Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-07-01

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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. 114/99 -- 1.7.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash, Eroglu to arrive in Turkey 1 July.

[02] Denktash says Turkish Cypriots reject UN Resolutions.

[03] Cem: We trust and fully support Denktash.

[04] Atacanli says Turkey reduced US arms in occupied area.

[05] Denktash: G-8 decision does not concern Turkish Cypriots.

[06] Italian ambassador refuses visas to Turkish Cypriots

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] SABAH columnist urges Turkey to attend Cyprus talks.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash, Eroglu to arrive in Turkey 1 July

Denktash is scheduled to come together with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel to exchange opinions on the latest developments on Cyprus.

Denktash, then, will proceed to Samsun and Trabzon in the Black Sea region to address several conferences on ``the Current Situation of Cyprus and its Future''.

Denktash is expected to return on July 8.

[02] Denktash says Turkish Cypriots reject UN Resolutions

Denktash stated that the two recent resolutions the UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted on the Cyprus issue are unacceptable to the Turkish Cypriot side. Talking to reporters, Denktash assessed the two resolutions and called on the UNSC ``to renounce its unjust and partisan stand''. Pointing out that the political resolution adopted by the UNSC supports the G-8 approach, Denktash recalled that the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot views on the G-8 had earlier been aired. Noting that the resolution made reference to previous resolutions which were based on the existence of the Republic of Cyprus and which had earlier been rejected by the Turkish Cypriot side Denktash added:

``Therefore, the talks have been suspended. They are trying to please the Greek Cypriots by insistently referring to those resolutions. They are trying to please the Greek lobby. Elections will be held in the United States soon. They are not in the least taking into consideration that a mistake to be made in Cyprus will cause further bloodshed."

Referring to the paragraphs included in the resolution in order to please the Turkish Cypriot side, Denktash claimed that the statement that the two leaders should come to the negotiating table without any preconditions does not take into consideration that the existence of the Republic of Cyprus is actually a precondition. He continued: ``There is nothing on the table except our proposal for a confederation.'' Denktash said that the foundation of an agreement ``should be the separate sovereignty of the two states and the two peoples and the acceptance that independence has been divided into two.'' He claimed that the path to uniting an island that has been divided into two and whose independence has been divided between ``two states'' is to accept this division. Denktash continued: ``The UN Secretary General will probably not invite us to the negotiating table because his duty is to implement the steps agreed upon by the two sides and to exert efforts toward rendering certain concepts acceptable. If one of the sides is saying that it has no problem in negotiating with the other side, then the method of inviting the sides to the table and forcing them to negotiate until a result is attained is not logical. The UN Secretary General will not do that. His goodwill mission does not allow him to do that.''

Denktash said that if Kofi Annan invites him personally in order to listen to the views of the Turkish Cypriot side then he might go and meet with Annan, adding that, however, the foundation of holding talks with President Clerides is nonexistent. Commenting on the issue of calling on the Turkish Cypriot side to lift the ban on the intercommunal talks, Denktash said: ``If they accept the existence of the two states, then I will open all the doors. Let everyone talk with everyone else. It is, however, beneficial for them to know that I will not allow my people to be treated as a minority by the Greek Cypriots.''

Upon being reminded about rumours of a quadripartite summit among Turkey, Greece, and the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides, Denktash said that this is the real framework and the real axis for the solution of the problem. He said that in the event a quadripartite conference is proposed, then one can attend that conference under equal conditions, ``as a state recognized by Turkey, and by putting on record the fact that the Greek Cypriots are not sovereign over the Turkish Cypriots''.

Assessing the UNSC resolution on the extension of the UNFICYP (UN Forces in Cyprus) mandate on the island for another six months, Denktash said that the Turkish Cypriot side rejected the resolution because it referred to the peace forces in the Republic of Cyprus. Noting that the resolution is worded in the same manner despite the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side rejects it each time, Denktash claimed that UNFICYP troops are able to remain in the occupied area ``because they accept the status of guest and because they abide by the rules of the TRNC''. Denktash continued: ``If they recognize us and if they say that the mandate has been extended with the agreement of the TRNC then those restrictions will be lifted.'' Pointing out that there is an addendum to the resolution of the UNFICYP mandate, Denktash said that since the agreement of the three guarantor states is needed for the extension of the mandate there is an addendum saying that Turkey has given its consent in the light of the pseudostate´s views.

He continued: ``They are saying some funny things. The world is invited to recognize the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Appeals are also made to avoid initiatives that will damage this independence, this territorial integrity, and this sovereignty. This is ridiculous because the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of the republic, which they call the Republic of Cyprus, is based on a partnership''.

