Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-09-27

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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. 175/99 -- 25-26-27

[01] Ecevit on pending US talks, Cyprus

[02] Talat urges Denktash to end rigid stand, negotiate

[03] Denktash: Talks possible if `certain issues´ solved

[04] Turkish Defense Minister calls on world to accept ``Cyprus reality''

[05] Swedish Foreign Minister on Cyprus

[06] Church site in Lapithos turned into hotel

[07] Frankfurt-Istabul-Tymbou route by ``Turkish Cypriot Airlines''

[08] Denktash to receive another honorary doctorate

[09] Denktash meets British Euro MPs

[10] Ertugruloglu in US for contacts

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Ecevit´s visit to US, Turkey´s accession to EU viewed

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ecevit on pending US talks, Cyprus

Ecevit responded to questions of journalists at the Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the US.

When asked, ``You are in Brussels, the capital of the EU. The Helsinki Summit will be held in December. Are you hopeful about the summit?'' Ecevit said, ``I am not dreaming about these issues. But all I can say is that Turkey´s full membership to the EU is a right stemming from the international agreements, her history, her geography and her culture. Although several European countries do not consider us as European, Turkey is a European country. Turkish people are not only European, but at the same time they are Balkanite, Mediterranean, and Asian. With her mixed identity, Turkey is a significant country in the Eurasianization process''.

``Actually, the EU will soon understand that it is in need of the membership of such a country. However, at this stage, I don´t want to make an estimation whether a very positive decision will be taken at Helsinki Summit, and I am not carried away by great imaginings. However, as I said the EU will absolutely knock at Turkey´s door and resort to Turkey in the future. They want to accept Turkey as a half-guest'', he said.

When asked what the top-priority issue of the agenda of his visit to the US would be, Ecevit said, ``everything''. When reminded of the statement of the US Secretary of State which was published by a newspaper the same day saying that the US wanted the seminaries for theological education opened, Ecevit said, ``now, I don´t have to explain the details of our contacts in Washington D.C. and New York. I don´t approve of starting the negotiations without Washington D.C. I did not respond for weeks to the questions about the news and comments concerning the expectations from the US. I did respond to a question and it was about Cyprus. I said that we mustn´t be exposed to any pressure concerning Cyprus, and we will never accept it even if the pressure is put on us. I think our meetings in the US especially the meeting with Mr. Bill Clinton will be very comprehensive. Because, after the two-pole world came to an end, NATO´s functions and responsibilities were expanded de facto. Meanwhile, Turkey´s region was also expanded, and these two processes enabled Turkey and the US to come closer to each other compared to the past, and to share a common fate. Thus all of the global problems are actually on the common agenda of Turkey and the US''.

When reminded of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright´s statement saying that Greece and Turkey should hold negotiations on the Cyprus issue'', Ecevit said, ``First of all, Turkey and Greece should come to the level of negotiating the Aegean dispute. Greece should accept our invitation to hold talks on the issue. A promising dialogue has started recently. But this dialogue did not bring the main problems between the two countries onto its own agenda. It cannot bring it for the time being anyway. It will be not realistic to expect the Cyprus question to be solved with Greece´s contribution while the main problems between Turkey and Greece remain unsolved. The Cyprus question should be solved between the two communities on the island. In accordance with our opinion, there is not any problem on Cyprus. But those who claim that there is a problem, should leave its solution to the communities on the island. Otherwise, I do not think that it would be useful to add the Cyprus question to the problems which have not even been discussed between Turkey and Greece''.

When asked what his policy towards Northern Iraq was, Ecevit said, ``as I have just mentioned I am taking pains not to say anything except the Cyprus question prior to our talks in Washington D.C. Otherwise, my visit to the US will become unnecessary. I want you to show patience. The Northern Iraq issue will be discussed at the meetings. Turkey´s increasing responsibilities and intensified burden on her due to the situation in Northern Iraq will be discussed. However, I don´t want to talk on the details. Even I don´t know whether there is an American plan that can be realistic and reasonable at this moment. We will together know this in the coming days.''

[02] Talat urges Denktash to end rigid stand, negotiate

In a written statement, Talat warned that Denktash´s rigid attitude will make the Turkish Cypriots look intransigent once again. Talat stressed that to defend the real interests of the Turkish Cypriot community, Denktash must take his place at the negotiating table. He added that Denktash has no right to play with the future of the Turkish Cypriots or of Turkey.

The CTP leader noted: ``Even if Clerides is merely trying to eliminate the impression that he has ended his old intransigence, the signs of flexibility he has been showing should have been noticed by President Denktash''.

