Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-07-14

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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. 122/99 -- 14.7.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] EU MEMBERSHIP

[02] QUINN: CYPRUS SOLUTION IMPORTANT FOR BOTH SIDES

[03] COHEN TO VISIT TURKEY

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] EU MEMBERSHIP

Atacanli told reporters, "there are several agreements signed between Turkey and the EU. Problems were caused by EU's refusal to fulfill its responsibilities towards Turkey stemming from agreements".

When asked about the dialogue process between Turkey and Greece which began after the Foreign Ministers of the two countries met in New York, Atacanli recalled that Turkey put forward several proposals, and is now awaiting Greece's reply.

[02] QUINN: CYPRUS SOLUTION IMPORTANT FOR BOTH SIDES

According to Anatolia (12.7.99) speaking during a press conference, Quinn said interalia thats she supports the last two resolutions of the United Nations Security Council with regard to Cyprus.

Underlining the close cooperation between Turkey and Britain on the Cyprus question, Quinn said that the UN process should re-start, and the sides should come together once again without preconditions. Insisting on preconditions will jeopardize the peace process, she said.

Describing Turkey as a precious partner in the NATO, Quinn noted that Turkey's importance was understood once again during the Kosovo conflict.

She told reporters that Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, will pay an official visit to Britain in September.

Joyce Quinn recalled that Turkey and Britain work together in international organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe and NATO and added that the two countries are in close cooperation regarding drug smuggling.

Quinn also said that the issue of Turkey's full membership to the EU was brought up during her contacts in Ankara. Expressing satisfaction over recent developments in the issue, as well as for Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's letter to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, Quinn said that support for Turkey's full membership to the EU was expanded during Britain's term presidency, and added that Turkey is eligible for EU membership.

Stressing that candidate countries should fulfill several conditions before becoming EU members, Quinn said that Britain will continue to support Turkey at the Helsinki Summit.

[03] COHEN TO VISIT TURKEY

At his weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, Deputy Spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, underlined the importance of the relations between Turkey and the U.S., noting that there is close cooperation between the two countries in the bilateral, regional and international fields. "Cohen's visit will be a good opportunity to re-evaluate bilateral relations" he said.

Asked whether the Cyprus question will be brought up during Cohen's meetings in Ankara, Atacanli said that relations between Turkey and the U.S. include a large-scale of issues such as the Balkans, Middle East, and the Caucasus. The Cyprus question is a separate issue, he said adding that both Turkey and the "TRNC" had made statements outlining how a solution may be found to the question.

"Issues such as pressure etc. are should not be brought up in the relations between states. It is not realistic to expect Turkey to bow her head to pressures concerning Cyprus", he said.

Responding to a question regarding the withdrawal of US made weapons from the island, Atacanli said Turkey is expecting a confirmation from the U.S. that Greece will withdraw U.S. weapons deployed in Cyprus. This issue, he added, will also be brought up during the meetings.

Cohen is scheduled to be received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State. He will then meet Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, National Defense Minister.

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

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