Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-11-12

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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. 209/98 -- 12.11.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Retired Turkish general recalls ``lesson of Asia Minor disaster''.

[02] Yilmaz rejects allegations against him, says he will not resign.

[03] Israeli official on ties with Turkey, Cyprus.

[04] Pseudostate to take integration steps with Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Retired Turkish general recalls ``lesson of Asia Minor disaster''

The delegation headed by retired general Nurettin Ersin was welcomed by the commander of the occupation forces Aydin Sen and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Speaking at the occupied Tymbou airport Ersin claimed that it was the Greek Cypriots who destroyed the peace in Cyprus and claimed that since 1974 no blood has been shedded and Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces are the guarantors of the peace on the island.

Ersin said that the Greek Cypriots should never forget the Asia Minor disaster. Recalling that after the disaster the mainland Greeks, while withdrawing from Anatolia, compelled the Greek population of Anatolia who for centuries were living with the Turks to abandon their lands, Ersin said that Greece did not take the necessary lessons and compelled the Greek Cypriots to abandon their homes and land. Ersin added that repeating history will be against the Greek Cypriots.

He said that Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forceps act as a deterrent against Greece and the Greek Cypriots and in case of a conflict the Turkish Armed Forces are in a position to defeat them.

[02] Yilmaz rejects allegations against him, says he will not resign

Turkey is at a very important crossroads. The struggle against the gangs and the Mafia is a national issue on which our government is staking its life. The matter is much bigger than everyone believes, and it is a very troublesome one. Unfortunately, the web of dirty relations has invaded the business world, the world of politics, the media, and the public. The struggle against the gangs requires not only a resolute government but also a responsible opposition and a press that manifests moderation.

I staked my life on this struggle. I tried to remove all the obstacles facing the state´s security forces. I also mobilized all the means at the disposal of the state to wage this struggle. The fact that six key figures, hundreds of perpetrators, and close to 800 gang members who were sought for years were caught during our term in office, the fact that unresolved murders were solved in this period, and the fact that action was taken for the first time against black money during our term are not mere coincidences.

The cassette that was broadcast last night constitutes a big plot aimed at obstructing our government. It is true that I display a close interest in the procedures concerning the sale of the Turk Ticaret Bank. The most important reason for my interest is the fact that events involving the Mafia took place on two occasions in the past with regard to the procedures on the sale of this bank.

I would like to underline the following point: After this cassette was broadcast, there is still an unanswered question for me. Why did this businessman prepare such a cassette in advance, knowing that he was going to be caught and arrested? Why did he prepare this? I have not yet found the answers to these questions. However, I have been subjected to many plots in the past as well. This is a typical plot concocted for the purposes of blackmail, with a scenario compounded by many lies. This ambush set for us will definitely not deter us from our struggle.

Following the broadcasting of the cassette, I first called the Istanbul security director and asked that the person in question be given protection. I also asked for protection for his relatives. Later, I conferred with the interior minister on the same subject. I spoke to my lawyer as well today and instructed him to file a suit against the television station in question as well as the businessman who made this statement, which contains many lies. At this stage, all aspects of the affair are developing before the eyes of the public. It is not possible to conceal any facts. The lies in the cassette pertaining to me or to other persons will definitely be exposed. No one should have any doubts in this regard.

Being the subject of a plot, however, certainly cannot be regarded as a cause for resignation. At this stage, I am definitely not considering to resign because of a cassette that has been prepared for the sole purpose of blackmail and that has such bad intentions. On the contrary, I will wage this struggle to the end.

In actual fact, the matter has been referred to the judiciary at the moment. A while ago, the court decided to order the arrest of the brother of the businessman in question as well as members of his board of executives on the grounds that a bank has been embezzled. Therefore, there is no question of concealing the facts. All the facts will be revealed. The public will definitely be able to reach a satisfactory conclusion on this subject. My duty, in turn, is to assist this process.

All afternoon, I compiled the information in my possession in connection with his affair. I will make a more detailed statement tonight on a television program. I will also answer the other questions that will arise in the coming days on this subject.

As I said, being subjected to a plot with regard to a cause that closely concerns the public , such as the fight against the gangs, cannot be considered a cause for resignation. A prime minister is obliged to resign only if he has lied to the public. I have never in my life plotted against anyone or told any lies. I will share with the public everything that I recall, that I know, and that my records contain on this matter.

I believe that our political rivals have adopted a wrong stand on this issue. Without even seeking the opportunity to investigate the matter, they issued very impulsive statements. You will see that they will be embarrassed. This is a struggle that is supported by the public and about which our government is determined. Moreover, this struggle will continue despite this plot.

My most important duty in the coming days will be to foil this plot against me and, along with me, against our government, and to overcome this ambush and lead the struggle to a successful conclusion. The struggle for a clean society in Turkey has gained a certain momentum and has reached a certain point. The power of those who design such plots will not be sufficient to turn the wheels back or to stop them. Thank you.''

[03] Israeli official on ties with Turkey, Cyprus

``Yazaroglu: Are Turkey and Israel planning a new military exercise?

Ivri: Israel and Turkey carried out search and rescue exercises in the Mediterranean Sea with the participation of the United States in January. They were code named `Mermaid´. Further and similar exercises will be held. US naval ships will participate in the new exercises, which will be code named `Mermaid-2´. We decided to hold the exercises early in January. Giving a specific date will be very difficult because of technical reasons.

Yazaroglu: Will Jordan participate in them?

Ivri: Jordan participated in the earlier exercises in January as an observer. It will participate as an observer again if the political and strategic conditions are suitable for it to do so.

Yazaroglu: Can you comment on the reaction of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side?

Ivri: Everyone in the Middle East is nervous. That is because being nervous and speculating is part of the Middle Eastern way of life. In fact, speculations may be made about your friendly visit to me as a journalist. There may be those who ask: `Why has he called on him? What is his objective?´

Yazaroglu: Would Israel conclude a military agreement with Greece or the Greek Cypriot side?

Ivri: Naturally, Turkey´s approach makes them very sensitive. This also applies to many other countries. Israel does not want to contribute to a new problem in the region. It is normal for Cyprus to expect us to maintain an objective policy. We do not have a problem with the Greek Cypriots nor do we want a problem to be created. However, we will consider Turkey´s interests if we have to assess such a situation (military cooperation with or sale of arms to Greece and Greek Cypriots).

Yazaroglu: Can you comment on the Greek Cypriot plan to deploy S-300 missiles on the island?

Ivri: I hope that the Greek Cypriots will not acquire the missiles to install them on the island. If they do so, it will pave the way for a new arms race in the region. We hope that they will refrain from deploying the missiles even if they acquire them. Missiles in depots will be less provocative.

Yazaroglu: Has Israel considered concluding an agreement with Turkey on the sale or joint production of Arrow missiles?

Iivri: The sale or joint production of those missiles must definitely be approved by the United States. Meanwhile, the matter depends on Turkey´s military needs. Turkey and Israel can make a joint appeal to the United States if Ankara decides to acquire them.''

[04] Pseudostate to take integration steps with Turkey

In a written statement, the pseudo-government claimed that the unification process carried out with the EU, thus with Greece, has compelled the ``TRNC'' to take similar steps toward that direction with Turkey. It adds that within this process the division on the island will become permanent and the EU will bear the responsibility of this development.

The statement claims that the EU stance has tilted the balance against Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots and it was a new blow to the efforts carried out by the UN Secretary General within the framework of his good offices mission. The statement adds that the negotiations started with the EU have no validity and are not binding on the Turkish Cypriots. The statement claims that the proposal to establish confederation is a last chance for a settlement.

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

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