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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-08-18
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA
No. 157/00 -- 18.8.00
[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] Bayram Announces Economic Recovery Measures in occupied Cyprus KIBRIS
(18.8.00) reports that the so-called Economy and Finance Minister
Mehmet Bayram held a news conference and announced the decisions adopted at
the so-called Council of Ministers meeting with the aim of overcoming the
existing economic problems and correcting the financial structure.
Bayram explained the reason for announcing the decisions on 17/8 rather
than the day before as preventing speculation and stockpiling. He first
referred to the situation of the four problematic banks and the payments to
the bank victims. Pointing out that the banking crisis was discussed in
detail during the ``Council of Ministers'' meeting (16.8.00). Bayram
remarked that the banks whose activities were stopped were investigated
under two categories. Everestbank, Yurtbank, Finansbank and Hurbank, which
asked for additional time to improve their financial situation, were given
a period of grace until 25 August, Bayram revealed, adding that if the
banks fail to come up with a serious plan to improve their financial
situation, by then, they will be liquidated. Bayram said that the Kibris
Kredi Bankasi and the Endustri Bankasi, which also asked for additional
time, were also granted a period of grace until the end of the month to
keep the banks afloat. The former partners of the Kibris Endustri Bankasi
and its depositors met to sign a protocol to keep the bank afloat and
submitted the protocol to the ``government'', Bayram explained and added
that if the plan is deemed suitable, it will be implemented. Bayram said
that the ``government'' is expecting the other banks to conduct work along
the same lines.
Bayram stated: The total liability of the six banks stands at 110 trillion
Turkish lira. If some of these banks propose their own applicable formulas,
the liabilities in the payment percentages will decrease, and we will be
able to conclude the payments to the depositors more quickly.
He explained that the funding problem has practically been resolved and a
new payment plan will be formulated by the end of the month in light of the
proposals to be submitted by the banks as well.
Some of the economic measures adopted to overcome the economic problems
were also anounced during the news conference. Accordingly, the VAT rates
and the refund regulations were reviewed and the refund rates were reduced
from 5 to 2.5%. Alongside this, however, some goods and services, which
were not previously included in the scope of the tax refunds, were included
in the refund list, and the tax rates applied to goods and services were
raised.
Basic consumer goods such as milk and bread will continue to be exempt from
taxes and the goods that bore a 2% tax will continue to be taxed at the
same rate. Education, health and raw material purchases, which were subject
to a 6% tax, will now be taxed 3%. According to the new measures, taxes of
6% will be increased to 9% and 9% to 13%. Goods that were subject to 20
percent tax will remain at the same level.
Taxes imposed on fuel, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and imported cars were
increased according to categories, while tax exemptions and customs levies
were amended. Accordingly the price of one litre of gasoline was increased
by 35.000 TL to 625.000 TL and the price of diesel oil was increased by
25.000 TL to 380.000 TL. Bayram announced that the taxes on alcoholic
drinks and cigarettes were also increased with an attempt at maintaining a
balance with neighbouring countries. Pointing out that a very low tax will
be applied to domestic products, Bayram announced that imported whiskey
will cost 150.000 TL more than before and the price of imported cigarettes
will be increased by 38.000 TL. The taxes on imported cars were increased
by $500 in line with the categories of the cars. Accordingly, the taxes on
cars up to 1.600 cc will be increased from $1.000 to $1.500 the taxes on
cars of 1.600-2000 cc from $2.500 to $3.000 and the taxes on cars above
2.000 cc were increased to $3.500. The economy ``minister'' declared that
changes were also introduced to the customs exemption regulations.
He revealed that all these measures will generate an income of 7 trillion
TL for the budget at the end of four months. Bayram stated that the real
objective of the ``government'' in surmounting the economic problems is to
render the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus capable of meeting
its own current expenditures, and ensure that the financial help from
Turkey is channeled to investments.
[02] Turkish Cypriot Parties, Chamber of Trade call on ``Government'' to
resign Yeni Demokrat (18.8.00) reports on the reactions in occupied Cyprus
to the
economic decisions adopted by the so-called Council of Ministers. It says
that the Democratic Party (DP), the National Resistance Party (UDP) and the
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade called on the ``government'' to resign.
DP leader Serdar Dnktash said that the economic decisions ``exploded in the
face of the citizens''. He charged that the decisions show that the only
thing the ``government'' is interested in is to pay the civil servants
their salaries. He maintained that the government does not bring any
solutions to solve the problems of the bank depositors and leaves it all up
to the banks themselves.
