Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-08-28

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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. 163/00 -- 26-27-28

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: ``I do what the people want me to''.

[02] Denktash on need to make changes in ``Cabinet'', gain trust of people.

[03] Denktash expresses hopes `government/ preserves banks, not takeovers.

[04] Akinci calls Denktash to stop attacking `government/.

[05] Talat says MGK decision scandalous.

[06] Talat says MGK decisions on ``TRNC'' to shrink economy.

[07] HURRIYET publishes excerpts of intelligence report on Cyprus.

[08] Dev-Is, Turk-Sen protest decision to liquidate banks.

[09] Denktash/s letter to Annan issued as UN document.

[10] Turkey/s new permanent UN representative Pamir presents credentials to Annan.

[11] Ertugruloglu says Greek Cypriot Administration fake state, not ``TRNC''.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: ``I do what the people want me to''

In reply to a question on early elections posed by one of the members of the MAP delegation, Denktash said: It is up to the Assembly to decide on this issue. I do not know the Assembly/s state of mind, who would seek early elections under these adverse conditions, and whether early elections will change anything.

In reply to reporters/ questions on his views with regard to the Turkish National Security Council decision on Cyprus, Denktash said: The decision is crystal-clear. An action plan is being considered on all issues in cooperation with us. I suppose that these issues will be resolved at a series of meetings between the two sides.

Noting that he will brief the Assembly on the latest situation on the Cyprus issue, Denktash added that certain circles accuse him of monopolizing the Cyprus issue and of intransigence even though he conducts briefings as the need arises. Denktash continued: the people know everything I know because I try to do what the people want and know. The people say that I should safeguard their state, not give up Turkey/s guarantee, and that Turkey/s rights over Cyprus should most definitely by preserved. Let anybody who opposes these views come forward. I was elected by the people. It was the people who extended support to my formula, which consisted of advancing the cause together with Turkey without diluting its guarantorship and of protecting our equality and sovereignty in line with the principle of two states. This is my cause, my strength, and the majority in the Assembly share these views.

Denktash added: We are being accused of intransigence when various of our office/s proposals receive praise. I also want the conciliation the people seek. We won the elections because I told the people what kind of conciliation I sought. We are keeping the word we gave during the elections.

[02] Denktash on need to make changes in ``Cabinet'', gain trust of people

In a statement after a meeting with a delegation of Nationalist Justice Party (MAP) officials headed by MAP leader Zorlu Tore, Denktash said that certain circles are organizing meetings as though they will protect the rights of bank depositors but, in actual fact, they are conducting their own political agenda which is unacceptable to the people.

He noted that in the aftermath of the action the bank depositors took at the Republican Assembly, the foreign press carried reports under headlines such as `the Turkish Cypriots have tired of the Turkish soldier, they want the troops to withdraw/ and `they have tired of Denktash, they want Denktash to go away/.

He added that he is aware that the people who participated in those actions do not have such thoughts in their mind. Expressing his sorrow over these incidents that took place while he was in Geneva, Denktash continued: Now we are again going to New York. I hope that actions and statements that will lead to similar assessments will not take place.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots are going through a critical phase and that their cause is being explained at this particular phase, Denktash said that the Turkish Cypriots will not consent to an agreement that will eliminate Turkey guarantees, adding that, however, the Greek Cypriots are exerting every effort to abolish Turkey/s guarantees, to bring a multinational force to the island, and to reduce the Turkish Cypriots to a minority status.

Noting that there has been no change in the stand of the Greek Cypriots who are trying to own the entire island via the EU, Denktash said that certain circles are acting in this manner in a bid to portray him as intransigent. He continued: We get our support from the people and we are performing our duties in the full knowledge of our people/s suffering. The government and individuals should inspire trust in the motherland if this suffering is to end. All the actions being taken at the moment, all these protests, are not directed at inspiring this trust. They are aimed at shaking that trust. They are aimed at separating us from Turkey These facts should be clear to all.

He said nothing can be achieved by using his proposals as an excuse to claim that there is a quarrel, adding that the important issue is to strengthen the trust between Turkey and the government, which has been weakened considerably.

Denktash also criticized those who misinterpreted his proposals to overcome the extraordinary economic problems, adding: If you do not inspire trust in Turkey, you cannot ask for funds. He said that changing the team is necessary if the current problems are to be surmounted, adding that technocrats should be included in the ``Cabinet'' for a specified time. Denktash then called on the ``ministers'', saying: Have a look at yourselves. Are you serving your party or your people? Whom are you serving?