[03] Cem: We trust and fully support Denktash

There are two states on the island. Both of them have a democratic setup. One of the two, the Turkish Cypriot state, is treated unjustly and is under an economic embargo. Despite that, for example, the per capita income in the TRNC is considerably higher than the per capita income in Turkey. The TRNC citizens are happy with their situation, and we are doing our best to make their situation even better. Therefore, in reality there is no problem there. The issue is, can we develop a model that would bring the two states together through a reconciliation between the two peoples of the island. There are efforts, initiatives tot hat end. Some of these efforts are with good intentions.

We definitely want establishment of an atmosphere of reconciliation on Cyprus. But in essence, we do not see a problem there. When does it become a problem? It becomes a problem when, as is the current case, there are pressures from outside the two peoples there, external pressures, impositions. These external pressures and impositions escalate the situation and render a settlement more difficult.

Now I see that such external pressure will be experienced again, and I do not think that this external pressure will yield any results.

President Denktash has put forth the situation in a masterly manner. As Turkey, we have full confidence in President Denktash. We trust him and fully support him.

As the foreign minister of Turkey I am at ease regarding Cyprus because of two factors. The first and foremost of these is President Denktash. President Denktash is the master of the business and is in constant consultations and discussions; we are focusing on some issues. President Denktash is so much a master, so knowledgeable on the Cyprus issue, that I don´t see any possibility of us doing anything wrong.

Secondly, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has been very successful on the Cyprus issue. I am not speaking about my term as foreign minister only. All through the past decades, for the past 20-25 years, under all ministers, the Foreign Ministry has been extremely successful in the Cyprus issue. The Foreign Ministry has consistently achieved some positive developments regarding the Cyprus issue and our Cyprus thesis. If you remember, in the past we were talking about a federal settlement and Greek Cypriots and Greece were raising hell over that issue. They were saying there cannot be a federal settlement. They were saying that Turkish Cypriots could not be given federal rights. Now they are talking about a federal settlement, and we have spelled out a further step, confederation, a proposal that better fits today´s conditions.

Nothing major will take place because of external pressures. I met with some representatives of those (G7) countries and told them that such attitudes would lead nowhere. President Denktash has made some statements on this issue. Indeed I would not say anything further than what he has masterly laid down.

We shall overcome these as well. Turkey will overcome this issue as well. Everyone should know this well. Anyhow, they know it.''

Cem was then asked the following question: ``In any case, the latest reports indicate that pressure will amount in the days to come to get the Cyprus talks to resume on or around Oct. 10. Do you think such a process could start? And, if it was to start, on which parameters should the new process be established so that a result can emerge from it?''

Cem replied: ``Naturally, I believe you are not expecting me to speak on assumptions. Whether or not a meeting could take place? Any remark on that would be an assumption. But since President Denktash made it clear only few days ago, unless the existence of the TRNC is acknowledged; that the equal existence of the Turkish Cypriot state on the island is accepted; that unless the right to sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people is acknowledged; that unless the Greek Cypriot side abandons their claim of being the representative of the whole island, including the Turkish Cypriot people, no outcome can emerge from any meeting. If these could be achieved, rather than exerting pressure that would bring the two leaders together, a settlement would be within reach.

Besides, there is need for preparation before a meeting. I am in a way repeating what President Denktash has said, but how could there be a meeting without any preparation?

If it happens, it happens. If not, that won´t be the end of the world. We should not over-exaggerate this issue. If Turkey uses its powers on issues that it is right on, it achieves what it wants, or almost what it wants. Turkey is capable of doing this and has indeed so far has successfully done it.´´

[04] Atacanli says Turkey reduced US arms in occupied area

Replying to reporters´ questions at his weekly news conference, Atacanli commented on US State Department Spokesman James Rubin´s announcement to the effect that ``following a US request, Turkey and Greece will reduce US weapons in Cyprus''.

Atacanli pointed out that a whole ago, the United States informed Turkey that according to US law, certain US weapons should not be deployed in Cyprus. He added: ``Following talks and co-operation with the United States, and with the knowledge of the TRNC authorities, Turkey made the US weapons situation in north Cyprus compatible with US law.''

According to Atacanli, the United States asserted that Greece also met this request in the free areas of Cyprus. US officials told Turkey that the US Administration will convey these developments in a report to Congress.

Atacanli explained that the development is an individual situation stemming entirely from US law, and concerns only weapons that are subject to the relevant law. He added: ``The development is unrelated to the other aspects of the Cyprus problem. It does not negatively influence Turkey´s political or military position in the TRNC, and the security of the Turkish Cypriot people continues to be under Turkey´s effective guarantee''.

Replying to a question, Atacanli said that the United States did not ask Turkey to reduce the number of its troops in the Turkish so-called Peace Force in the pseudostate. He refused to answer a question on the number of US weapons that had been withdrawn from the occupied area, saying that is a military matter.

