Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-01-17

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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. 10/00 -- 15-16-17

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] George Vassiliou interviewed by AVRUPA.

[02] Eroglu on EU accession process, Varosha.

[03] Turkey says Cyprus not EU problem.

[04] Ecevit repeats thesis of ``two independent states''.

[05] Turkish reactionism in the occupied area.

[06] Turkish parliamentarians to visit pseudostate.

[07] Altan Oymen: Non solution favours Greek Cypriots.

[08] Eroglu: Akinci candidacy not to harm `coalition/.

[09] Ankara told EU principles not open to negotiation.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] George Vassiliou interviewed by AVRUPA

[02] Eroglu on EU accession process, Varosha

He said: ``The EU candidacy, besides providing Turkey with the opportunity to open up to the world, will enable Turkey to officially explain the Cyprus cause within the EU. From now on, the EU will not be able to remain as indifferent to the Turkish theses as it used to. The Turkish Cypriot people also wish to join the EU but only after an agreement is reached and after the sovereign equality and equal partnership of the Turkish Cypriot people are officially recognized.

Our goal is actually to join the EU together with Turkey. In case this is not possible, as stated in our government/s program, an accession is possible after an agreement is reached between the two sides in Cyprus, following consultations with the motherland, and naturally, after the economies of South Cyprus and the TRNC are balanced''.

Eroglu also replied to questions at the conference attended by nearly 1,000 people.

In reply to a question on the Greek Cypriot demand regarding Varosha, Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriots want not only Varosha but Morphou as well. Eroglu claimed: ``If you let them they will take all of Cyprus. To request is one thing, to get is another. We cannot give away Varosha in order to please Papandreou. Those who want Varosha today, will want additional territory tomorrow. The important issue here is to recognize TRNC reality and to act in accordance with this reality.''

In reply to the question on whether `` a federation can be founded in the future'', Eroglu said: ``Naturally, today we think of an agreement based upon two separate states. I do not know what may happen in future generations and years. It is evident, however, that it is impossible to live together under the current circumstances. The impossibility of founding a federation is a reality.''

[03] Turkey says Cyprus not EU problem

Following the statements that George Papandreou, Greek Foreign Minister, made in Cyprus the Turkish Foreign Ministry claimed that Cyprus is not a problem which concerns the EU but the EU converts this issue into a problem despite all warnings.

The Foreign Ministry said, ``Cyprus question will not be a problem for the EU when the two sides on the island reach a compromise and the EU membership is taken into consideration in the light of this reality.''

The statement noted that a compromise based on negotiations and agreements is needed and it has to be accepted by the two sides in Cyprus. ``Only the two equal peoples on the island and the two equal sovereign states which represent them can do that'', the statement noted.

The UN Secretary General, not the EU has the mission to search for a solution to the Cyprus question, noted the statement and added that the ``mechanisms of solution efforts are negotiations in which the two sides participate on the basis of equality and within the framework of the good will of the UN Secretary General.''

The approach saying that ``the EU will participate in the search for a solution to the Cyprus question'', or the ``problem will be solved within the framework of the relations of the EU with Turkey'' are baseless and incorrect.

``Everybody knows the Helsinki decisions and the views of Turkey about the part of Helsinki decisions about the Cyprus problem. Claims such as `occupation/ or `fake state/ are approaches which contradict the historical, legal and current realities. Opening the way to a solution in Cyprus is directly related to giving up these claims,'' the statement concluded.

[04] Ecevit repeats thesis of ``two independent states''

In reply to a question on Cyprus Ecevit said: ``When the existence of two independent states on the island is recognized, a compromise can be quickly reached. I am hopeful about reaching it. We are determined about that. The dialogue between the two communities is sustained. Now the fact that the Turkish side is also a state is beginning to sink in. The ongoing economic embargo imposed on northern Cyprus must definitely be removed as it will be impossible to sustain the dialogue when one side sentences the other to starvation''.

[05] Turkish reactionism in the occupied area

The report states that the Pakistani-based Tebligh community is trying to establish a foothold in the ``TRNC'', the National Youth Foundation (MGV) is stepping up its activities, the Saudi Arabian Wahabi sect is continuously winning over new supporters through financial assistance, and Bahais, who interpret Islam differently, event though small, also have a group of supporters.

The report also says that because the imam-hatip lyceum graduates now find it difficult to enter into the university faculties of their choice, they are continuing their education in the ``TRNC'' schools after completing the second grade of the lyceums.

Here are the ``TRNC'' religious sects and their activities as discovered by intelligence units:

Suleymancilar: This group started activities in the ``TRNC'' after 1990. They are mostly active in the Morphou, Pendayia, Kyra, Alona, and Eftakomi areas.