Talat stressed that the Turkish Cypriots deserve the solution of the problem.

[03] Denktash: Talks possible if `certain issues´ solved

Denktash visited illegal BRT studios the other day to record the ``Red Armchair'' program that was to be broadcast on the Star Television yesterday. Replying to questions before the recording, Denktash said efforts will continue to get the sides to sit at the negotiating table in one way or another. Denktash remarked that all this will be assessed together with Turkey and the ``government'', and the bargaining will continue until a positive stage is reached. Denktash added: ``The sides can say whatever they want on a one-sided basis. However, the Cyprus issue is a two-sided problem. If they fail to hear us at the same time and on the same platform, they will reach a wrong decision. Clerides, too, is now taking advantage of this situation in the United States.''

[04] Turkish Defense Minister calls on world to accept ``Cyprus reality''

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, so-called foreign affairs and defense minister of the pseudostate, called on Cakmakoglu at his office and conferred with him for some time.

In a statement there, Ertugruloglu said that attention has once again focused on the Cyprus question and that there are rumours to the effect that pressure will be applied. He continued: ``No one can force us to go some place we do not want to go. The Cyprus reality should be accepted. It is wrong to insist on a mistake.''

Cakmakoglu said that he has called on the countries that want to solve the Cyprus issue to see the ``Cyprus reality''.

Noting that there many examples against the proposal of ``single state and two communities'', Cakmakoglu showed Bosnia and Kosovo as examples.

Cakmakoglu said: ``One should renounce the intention of giving to the south the administration of the north''.

Replying to reporters´ quesitons Cakmakoglu assessed the statement made by the Greek defense minister to the effect that ``Turkey cannot join the EU so long as it continues to occupy Cyprus. Turkey wants to become a EU member and at the same time to continue to occupy Cyprus. These two cannot coexist''. Cakmakoglu said that he met with the Greek defense minister in Toronto and that these issues were not discussed. Cakmakoglu said: ``We maintain our goodwill. I am not convinced that this stand will be effective in the détente process.''

Commenting on US Secretary of State Albright´s suggestion that the money to be spent on the exercises be spent instead on construction in quake regions, Cakmakoglu said: ``We are determined to carry out the exercises we have planned''.

[05] Swedish Foreign Minister on Cyprus

She said ``Sweden does not object to Turkey getting closer to the EU. We are not against this. Yet to be a candidate for membership in the EU, Turkey must fulfil certain basic conditions in the field of human rights. For this reason we would like to discuss what Turkey could do in order to become a real candidate for membership in the EU''. And added that ensuring that there is freedom of speech, struggling effectively against the infliction of torture, and establishing dialogue with elected local authorities of Kurdish origin, are some of the things that Turkey could do.

Asked whether the Cyprus issue is a major obstacle to Turkey´s candidacy, Lindh said:

``The settlement of the Cyprus problem is very important. What is needed is, at least, an international agreement as to the importance of preventing this problem from hindering the development of the EU. I hope that the talks between Turkey and Greece and Turkey and EU will bear results as far as the Cyprus problem is concerned.''

[06] Church site in Lapithos turned into hotel

The former Ayios Anastasia Church site, perched on a ledge high up in the village of Lapithos, is being converted into a modest hotel.

``Antiquities officials'' are keeping a close eye on the renovation, after earlier work led to a previous ``lease'' being terminated.

The 19th century church is now being ``leased'' by the Apakgun family, who run the Club Lapithos venue in occupied Lapithos, and also the Lapithos Hotel in the occupied part of Nicosia.

Hotelier Tijen Apakgun said they had been given a ``temporary lease agreement'', and were still awaiting ``council of ministers'' approval to get the long-term ``lease'' of the site from the Evkaf religious foundation.

She said: ``We are keeping true to the traditional architecture and design of the complex, and… the Antiquities Department has set all of the guidelines to which we have to adhere if we are to keep our lease''.

Miss Apakgun described the family´s aim as being to turn the site into a complex for ``resting'', not ``entertainment''.

It is planned to provide accommodation for 60, and to include a pool, restaurant and café-bar in buildings beside the church.

The church itself is also being refurbished, and would be used only as a gallery for cultural exhibitions and a venue for classical music concerts, said Miss Apakgun.

The long-drawn-out ``restoration'' of the Ayia Anastasia site has seen the ``lease'' change hands twice in the last five years following disputes over ``antiquities'' and ``museums department'' stipulations.

