Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-07-03

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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] Dentkash meets UN/s Wlosowicz, "explains reasons" for measures.

[02] Bill submitted to COEPA on Turkish Cypriot participation in international sports.

[03] Turkish Cypriot delegation going to Geneva announced; opposition not included.

[04] OIC joint declaration supports solution through negotiations.

[05] Akinci says "security forces" commander overstepped authority, Talat calls for his resignation.

[06] Chess festival.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] AVRUPA raps Turkish commander for `Traitor/ remark.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash meets UN/s Wlosowicz, "explains reasons" for measures

Within the framework of the measures taken by the occupation regime, Wlosowicz was unable to cross over to the occupied north with an UNFICYP (UN Peace Forces in Cyprus) vehicle, "because he failed to fulfill the procedures announced as necessary by the Council of Ministers yesterday". He was picked up by "presidential under secretary" Ergun Olgun at the Ledra Palace check point. After the meeting Wlosowiicz walked to the Ledra Palace barricade.

In a statement after the 40 minute meeting, Wlosowicz said that he submitted to Rauf Denktash a letter in connection with the measures the Turkish Cypriots adopted in connection with UNFICYP entries into the "TRNC". Noting that he is responsible for UNFICYP, Wlosowicz said that in the letter he tried to convey his concerns regarding these measures. Pointing out that at the meeting he conveyed his concerns orally as well, Wlosowicz said that with these measures UNFICYP, whose mandate has been extended, has been rendered ineffective and that, therefore, he cannot fulfill his responsibilities. He noted that Denktash and the Turkish Cypriot side should reassess these measures and reconsider the position and duties of UNFICYP. He expressed the hope that in this way UNFICYP will be able to continue to perform its duties.

In a statement after the meeting, Denktash said that Wlosowicz gave him a letter and said that they are facing certain difficulties because of the measures that have been taken. Denktash added that Wlosowicz asked that various moves be made in order to ease their situation. Denktash said that he told Wlosowicz that the difficulties do not arise from the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that he said to the representative that "UNFICYP has to understand that under no circumstances is it possible for any establishment to cross over to the north and perform its duties with the consent of the Greek Cypriots". Denktash noted that in his letter dated 29 June he explained these arguments to the UN Secretary General, adding that Wlosowicz was told that if he informs the pertinent authorities on the difficulties he is facing and on views regarding these difficulties then naturally the United Nations will look into the situation. He continued: "I believe that they understood us. So did we understand them. We do not want to quarrel with anyone. We have no quarrel with anyone. Our military and civilian authorities have always cooperated with the UN forces in their activities in the TRNC". He claimed that the thing to do for a return to normalcy is for the United Nations to renounce its approach which created the current situation. Denktash continued: "In such situations issuing a protest does not create a storm. We have given our reply to his protest. Friendship can continue, but political affairs cannot be solved through friendship. The necessary action will be taken to ensure that rights and justice are not violated. I believe that the other side will see this action in this spirit. It has to because it has no other choice."

In reply to another question on how the relations will be with the Untied Nations from now on, Denktash said: "They will continue as they did today. They will again come to us. If they have any objections, they will convey those objections to us. If there is anything that we can do without damaging our status then we shall do it. If, however, they want something that is related to our status, then everyone has understood that there is nothing we can do".

[02] Bill submitted to COEPA on Turkish Cypriot participation in international sports

[03] Turkish Cypriot delegation going to Geneva announced; opposition not included

The delegation headed by Rauf Denktash will leave the island on July 4 morning and fly to Geneva via Istanbul. Following are the names of those who are in the delegation:

"Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Tahsin Ertugruloglu; Presidency Undersecretary Ergun Olgun; Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministry Undersecretary Osman Ertug; Foreign Affairs Department General Director Resat Caglar; Presidency Political Affairs Special Advisor Necati Munir Ertekun; President/s Advisor in legal and constitutional issues Mumtaz Soysal; Presidency Political Affairs Director Mustafa Evran and Presidency officer Seniha Birand".

So-called deputy prime minister Mustafa Akinci who attended the second round of talks said he will not be present during the third round of talks because "it would not be right for him to go to Geneva due to the economic crisis, starting of the economic package, and also because the parliament/s activities will last for all summer".

[04] OIC joint declaration supports solution through negotiations

The joint declaration signed at the end of OIC 27th foreign ministers meeting said OIC members support "the rightful case of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots".

"OIC supports a fair solution which will be reached through negotiations and which will respect the legal rights of Muslim Turkish Cypriots. It calls on the two sides to recognize their equal status in order to reach a final solution on the island", the declaration stated.

The joint declaration stresses "that equal political status of the two sides on the island is the key principle for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem".

