Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-10-05

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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

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] DENKTASH LEAVES FOR TURKEY, TO UNDERGO MEDICAL TESTS, MEET SEZER, ECEVIT

[02] DENKTASH BRIEFS TURKISH PRESIDENT ON PROXIMITY TALKS

[03] DENKTASH SAYS MIGHT WITHDRAW FROM TALKS IF EP RECOMMENDATION APPROVED

[04] TURKISH ENVOY TO EU CLAIMS EP CYPRUS REPORT NOT TO FACILITATE EFFORTS FOR SOLUTION

[05] DENKTASH CLAIMS THE TURKISH SIDE HAS RIGHT TO MORE THAN 33 PERCENT OF

[06] ECEVIT: IF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL ADOPTED SANCTIONS MIGHT BE IMPOSED

[07] 41 ORGANIZATIONS PROTEST PACKAGE, AKINCI SAYS NO ALTERNATIVE TO PACKAGE

[08] "COUNCIL OF MINISTERS" APPROVES SOCIOECONOMIC PACKAGE

[09] NEW LOCAL DAILY PAPER

[10] ERTUGRULOGLU'S CONTACTS IN WASHINGTON

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] DENKTASH LEAVES FOR TURKEY, TO UNDERGO MEDICAL TESTS, MEET SEZER, ECEVIT

Prior to his departure Denktash said he was going to Ankara for a health examination, and he would also meet with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

[02] DENKTASH BRIEFS TURKISH PRESIDENT ON PROXIMITY TALKS

Denktash later went to the Cankaya Mansion and met with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. The meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was closed to the media. After his meeting with Sezer, Denktash replied to reporters' questions at the Sheraton Hotel. Noting that his meeting with Sezer was very positive, Denktash said that he briefed Sezer on the fourth round proximity talks held in New York. He further expressed pleasure over the fact that Sezer's views on the issue were in the same direction as his. In reply to a question on whether the economic crisis in the "TRNC" was discussed at the meeting, Denktash said: I did not bother the president with that issue.

Assessing the fourth round proximity talks, Denktash said: "These talks are aimed at preparing the ground for direct talks. The equality of the two sides is a prerequisite for holding result-reaching talks. Not only equality at the negotiating table but future equality is also important. So far it was being said that there is equality at the negotiating table. This time as a result of our insistence, it was clearly stated that equality should be achieved between two separate and equal units and that neither of these units should dominate over or represent the other".

Denktash said that a framework has emerged from the talks, adding that, however, the differences in other issues are continuing and that overcoming them depends on the Greek Cypriot acceptance of the equality of the Turkish Cypriots.

Recalling that the views expressed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan resulted in the reaction of the Greek Cypriots, Denktash said: "Despite the huge differences of views, we are going to Geneva to test how they can be bridged".

[03] DENKTASH SAYS MIGHT WITHDRAW FROM TALKS IF EP RECOMMENDATION APPROVED

Denktash, who is in Ankara, spoke to illegal BRT's Ankara correspondent about the EP's recommendation (Cyprus Report) which says that the Greek Cypriots can join the EU even without the pseudostate. He said that parliaments may reach such recommendations but that governments make more responsible decisions and act more responsibly.

Denktash described the recommendation as "unfortunate", and claimed that it will serve no purpose but spoil the Greek Cypriots. He said: "We must announce that the constant spoiling of the Greek Cypriots in this way is the only factor that obstructs the talks. It is really an unfortunate, unnecessary, and untimely decision. The proximity talks continue. During the talks, the Greek Cypriots are trying to place all these problems on to the negotiating table. Such recommendations will not help the UN Secretary General who is conducting the talks, on the contrary, it will obstruct him and create difficulties".

[04] TURKISH ENVOY TO EU CLAIMS EP CYPRUS REPORT NOT TO FACILITATE EFFORTS FOR SOLUTION

Akyol issued a written statement and noted that the decisions, which were taken within the framework of the report, which was prepared by the former Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, were "disturbing".

Akyol said, "they have used a tune in the report which fails to suit the constructive and positive mentality which should prevail Turkish-EU relations".

