Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-02-07

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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] Denktash issues written statement in reply to President Clerides statement.

[02] Soyer, Tore on President Clerides/ statement, Geneva talks.

[03] Eroglu on proximity talks.

[04] US Ambassador on confederation proposal.

[05] Cem on `positive atmosphere/ during Athens visit.

[06] Ecevit on proximity talks.

[07] Turkey to launch seabus cruises from Antalya to ``TRNC''.

[08] Turkish Treasury to support ``TRNC Central Bank''.

[09] Denktash/s advisor repeats known Turkish demands.

[10] Denktash to go to Germany on 11 February.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Turkish writer on Cyprus problem, Denktash/s reelection.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash issues written statement in reply to President Clerides statement

In a written statement issued after President Clerides had distributed a paper to UN delegates in which he laid out the position of the Greek Cypriot side, Denktash said the Cyprus problem was not a problem of a constitution, and therefore could not be eradicated by modifying the constitution.

Denktash said that for a comprehensive settlement on the island, the ``equality of the two peoples'' principle must be respected in full.

He said that for a lasting agreement, the two sides must negotiate with a free will all aspects of the problem and must reach a consensus on all issues.

In the announcement he maintained that, ``The comprehensive solution will not be obtained with an amendment on the constitution that has not been enforced for the last 37 years, but can be instituted with a bilateral partnership that will be formed between the two sides. A comprehensive solution may be reached with a two-state Cyprus Federation''.

Referring to President Clerides/ announcement, Denktash said: ``The leader of the Greek side claims that the principle for the exchange of goods and property was turned down by the Untied Nations Security Council. I wish to remind you that the paragraph for the exchange of property, included in the series of ideas listed in 1992 was approved by the UN Security Council.''

Claiming that President Clerides ``grossly misrepresents historic facts and distorts the realities on the issues of sovereignty'', Denktash said that Britain left the sovereignty rights to the two founding sides under equal terms for them to establish their own fates on the island.

Denktash went on to allege: ``This is an outright attempt to derail the difficult process of preparing the ground for meaningful indirect negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement''.

The Turkish Cypriot leader also repeated his stance that a settlement of the prolonged Cyprus problem ``can only be achieved through the creation of a two-state Cyprus confederation, which is the right way of uniting a divided island''.

[02] Soyer, Tore on President Clerides/statement, Geneva talks

In his statement on the Cyprus issue, Soyer said that important developments are taking place in Geneva with an aim to secure a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue. Soyer noted that the CTP believes that the sides should act in a cool-headed manner and abide by the UN ban on issuing statements. Both leaders have to assume their responsibilities to this end, Soyer added.

Recalling that CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat criticized President Clerides/ statement, which, he says, rejects the 1977-79 summit agreements to a large extent and in a way, closes the doors to a federal solution, Soyer added:

``We will pursue our criticism within a definite framework against all those who are against this basis''. Soyer continued by saying that the CTP wishes to warn all the concerned sides against provocations at this critical stage.

Nationalist Justice Party leader Zorlu Tore claimed that President Clerides/ statements during the Cyprus proximity talks in General ``dealt a heavy blow on the searches under way for peace''.

In his statement, Tore said that it is impossible to secure conciliation on issues of equality and sovereignty with a mentality which considers the Turkish Cypriots a minority and the Turkish army as an occupationist army. Tore continued: ``It seems that neither a federal nor a confederal agreement should be expected in Cyprus''. Tore added that ``as a sovereignty state, the TRNC should secure a confederal agreement with Turkey and foil the ploy of the Greek Cypriots'', as he put it.

[03] Eroglu on proximity talks

Clerides/ statements are identical to those which have been put forward by the Greek Cypriot National Council since 1989. Clerides does not accept the reality of the TRNC. He refused to discuss the confederation proposal and the issue of sovereignty. His statements are parts of the scenario aiming at escaping and forcing the Turkish Cypriot side to escape from the proximity talks.''

Eroglu expressed wish over the preparation of favourable grounds for direct talks at the third round of proximity talks which are planned to be held in June.

[04] US Ambassador on confederation proposal

[05] Cem on `positive atmosphere/ during Athens visit

Speaking at the ``Turkish-Greek Media Conference'', Cem said Simitis told him that he accepted this invitation with pleasure. ``We will determine the date of the visit together with Mr. Papandreou'', said Cem.

Cem said that Turkish and Greek press contributed to the positive atmosphere of the relations between the two countries, adding ``if one told me that Turkish and Greek flags would be waved together in the same stadium six months ago, I would have never believed that''. The two sides have different views and they explained them, said Cem and noted that ``both Greece and Turkey had a positive influence in the resuming of the proximity talks on Cyprus. We encouraged that as being two guarantor states''.

Cem noted that he discovered while working together with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou that they had a common style. ``Both of us don/t play for the stands and we are not under the influence of the applause coming from the stands. We walk together for the future in a calm and stable way. And we are always congratulated for the improving relations''.

[06] Ecevit on proximity talks

[07] Turkey to launch seabus cruises from Antalya to ``TRNC''

Serhan Yavasoglu, the President of the Executive Board of the Fener Tourism Travelling Agencies, said on Saturday that the first cruise between Antalya and ``TRNC'' will be staged on March 16, 2000.

The package program will be held between March 16 and 19, 2000.

[08] Turkish Treasury to support ``TRNC Central Bank''

Turkish State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said in a written statement that they increased financial opportunities to help ``TRNC'' overcome the troubles faced by the ``TRNC Central Bank''.

``Upon the request of TRNC President Rauf Denktash and TRNC government, the Turkish Republic Treasury Undersecretariat opened a loan channel to support the TRNC Central Bank. As I mentioned before, TRNC economy is under our guarantee and their problems will be solved'' Gurel said.

[09] Denktash/s advisor repeats known Turkish demands

Finally, Ergun Olgun said that without acceptance of their sovereignty by the Greek Cypriot side they will not discuss the territorial issue. (DP)

[10] Denktash to go to Germany on 11 February

After this meeting, they will go to Ankara, where Denktash will give lectures. They will return to the occupied area on 15 or 16 February. (DP)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Turkish writer on Cyprus problem, Denktash/s reelection

Varosha will not be discussed in Geneva. This issue will be raised on the agenda during the June talks as one of the most important trump cards in the hands of Rauf Denktash. As for the holding of joint talks with the EU, this will be put on the table only after some progress is achieved during the talks, that is, the land for peace formula. We believe that the talks with respect to the constitution will also wait until June.

We asked officials in the United States about the future of these talks. The officials told us that the talks would lead to the United States of Cyprus. When we reminded them that the Greek Cypriots would not accept this formula, the US officials insisted that they would.

Is it not interesting? The United States of Cyprus after the United States of America?''

Sertoglu then touched on the approaching so-called presidential election in the occupied area and called on the Turkish Cypriots:

``You have only a single individual to vote for, and that is Rauf Denktash, who is exerting every effort for the sake of your well-being. I am asking you to avoid making a mistake, because this is a very critical year with respect to your future. Denktash/s positive knowledge and experience is the only means for your future well being. Do not give any consideration to those who seek to buy your votes by distributing money to you. Do not forget that Turkey supports Denktash with all its power.

The conversations that I hold with Rauf Denktash touch on very delicate information and plans. Consequently, Denktash holds these conversations with me on condition that I would not write anything about them. After everything goes well, I will talk to Denktash on the condition that I will write about everything that we discuss together. I will then explain everything to you. Naturally, to the extent that Rauf Denktash permits. After coming out as the winner in the approaching elections, Denktash will be able to move more easily''.

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

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