"OIC calls both sides to recognize their equal status and it supports the well meaning efforts of the UN Secretary General. EU candidacy of the Greek Cypriot side is causing difficulties in talks in Cyprus. Over arming of the Greek Cypriot side is threatening peace and stability on the island. OIC welcomes the confederation proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side dated August 31, 1998. OIC has decided to consider full membership application of the Turkish Cypriot side to OIC", it was stated.

[05] Akinci says "security forces" commander overstepped authority, Talat calls for his resignation

In a news conference he held, Akinci stressed that the Turkish Cypriots are quite capable of governing themselves, adding that it is an important element of democratization to have the "Police Department" and the "Fire Department" come under civil authority. Noting during the news conference that he regretted the fact that he had to respond to the "security forces" commander, Akinci added that the commander over stepped the boundaries of his duty with the recent remarks he made that the "Police and Fire Departments" can never come under civilian authority.

Expressing regret that he had to stage a news conference on such an issue, Akinci explained that "the Greek Cypriot Police Department came under the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry years ago". Akinci added that a contrary stand is tantamount to submitting oneself to becoming a second- class society.

In reply to another question on the "security forces" commander, Akinci said that the "Security Forces Command" is successfully carrying out its military duties.

Illegal BRT later reports that Talat issued a written statement calling for the resignation of Ozeyranli because he insulted democracy. In a statement he issued, Talat said that Ozeyranli actually attacked the whole democratic forces with his remarks. Noting that the Turkish Cypriots were subjected to an unjust contempt, Talat added that only democracy can secure social unity. Talat further said that the "security forces" commander should himself not go into issues that do not concern him instead of reminding others of their duties. "The honourable commander is swimming in dangerous waters with the encouragement of the president, the Democratic Party, and other institutions close to him. He is actually conducting separatism among the Turkish Cypriots and belittling them in front of the eyes of the world". Calling for the resignation of Ozeyranli before he causes more harm, Talat added that Denktash and the Turkish Embassy have a historic duty to this end.

Illegal BRT further reports that Talat has also noted that this incident occurred on the eve of the Geneva talks and placed the Turkish Cypriots in an embarrassing position. Talat explained that the opposition has the right to call on the "government" to resign and the "government" has the right to refuse, but the "government" cannot reserve this right by leaving problems unresolved.

[06] Chess festival

23 teams from seven countries and the pseudostate will participate, among them Russia, Kazakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Slovakia, and Azerbaidjan.

The winning team will take part in the chess championship that will be held in Ukrania in September, 2000.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] AVRUPA raps Turkish commander for `Traitor/ remark

"Security Forces Commander Ali Nihat Ozeyranli could not wait for the results of our court case. Impatiently he has already announced the guilty party. He has once again, and in our own country at that, accused us of high treason.

He is a swell guy this man from Sanliurfa (Turkey).

He does not respect things like rights and law and he says so. And he openly declares that he is above the laws of this country and that it is not what a judge but what a general says goes in this country. And he openly declares:

- You are traitors and you will be made to pay for it.

What does he mean by `you will be made to pay?/ Clearly, it means someone will order and someone else will carry it out. More clearly the general will order, the judge will carry it out.

Under the guise of defending the TRNC, Ali Nihat from Sanliurfa is actually stabbing it from the heart. And he himself is amongst those who have betrayed this state, which has not been recognized by anyone for the last 17 years.

It is not we but he, and people like him, who should be tried in these courts. It is because of these people that the TRNC has not been recognized for so many years and has fallen into such dire straits because of this logic.

Ali Nihat is merely vindicating those who for so many years have refused to recognize the TRNC.

What do the foreigners say?

- North Cyprus is under occupation. There is no law and order. Their only law is the law of the generals.

Ali Nihat is merely confirming this. He is openly saying:

- I am the law, the justice, and the judge here.

And he himself passes judgement even before the court and says:

- They are guilty, they are traitors, and they will pay for it.

Now, look here Mr. Ali, this is our country, not yours. You are not the person to decide who is a traitor or a patriot here.

If you are an expert on discriminating between patriots and traitors go and do it in your own country. Go to Urfa, to Adan, to Diyarbakir, to Hakkari.

We have been here in Cyprus before you even existed, and we will continue to be here long after you have packed and gone. Turning the gun in your belt and the uniform on your back into a shield of nationalism against us is to no avail.

We are the last Cypriots. You have destroyed us, obliterated us but as you can see we are still here. And we are determined to defend our homeland to the very end.

Ever since you took up your post in this country you have been throwing bloodcurdling threats at us. At cadet swearing-in ceremonies you incite our drafted youth against us, against their fathers. You spew out hatred and enmity in your fame, honour, and flag speeches.

There is absolutely no need for the court trial to continue Mr. Ali. reached your decision. Is there really any need to waste time? Call in the hitmen to clean up all the traitor Turkish Cypriots".

/SK

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

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