Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-07-28

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ecevit on situation in the pseudostte.

[02] Akinci says past Turkish, "TRNC" governments played role in current situation.

[03] Serdar Denktash, Talat criticize Hasipoglu report on depositors/ action.

[04] Eroglu denies being `wiped out/, comments on `talk of resignation/.

[05] UBP expresses loyalty to Eroglu, says system not at root of problems.

[06] Denktash calls on "government" of Eroglu to resign.

[07] Turkish Cypriot organizations send letter to Kofi Annan.

[08] Akinci meets foreign diplomats.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist criticizes pseudostate "officials".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ecevit on situation in the pseudostate

Ecevit evaluated the recent developments in the "TRNC" in a statement to TRT. Ecevit stated that the report pertaining to the "TRNC" that was discussed at the National Security Council (MGK) meeting did not include an assessment regarding the pseudostate/s internal affairs, as claimed by a newspaper. Ecevit noted that the report merely contained detailed information on the Cyprus proximity talks in Geneva and incorporated views on this subject. Pointing out, however, that serious problems are being experienced in the "TRNC" in the recent period, Ecevit noted that these developments were also mentioned in the MGK meeting.

"However, as I said, this issue was also mentioned during the discussions, because there are certain serious problems in the TRNC. For one, measures of an election economy have continuously been implemented in the TRNC - maybe because there are frequent elections. Turkey is naturally contributing whatever it can to the TRNC, but these contributions were unfortunately not all used for their designated purposes. Moreover, there are certain banks that do not have a solid foundation. This of course created severe disappointment among the bank depositors. The Turkish Cypriot economy definitely needs discipline. This is what we will ensure and attach importance to. We would not withhold anything from the Turkish Cypriot people, as long as the aid we extend under difficult conditions is channelled into concrete areas and contributes to genuinely strengthening economy. This is all we are asking. We have never interfered in the internal affairs of the TRNC", Ecevit said.

[02] Akinci says past Turkish, "TRNC" governments played role in current situation

An Anatolia Agency report (10:49 hours, 27.7.00) says that Akinci said that Rauf Denktash wants a presidential system, that this is not new, and that this issue has nothing to do with the banking crisis. Noting that the presidential system is functioning well in the United States, Akinci said that, however, this system has led to dictatorships in Latin America.

Referring to the calls being made for the "government" to resign, Akinci said: "If there is a need for resignations, then let all the officials resign. Let us then go back to the people, including the president. Let the government and the president resign, and let us elect a new Assembly. There are countries that hold three elections within one year and their democracies are not damaged. If necessary, this might be a solution here as well".

Noting that it is unfair to blame the "government", which has been in power for a year and a half, for the incidents which broke out in recent days, Akinci charged that Rauf Denktash has not been able to come to terms with the current "government".

Pointing out that "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu has been in touch with the Turkish government in the aftermath of the recent developments, Akinci said that they are ready to discuss , in the political sense, the economic package with Turkey. Akinci said that they are waiting for the results of Eroglu/s contacts for a visit to Turkey, adding that it would be very good to meet with Turkish officials at this stage.

[03] Serdar Denktash, Talat criticize Hasipoglu report on depositors/ action

In a statement he issued, Serdar Denktash remarked that the incidents that occurred during the bank depositors/ action are neither Greek Cypriot nor communist provocation, they are the reaction unconsciously displayed by people who could not clearly see the future. Now is not the time to be wasted by the "government" accusing the opposition in a manner unprecedented in any part of the world, Serdar Denktash said. Serdar Denktash noted that it is necessary to dwell on the reasons why the people/s rage reached such an unrestrainable stage.

Serdar Denktash said that the DP proposed setting aside partisan interests and taking action for the establishment of a transition "government" aimed at overcoming these current situation. He declared that it is necessary to bring about the solution of the problems by means of a "national government" to be established on this ground and to thus regain the people/s trust in the politicians.

The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) criticized the report publicized by Ertugrul Hasipoglu, "acting president and assembly speaker", in the wake of the bank depositors/ action following the bank crisis. In a written statement he issued, CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat said that Hasipoglu/s report views as an enemy anyone who favours peace, democracy, solution and EU membership, who demands the right to self-administration, and who wants a productive economy, social justice, and healthy relations based on mutual benefits with Turkey.

