Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-01-27

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

No. 18/00 -- 27.1.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Pseudostate/s economic problems discussed in Turkey.

[02] Akinci proposes two internal, one external state for Cyprus.

[03] Talat: EU membership will do away with security problem.

[04] «Joint Economic Committee» meeting.

[05] Paper criticizes EU commissioner Verheugen.

[06] Excavations at ancient Salamis.

[07] Book on «Cyprus Conspiracy».

[08] Minimum salary.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Pseudostate/s economic problems discussed in Turkey

Irsen Kucuk, so-called agriculture and forest-minister, visited Gokalp.

Speaking at the meeting, Gokalp said Turkey considered «TRNC» as an independent «Turkish State», and noted that «TRNC» did not have any difference from a Turkish province in economic issues.

Gokalp pointed out that «TRNC/s» problems on issues like production, consumption, and similar issues were the problems of Turkey, adding that every effort will be exerted to solve its problems.

Noting that the biggest problem of Cyprus was the water problem, Gokalp said Cyprus soil was productive, yet did not have enough water. Gokalp said efforts were underway to solve this problem with the balloon project for now, yet a lasting line should be connected to Cyprus.

Gokalp said, «the water problem of Cyprus should be solved urgently.» Gokalp noted that «TRNC» should be turned into a science and technology center in the Mediterranean.

[02] Akinci proposes two internal, one external state for Cyprus

Akinci recounted that until now it was said on many occasions that the end is near, but the quest for a solution has continued with ups and downs. However, under the current conditions, Akinci noted, it would not be wrong to say we are proceeding toward the negotiating table. Pointing out that factors that are internally ruined are effective in the solution process of the Cyprus problem, Akinci stressed that the Cyprus issue cannot be isolated from Turkish-Greek and Turkish-EU relations.

Noting that overtures that have not been manifested for years are now becoming apparent with regard to the Cyprus problem, Akinci recalled that the extent of the negative affects of the Luxembourg decisions on the Cyprus issue were felt over the course of time. Akinci said: «A mentality that reconciled with a nonsolution of problems was prevalent in the past, but nowadays the view to seek solutions to problems and to benefit together from the returns of a solution is gaining greater weight».

Akinci emphasized that it is the content, rather than the form, that is important in the solution process. He declared: «Let the child be born, we will name it afterwards - a federation or a confederation». Noting that it is possible to reach a solution process in Cyprus consisting of a view based on «two internal states and one external state», Akinci remarked that under the solution he envisages, each state will act in an independent and sovereign manner in its own region, but it will be represented in unity through consensus at the EU and the United Nations.

Akinci reported that during the first-round proximity talks, the United Nations heard the views of the sides and posed questions, adding that the second round will involve greater detail, but there are no expectations for miracles. Akinci pointed out that intensive developments will be experienced in the Cyprus issue in the wake of the «presidential elections» to be held in April.

It is necessary to lift the restrictions imposed on the contacts between the two sides following the Luxembourg decisions, Akinci declared, adding that ways to build mutual confidence must be sought. Akinci also expressed the view that the conditions that will preserve the Turkish-Greek balance until Turkey joins the EU must be assessed within the framework of the Cyprus solution process.

[03] Talat: EU membership will do away with security problem

Noting that with the membership to the EU, Cyprus/ security problem will be done away, Talat said that this time economic problems will be on the agenda, and he urged that work should start to make the economy productive and competitive.

Describing his contacts in Turkey as very productive and useful, Talat said that all the predictions they had made in the past are becoming true one by one.

Referring to the forthcoming so-called presidential elections, Talat said that he is a candidate.

«President Denktash, who is the one who created the Cyprus problem, has no chance» Talat said and added: «We cannot carry on with the present process, with the cold war mentality. That mentality existed before 1990». He accused Denktash, President Clerides and the so-called NUP-lead «government» of acting with the cold war understanding, and as a result of this they continue to prohibit bicommunal activities. He branded this an «outdated mentality». «The Turkish Cypriot people should evaluate all these and have to bury these we cold war era supporters in the annals of history during the April presidential elections», Talat declared. (MY)

[04] «Joint Economic Committee» meeting

The two committees will review to what extent the previous decisions were put into practice, whether existing problems were solved or not and will make an evaluation of the latest developments. (MY)

[05] Paper criticizes EU commissioner Verheugen

[06] Excavations at ancient Salamis

Dr. Coskul Ozgunel of Ankara University, who is charge of the excavation work on behalf of the «Eastern Mediterranean University», will continue his work with a group of 30 people who will come to the occupied area. (DP)

[07] Book on «Cyprus Conspiracy»

It is expected that the discussion will be followed by international media representatives. (DP)

[08] Minimum salary

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

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