Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-11-23

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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. 216/98 -- 21-22-23.11.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] UK´s Hannay has talks in Ankara on Cyprus

[02] Pentagon plans to sell 11 frigates to Turkey.

[03] Atun on Italian stance on Ocalan.

[04] Ecevit in the occupied area.

[05] Turks arrested in occupied Kyrenia for possession of narcotics and fake US dollars.

[06] Marches to protest Italy´s stance.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] UK´s Hannay has talks in Ankara on Cyprus

Hannay held talks with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu.

Diplomatic sources told the Turkish Daily News that the talks did not reach any significant outcome due to the complicated nature of the Cyprus issue and the fact that the Turkish government was on the brink of a collapse.

They said that the Turkish side explained in detail the proposal for confederation put forward by Rauf Denktash on August 31.

The sides discussed options to revive the stalled dialogue between the two Cypriot sides. Hannay reiterated Britain´s support for the shuttle diplomacy which UN resident envoy on Cyprus Ann Hercus has recently inaugurated. He stressed that the dialogue should be revived as soon as possible, the sources said.

Meahwhile, in a report on the recent developments in Cyprus sent to the US Congress, President Bill Clinton said that the Washington administration had urged Cyprus to cancel the missile deal with Russia, the Anatolia news agency reported.

The demand was conveyed at a meeting between US Ambassador to Nicosia Kenneth Brill and President Glafcos Clerides on Aug.18.

In his report covering the developments on Cyprus in August and September, Clinton also emphasized that the United States is in favour of the establishment of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation.

He said Turkish Cypriot demands for recognition of the pseudostate are hindering the solution process on the island, and that Dentkash´s decision to halt bi-communal talks is escalating the tension there.

Clinton stressed that the United States will continue to its efforts for an ultimate solution. The special presidential envoy to Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, will tour Cyprus, Ankara and Athens in early December.

[02] Pentagon plans to sell 11 frigates to Turkey

The surplus frigates, of which three are FFG-7 Perry-class and seven are FF1052 Knoxx, will be sold to Turkey for $205 million.

Some of the Knoxx-class frigates had earlier been leased to Turkey and are presently serving in the Turkish Navy.

A statement from the Pentagon said that the frigates would be necessary for the long-term modernization of the Turkish Sea Forces and would further strengthen them against enemy submarine attacks.

Turkey currently has three Perry-class frigates in its inventory. The statement also said that ``the sale of the frigates would not change the regional balance of power of Washington´s efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue.''

[03] Atun on Italian stance on Ocalan

Atun issued a written statement and said ``everybody respecting to human rights watched with amazement the incredible dimensions of the adventure of chief terrorist reached in Italy.''

Noting that Russia did not shelter Ocalan and countries like Greece and Syria did not dare to shelter him, Atun said ``Italy which seems to be the heir of Rome law and traditional European civilization, appears to be stuck in a shameful inconsistency. Italy which seeks for ways not to extradite a terrorist, responsible for the killings of thousands of people, exhibits an attitude casting shadow over the friendship and alliance with Turkey.''

``We call on Italy to fulfill the requirements of common sense. Ocalan should be under judgment in Turkey not in Italy where he is protected'', he added.

[04] Ecevit in the occupied area

Ecevit, his wife Rahsan Ecevit, Transportation Minister Arif Ahmet Denizolgun, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, and other officials went to the occupied area to participate in the corner-laying ceremony of the occupied Kyrenia quay.

In an airport statement, Ecevit said that there are positive developments in the world with regard to the pseudostate.

Claiming that the de facto situation of the pseudostate is gaining acceptance in the world, Ecevit noted that certain EU member countries have begun to realize the implications of granting EU membership to the Cyprus Government.

Noting that there has been no harsh world reaction to the confederation proposal made by Rauf Denktash, Ecevit said that the pseudostate is stronger in the international arena.

Pointing out that during this government´s term in office, relations with the pseudostate have developed and the economies of the two sides have merged, Ecevit continued: ``Our government is about to end its term. The same situation, however, will continue with the future governments as well. The government will fall in three days. This is my last visit to the TRNC in my capacity as deputy prime minister. Whether I am in government or not, I shall always serve the Turkish Cypriots''.

Denktash expressed his pleasure at having Ecevit, whom he described as the ``prime minister of the Turkish Cypriots.''

Dentkash said that the 55th Turkish government introduced a new vision to the Cyprus issue, adding: ``It introduced an angle that incorporated assurances. It gave us confidence and contentment''.

Expressing grief over the situation created in the wake of the capture of Ocalan, Denktash said that as long as he remains in Italy, ``he will be a problem for the Italians''.

Ecevit claimed that a government that lacks political experience is in power in Italy, adding: ``On one hand, Italy does not recognize a state like the TRNC, whose existence cannot be denied, and, on the other, it opens its arms to a bloody terrorist. This is very big contradiction.''

[05] Turks arrested in occupied Kyrenia for possession of narcotics and fake US dollars

KIBRIS reports that 880 forged USA dollars in 100 USD banknotes were hidden in the airfilter compartment of a car that was about to enter the occupied area from the occupied Kyrenia port.

The paper says that ``police'' arrested A.K (32) and H.G.(34) who are Turkish citizens. Police also found 3 grams of narcotics in AK´s possession.

Following the uncovering of the narcotics Denktash´s ``police'' realized that there were after a team of professional smugglers.

Dentkash´s ``police'' initiated a multi-sided investigation into the issue. (MY)

[06] Marches to protest Italy´s stance

The Chairman of the UHIMP, Halil Pasa, had earlier said that six organization’s make up the UHIMP and 19 organizations the UKP and called on the Turkish Cypriots to participate in the march.

Meanwhile, the UHIMP issued a declaration in which it demands banning the Italian Ambassador and Italian diplomats working at the Italian Embassy in Nicosia from entering into the occupied area.

Moreover, AVRUPA (23.11.98) reports that a group of around 20 nationalist Idealist Hearth Organization members held a protest march in occupied Kyrenia.

AVRUPA says that the majority of the protesters were university students.

The march started in front of the so-called Kyrenia municipality and ended in front of Ataturk´s monument. The marchers were shouting ``Blood for Blood, Revenge, Down with Italy'', ``Turkey will be the graveyard for Apo'', ``Apo will come and will account for'', ``Italy, don`t make our patience run out''. (MY)

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

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