Also speaking at the meeting, Zorlu Tore noted the necessity for explaining the Turkish Cypriot cause and embracing the motherland, the army, the people, and the state in order to have a better future. Pointing out that the state should treat all those living in the country equally with the framework of the principles of law and equity, Tore said that the ``TRNC'' is a national state, stressing that it does not belong to any party or individual. Harshly criticizing the ``government'', Tore said that solutions should be sought within a constitutional framework.

[03] Denktash expresses hopes `government/ preserves banks, not takeovers

Expressing his view on liquidating the banks in question on 25 August in the event that they do not meet the required conditions, Denktash said: I hope the ``government'' will not adopt hasty decisions on taking over the banks if nothing happens until a certain date. It may be necessary to take such an action in the end; however, priority should be given to preserve the banks first. Explaining that the ``government'' will be shouldering a very difficult task if it decides to take over the debts of the banks, Denktash said that this is a matter of accounts and called on the ``government'' to do everything possible to preserve the banks. Denktash continued: The government will be taking over all the liabilities of the banks if it decides to take over the banks. The government should conduct a careful assessment. It could not pay one-eighteenth of the payments for more than three months. Taking over all the debts of the banks is tantamount to shouldering a very difficult task because it will be committing itself to all these liabilities. This requires careful calculation.

Denktash further expressed hope that the ``government'' will do everything possible to preserve the banks. Explaining that after he met with certain officials, Denktash said that it became clear that the only solution is to merge all the banks or find other formulas in order to preserve them. Denktash added: The only solution is to preserve these banks because the ``government'' will not be able to pay the banks/ debts if it takes them over. This, in turn, will ruin the depositors eve more.

Explaining that the ``government'' reached the decision to pay one- eighteenth of the payments without asking and consulting with Turkey, Denktash added:

In other words, the decision was adopted without Turkey. I felt the need to say these things because it is very difficult to rectify those decisions which are made in haste. The decision to pay one-eighteenth was adopted without consulting with Turkey. In other words, the decision was adopted without Turkey/s presence and it became necessary to retract this decision after three months.

[04] Akinci calls Denktash to stop attacking `government/

Noting that it is not necessary to declare a state of emergency, which envisages shelving 13 articles of the ``Constitution'' in connection with democratic freedoms, Akinci criticized Denktash for constantly placing this issue on the agenda. Stressing that shelving democratic rights in order to improve the economy cannot be the ``government/s'' approach, Akinci added:

Declaring a state of emergency is not included in the ``government/s'' agenda. There is no need for it.

Claiming that it could be said that Denktash triggered off the incidents by constantly attacking the ``government'' for months, Akinci said that such an attitude will not serve the public in finding solutions. Explaining that the problems cannot be solved by friction, insistence, and constantly attacking the government. ``It is time to say stop to Mr. ``President/s'' attitude, however. As the deputy prime minister of this government, I would like to issue a final warning to the president''. Reiterating that nothing will be achieved if Denktash continues to attack the government'', Akinci gave the message that elections can be the only alternative.

Akinci strongly criticized Denktash/ remarks that the ``government'' lacks vision. Akinci continued: Denktash said in his attack that the ``governmnet'' lacks vision. Let him come forward with his vision if he has one. We would like to hear about the ``president/s'' vision. Let him put forward his vision and we will discuss it. We would like to hear about what is it that the ``government'' is not doing? We call him and he does not come. It could be that he is not able to come because he is busy; however, he has time to attack the government. In my opinion, this is not what the people expect of him.

Accusing Denktash of trying to weaken the government by first attacking the National Unity Party (UBP) and now the Communal Liberation Party, Akinci said: The economy cannot be improved by anti-democratic behaviour. This is not a vision. It is fortunate that the government does not have such a vision.

[05] Talat says MGK decision scandalous.

Addressing the Assembly, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat expressed his views on the relations between Turkey and the ``TRNC'' as well as on the economic and political problems. Talat stressed that the CTP voted against the decision to recess the Assembly.

Referring to the Turkish National Security Council (MGK) decisions, Talat charged that ``President'' Rauf Denktash wrote a report to the MGK complaining about the domestic developments and got the MGK to adopt a decision against the ``TRNC''. Describing the MGK decision on the domestic problems of the ``TRNC'' as a scandal and a strategic mistake, Talat said that the ``government'' has remained a spectator in the face of these developments. Expressing the view that the reflection of the MGK decisions on the world and the people will create problems, Talat said that the relations between Turkey and the ``TRNC'' should be based on mutual interests. Talat further criticized the fact that the ``government'' is not showing an interest in the Assembly activities.

