Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-03-31

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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. 54/99 -- 31.3.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu on proposed ``amendment'' to limit term of ``president''.

[02] Turkish Cypriots go to Larnaca to visit religious site.

[03] Ertugruloglu claims UNFICYP stand on Pyla is unacceptable.

[04] Ecevit said suffering from Parkinson disease.

[05] German swimming team in the occupied area.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu on proposed ``amendment'' to limit term of ``president''

In a statement to the newspaper KIBRIS, Eroglu said his party is going to consult with the other parties regarding this issue. He indicated that he believes the Communal Liberation Party (TKP), the ``coalition'' partner, will support this move, while the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) will oppose it. Eroglu said he does not know the stand of the Democratic Party (DP), the main opposition party.

Eroglu stressed that certain ``constitutional amendments'' are necessary for the sake of democratization. He added that jurists are working on the matter.

Eroglu pointed out that the National Unity Party (UBP) nominated him as ``presidential'' candidate in the last ``elections''. He said that if his party nominates him again in the 2000 ``elections'', he will accept. He disclosed that he will be the only candidate at the 9 May party congress.

For a ``constitutional amendment'' to pass, at least 10 members of the pseudo-assembly must propose it and a two-thirds majority must support it. The distribution of ``seats'' at the 50-member ``assembly'' is as follows:

UBP 24, DP 13, TKP 7, and CTP 6.

[02] Turkish Cypriots go to Larnaca to visit religious site

Those who had registered in advance passed through the Ledra Palace check- point and went to Larnaca aboard buses organized by UNFICYP (UN Forces in Cyprus).

The Turkish Cypriots held prayers at the Hala Sultan Tomb near the Larnaca salt lake, thus fulfilling their religious obligations.

[03] Ertugruloglu claims UNFICYP stand on Pyla is unacceptable

Explaining the reasons for his visit during a special interview to illegal BRT, Ertugruloglu added that he had started to take a special interest in Pyla since 1991 and that significant distances had been covered in settling the issues while he was the chairman of the Pyla committee. Noting that he could not show the necessary interest in Pyla during the past eight months, Ertugruloglu claimed: ``This time, I am visiting Pyla as the foreign affairs and defense minister. I seek to take up all the issues that were shelved, learn more about the problems, and extend best wishes to the citizens of Pyla on the holiday. I will explain that Pyla is not a Greek Cypriot village as claimed by the Greek Cypriots and that we will defend our rights to the end. I would like to also note that we have not lost our rights, even if it seems otherwise lately.''

Addressing the villagers, Ertugruloglu said that certain steps had been taken in resolving the issues in Pyla and added: ``There are, however, certain setbacks stemming from the United Nations. Consciously or unconsciously, UNFICYP [UN Forces in Cyprus] is being used as a tool to achieve Greek Cypriot goals. The fact that I am here is proof that our rights will be defended to the end and that the situation is not as the Greek Cypriots seek to portray to the world.''

Alleging that there are efforts to prevent the use of loudspeakers in the call to daily prayers in the village, Ertugruloglu claimed: ``The stand of UNFICYP is unacceptable because Pyla is a Turkish village. Pyla is the same as Dhikomo and Lapithos for the TRNC''.

Upon being reminded by the villagers that mutual respect is essential for Greek and Turkish Cypriots to coexist, Ertugruloglu claimed: ``The Greek Cypriots have never shown the Turkish Cypriots respect.'' And added: ``We are on a road of no return. The TRNC will live forever''.

[04] Ecevit said suffering from Parkinson disease

Quoting certain circles in Turkey, AVRUPA reports that Ecevit is possibly suffering from Parkinson disease.

AVRUPA says that CUMHURIYET (30.3.99) correspondent Cuneyt Arcayurek in an article refers to Ecevit´s health problems and says that the Turkish state should make an official statement about Ecevit´s health.

(MY)

[05] German swimming team in the occupied area

KIBRIS reports that the 47 - man German team is working hard to get ready for the 2000 Sidney Olympic Games.

KIBRIS adds that SSF Bonn is one of the important Water Sports clubs in Germany.

Four of its swimmers are included in Germany´s national swimming team. Turkish teams which will take part in the so-called championship will arrive in the occupied area tomorrow.

(MY)

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

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