Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-10-19

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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. 201/00 -- 19.10.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash expects OSCE/s Severin to adopt fair, equal approach to sides.

[02] Turkey explains aid given to Iran when planes bombed border region by mistake.

[03] ANAP criticizes policies of Ecevit and Cem.

[04] Denktash meets British High Commissioner Edward Clay.

[05] Lecture at ``Near East University''.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] Turkish Cypriot economic, political problems viewed.

[08] Turkish Cypriot paper on public discontent, strikes in the occupied areas.

[11] Columnist sees Denktash, Ankara behind economic unrest.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash expects OSCE/s Severin to adopt fair, equal approach to sides KIBRIS (19.10.00) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash

Releasing a statement, Denktash alleged; ``there has not been a legal government representing whole Cyprus for 37 years. The Greek Cypriot side declared that the constitution was buried following the attacks in 1963. Cyprus question cannot be solved through changes in a non-existing constitution''.

Repeating his known allegations Denktash claimed; ``United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said during the opening of the fourth round of proximity talks in New York, the US, that the sides were politically equal. He also said that the sides do not and will not have the right to represent each other''.

``Severin met with me on October 6, referring to me as the ``President of TRNC'' (as it mentioned in the article) I informed Severin on our confederation proposal and facts about Cyprus during the meeting'', he noted.

Denktash added, ``we expect Severin to approach fairly and equally to the sides on Cyprus as a representative of a distinguished institution which defends human rights''.

[02] Turkey explains aid given to Iran when planes bombed border region by mistake

``This issue is over now'', said Dirioz in the weekly press briefing when a journalist asked him whether any compensation has been paid to the Iranian side or not.

``This issue is over within the framework of neighbourhood, friendship and trust between the two countries'', he added.

When a rocket from the Turkish war planes hit by mistake a police station and tribe tents which were 5 kilometres from the border in Piransehir city of Iran on July 18, 1999, five Iranians including one soldier and 10 Iranians including three soldiers were wounded.

Upon another question, Dirioz noted that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem can participate in the Black Sea Economic and Cooperation (KEIB) council of Ministers meeting that will beheld in Bucharest, adding that he won/t meet with the Armenian Foreign Minister there.

When asked whether or not the issues of Cyprus and Aegean will be included in the accession partnership document, Dirioz said that ``there will be no issues other than the ones determined in Helsinki Summit in this document''.

[03] ANAP criticizes policies of Ecevit and Cem Radikal (18.10.00) under the title ``ANAP Reaction to Ecevit and Cem'' reports

Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik accused the Government of not taking the draft resolution in the US House of Representatives seriously and failing to put the issue high on the Parliament/s agenda. He added that the Government/s insufficient effort led to the adoption of the draft resolution by the US House committees.

Meanwhile, Kamran Inan argued that the Foreign Ministry maintained an indifferent approach toward the Cyprus problem and its initiatives were insufficient to solve it.

Pointing to the controversies in the Government on a number of issues, ANAP leader Mesut Yilmaz urged the Administration to be more efficient and said that it should put concrete pressure on the Congress to force it to refute the Armenian claims.

[04] Denktash meets British High commissioner Edward Clay According to KIBRISLI (19.10.00) the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash

In a short statement before the meeting, Clay said that this meeting is within the framework of routine meetings with Denktash, adding that this is the first meeting after the end of the 4th round of proximity talks that were held in New York. He also said that they will exchange views on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.

To a question, when the British special envoy on Cyprus Sir David Hannay would visit Cyprus, Clay said that Hannay/s visit to Cyprus will be right after the 5th round of proximity talks that will be held in Geneva.

Denktash did not make any statement. In the meeting, Denktash/s advisors Necati Munir Ertekun, Mustafa Evran and Peter Boxer the Britain High Commissionary/s Secretary responsible for Turkish Affairs Secretary were also present.

[05] Lecture at ``Near East University'' KIBRIS (19.10.00) reports that the former chairman of European Union Foreign

The conference is being organized with the cooperation of EU Research Center of ``Near East University'' and the delegation of European Commission to Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] Turkish Cypriot economic, political problems viewed Columnist Ilter Turkmen, writing in HURRIYET (17.10.00) under the title

We first focused on the internal situation, that is on economic and political developments. Obviously, significant progress was made after the banking crisis created political uneasiness. The political tension in the recent months decreased. A delegation from Turkey reached an agreement with the TRNC Government on an economic stability program. It called for serious economic measures. Apparently, there was no other way because the macro- economic balances were disrupted.

Those who compare the TRNC with south Cyprus agree that the Turkish Cypriot economy is very weak. The economic dynamics in south Cyprus are very strong. The rate of unemployment is nearly 3 or 4 percent. However, the rate of unemployment in north Cyprus is close to 25 percent. The rate of inflation is 2-3 percent in south Cyprus and the rate of inflation in north Cyprus is similar to that in Turkey. The public employees make up 3 percent of the population in south Cyprus. The pubilc employees make up 18 percent of the community in the ``TRNC''. South Cyprus invests in foreign countries, particularly in Greece.

Regardless of the differences between the two sides, north Cyprus is not poor.

