Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-07-11

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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. 130/00 -- 11.7.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriots detain another suspect in alleged spying affair.

[02] Denktash meets de Soto.

[03] On the arrest of AVRUPA journalists.

[04] Ecevit says Aegean disputes, Cyprus problem can be solved.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Turkish columnist links Sener Levent/s detention to AVRUPA/s opposition to Denktkash.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriots detain another suspect in alleged spying affair

Following the arrest of five persons, including Sener Levent, owner and editor-in-chief of the AVRUPA newspaper, the photographer of the same newspaper, Mehmet Inanci, was also detained. Inanci was brought before a ``court'' and remanded in custody for two days.

[02] Denktash meets de Soto

Denktash held a long meeting with de Soto last night. It was learned that the meeting which lasted approximately three and a half hours was beneficial. Denktash and de Soto appeared pleased with the meeting, which attracted the interest of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot press. In response to insistent questions by reporters, Denktash remarked that the talks were beneficial and constructive. He said: ``We are working hard''.

Sources close to the United Nations described the Denktash-de Soto meeting as the most beneficial meeting held so far.

[03] On the arrest of AVRUPA journalists

The subtitle says, ``Do you expect us to be shot at in order for the conspiracy to be revealed?''

Furthermore, Turkish Daily News (10.7.00), reports on the issue and says, inter alia, that after Sener Levent, owner and editor-in-chief of AVRUPA, appeared before the ``court'', a group gathering in front of the AVRUPA building chanted slogans like ``Damn fascism!'' and ``We are all traitors if this is the homeland''.

The arrest of the journalists sent shock waves in leftist circles. The representatives of 20 organizations, including the Republican Turkish Party and Patriotic Union Movement, made a joint statement protesting the arrests. Representatives of labour unions, political parties and civil foundations made statements demanding that ``Security Forces'' Commander Ali Nihat Ozeyranli resign.

The paper further reports that the Greek Journalists ssociation,( as published) in the meantime, applied to the UN Secretariat and to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, demanding that the journalists be released. The association applied to international journalists/associations as well.

AVRUPA, whose computers were seized after they lost a series of lawsuits, meanwhile, announced that it would not halt publication, despite the arrest of its two journalists and editor in chief. Levent/s column was taken over by his daughter, Elvan Levent.

AVRUPA daily was at the center of an army-``government'' dispute that broke out last week. Army circles were disturbed by the ``government'' keeping silent in the face of the ciriticism launched against the ``government'' and the army by the AVRUPA, since the army found itself alone in its effort to refute the criticism. The tension turned into a crisis when it was suggested that the ``police forces'' be attached to the so-called interior ministry.

[04] Ecevit says Aegean disputes, Cyprus problem can be solved

Asked whether the Cyprus problem and the Aegean disputes can be solved without difficulty, Ecevit replied: ``The Western countries have begun to realize that two independent states exist in Cyprus. They do not admit that but they have begun to see the realities. They have realized that the Greek Cypriots have no authority on north Cyprus. The next step will be the recognition of the TRNC as a state. Nevertheless, they maintain their pressure. The Greek Cypriot side and Greece will maintain their unchanging approach as long as the EU continues to put pressure on Turkey. The Greek Cypriots will be willing to reach an agreement with the Turkish Cypriot side if the EU decides not to interfere. That should not be feared. Had Turkey planed to occupy Cyprus as a whole, it would have maintained its peace operation for a few more days in 1974. That would have been enough.

What I mean is that it would be easier for the sides to settle the Cyprus problem and the Aegean disputes without foreign intervention. Turkey/s rights have been violated in the Aegean. They have not been recognized. We called for a dialogue to solve the problem. No one can object to that.''

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Turkish columnist links Sener Levent/s detention to AVRUPA/s opposition to Denktash

/SK

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

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