Replying to another question, Atacanli stressed that this development must be assessed solely within its own framework, and that the Cyprus question and the initiatives to solve it must not be linked to it. Nor, he said, should this be linked to the meeting the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers are to hold in New York. He added: ``These two issues should not be linked. The nature of this development in Cyprus is different, and the solution parameters are different. The former is different from Turkish- Greek relations; it has no direct link. It is conceivable that it may reflect positively on the search for a solution in Cyprus, but basically, it does not change the fact that the two issues must be viewed separately''.

Atacanli noted that the US authorities said that Greece too carried out the requested reduction. He added: ``We hope that the US authorities carried out the required investigation. We understand from the US announcement that Greece did the same. We must respect this announcement.''.

Asked if similar requests came from countries other than the United States, Atacanli said no.

[05] Denktash: G-8 decision does not concern Turkish Cypriots

Denktash met with the representatives of Yerel Media Corp, a joint institution of the Turkish local television channels.

Speaking in the meeting, Denktash noted that they respond ``to the tricks and games of intercommunal negotiations'' together with Turkey and that ``this is a consultation and confederation from one state to another''.

Addressing the Greek Cypriots, Denktash said, ``if you wish , we can have a cooperative and confederal agreement. If you do not want, we do not need such a thing''.

Criticising the stance of the Islamic countries on Cyprus, Denktash said that the Islamic countries do not have a public opinion. Denktash stressed that some of the Islamic countries act in accordance with the signal they get from the US or Russia.

Denktash said that they always request that the Islamic countries should send an official delegation to the island to get information about the Cyprus issue.

[06] Italian ambassador refuses visas to Turkish Cypriots

However, he adds, Italy´s Embassy in Ankara issues visas to the Turkish Cypriots.

He says that the Italian Ambassador to Cyprus should be asked to account for his action.

(MY)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] SABAH columnist urges Turkey to attend Cyprus talks

``Ankara should have understood that it could attain nothing by `fihting with everyone´ , and, instead of issuing `chauvinistic messages for domestic consumption´ , it should have come out as `a respected member of the international community´, ´´ he says and adds:

``The Western world took the first step on the Cyprus problem when the EU summit declared in black and white that `north Cyprus has no influence whatsoever over south Cyprus´.

Yet, in all our contacts with Westerners, we put forward `the recognition of the TRNC´ as a precondition, thus creating an impasse.

And, of course, we are told ` the recognition is impossible´.

So, we ask the Westerners: `Are you ready to officially recognize the existence of two separate communities on the island´?

This is the reply we get back: `Is this enough for Ankara?´

So what does Ankara say on this issue? We hear it say: `We are unable to meet on a joint platform´. Just as there are those who maintain that this would be sufficient, there are hawks with contrary views. There are also those who say Turkey will be in serious trouble. And those who recall the embargo of 1974. Furthermore, some argue that Turkey, which quickly needs at least around $10-15 billion in foreign loans (note: this is the amount disclosed by Demirel the other day), will not be able to secure it and thus incur far more serious economic problems if it maintains its current posture. This money will come from the rich countries. And, these rich countries are advising Turkey to come to the table in Cyprus without preconditions. However, we are avoiding this, insisting on the impossible.

For years I have been defending the following thesis on Cyprus: `Go and sit at the table. Do not leave the table. Sitting at the table does not mean accepting everything put before you. Make them accept your justified requests. This is a matter of give and take. If you are good at the table you give little and take a lot. The place to struggle for this is that table. If you want to enhance your relations with the United States and the Western world, the place to do this is that table. Diplomacy is conducted at the table. Even a single step to be taken by Turkey on Cyprus will create an extremely positive reaction in the West. You will be able to disarm the Greek Cypriots. It is our officials who insist that it is really the Greek Cypriots who do not want agreement. Then go, sit at that table and prove this to the world´.

I have always said : `We are not on our own in the world. We cannot reach anywhere by fighting with everyone. This is not a logical thing to do. Within the current globalization process the world is changing fast. A totally new restructuring is taking place´ .

For months I have been writing `accept the international arbitration system. Logically there is only one way out. There will be a flow of foreign capital´. And your reply has always been `No´.

What point have you reached today?

Today you are at the point of preparing a draft law to accept international arbitration. So, my friend, how many billions of dollars has this delay cost Turkey? Is there anyone keeping count in Ankara?

Now, who stands to gain from this persistence on wrong Cyprus policy?

Once, former German Chancellor Schmidt told Prime Minister Ecevit at a NATO summit: `You are playing your cards wrong´. That was followed by a brief tripartite meeting with the participation of the then US President Carter. I just wanted you to draw conclusions from that, of course, those who can.''

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

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