaluate our proposals'', claimed Denktash.

Denktash later met with Izzettin Laraki, the Secretary General of the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC).

[03] Denktash asks OIC delegation to visit Cyprus

``The Cyprus talks were severed at some point. The reason for this interruption was the EU intervention and the fact that all the parameters on the table were eliminated because of the EU decisions. The Greek Cypriots did this deliberately. They never wanted a federation. Therefore, we want to explain that our proposal and formula to negotiate as state to state constitutes a positive step in bringing about the resumption of the talks. We explained this.

Later, I met with the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic conference (OIC). We also briefed him on the situation and presented documents. I invited him to Cyprus again. I asked the OIC to send a delegation to Cyprus to study the situation on the spot. I will meet again with OIC officials tomorrow and convey to them our cause.''

[04] Sezgin denies NSC took measures against Syria

As he was emerging from the ceremony marking the commencement of the new academic year at Gazi University Sezgin replied to reporters´questions on the support Syria extends to the PKK.

In reply to a question on ``whether measures were taken against the support Syria extends to the separatist terrorist organization at the NSC (National Security Council) meeting held on 30 September'', Sezgin said: ``No, there is no such thing. The Syrian issue was assessed, discussed, a report was submitted and views were expressed.''

In reply to a question on whether troops were being amassed at the Syrian border, Sezgin said: ``No''. In reply to a question on whether such a report was received from Syria, Sezgin said: ``Syria always evaluates and uses such unfounded reports. One should not pay any attention to it.''

In reply to a question on what Turkey will do after issuing a diplomatic warning, Sezgin said: ``I believe that one is capable of solving many problems through diplomacy. I hope that this issue will also be solved through diplomatic channels. If we cannot solve it through diplomatic channels then we shall play in accordance with the rules of the game.''

[05] Demirel threatens ``patience with Syria about to be exhausted''

Addressing the Parliamentary General Assembly, Demirel mentioned the foreign policy problems and pointed out that no one has the power to prevent Turkey from entering among the 10 leading countries of the world, which will put their mark on the next century, if Turkey can realize the required reforms with a resolved and dynamic approach.

Demirel said there were many problems around Turkey which she inherited from the past history, but that there were many other opportunities created by history again.

Noting that Turkey will continue to be faithful to the ideal of an integrated democratic Europe, Demirel said ``this is first of all a requirement for Turkey´s own interests. In fact, Turkey´s full membership in the EU, will be for the self-interest of Europe.''

Demirel mentioned the general elections in Germany and wished success to Gerhard Schroeder, the SPD leader, who was successful in the elections. ``I believe that it will be beneficial if we start a new dialogue with the new government that will be newly formed and discuss issues reciprocally,'' he said.

Speaking about relations between Turkey and Greece, Demirel said that having positive relations will be for the interests of these two countries, adding that these two countries should respect the vital interests in the Aegean and jointly start a serious process of compromise.

Demirel said a new and important period is occurring on the Cyprus question, adding that implementations to further increase solidarity and cooperation with the ``TRNC'' will be carried out.

Disclosing his views related to the bottlenecks experienced in the Middle East Peace Process, Demirel warned that it has a danger of abolishing hopes which may bring a lasting, comprehensive and just peace.

Demirel requested all countries to cooperate, extend support to constructive initiatives and contribute to them.

Demirel said that the attitudes of countries such as Syria, which wants to provoke the Arbas against Turkey by making use of the Turkish-Israeli relations weren`t friendly, adding ``I announce to the whole world that we reserve our right of retaliation against Syria, which didn´t give up her hostile attitude despite all of our warnings and efforts and that our patience is about to be exhausted.''

[06] Turkish envoy to Italy recalled

It is reported that Italy is also expected to recall its ambassador in Ankara to Rome for consultations.

Meanwhile, Anatolia Agency (18:33 hours, 1.10.98) reports that Turkish Ambassador to Rome Inal Batu has confirmed that he has been recalled to Ankara for consultations. In a statement to AA, Batu said: ``An important issue emerged about which we have to hold consultations in Ankara. The government felt the need to recall me in order to assess the latest developments. We will assess the situation together. I will be in Ankara on 5 October for that purpose.''

Batu then said: ``I do not think that Italy will recall its ambassador in Ankara in this way. If it does, it will escalate the tension.''

[07] Cem terms confederation ``important plan for conciliation''

Speaking on a program on NTV the other night, Cem assessed the latest situation of the Cyprus problem.

Cem said that ``Rauf Denktash´s confederation proposal, which he succeeded in incorporating into the international agenda with the support of Turkey, has begun to cover distance as a conciliation plan''. Alleging that many countries in addition to those that are directly interested in Cyprus are seriously discussing Denktash´s plan, Cem said: ``Many things have begun to change. When the subject of Cyprus comes up, it is Denktash´s plan that is discussed rather than what the Greeks or the Greek Cypriots say.''