Before it was acquired by the Apakguns, the ``lease'' had been given to hotelier Mehmet Erulku, but it was revoked when traditional archways were demolished.

They have now been rebuilt by the current ``leaseholder''.

Ayia Anastasia dates back to the 1870s. Although often thought of as a monastery, Orthodox Church officials in Cyprus say it was never one, but simply a church with a small hostel next door for visitors.

The Orthodox Church authorities in Cyprus say they have filed protests through the United Nations about the ``renovation'' currently going on.

[07] Frankfurt-Istabul-Tymbou route by ``Turkish Cypriot Airlines''

According to the ``general manager'' of ``KTHY'', Zeki Ziya, there will be an opening ceremony on the 27th of September in Frankfurt and six journalists from the pseudostate, and representatives from 37 foreign tourist agencies and 31 Turkish tourist agencies (who operate in Germany) will be present. The agreement was supported by the Frankfurt Airlines Company, the paper says.

(DP)

[08] Denktash to receive another honorary doctorate

After the ceremony, he will go to Istanbul and on Tuesday night he will return to Cyprus.

(DP

[09] Denktash meets British Euro MPs

No statement was made after the meeting.

(DP)

[10] Ertugruloglu in US for contacts

Ertugruloglu said that he will meet with UN officials in New York and he will take part in the Foreign Affairs Ministries meeting of the Islamic Conference Organization. He said that during his contacts in the States, he will evaluate the new situation in the Cyprus problem.

(DP)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Ecevit´s visit to US, Turkey´s accession to EU viewed

Two schools of thought clash on the matter in Turkey. The difference of views extends to the highest echelons of the state?.

Considering the possibility of Greece adopting a reasonable approach and deciding to lift its veto against Turkey in the EU, a group of officials are convinced that Ankara might decide to adopt a moderate policy on Cyprus. The view is defended particularly by the Foreign Ministry. It can be outlined as follows: Greece recently adopted a sincere and positive approach. The United States supports its initiatives. Athens might lift its veto in the EU if Turkey adopts a moderate approach on the Cyprus problem. In view of that, Ecevit must convey the message that Turkey might adopt a reasonable approach when he visits Washington. The term `reasonable approach´ is seen as a `concession´. After all, an administration that will satisfy Greece will be established on the island.

The antithesis of that is: Greece will never change its long-standing policy. It might agree to Ankara´s concession on Cyprus but still maintain its veto to obstruct Turkey´s accession to the EU. That would seriously weaken Turkey.

That view is mostly defended by the military forces.

Kurdish State (subhead)

The scenario for the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq will be the second problem for Turkey in Washington. Journalist Semih Idiz said two days ago: The United States has clearly called for the recognition of the Kurdish identity and the cultural rights of the Kurds, including their right to use their language. The addition of the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq to the problems will worsen the situation. At this point, I must correct a viewpoint I outlined a few days ago. Motherland Party leader Mesut Yilmaz disclosed during his flight to Moscow that former President George Bush wrote in his memoirs that the United States planned to have a Kurdish State established in northern Iraq but the opposition in Turkey obstructed Washington´s initiatives. It must be noted that it was Turkey´s objection and not the opposition in Turkey that obstructed Washington.

Nevertheless, the reality is that Turkey will have to cross through two important crossroads when Ecevit visits the United States. The Turkish prime ministers were confronted with two main problems when they visited Washington during the past 10 years. One of them was related to the Cyprus problem and the other to human rights, in other words, to the Kurdish problem.

The two issues will be taken up with Ecevit in Washington more seriously than in the past. The Turkish Foreign Ministry agrees that a moderate approach should be adopted. However, the military forces are worried and call for caution.

Ecevit is a journalist who is known to act with foresight. So, I believe that he might adopt an unexpected approach. It will be recalled that he predicted that the authority vacuum in northern Iraq will harm Turkey and that an effort will be made to have a Kurdish state established in that area many years ago. We now see that he was right. So, as far as he is concerned, the Cyprus problem is a very sensitive issue for Turkey?.

Any reference to Cyprus draws Ecevit´s attention. It will be recalled that he preferred to visit north Cyprus for three days to study the critical problems related to the establishment of the coalition government in the past. He informed me during our recent meetings that Turkey and Cyprus have a common future. Within that context, I want to underline one of his statements: We have said in the past that the future of Cyprus depends on Turkey´s existence. That is not enough anymore. We must also say that the future of Turkey also depends on the existence of Cyprus. When all that is considered, expecting the talks Ecevit will have in Washington to pave the way for Turkey´s `accession to the EU´ will be wrong.''

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

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