Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-02-04

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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. 24/00 -- 4.2.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Tension in Geneva.

[02] Eroglu notes Clerides `Intransigence/ in Geneva talks.

[03] Cem says Cyprus accord possible but.

[04] Cem on Turkish-Greek relations, Cyprus talks.

[05] ``TRNC'' economy under Turkey/s guarantee.

[06] The games must stop.

[07] Denktash will not abandon talks.

[08] Talat offers to cooperate to solve bank crisis.

[09] TGNA delegation visits.

[10] Tourism promotion.

[11] Denktash interview.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Tension in Geneva

The paper then publishes extensive extracts from President Clerides statement. It adds that the Greek Cypriot administration submitted maps to the session that was to be held yesterday in which the territory to be under the Turkish Cypriot side/s control was reduced from 36 to 24 percent. The maps outline the number of Greek Cypriots to settle in north Cyprus, the number of Turkish Cypriots who will be forced to leave their land and criteria on productivity.

In an exclusive statement to HURRIYET in Geneva, the paper continues, President Denktash described Clerides disclosure as ``a manoeuvre aimed at forcing the Turkish Cypriot side to abandon the negotiations. Clerides planned to provoke us to abandon the negotiation table and then move to accuse us of being the side which does not want to negotiate. We have not fallen into his trap''.

According to the paper Denktash made reference to a movement headed by the Greek Cypriot Orthodox Church against the establishment of a federation in south Cyprus and that a call has been made to Clerides to resign. ``Clerides is well-aware that the establishment of a confederation is discussed in the talks. He is also aware that we are gradually making progress. Forcing us to abandon the negotiation table will relieve him of the pressure put on him behind closed doors. I realized his intention as soon as I was informed on his disclosure and I calmly reacted to it. I said that we did not take it seriously''. Denktash claimed.

Stressing that the main bargaining will be held in the third round of the talks, Denktash asserted: ``Everyone would have realized that the Greek Cypriots do not want to reach an agreement if Clerides attended the third round of the talks with such a document. This is the first time we have heard that the Cyprus problem, which has continued for 36 years, can be solved through constitutional amendments. Obviously the Greek Cypriots now want to exclude the United Nations and have the EU place the Cyprus problem under its control''.

[02] Eroglu notes Clerides `Intransigence/ in Geneva talks

President Clerides statement, he adds, shows that the Greek Cypriot side does not share the goodwill of the ``TRNC'' and Turkey regarding an agreement between the two sides. The proximity talks, he claimed, are held so that common ground can be found after the two sides posit their stands. ``By ignoring existing realities on the island and by referring to a Cyprus republic which the Greek Cypriots themselves destroyed 36 years ago, Clerides gives a glaring example of Greek Cypriot intransigence'', he alleged.

Eroglu said that it has repeatedly been said that any agreement to be reached must be a partnership based on sovereign equality. He added that Clerides/ shows that he wants to waste the time of not only the Turkish Cypriot side but that of all the sides trying to help the process. Clerides is not interested in peace for his people, Eroglu asserted adding that he (Clerides) has this daring because ``unjustifiably, the world continues to recognize his administration as the Cyprus republic. (.) this is the crux of the problem.

[03] Cem says Cyprus accord possible, but.

The Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said a solution for Cyprus was possible this year, but only if the international community pays more attention to the demands of Turkish Cypriot leaders. International talks on the future of Cyprus, he said had so far made light of Turkish Cypriot demands.

``It will be possible if the Greek Cypriots and the international community to a certain degree were to be more realistic and were to see the facts in the island and were to take into consideration. the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriots'', Cem told Reuters. ``But on the other hand, so far all the international discussion on the subject made a total abstraction of the Turkish Cypriots and what their aspirations and needs are and whether the `solutions/ proposed are acceptable or not acceptable by the Turkish Cypriots'', he said, adding, ``so it depends, it depends if there/s recognition of this reality, if there/s recognition of the TRNC of its characteristic as a sovereign entity''.