A statement by UDP Secretary General Guner Goktug was also reported saying
that the ``government'' must resign and early general elections held. He
charged that the ``government'' only brings price hikes and never solves
any of the problems facing the people.
Illegal Bayrak Radio reported on a statement by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber
of Trade which said that the ``government'' must heed the reaction of the
people and resign. The Chamber of trade said that the ``government'' does
not fulfill its promises, has caused the collapse of the economy, and
forces the people to live in poverty even though they have savings. It said
that ``The Eroglu government does not enjoy the trust of the people, the
institutions, or Turkey, and it is difficult to understand how it insists
on remaining in power.''
[03] New Military Commander takes over HALKIN SESI (18.8.00) reports that
Brigadier General Ali Nihat Ozeyranli who
has been promoted to the rank of major general as of 30 August handed over
the ``TRNC'' ``Security Forces'' Command to Brigadier General Galip Mendi
during a ceremony yesterday.
Addressing the ceremony Rauf Denktash said that Ozeyranli trained his
soldiers as if they were his own sons, adding: ``His achievements will make
sure that our people do not forget him.''
Denktash said that Ozeyranli was leaving, proud to have fulfilled his
duties successfully. ``We are proud of you too'', Denktash said, adding:
``The recent regrettable incidents occurred as a result of the dedicated
efforts you exerted with all of us for this country, for the motherland, in
order to make sure that the two are not separated and to strengthen their
ties.''
He pointed out that the newly appointed Brigadier General Mendi knows the
Turkish Cypriots well. Denktash stressed that cooperation and harmony are
essential, ``because our cause is one and we will advance it honorably. We
have no other choice. There is no going back, there is not going to be a
surrender, there is going to be success and we will succeed.''
In a speech, Ozeyranli said that the fighting power of the Security Forces
Command is such that it can successfully fulfill any mission.
He pointed out that the political struggle regarding the Cyprus question
continues and becomes more heated with each passing day. He stressed that
the political struggle is more difficult than the military one and that
there is no room there for everyday considerations.
Galip Mendi said, in turn, that he was honoured to be appointed ``commander
of the Security Forces'' and that Ozeyranli's services would guide him in
his new post. He said: ``The flag we have been given will be carried even
higher, ``adding that the aim is to establish a unit that has high levels
of discipline, morale and training. He went on to say that he will fulfill
his duties without deviating from Ataturk's path and by remaining loyal to
the law. He asserted that as in the past, the Security Forces Command will
eliminate all threats to the country's peace and security. He added that
``the glorious land will be defended until the last Turkish soldier'' and
stressed that even the most difficult conditions will not prevent them from
defending the country and fulfilling their duties.
Following the speeches, an Ataturk monument was unveiled by Mr Denktash.
There is an Ataturk statue on one side of the monument, and that of a
Turkish Cypriot fighter flanked by two lying lions on the other. The base
of the monument carries the following caption, a quote from Ataturk:
``Gentlemen, pay attention to Cyprus. That island and its people are very
important.''
[04] Bulgarian refugees' problems According to KIBRIS (18.8.00) the
Bulgarian Refugee Association had
yesterday a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in order
to ask support for their unsolved problems.
The Chairman of the Association Kursat Dunki informed Denktash that their
problems have been unsolved for a long time now stressing that the major
obstacle in their problems is bureaucracy.
Dunki said that their demands are the following:
- to take the ``TRNC citizenship'' - to be given appropriate land to build
their houses - for newborn children to be given passport
- to take initiatives so that their Bulgarian passport can be renewed
easily - to be given a special permit in order to be able to sell the car
that they bring with them.
Denktash told then that it is a pity that due to bureaucracy their problems
have remained unresolved. He suggested that the problems must be presented
before the coordination committee so that decisions can be taken or have
the law amended.
Denktash also pointed out that his adviser Mustafa Tokay will always keep
the doors open for them and that he is going to help them to put their
decisions to effect.
[05] Chernobyl children received by Denktash According to KIBRIS (18.8.00)
within the framework of International
Rehabilitation Program, a group of 40 Belarus children with five teachers,
arrived in the occupied area on 1st of August as guests of the so-called
Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministry and the Turkish Embassy.
Yesterday, the Belarus group visited the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash. Denktash made a welcoming speech to the children who were
affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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