Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-12-28

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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.237/98 24-25-26-27-28.12.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Foreign Ministry claims UNSC resolutions invalid.

[02] Denktash warns Turkish Cypriot press against attacks on army.

[03] UBP, TKP expect to conclude ``coalition'' work 28 December.

[04] Turkey opposed both to deployment, storage of S-300´s.

[05] Denktash ready ``to help overcome the missile problem.''

[06] Shooting incident near Akheritou.

[07] Denktash raps Iran for recognizing Greek Cypriots.

[08] Demirel urges support of Denktash´s confederation proposal.

[09] Dentkash says UNSC provisions ` unacceptable´.

[10] One more resignation from DTP.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Foreign Ministry claims UNSC resolutions invalid

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement recalled that the Council which had taken two resolutions related with the island, extended the mandate of the UN peace forces in one of these resolutions.

The statement claimed that the UN, with this decision, repeated the mistake it has made for years, and criticized that this decision was taken without a legal base.

The statement said the pseudostate could not accept this decision and recalled that the pseudostate informed the UN that it will determine peace force and cooperation with its own so-called sovereign will and that Turkey supported this attitude.

The statement pointed out that resolutions of the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Peace Force were of technical quality, adding that the resolution texts should be nominative and prepared forwarded to its aim.

The statement recalled that Rauf Denktash proposed to establish a confederation on the island, and noted that the Security Council should evaluate this proposal very carefully.

[02] Denktash warns Turkish Cypriot press against attacks on army

Noting that in addition to the ``laws'' protecting the honour and dignity of the individuals there are also ``laws'' that protect the ``state'', and that everybody is bound to protect the ``state'', Denktash said: ``It is easy to create a state, but harder still to protect and maintain it. There are people who exploit the state and gnaw at its foundation like worms. They can be dealt with legal measures. The relevant officials should fearlessly take such legal measures''.

Noting that no one in the pseudostate should live with the fear that some newspapeprs might publish slanderous material against him at any time, Denktash stressed that the ``state'' is not something that could be maligned at will, adding: ``Just the way we want our people to live without fear, we would also like everybody, specially the press, to know that the state could take defensive measures and that there are officials to take such measures. The state cannot be maligned at will. The state knows how to protect itself, for it has been established at the cost of enormous sacrifices and in the face of major dangers''. Denktash said that ``it suits no newspaper to assist foreign circles wanting to destroy the state.'' Denktash said no media establishment should ever think that its actions could be treated with forbearance.

Noting that he has warned the ``authorities'' that the situation has gone beyond ``all permissible limits'', Denktash added: ``Our Army is silent. It is not in a position to reply to everybody. An attack has been launched against the Army in this country. One would be a fool not to know the ultimate source of these verbal and written attacks. Therefore, I hope all the relevant officials would take action against these people and teach them a lesson. I feel the need to say this, because I have stopped reading some newspapers as I have no time to reply to them. We have the capability of giving long replies, as extensive as their whole newspapers, against things that they write every day. But we have no time for it. We have other things to do. If they are writing such things just to upset us, then we are trying to remain calm by not reading them. But, it is high time for them to learn that there are limits beyond which they cannot print such dirt by hiding behind freedom of press. This country needs journalism, but these sorts of brazen and rude attacks against the most sacred institutions are grossly immoral, and certain individuals and organizations are behind them. I repeat, one would be a fool not to know that. An end must be put to all this''.

[03] UBP, TKP expect to conclude ``coalition'' work 28 December

The UBP and TKP deelgation got together yesterday under party leaders Dervis Eroglu and Mustafa Akinci and conlcuded work on the ``coalition protocol''. According to information, Akinci, in a statement to the press after the talks that were held at the pseudo-assembly, said that the pseudostate will enter the new year with a new ``government''. Noting that the work on the ``coalition protocol'' will continue, Akinci said that no problems were encountered in the talks so far. Pointing out that focusing the views of the two parties on a common denominator is not easy, Akinci added that, therefore, the dialogue will continue. Drawing attention to the importance of discussing the issues at this stage and reaching a common denominator, Akinci expressed the belief that work on the ``coalition protocol'' will be concluded on Monday. He added that at the stage that has been reached, there is no need for the people to feel desperate and that they will enter the new year with a new ``government''. He concluded by saying that he does not want to say anything more while the talks are still in progress. On his part, Eroglu noted that no problems were encountered in the talks held so far, including discussions of the Cyprus problem. Eroglu added that work will continue and be concluded in line with the draft that will emerge. Noting that the TKP is requesting three ``ministries'', including the ``deputy premiership'', Eroglu said that the stage reached will be assessed and the delegations will meet again Monday. He continued: ``I do not have much time. This way or that, work on this government will be concluded tomorrow.''