CTP deputy Sumer Aygin, also delivering an off-agenda speech, commented on the tourism sector. Noting that problems are being experienced in all sectors in the country, Aygin praised the ``Tourism Ministry'' for opening a bureau in Frankfurt, adding that, however, the problem of transportation has not been solved.

[06] Talat says MGK decisions on ``TRNC'' to shrink economy

In a written statement, Talat assessed the MGK decisions. Talat said that it would have been better if issues such as opening the doors of the ``TRNC'' to produce; service; foreign markets; the issue of the military cafeterias, which adversely affects the domestic market, and surmounting the economic and political problems were taken up. Claiming that the stage reached in the relations will have adverse effects at this time when negotiations are focusing on sovereignty discussions, Talat added: At first, the political circles and officials in Turkey should realize that the common interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people do not lie with Denktash and a right-wing political cadre only.

Talat further claimed that the National Unity Party and Communal Liberation Party coalition had not yet submitted a complete economic package.

[07] HURRIYET publishes excerpts of intelligence report on Cyprus

The report, entitled ``Domestic Situation in the TRNC'' and drafted by a special unit, contains the following conclusions in one of its sections entitled ``Attempts aimed at undermining the unity and solidarity of the Turkish Cypriots'',.

EU is provocative

``Over the past 4-5 years, the Turkish Cypriots have been exposed to a propaganda promoting EU membership. The EU, while applying an embargo on the ``TRNC'', tries, using various methods, to convince the Turkish Cypriots that they will receive numerous benefits should they join the EU together with the Greek Cypriots. Access to the EU and a political solution are presented as a prescription for solving the economic problems currently faced by the Turkish Cypriots.

Promotion of a Cypriot identity

``It has been established that a common `Cypriot/ identity, also encompassing the Greek Cypriots, is being promoted in bicommunal contacts being conducted under the US guidance. As a result of initiatives taken by Richard Holbrooke, the permanent US Representative to the UN, and efforts exerted by different non-governmental organizations, the bicommunal meetings have been transformed into an alternative negotiation process to the official channel. Therefore, these contacts were suspended following the EU Luxembourg Summit. At present, they are being conducted in part outside the island.

European newspaper

``Voicing opposition to ``TRNC'' ``President'' Rauf Denktash, Turkey, and the Turkish Armed Forces, the daily newspaper AVRUPA has launched a systematic provocation, fuelling political and economic instability. By doing this, it attempts to exploit the 1963-74 trauma, which has left its mark in people/s minds, and the feeling of being a minority. In addition to these, Turkey is also being held responsible for the structural weaknesses in the society, which has been isolated from the rest of the world because of the embargo.

Aid to ``AVRUPA''

``There is evidence showing that some municipalities controlled by the UBP (National Unity Party) and some businessmen have lent financial support to AVRUPA by means of advertisements placed in the paper. This newspaper labels those who are in favour of maintaining closer ties with Turkey and the silent majority as `proponents of living on a mandated territory/.

Instead of defusing the crisis

``In this overall picture, it was also observed that the coalition partners attempted to change the agenda by making various proposals that require amendments to the ``Constitution'', such as putting the police under the ``Interior Ministry/s'' control as a way of opposing integration with Turkey, rather than seeking a solution to the economic hardships''.

[08] Dev-Is, Turk-Sen protest decision to liquidate banks

In a statement he made in front of the Assembly building, Devi-IS leader Ali Gulle ciriticized the government saying that, during its two years in power, it accomplished nothing other than making promises. Noting that they have been requesting to meet so-called ``prime minister'' Dervis Eroglu for the last two months, Gulle added that, however, they have yet to receive a positive response to their request. He then asked Eroglu and Mustafa Akinci, ``state minister and deputy prime minister'', what the future of the four banks will be. Pointing out that the negative developments in the country are forcing the Turkish Cypriot people to leave Cyprus, Gulle said:

If you believe in a social state, then you should be open to holding a meeting.