[08] Denktash gives press conference at UN

Speaking at a news conference at the United Nations after his meeting with Jeremy Greenstock, British envoy to the Untied Nations and term president of the UN Security Council, Denktash said: ``It has become evident that they are giving guarantees to everyone on the issue of the missiles. We will wait and see, however. If the missiles are brought to the island, a new situation will emerge. This new situation, however, will not contribute to a solution.''

Pointing out that he went to New York to explain to the UN officials the confederation proposal he put forth a short while ago, Denktash claimed that ``his proposal will initiate a process that will lead to a solution on the island'' and that ``the status of the TRNC should be recognized to achieve that goal''.

Denktash said: ``Let everyone consult his conscience and tell me whether there is any way out for the TRNC other than a confederation''. In reply to a question, Denktash claimed that ``at a time when the Greek Cypriots claim that they will hoist the Greek Cypriot flag in north Cyprus'', one cannot say that one is close to a military reduction on the island.

Denktash concluded by saying that shuttle diplomacy will be initiated in Cyprus with the aim of building confidence between the two communities and that if a rapprochement is achieved between the two sides, the stage where the two leaders can hold direct talks will be reached.

After his news conference, Denktash met with the South African permanent representative who is the term president of the nonaligned countries.

[09] Denktash meets Holbrooke, confident S-300´s not to arrive

Denktash also met with Richard Holbrooke, US special coordinator for Cyprus, last Saturday. In a statement to TRT after the meeting, which lasted approximately one and a half hours, Holbrooke said that there is no change in the stand of the US Administration concerning the Cyprus issue. Holbrooke declared that the United States is in favour of a bicommunal and bizonal federation, rather than a confederation.

In the evening, Denktash attended a reception hosted in his honour by the Turkish associations in New York. In a statement to TRT there, Denktash stated that ``the S-300´s will not be deployed on the island under any circumstances.'' He added:

``Postponing their deployment does not solve the problem. Postponing is tantamount to postponing Damocles´ sword. This is how the Greek Cypriots will see it. Therefore, this would not resolve anything. These missiles will not come to the island. Every diplomat I met with today told me that these missiles will not be deployed, and if they are, the relations with the EU will be severed. They told me that Clerides is aware of this. Therefore, Clerides is trying to gain time and engaging in tactics. Let him renounce these games. The Cyprus issue can no longer be delayed.''

[10] FP leader questions hardening of Turkish stand against Syria

``Apo (Abdullah Ocalan) has been in Damascus for many years. Syria has been supporting the PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan). The waters of the Asi have been cut off. All this is not new. So what different stand did Syria adopt in recent days to prompt a serious hardening of the stands of the honourable president, the prime minister, and everybody else? We do not know the reasons for this. How are we expected to assess these stands with regard to such a vital issue for the country if the main opposition party is not taken into consideration and not briefed on the issue?'', Kutan said.

[11] Turkish Cypriots threaten to illegally occupy Greek Cypriot school

He said that he is aware of the fact that their action will be illegal but they will carry out their decision anyway.

Speaking to reporters who visited the occupied village of Rizokarpasso, the so-called mayor complained that because of the unemployed people living in the area they were facing serious difficulties.

Complaining about repotism as well, Ozbayrak said that 3 thousand donums of land out of 40 thousand donums of arable land was given to rich businessmen.

Ozbayrak disclosed that the education is so neglected that pupils finish primary school without learning writing and reading properly. (MY)

[12] On dilapitaded state of Apostolos Andreas Monastery

``What is necessary should be done for the restoration of the Monastery which is in danger of collapsing.

It is heart-breaking to see the sad state of a historic monument, whose every corner is in a dilapidated state. Certain sections of the Monastery are so dangerous that entry is prohibited.

Journalists who visited the Monastery the other day learned that the key to the Monastery´s alms-coffer held by the Greek Cypriots was taken by the Finance Ministry. As a result, the Greek Cypriots do not put their alms money into the coffer, and prefer to give it to the man that looks after the Monastery.

On certain days of the year, officials from the Finance Ministry go to the Monastery, open the alms-coffer, take the money and go. Until now it is not heard that anything is to be done for the monastery by the Finance Ministry.

According to information given by the Karpass people, the Greek Cypriot administration offered assistance for the restoration of the Monastery, but the TRNC turned this offer down. Following this refusal, the local Greek Cypriots proposed to repair the Monastery with the alms-money offered by visitors. This offer was also immediately turned down by the officials.

However, the Monastery, despite all these, awaits anxiously the day when its fate will change.'' (MY)

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

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