[04] Cem on Turkish-Greek relations, Cyprus talks

Replying to a question regarding Cyprus talks, Cem said: ``I hope that this Greek Cypriot move (Clerides statement) is not a preparation to flee the negotiating table. In actual fact, this is the impression we received''.

Asked whether he conveyed this uneasiness, Cem said no, because ``the Greek Cypriot administration is not our respondent''. He added that ``the incident appears to be an excuse to evade the negotiating table. I hope that I am wrong''.

The report in the TRT cited a related report by Ankara Anatolia Agency with Cem remarks on the Cyprus talks: ``We are attaching importance to these proximity talks. Turkey is according support to the positive development of these talks and expecting this process to prepare the foundation for the discussion of more substantive issues. The Greek Cypriot statement appears as though it is seeking an excuse to evade the negotiating table, or preparing to flee the table. To tell the truth, we did not like it. I hope this is a wrong impression''.

[05] ``TRNC'' economy under Turkey/s guarantee

[06] The games must stop

In a written statement Kemal Aktunc, the YBH educational secretary, said that the talks are being held like a social chat because Denktash guaranteed that a third round will be held. The statement adds the YBH regrets the approach displayed by the Republican Turkish Party insisting on a federal solution. He also said that Denktash is playing a game in order to freeze the ``elections''.

[07] Denktash will not abandon talks

``Clerides damaged the negotiations and naturally this is a very serious matter for us, it is still before us. But we will handle it in time''.

To a question by a Greek Cypriot journalist whether he will abandon the talks, Denktash said ``I believe that dear Clerides wants me to do this, but I am not going to''.

[08] Talat offers to cooperate to solve bank crisis

(MY)

[09] TGNA delegation visits

Speaking at the occupied Tymbou airport the chairman of the committee Metin Sahin, said relations between the occupied area and Turkey are getting stronger every passing day.

He said that as their visit concedes with the ongoing proximity talks in Geneva it will provide positive results to the Turkish Cypriots.

Stating that they hold regular meetings with the budget committee of the pseudostate, Sahin noted that Turkey/s support to the occupied area will continue in every filed. Referring to the cooperation agreement signed in the Social Security field, which was recently approved by the TGNA, Sahin said: ``Turkey and the TRNC have reached the point where separation is no more possible, both sides/ interests come to a common point. Neither side can renounce the other.

The whole world sees this, they have yet to accept the existence of the two separate states on the island. However, there are hopeful indications''. (MY)

[10] Tourism promotion

Tolun stressed that their target is the Scandinavian countries, adding that the ``Tourism Committee'' will attend a Diving Fair, to be held in the town of Gotoborg, Sweden in February.

He added that the beauties of the occupied areas will be promoted through advertisements and that articles in Swedish newspapers described ``TRNC'' as the ``unforgettable Paradise of the Mediterranean''.

(DP)

[11] Dentkash interview

Q: Are you discussing the confederation proposal more in depth during your meetings?

A: We have always discussed confederation and continue to discuss it. Confederation can be established through an agreement between two states. It is decided through an agreement which powers shall be given to the Central administration. Confederation means two separate states and under certain conditions is represented as a single entity in international organizations such as the UN and the EU. Therefore, we seriously and sincerely believe that this is a formula uniting Cyprus. Letters I receive from old Greek Cypriot friends, confirm that confederation will be a positive formula. However, it is noted that the (Greek Cypriot) leadership is not yet ready for this (formula). And it is said that because the ``extremists'' are still armed and Greece still holds the command of the armed forces it (Greece) is yet to give the green light on this issue. This is said by people with good intentions who want unification of Cyprus. They say openly the following:

``We neither think nor hope that we will return to our old property among the Turkish Cypriots. So we are in favour of a speedy property exchange, thus everybody will be at ease. Good neighbourliness could turn into good friendship, provided that old adventurists do not cause division among us again. The number of people who say this is increasing.