[04] Turkey opposed both to deployment, storage of S-300´s

A high ranking official from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, replying to questions by an AA correspondent on the issue, said: ``The Greek Cypriot National Council has not made an official announncement but it is evident that a decision in that vein has been reached. We do not accept the postponement of their delivery, nor do we accept their deployment. They can go to Crete. It is Greek territory. This move, however, has serious drawbacks. There is no point in increasing the existing difficulties being faced in Turkish-Greek relations''.

Responding to comments that the Greek Cypriot-Greek side might opt for the alternative of storing the missiles in Crete, the Foreign Ministry official said: ``As far as we are concerned there is no difference between their storage or their deployment. We are opposed to their storage as well. These missiles have no place in the Cyprus equation. Nor do the air and naval bases have a place in that equaiton. There is no place for factors that will increase the tension''.

[05] Denktash ready ``to help overcome the missile problem''

Claiming out that Greek Cypriots will fail despite the European Union (EU) and the Greek lobby, Denktash urged the Cyprus Govenrment to change their policy.

Stressing that deployment of the Russian made S-300 missiles in Cyprus will not be beneficial for anyone, Denktash noted that the pseudostate is ready ``to help the Greek Cypriot side to overcome the missile problem'', as he put it.

Alleging that the property exchange is required, Denktash reminded that Turkish Cypriots have been making investments in the occupied area of Cyprus for 25 years and do not think ``to migrate once again''.

[06] Shooting incident near Akheritou

The so-called Security Forces Press Bureau claimed that ten shots were fired at Turkish Cypriot guards from a speeding car heading towards the British base area.

The guards reportedly fired two shots in return.

[07] Denktash raps Iran for recognizing Greek Cypriots

Denktash last Wednesday met with Harun Tekak, president of the Turkish Journalists and Writers Association Fund, and a delegation accompanying him.

Denktash said: ``Iran has recognized the Greek Cypriot administration that has, for the last 35 years, been exerting efforts to eliminate Islam on the island. It, however, refuses to recognize us. This is very sad.''

[08] Demirel urges support of Denktash´s confederation proposal

Speaking at a news conference at the Cankaya Mansion last Saturday Demirel assessed foreign policy issues and the Cyprus problem. He said: ``The confederation proposal must be assessed well and supported by all those who sincerely want the establishment of lasting peace and stability in Cyprus and in the entire region.''

[09] Denktash says UNSC provisions `unacceptable´

Alleging that the resolution on renewing the mandate of the UNFICYP (UN Forces in Cyprus) was based on a repetition of the mistake, as he put it, which considers the Greek Cypriots as the legitimate government of Cyprus, Denktash said: ``It is evident that a continuation of this mistaken approach will serve nothing but to delay securing a solution to the Cyprus issue. We, as the TRNC, informed the UNSC that it is impossible for us to accept this resolution. Our relations with the UNFICYP will continue within the framework determined by an independent and sovereign TRNC.''

Claiming that the provisions added to the UNSC resolution are unacceptable because they seek to reshape a comprehensive Cyprus solution and to appease the Greek Cypriot side, Denktash added: ``The two sides should have discussed and reached unity views on these provisions first. There is no such unity of views. For this reason, these provisions are invalid for the TRNC''.

Noting that the provision concerning the shuttle diplomacy launched by Ann Hercus within the framework of the UN Secretary General´s goodwill mission did not include the Turkish Cypriot side´s views, Denktash added: ``We asked for the embargoes to be lifted and proposed that a committee be set up to resolve the issue of the exchange of properties. Most of our contacts focused on these issues. The 14 December 1998 report submitted to the UNSC with regard to the goodwill mission did not include the Turkish Cypriot side´s views along these lines.''

Noting that an agreement on refraining from the use of force can only be secured between the two sides on the island, Denktash reiterated: ``Issues such as reducing the troops and armament on the island can only be taken up after a comprehensive solution is secured. I conveyed these views to the UN Secretary General in a 17 December letter.''

In his statement, Denktash said that the Turkish Cypriots are committed to the 31 August proposal, which says that a confederation between the two ``states'' on the island can secure a peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue and which also says that the two sides should hold talks on the main issues that need to be settled.

[10] One more resignation from DTP

Following Menzir´s resignation, the distribution of seats in Parliament is as follows: Virtue Party (FP): 144; ANAP: 136; True Path Party (DYP): 99; Democratic Left Party (DSP): 61; Republican People´s Party (CHP): 55;DTP:

12; Grand Unity Party (BBP): 8; Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 3; Democrat Party (DP): 1; Changing Turkey Party (DEPAR): 1; independents: 19; and vacancies: 11.

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

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