Charging that the report demonstrates the antidemocratic character of certain centers within the body of the "state" as well as their hostility stemming from lack of love with regard to the Turkish Cypriots, Talat remarked that the report, which includes phrases such as informer, is extremely important. Talat said that according to the report, the security units consider certain political parties and unions as pro-Greek Cypriot. He continued: "This report also shows why the state engaged in acts of terrorism such as hurling bombs, using violence, and firing shots against the journalists and the people inside the Assembly. These units target everyone and the Turkish Cypriot people as the enemy."

[04] Eroglu denies being `wiped out/, comments on `talk of resignation/

In an opening statement at the meeting, Eroglu inter alia said: "We have convened this meeting to discuss in detail the latest developments, to set our strategy, and to publicly announce the views and decisions of the party council. I see that no matter what ploys are staged to destroy the UBP, they will not work".

Eroglu recalled that when he was resting following his illness in line with his doctors/ recommendation, certain circles were spreading the rumours that he could not return to his post or that he could not return to politics. He explained that an intervention was carried out on one of his heart vessels and that it is now better than before. He reiterated that he has no health problems. Eroglu noted that for the first time he felt the need to obey his doctors/ recommendation to rest for two months. He added: "Nobody should think that Eroglu has been wiped out or that the UBP has been left without a leader. To think that would be a mistake. Even if Eroglu goes, the party will find another leader and continue along its path".

[05] UBP expresses loyalty to Eroglu, says system not at root of problems

A statement issued at the end of the four-hour meeting of the UBP party council says that the debates on the regime must cease since the political system is not at the root of the problems. In its statement, the UBP stressed its loyalty to party leader and "prime minister" Eroglu in light of the ploys being staged against the party as well as its loyalty and support for the "government".

Meanwhile, "prime minister" Eroglu said that the "ministry of the economy and finance" is working on the issue of making payments to the bank depositors. In a statement after the meeting of the UBP party council meeting, Eroglu said that the deposits in the six banks seized by the pseudostate total some 120 trillion Turkish lira. To pay this amount to the account owners, he said, a new agreement must be signed with them.

Replying to a question on his upcoming visit to Turkey, Eroglu noted that a written request was sent to Turkey. He added: "When issues that concern us are discussed, the responsible officials must also be present in Ankara. That is how the date will be set. We are waiting for a reply".

Eroglu asserted that his talks in Turkey will focus on the economic package.

[06] Denktash calls on "government" of Eroglu to resign

Diplomatic sources say that "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu has also been looking for Turkey/s financial relief, but his request to meet Turkish officials in Turkey has not been given a response.

[07] Turkish Cypriot organizations send letter to Kofi Annan

The letter will be handed over today to UN officials at the Ledra Palace check-point.

[08] Akinci meets foreign diplomats

Akinci also had lunch yesterday with the Head of the EU Commission delegation in Cyprus, ambassador Donato Chiarini.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist criticizes pseudostate "officials"

Pointing out that extravagance is prevailing among the upper echelons of the occupied area, Dogru says: "Despite the fact that you have promised to pay the deposits of the bank depositors who were effected by the bank crisis, you were unable to fulfil your promise by not paying the fourth instalment of the depositors. On the other hand, however, you were able to secure 99 luxurious Mercedes cars with which to receive foreign guests that arrived in the occupied area for the so-called `peace operation anniversary/.

Yes, no more no less, exactly 99 Mercedes cars to welcome the guests. (paragraph omitted)

What is the reason for this luxury when there is an economic crisis?"

Dogru goes on and says that in the occupied area "the president/s office has 32 cars, 60 percent of which are Mercedes cars and recently a BMW was added to this collection, which cost 90 thousand DM. What was the reason for buying this BMW?" asks Dogru and wonders "where the money was found for the Prime Minister to have three Mercedes cars, the Assembly Speaker to have three Mercedes cars and all 10 ministers to have 10 Mercedes cars?"

"Bravo! They are magicians!", he says. "Their population is 140 thousand and they have 58 thousand civil servants.

Following the 1974 Peace Operation 200 production units were left behind by the Greek Cypriots. These were factories providing equipment to the touristic establishments. Today not a single factory is in operation.

How can there be such a system?".

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

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