Pointing out that the EU Commission always underlined the sensitivity of the Cyprus issue, Akyol recalled that during the Helsinki Summit, it was stressed that "all the elements", of this file would be considered. Akyol said the EU Term Presidency issued a statement and expressed pleasure over the continuation of the talks, and that it extended support to the UN Secretary General. Despite this, Akyol noted, in the report of the European Parliament a proposal was brought to the EU for an intervention that, as he put it, could be very dangerous for the peace and stability of the region.

Akyol said the attitude of the Parliament had a nature that may confuse the sides on Cyprus, and cause damage to the confidence atmosphere which the negotiations needed. Akyol also gave the message that the European Parliament would be in a position to undertake the responsibilities of this attitude, and bear the results of it.

Akyol said the attitude of the rapporteur, which called on the Turkish Cypriots to attend the delegation of Cyprus's legal government without any condition, was different from the attitude of the Secretary General. Akyol pointed out it was wrong to use the European Security and Defense Policy, which is gradually set up, as an element of pressure and intervention, and stressed the importance of carrying out harmonized relations with Turkey, which is a NATO member and a candidate to the EU. Stressing that Turkey expected a just and lasting solution to be found to the problem between the sides on the island, Akyol said, "the decision, taken in the European Parliament today, will not facilitate the efforts to find a just and lasting solution on Cyprus".

[05] DENKTASH CLAIMS THE TURKISH SIDE HAS RIGHT TO MORE THAN 33 PERCENT OF

Denktash said the statement stressed that this new partnership will be composed of the units having equal status. Denktash pointed out that in case the Greek Cypriot side accepts the statements of Annan, a basis will be established, which was not set up before.

Speaking to "AKIS" program broadcast by illegal Bayrak TV (BRT) on Tuesday evening, Denktash reiterated that they would not discuss territorial issues before sovereignty is accepted.

Denktash listed the criteria on territory issue as productivity, capability, security and property, claiming that the right of the Turkish side on the territory was more than 33 percent.

Pointing out that proximity talks were held with the target of preparing a joint basis for the solution of the problem. Denktash said, "at the point where we have reached, it cannot be said that a progress was recorded in preparing a basis".

Stressing that internal problems should be solved before the fifth round of proximity talks that will take place in Geneva, Denktash said problems which the people are experiencing make them uneasy.

Denktash said the situation of economy required emergency measures, adding that, "extraordinary situations necessitate emergency measures. A government that has the confidence of people is required in this respect".

[06] ECEVIT: IF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL ADOPTED SANCTIONS MIGHT BE IMPOSED

Ecevit, who last evening visited Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash at the hotel he is staying in Ankara, replied to reporters' questions on the Armenian Genocide Resolution.

"If the US House of Representatives also adopts this meaningless and unjust proposal, then there are certain sanctions that Turkey can impose. At the moment there is no need for me to say what these sanctions might be. High- ranking US officials, certain high-ranking US politicians who have shown understanding toward Turkey, have in detail announced what kind of sanctions Turkey might impose", he said.

He then added: "We attach great importance to maintaining good relations with the United States. The US administration also attaches importance to these relations. It did all it could for the rejection of this unjust resolution. Unfortunately, ethnic lobbies in the United States have an influence over US politicians that is not compatible with political ethics. Certain well meaning individuals in the United States express views on political ethics to us. There are those who, through unofficial channels, try to persuade us that we should pursue a more consistent stand on the issue. These politicians in question, however, have certain shortcomings from the viewpoint of political ethics. This, of course, renders more difficult the approach of the United States, as a world nations, to foreign relations. As I have said, we are aware that the US administration has worked with great goodwill on this issue. We hope that they will attain results. If, however, as I pointed out, no results are achieved then, unfortunately, a certain amount of damage will be inflicted on Turkish-US relations".

[07] 41 ORGANIZATIONS PROTEST PACKAGE, AKINCI SAYS NO ALTERNATIVE TO PACKAGE

Ahmet Barcin, leader or the "Turkish Cypriot Union of Secondary School Teachers", made a statement on behalf of the 41 organizations saying that these organizations decided to obstruct the "cabinet" meeting in a bid to protest the current situation. Barcin said: "Those who claim that they are administering us have nothing to give us. The UBP-TKP government has gone bankrupt". Noting that the community's reaction against these measures are increasing, Barcin added that the actions of the 41 organizations will also increase in direct proportion to the reaction of the community.