The ``Aid Association for Students of Education Age'' (Tahsil Caginda Talebelere Yardim Dernegi), which has its headquarters in the occupied part of Nicosia, belongs to this sect. Students are taught Arabic, science, and modern history at the hostels belonging to this sect. They have eight business organizations, which are the source of their finance in the ``TRNC''. They have student hostels called Hamidiye, Hala Sultan, and Lala Mustafa Pasa.

Nurcular: This is the most influential reactionary group in the ``TRNC''. Their activities are mainly directed at students. They organize reading sessions of books written by Said-I-Nursi at homes, listen to videos, and hold ladies meetings on Wednesdays. They have more than 20 organizations that make up their source of finance. The Ozel Sule Dershane (private tutorial) belongs to the Nurcular. They have seven student hostels with a capacity of around 600. Amongst the Nurcular groups active in the ``TRNC'' are Fethullah Gulen, Yazicilar, and Yeni Ay.

Naksibendiler: Their most active groups are Menzil, Carsamba, Iskenderpasa, Erenkoy, and Seyh Nazim Kibrisi, and have a newspaper called Hakkaniyet (Justice). They participated in the last ``elections'' as ``Bizim Party'' (Our Party) and got 1.2 percent of votes. The Naksibendiler have been unable to gain as much power as the other sects in the ``TRNC'' because they have not found the same environment as in Turkey and have not given importance to education.

[06] Turkish parliamentarians to visit pseudostate

(MY)

[07] Altan Oymen: Non solution favours Greek Cypriots

Oymen who arrived in the occupied area on 13.1.2000 together with the RPP deputy chairman and former ambassador Inal Batu and the RPP deputy general Secretary Sule Bucak as the guest of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, said that he will discuss and study the Helsinki decisions with the Turkish Cypriot leadership.

Referring to the Helsinki decisions regarding Cyprus Oymen said that if this decision is well assessed by the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo, it will contribute to the settlement of the Cyprus problem. Otherwise, it will create problems, he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of his visit, Oymen declared that his party has historical ties with Cyprus. He said that it was the RPP which ``shouldered the historic responsibility of the Peace Operation of 1974''. He added that his party will continue this tie and will continue to do so in the future.

As for the Helsinki decisions, Oymen said that it has its pros and cons. The RPP leader referring to Denktash/s confederation proposal said that one has to seriously consider the confederation proposal.

At the end of his contacts Oymen and his accompanying delegation left the occupied area for Turkey.

(MY)

[08] Eroglu: Akinci candidacy not to harm `coalition/

In a statement in response to journalists/ questions, Eroglu said that it is the TKP/s most natural right to submit a ``presidential'' candidate, adding: ``Our coalition partnership is not indexed to the presidency''.

Eroglu pointed out that since the establishment of the ``government'', certain cicles have been trying to engage in a polemic by claiming that this is a ``government'' indexed to the elections. He noted: ``In democracies, parties will naturally run in elections with their own candidates. Mr. Akinci/s candidacy is not a move that will harm our partnership. I congratulate him and wish him success''.

[09] Ankara told EU principles not open to negotiation

De Costa told A.A. that during his visit to Turkey he will discuss both Turkey-EU and Turkey-Portugal relations with Turkish authorities.

Turkey-EU relations entered a new era after the Helsinki summit and Turkey now must decide on a strategy which included political and economic reforms, he said and also noted that Turkey must meet the Copenhagen criteria which constitutes the essentials for EU countries.

Meeting the Copenhagen criteria is required not only from Turkey but from all countries that are seeking membership, he also stressed. First a strategy must be formed. Commission experts will come to Turkey for scanning activities. Another thing that needs to be done is carrying out some reforms both in the political and economic field, De Costa told A.A.

De Costa said the Turkish military also was an important factor in the modernization of Turkey. However, what is considered normal in Europe is that the military power should obey the civilian power.

`Responding to a question, he said he cannot give a date for Turkey/s full membership to the EU, and reminded that there are 12 other candidate countries besides Turkey.

De Costa said he can promise to speed up Turkey/s membership process during the term presidency of Portugal. However, joining the EU is a technical process rather than a political target, he added.

Regarding Cyprus/ EU membership process, De Costa said it would be a shame if Cyprus cannot become a EU member because of its domestic problems.

They are aware of the political situation on the island and they support the proximity talks that are carried out under the supervision of UN, De Costa said. He also reminded they appointed a special representative to Cyprus who is expected to visit Turkey in the days to come. Present problems would end if Cyprus becomes an EU member, De Costa stressed.

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

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