Turk-Sen (Turkish Cypriot Federation of Labour Unions) leader Onder Konuloglu recalled that they embarked on their cause with the slogan ``this country is ours/, adding that they will continue their struggle on the issue and that they will support to the very end all those who are waging this struggle. Konuloglu said that those who gave the permits to open the banks are now quietly observing the free movement of these bank owners, adding that the depositors, however, are left without any resources and are victimized. Claiming that the youths are being forced to migrate because of the negative developments in the country, Konuloglu said that the ``government'' members have nothing to say other than that work is continuing on the issue.

Konuloglu charged that Turkey is dictating to the ``TRNC'' what it should do, adding: What kind of an independent state are we?

Democratic Party leader Serdar Denktash, also making a statement, said that the administrators of the banks that are in trouble will be punished, noting that it would not be right to criticise Turkey. Pointing out that the ``TRNC'' is self-governing but that it is not being administered well, Denktash said that no one will allow the country to collapse, adding that attacking Turkey, which has the smallest role in the current problematic situation, is wrong.

Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat stated that in his election speeches he warned that the ``TRNC'' would be faced with the current situation. Talat continued: During my election speeches I warned that we would be facing the current situation, that workers would lose their jobs. It was, however, election time. They did not tell you that you could lose your jobs. Expressing full support for the action being taken, Talat said that packages to be prepared outside the country cannot bring solutions and that the Turkish Cypriots should take responsibility for their problems.

Akinci, in turn, said that the policies implemented so far in the ``TRNC'' have led to serious problems, adding that it would be wrong to hold the ``government'' which has been in power for a year and a half, responsible for all the problems. Akinci said that in 1997 during the National Unity Party-Democratic Party coalition government many banks were opened in the ``TRNC'', adding that during that time many incentives were provided to those who wanted to open banks. Noting that the owners of the banks gave high interest rates in a bid to compete with the other banks, Akinci explained that they funnelled the deposits to their private companies, thus, shouldering burdens they are unable to carry.

Akinci concluded by saying that if these banks do not put forth any proposals then the government has no choice but to liquidate them.

[09] Denktash/s letter to Annan issued as UN document

In his letter, Denktash said that the Greek Cypriot side was continuing armaments while efforts for peace between the two sides on the island were under way, stressing that they were disappointed by the fact that there were UN Security Council members among the countries that were selling arms to the Greek Cypriots.

Emphasizing that the latest and most serious armaments development of the Greek Cypriots was the approval of purchase of nearly 50 Million US dollar Milan 3 anti-tank missile system by the Greek Cypriot parliament, Denktash said that the Greek Cypriot media organs covered the story saying, ``it was the greatest weapon purchase after the purchase of S-300 missiles''.

Referring to Greek Cypriot Defense Minister Sokratis Hasikos/s other statements about armaments and the Greek Cypriot side/s plan to purchase Bell helicopters, Denktash said that Greek Cypriots cooperated with Greece in order to form a naval force.

Denktash stated that they believed that the UN Security Council should not only take seriously those developments that might badly affect the proximity talks but also indoctrinate the Greek Cypriot side with giving up their armament''.

Stressing that they were disappointed by the fact that there were UN Security Council members among the countries that were selling arms to the Greek Cypriots, Denktash said that this contradicted the efforts for a peaceful agreement.

In the letter, Rauf Denktash requested Annan to do whatever necessary for the success of his efforts for an agreement.

[10] Turkey/s new permanent UN representative Pamir presents credentials to Annan

Pamir took over the mandate from Volkan Vural who has been appointed Secretary General of Relations with the European Union (EU).

[11] Ertugruloglu says Greek Cypriot Administration fake state, not ``TRNC''

In a written statement on the issue, Ertugruloglu noted that the fake state in south Cyprus has been kept alive artificially through the support extended by Greece and by the international community since 1963. He added the entire world is aware that this fake state does not represent the Turkish Cypriot community and the ``TRNC'', which is sole representative of that community. Pointing out that the economic problems being experienced by the ``TRNC'' are an indication of the existence and not the absence of a state, Ertugruloglu said that there are very few states in the world that do not have economic problems. He continued: Moreover, it is a known fact that the inhuman embargoes imposed on our people for the last 37 years are the source of our economic problems. Noting that there is nothing more natural than the ties of solidarity forged between Turkey and the ``TRNC'' in the economic field as in all other fields, Ertugruloglu said that Turkey is the guarantor of the security and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people in line with the rights and obligations stipulated in the 1960 agreements. He added that Turkey has always fulfilled these obligations.

Ertugruloglu called on Cypriot government to, above all, examine the economic, military, and political unification it has forged with Greece and to stop interfering in issues over which it has no right of say.

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

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