Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-08-11

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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. 153/00 -- 11.8.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu urges unity and solidarity.

[02] Eroglu, Akinci meet Denktash, say no more fighting among high-level posts.

[03] Eroglu denies press reports on Turkey/s `obligation/ to give.

[04] Talat leaves for Turkey to hold contacts with media representatives.

[05] Livestock exports.

[06] British MP on Turkey and the EU.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu urges unity and solidarity

Addressing the inauguration of an Ataturk bust and a wedding hall in Gaidhouras village, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot people have for years been waging "a struggle for freedom on these territories together with the motherland." Pointing out that he is aware of the existence of certain economic problems in the country, Eroglu reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people cannot renounce their "national cause", and the "government" is determined to overcome these problems in cooperation with motherland Turkey. He added: "This country is ours. These territories are ours, and it is our duty to defend these territories. Naturally, in fulfilling this duty, our only guarantee is motherland Turkey". Eroglu pledged that the Turkish Cypriot people, who are advancing along the path of great leader Ataturk/s principles and reforms, will always wage the same struggle.

Referring to the fourth round proximity talks to be held in New York he said that they will be very different than the talks conducted in Geneva. He declared that the Turkish Cypriots should act knowing what they want, in unity and solidarity.

He added: "Altogether, we must raise our voices and tell the world that it is impossible for us to accept an agreement that will abandon us at the mercy of the Greek Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriots are in favour of establishing a confederal roof based on the reality of two states", Eroglu stated, adding that "no concessions will be made in this regard". Eroglu recounted that "the Turkish Cypriots informed the world they will not make concessions over Turkey/s effective guarantee or their sovereignty and political equality, and it is necessary to work together in order to make the world accept this."

Noting that the "government" is now facing economic problems, Eroglu said that at present it is impossible for the "TRNC" to become self-sufficient. He expressed the belief that the economy will be strengthened and the problems will be overcome with the support of the motherland. The economic problems will also be overcome in unity and solidarity, he said, stressing that, as in the past, the Turkish Cypriots must be able to make sacrifices whenever necessary.

[02] Eroglu, Akinci meet Denktash, say no more fighting among high-level posts

In a statement after the meeting, Eroglu said that from now on the economic problems will be resolved in harmony and cooperation with Mr. Denktash. Mustafa Akinci said that from now on there is not going to be any fighting among the higher-level posts, adding that today is the start of the cooperation among the various posts.

Eroglu said that at the meeting, they discussed economic issues, the third round of proximity talks in Geneva, and the talks Denktash held with high- level Turkish officials in Turkey after he came back from Geneva.

Eroglu pointed out that the problem of depositors emerged in the "TRNC" following the banking crisis, adding that they exchanged views on the

economic package. He said that they will start to implement some clauses of the package following the next "Council of Ministers meeting". Eroglu stressed that time should not be wasted when dealing with economic issues. If decisions are made and implemented in time, he said, you can minimize losses.

Asked if there is a disharmony with the Turkish Government, Eroglu said that there is no such thing. He stressed that the Turkish Government wants the "TRNC/s" economy to leave the bottleneck behind. Nothing can be more natural than exchanging views on these issues, he said.

Akinci described the meeting with Denktash as a first concrete step toward cooperation and dialogue among the posts adding: "The people want cooperation and dialogue among the posts. Unless the arguments among the posts stops, the people may have to go to arbitration".

He said that certain differences of opinion exist between Turkey and the "TRNC" regarding the economic package. He stressed that the "TRNC" has different conditions, and these must be taken into consideration. He said:

They should not suffocate the people while trying to have them tighten their belts.

Akinci asserted that common ground will be found with the Turkish Government. He then said that the "TRNC" must develop its economy and democracy, and that the wrong messages should not be given to the Greek Cypriot side. He emphasized that the problems and difficulties will be resolved within the "TRNC" and through cooperation with Turkey.

[03] Eroglu denies press reports on Turkey/s `obligation/ to give

In a statement prompted by a correspondent/s question, Eroglu said: "Our goal with motherland Turkey is the same. Both the TRNC and Turkey want to lead the national Cyprus cause to the desired goal in the healthiest possible manner and to ensure that the TRNC and its people occupy a respectable position in the world in prosperity and happiness. Economic stability and development are extremely important in terms of attaining our national goals."

He went on: "We believe that at this stage of the Cyprus issue when the struggle waged by Turkey and the TRNC in the international arena is continuing, it is necessary to leave behind the difficulties experienced by the bank depositors and all other sectors in a spirit of cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood. Regardless of where they are implemented, economic recovery packages need foreign resources. It is natural, in turn, for us to demand resources from motherland Turkey, our only support in the world as we implement this economic package and a country with which we are working and cooperating toward our common goal. However, there is no question of portraying this as an obligation on the part of Turkey, as charged in the press".

[04] Talat leaves for Turkey to hold contacts with media representatives

[05] Livestock exports

KIBRIS reports that, within this framework 3 thousand llivestock - (sheep lamb and goat) were exported the other day from the occupied Famagusta port.

Kuchuk said that with this consignment this year/s export programme of livestock has been completed. He said that livestock export will continue in 2001 as well.

For lamb, livestock breeders received 1.3 million TL per kilo and for goat 1.2 million TL per kilo. Breeders said that exporting their livestock is more profitable for them than selling in the local market.

[06] British MP on Turkey and the EU

Balfe said that there are many differences between Turkey and the EU member countries in the economic and social fields. He said that Turkey has to complete what is missing regarding the Human Rights issue within this process. Turkey should put into force the constitutional rights.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, the British MP claimed that what Denktash is saying and proposing should be taken into account.

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

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