Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-12-28

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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. 239/99 -- 28.12.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat a candidate.

[02] Denktash attends ceremony in Ankara.

[03] Cakmakoglu: Cyprus policy does not change daily.

[04] Demirel stresses reality of ``TRNC''.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat a candidate

Addressing the news conference Talat said that new relations are needed in order to enable the Turkish Cypriot people to occupy a just position in a new world. Noting that the EU goal has become a reality, Talat said that even the sectors which in the past posited conditions for joining the EU or refused to consider joining the EU without Turkey, must now see and properly assess the EU reality. This process, he said, will inevitably affect all sectors and determine their positions.

Talat said that the confederation proposal does not suit the new conditions. He said: The continued insistence and obstinacy in this regard is far from being realistic. The proposals should concentrate on questions such as how do we protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people during the EU accession process, what kind of steps are we to take in this connection and how are we to prepare the people. Any new proposals must be put forward bearing in mind the new conditions. Talat underlined the importance of protecting the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people in this process ensuring that they occupy a place within the EU after reaching a secure solution.

Talat explained that within the framework of these new concepts, it is necessary to distance oneself from Denktash´s current attitude, which consists of fighting with the entire world, trying to provide answers to Clerides and the EU institutions and presenting the community with an attitude that accords top priority to the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and protects their rights. He added: ``we need a `presidency´ which protects the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, which integrates with the world, which trusts its own people, and which respects peace, democracy and human rights; a presidency in which the decisions will be made in Cyprus and in which the relations with Turkey will be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and interests.''

[02] Denktash attends ceremony in Ankara

[03] Cakmakoglu: Cyprus policy does not change daily

Speaking on his arrival in the occupied area, Cakmakoglu said that Turkey´s policy on Cyprus recognizes two states, two communities and the sovereignty of two peoples.

Cakmakoglu further said that the mistakes committed in the search for a permanent solution between the two states on Cyprus, have to be corrected. He added that the incorrect view that ``the Greek Cypriot side represents the whole of Cyprus'' has to change.

[04] Demirel stresses reality of ``TRNC''

According to Ankara Anatolia (27.12.99) the above statement was made by the Turkish President Suleyman Demirel during a reception. Earlier Demirel received Rauf Denktash. Demirel said that everybody in Turkey is in agreement regarding the Cyprus problem and praised Denktash, saying that he handles the issue as an epic hero despite the adverse conditions.

President Demirel expressed the hope that a permanent and a just solution on Cyprus is not far away, adding that Turkey and ``TRNC'' have always acted with good will.

Turkey, he said, has never caused difficulties, but a just and permanent solution on the island is necessary. He claimed that there are two separate states and two equal sovereignties on the island and it does not seem possible to find a solution without taking into consideration the ``de facto situation''.

Turkey, he said, is trying to explain this to the world together with Rauf Denktash.

Speaking after President Demirel, Rauf Denktash pointed out that Tureky´s candidacy to the European Union is an opportunity for Turkey to explain the Cyprus problem in a more effective way.

Citing US President Clinton who said that ``there is no return back on Cyprus'', Denktash said we have to start from the point we left off. He reiterated his assertion that there are two national societies on the island which have been governing themselves for 36 years.

The main thing, he said, is to determine the fields in which the two peoples can cooperate and live as good neighbours.

Recalling his confederation proposal Denktash said he defended this view in New York.

Like everybody says, Denktash went on, a give-take procedure can start in the third round in June. ``If there is to be peace, the embargo has to be lifted on the ``TRNC''. ``We want a strong agreement, based on sovereignty rights and which will not collapse'', Denktash added.

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

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