Q: According to what you say, you were discussing confederation in New York as well, why has Clerides reacted to it now?

A: Clerides is under great pressure. The Church in Cyprus is against him. The ``extremists'' who supported him are talking against him. It is clear that they do not want federation. The referendum (not specified what is meant) they have held shows this. Those who are against federation are a lot. On the one hand there is this pressure and on the other he is getting nervous, because it is seen that the thesis we are defending is gaining ground; he wants to preclude this.

I think the attacks launched by the Greek Cypriot press against the UN Secretary General is indicative of this.

Who ever tells the truth, gets on their (Greek Cypriot) nerves.

Lately they are getting very nervous, because there is an increase in the number of those who started telling them that by saying ``we are the government of the Turks, or not take into consideration the Turks in Cyprus or not recognize any rights to the Turkish Cypriots rights you cannot accomplish anything.''

Q: Clerides said that your statement that the UN Security Council has approved property exchange was wrong.

A: Yes, this has been approved in the Set of Ideas, no one can deny this. It was approved in 1992. It is approved in such a way that there is a fish net (English term as used by Denktash) for those who want to ignore it. It is a fish net that the power is in the hands of the north they could only return with our consent. Numbers will be controlled. Therefore, Clerides/ statement that ``Global exchange is not approved by the Security Council'' is wrong.

Q: I think you are more at ease, because you think that your confederation thesis is receiving better understanding, I see you relaxed and optimistic is that true?

A: Yes, it is true that I am more relaxed. It is indeed very true, because our thesis is being understood. One sees what the Greek Cypriots want to do. Turkey/s support is full. However, with a good will we are doing all we can to settle this issue as soon as possible.

[Question and answer regarding his statement against the President Clerides statement omitted].

Q: what is the next procedure ? Are there any expectations regarding the third round?

A: There is an expectation for a third round. On Monday and Tuesday there will be round up meetings. It will then be put on the table whether there will be a third round and if yes, on what. And we will decide accordingly.

Q: Does this depend on whether the UN Secretary General or de Soto find common points in the sides/ views?

A: I think, the third round too will continue in the form of proximity talks, because we have not yet reached that point (finding common points).

Q: During his meetings with you does de Soto convey the other sides views or put forward proposals?

A: They ask questions, through this way they want to understand. We do not know what the other side say; and they do not know what we say.

Q: Do you meet US and British special Cyprus representatives Alfred Moses and Sir David Hannay?

Denktash: Yes, we do. Different friends continue their contacts with different people.

Q: What are their functions? Do they listen to you more?

A: There are those who listen to us, naturally there are those who want us to accept their governments/ views, but they too are forced to listen us to.

Q: Is there any connection, with the EU through certain channels? A: We are attempting to open channels, this is considered reasonable. Let us see where we get at?

Q: Is it from technical point of view?

A: Yes, from the technical point of view, from the point of preparing the north to the EU.

Q: Will it be on condition that you should be recognized as a state?

A: No, recognition is another thing.

Q: Well, under which umbrella will you be entering the EU?

[A] Cyprus. As a side in Cyprus without the signature of which the re cannot be a solution to the problem. If the Security Council removes the word community, doesn/t that amount to a discussion between two equal sides?

A: No, this is not the reason for confederation. Confederation was adopted because there is no other way of settling problem. You cannot settle the problem by having on the one side a government and on the other community.

Luxembourg decisions could be instrumental, but the most valid formula is the state to state negotiations.

Q: Well are you not concerned with Turkey-EU rapprochement?

A: I have talked to esteemed Ismail Cem, the other day as well as esteemed Ecevit and Demirel, who always confirm that the EU is well aware of Turkey/s stance on Cyprus and Cyprus/ importance to Turkey. Because of this, the EU has opened the door to Turkey. Therefore, exerting pressure on Turkey, regarding Cyprus is not possible.

Q: Are you in contact with Ecevit while you are here?

A: No, because there is no need.

(MY)

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

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