After the speech delivered by Barcin, the representatives of the organizations went to the office of the "state minister and deputy prime minister" and continued their protest there. They called on the "government" to resign. The representatives later asked to meet Akinci. Turk-Sen (Turkish Cypriot Federation of Labor Unions) leader Onder Konuloglu, who spoke on behalf of the organizations at the meeting during which there was a heated discussion, said that the economic package was prepared without consulting anyone, adding that they were very disturbed because of it. Expressing sorrow over the statement made by Eroglu to the effect that Turkey will provide funds in the event the "government" implements the economic package, Konuloglu charged that the "governments" elected by the Turkish Cypriots were reduced to the position of a beggar. Explaining the reasons for the actions organized in protest against the economic package which he described as an imposition, Konuloglu said that they learned through the media that the package created problems between the "government" partners. Noting that they expect Akinci to make a statement on the issue, Konuloglu expressed the hope that the TKP will not accept this package which has been rejected by the Turkish Cypriots.

Akinci on his part said that the conditions in the pseudostate call for measures, adding that, therefore, an economic package was prepared. He noted that the TKP expressed reservations over 12 articles of the package and that these reservations were noted in the letter of intention sent to Turkey. Akinci said: "We believe that there are still points that have to be corrected. We also believe that at this point it would be wrong to further delay the package". Akinci said that once the package begins to be implemented, it can be ameliorated in meetings to be held every three months.

Akinci said that they dwelt on the self-sufficiency of the "TRNC", adding that for this to be achieved it is imperative that measures be taken. He added: "We believe that for us to have a larger say, we should first achieve economic and financial self-sufficiency". Explaining that domestic and foreign factors might prevent the "TRNC" from achieving full economic and financial self-sufficiency, Akinci continued: "We should at least be able to establish a state structure that is capable of paying the salaries of its employees. We were unable to establish that structure. This current structure cannot continue. It is impossible to continue as is". Noting that given the current structure they do not have the will for self- government, Akinci said: "Such struggles can be likened to digging a well with a needle. It is impossible to advance with a rejectionist understanding". Akinci said that if the package is rejected they are aware of what will happen but that this is not an issue for discussion. Akinci continued: "With the implementation of the package maybe we will initially experience certain difficulties. We believe, however, that in future stages as economic and financial self-sufficiency increases we shall surmount this difficult period".

[08] "COUNCIL OF MINISTERS" APPROVES SOCIOECONOMIC PACKAGE

In a statement after the "council" meeting, Eroglu said that the package was approved and that this decision would be conveyed to Turkey. He noted that the contents of the package will be disclosed to the public at a later date.

[09] NEW LOCAL DAILY PAPER

Its general managing editor is Habil Yilmaz, the general coordinator is Zorlu Tore (leader of the NJP). Its editor in-chief is Seden Yilmaz, and its correspondents are Zehra Sezer and Mustafa Taka.

The address of the new paper is in occupied Kyrenia.

The paper has already started propagating the party's fascist ideology. It publishes a divided Cyprus map, where the occupied aria is darkened and written on it is: "This homeland is for all of us: Leave it or love it". The NJP has an organic relation with the Nationalist Action Party in Turkey, which is currently in the ruling coalition in Turkey.

Today's main editorial by Habil Yilmaz describes the paper's mission, which is among other things "to silence and answer criticism" directed at the occupation regime, the occupation army and Turkey. That is, it is against Turkish Cypriot opposition media, like AVRUPA and Yeniduzen newspapers. (MY)

[10] ERTUGRULOGLU'S CONTACTS IN WASHINGTON

KIBRIS reports that Ertugruloglu gave an interview to Washington Post's foreign policy correspondent John Burgess, and to Washington Times' correspondent James Morrison.

KIBRIS says that Ertugluloglu answered questions put to him by Morrison and editors of the newspapers on the Cyprus problem, the EU and on issues related to strategy.

KIBRIS further reports that Ertogruloglu also had contacts with some Congressmen and officials working in the Capitol Hall.

Ertogruloglu also came together with people working at the American Enterprise Institute, which is a think tank in Washington.

He also had a meeting with Alan Makovsky, of the Washington Institute of Near Eastern Policy, who is an expert on Turkish Affairs.

He will be returning to the occupied area today.

(MY)

EF/EI

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

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