Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-02-15

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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. 31/00 -- 15.2.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel, Denktash stress principle of ``two states'' in Cyprus.

[02] Eroglu: ``Peace can be achieved if TRNC accepted''.

[03] Routine medical checkup shows Denktash `in good health/.

[04] Denktash: May round will be tougher and more intense.

[05] Denktash on land issue.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Demirel, Denktash stress principle of ``two states'' in Cyprus

Denktash said that they want ``the recognition of the sovereignty and democracy of the TRNC within the framework of the rights and liberties. We want the Greek Cypriots to establish friendship under equal conditions, to unite in some definite areas and to fulfill the international responsibilities under a single Cyprus flag which is based on the principle of two states''. Denktash said, ``Turkey has a guarantorship right on Cyprus which results from the international agreements. Turkey will never permit the establishment of a Greek Cypriot republic''.

[02] Eroglu: ``Peace can be achieved if TRNC accepted''

Eroglu toured occupied Morphou and its vicinity yesterday and was briefed on the activities and problems in the region. He, in turn, briefed the villagers on the domestic and foreign developments. Referring to the Cyprus issue, Eroglu claimed that ``the TRNC state is reality''. Recalling that he has served as the ``prime minister'' for many years, Eroglu said: ``If a person who has served as the prime minister in this country for so many years does not know the Cyprus problem, then who will?'' Noting that the National Unity Party (UBP) is in favour of peace, Eroglu continued: ``We are in favour of a peace that will not bring back the past and that will not deny the existence of the TRNC''.

Eroglu said that the UBP favours peace and conciliation more than anyone else, adding that the UBP is as much in favour of peace as it is realistic. Noting that the second-round proximity talks have been concluded and that everyone has been following these talks in the media, Eroglu said that currently the talks are being held indirectly, adding that the necessary foundation should be prepared in order to sign a peace agreement.

Referring to the so-called presidential elections to be held on 15 May, Eroglu said that if they win the ``elections'' and if, subsequently, he is appointed as the negotiator, then he will successfully fulfill that office. He noted that relations with Turkey have been good during their term in office, recalling that many agreements were signed with Turkey during his term as ``prime minister''. He further stated that it is out of the question for him to withdraw his ``presidential candidacy''. Noting that certain circles are trying to wear him out and that articles against him have been appearing in the Turkish press, Eroglu said that he will ignore them because he is the candidate of a party whose electoral potential is 40 percent.

[03] Routine medical checkup shows Denktash `in good health/

[04] Denktash: May round will be tougher and more intense

In a telephone interview with the Turkish Daily News from Germany the Turkish Cypriot leader said that despite the approaching ``presidential elections'' and his bid for re-election, he would continue his efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

``The election is the people/s duty. The people must decide who can best perform this function and I expect my people to undertake whatever is required from them without much hustle and in the awareness that this presidential election is not like electing a party leader'' , he said.

In reply to a relevant question, he inter alia said: ``Like the first round of proximity talks, the second round of the proximity talks process was a preparatory study.

I believe remarks such as this thing (the Cyprus problem) will be over by this or that date were unnecessary. I believe the year end remark was unnecessary because the task is to prepare the ground. Once the ground is prepared, we may speedily reach the target. The most difficult phase is preparing the ground.''

Asked whether the necessary ground is not prepared yet, Denktash replied:

``No, not yet. The ground could not be prepared. As the two sides placed all they had in their baskets, if the term is appropriate, on the (negotiating) table, I believe the third round will be a different exercise. In the third round, I hope we shall be able to test to what extend the ground is prepared. Therefore, the third round would be some what different, a little bit tougher, more intense.''

Asked about the talk about a new UN document, Denktash said: ``The UN Secretary-General is not a party to the talks and cannot make a proposal. He cannot make a proposal, because that would be beyond his goodwill mission and would make him a judge. Therefore, without talking with us and getting our consent, as well as Greek Cypriot consent, he cannot change the agreed format. But, if at that stage (at the third round of proximity talks) the Secretary General would like to place a document before us showing on which issues we agree and disagree, he can do this after obtaining the consent of both parties. So far, there is no such thing on the agenda''.

[05] Denktash on land issue

``The Greek Cypriots are dreaming'', he added.

KIBRIS (15.2.00) adds that Denktash said he opposed possible installation of an international force on the island to replace some 30,000 Turkish soldiers present in the occupied area since 1974.

``We are definitely against it'', said Denktash, proposing that Turkish and Greek soldiers should be stationed on the two sides as part of a possible solution.

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

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