Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-12-27

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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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel´s end-of-year news conference.

[02] Cem arrives on 3-day holiday in ``TRNC''.

[03] Turkish Cypriots deny reports on Chechen bureau in north.

[04] Denktash opposed to EU without Turkey.

[05] ``TRNC'' assures all banks under control of Central Bank.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel´s end-of-year news conference

Referring the Cyprus question and relations with Greece, President Demirel said, ``we most certainly have the will power to secure a peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue and to the problems which exist between Greece and our country. As is well-known, we have always been in favour of dialogue as a solution to all problems. All that is necessary is that reasonable and just solutions be found and that good will be demonstrated by parties in the dialogue. Certain steps have already been taken, and certain procedures are already in progress, with regard to both Cyprus and Turkish Greek relations. As long as actions which may damage these efforts are refrained from, and as long as negotiations continue in a spirit of good will, there is no reason why a just and lasting peace should not be achieved.

Our position with regard to the Cyprus issue is well known by the word public opinion. Recognition of equal sovereignty to both parties is the key to the solution. Proximity talks have recently begun within a new format. As long as the Greek Cypriot party in the negotiations does not use the Helsinki decisions to sabotage the talks, but continues to participate in a spirit of good will, we believe that a viable solution based upon equal sovereignty for both parties can be reached with regard to Cyprus. The proximity talks held in New York aimed at preparing the ground for meaningful negotiations to find a comprehensive solution to the problem. The second round of these talks will begin on 27 January 2000, in Geneva. ``President Denktash, of the TRNC,'' with his announcement that he will participate in this round of talks, has already demonstrated his good will and determination to find a solution. It is evident that neither Turkey nor Greece has anything to gain from engaging in polemics about which side won, or which side lost, at Helsinki. We believe that both countries can reach an understanding with regard to all issues, and that peace and cooperation shall be the winners accordingly.''

[02] Cem arrives on 3-day holiday in ``TRNC''

In a short statement at Tymbou Airport, Cem said that his ministry will be very busy during the new year holiday period and that therefore he asked permission from Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and arrived on a short holiday in the ``TRNC''. At the Airport, Cem was received by the ``Turkish ambassador to Nicosia''.

[03] Turkish Cypriots deny reports on Chechen bureau in north

[04] Denktash opposed to EU without Turkey

Addressing a meeting with Bayrak and TAK Denktash called on the Greek Cypriots to re-evaluate the past, and to understand that their attitude to consider the Turkish Cypriots as ``minority'', was wrong.

He noted that the Greek Cypriots had tried to eliminate the Turkish Cypriots, to exclude them by reducing them to the level of minority, and to destroy Turkey´s guarantorship.

``We expect the EU to confirm Turkey´s guarantorship rights on Cyprus. Turkey had stated previously that she would not make any concession. If they accept us as a sovereign side, solution of the Cyprus question will be easier'', Denktash emphasized. Denktash reacted to Clerides´s statement that the Cyprus question was caused by the 1960 constitution.

Denktash said, ``the Cyprus question is not a constitutional matter. It never arose from the 1960 Constitution. Policies of Makarios, Clerides and their followers gave rise to the Cyprus question. Clerides´ statement is nothing but a lie.''

[05] ``TRNC'' assures all banks under control of Central Bank

After the transfer of five banks to Savings Deposit Insurance Fund in Turkey, Bayram, in a written statement, said people should not pay attention to the speculative news that appear about this subject. He also noted that the general liquidity structure of the ``TRNC'' banking sector was not currently experiencing any problems.

GP/SK ------------------------------------------------------------

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

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