Gross national product per capita totals nearly $6,000. The overall deposits still total more than$1 billion, regardless of the banking crisis. Turkey has not made investments in the TRNC. Consequently, employment opportunities have not been created. That is the problem.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, our impression is that the two sides have moved toward a turning point. They will resume their indirect talks in Geneva on 1 November. It is understood from the secret talks that have been held thus far that the third parties seem more inclined to support Denktash/s call for the establishment of a confederation. That can be said to be due to the strengthening conviction that the concept of confederation might be the right formula to settle the disputes in the Caucasus and the Balkans and even solve the Tamil problem in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, frequent references have been made to the model in Belgium, a federation which is gradually turning into a confederation.

One of the think-tank centres in Europe has supported the establishment of a confederation in Cyprus. In a report it drew up a few months ago, the European Political Studies Centre in Brussels called for full equality between the two sides. Some of its important paragraphs said:

- Two sovereign and separate states will not exist in Cyprus. However, the separate international identity of the two elements, which will cooperate in a partnership structure, will be recognized. In view of that, the individual states will be able to establish direct relations with third countries.

- Cyprus will have single citizenship. However, each individual state will issue passports to its own members. An entry in them will describe the origin of bearers.

- The principle of single representation in international establishments will be adopted. However, the two sides will equally participate in any voting. For example, if Cyprus has 10 votes in the proportional voting system in the EU, then the Turkish Cypriots will have five of them.

- Hierarchy will not exist between the two sides. Full equality will be the main principle.

Regardless of the favourable developments, the question that should be asked is: The concept of confederation might be supported by various circles. But how can the Cyprus problem be solved if the Greek Cypriots fail to agree?

Well, the problem cannot be solved if the Greek Cypriots oppose the establishment of a confederation. However, it must not be forgotten that many designs have been drawn up, particularly by the EU, in connection with the Cyprus talks. None of the two sides want to be held responsible for the no-solution situation on the island. Each of them wants to secure the support of the EU countries. Considering all that, it can be said that Rauf Denktash is the only person who can skilfully deal with such a complicated situation.

[90] Turkish Cypriot paper on public discontent, strikes in the occupied areas

Meanwhile, no one knows exactly what is meant by provocateurs in the same way that no one understood the famous word ``freemasonry'' in a bygone era. In those days, the opposition parties used to bitterly criticize Rauf Denktash. Whoever took to the podium in those days used to exclaim that Denktash is a freemason. However, no one used to understand the meaning of this word. Sometimes the remarks that the opposition made regarding the matter used to bounce back. While the opposition was saying that Denktash is a freemason (mason), the people understood that Denktash is innocent (masum).

Denktash, who became aware that people do not understand anything about freemasonry, claimed in a simple statement he made about the matter that freemasonry means club membership, thereafter naming the names of a number of clubs as an example. Denktash went on to say that he used to be a member of such a club when he was young.

Accusing others of being provocateurs has become the fashion these days. For example, according to a number of individuals, the Assembly speaker was behind the recent provocations. These people are unaware of the fact that while they are seeking to degrade provocateurs, they are actually exalting the act of provocation!

I am not aware of as to what extent the individuals taking part in today/s strike and protests are cautious of provocateurs. However, let me warn these people that if they are scared of provocateurs, then they must first be scared of the individuals who have uttered this word more often!

There is one more issue on the agenda these days. Even the most reasonable people are now calling for the holding of early elections. I cannot understand the reasoning behind this request. What kind of changes are the general elections going to bring about? What is going to happen if (UBP, National Unity Party, leader) Dervis Eroglu and (TKP, Communal Liberation Party, leader) Mustafa Akinci go and (DP, Democratic Party, leader) Serdar Denktash and (CTP, Republican Turkish Party, leader) Mehmet Ali Talat assume power?

Do those who are calling for early ``elections'' believe that the conditions are ripe for them to govern the people? Or is it that forces other than those we already know are waiting to take everything under their own control? Or, most importantly, have we got rid of the pressures applied by Ankara, which has for years prevented us from going to the polls with our own free will, that we are now calling for early elections? What benefits can we expect from holding early elections before Ankara begins to respect our free will?

Will there by any benefit in holding elections before the present conditions are changed, before the Turkish Embassy and the Turkish Army Command stop exerting pressure on the elections, and before we feel that we are genuinely free?

The people who will pour into the streets today have been divided into two groups. The first group consists of those who are seeking to topple the UBP- TKP coalition government. That is, the people who are happy with the present regime.

The second group consists of people who are challenging the Ankara-Denktash- government tyranny.

It is really strange to see people from two opposite groups meeting at the same squares.

In any event, we wish victory to the people in the second of the two groups.

[161] Columnist sees Denktash, Ankara behind economic unrest Columnist Sener Levent, writing in AVRUPA (12.10.00) under the title

``Ankara-Denktash conspiracy'' says: ``Those opposing the economic package can be grouped into two camps. Those who support Denktash and those who do not. It is also possible to group them as the supporters and opponents of the regime; those who say ``This country is ours (belongs to the Turkish Cypriots alone'') and those who say ``this country belongs to all of us (to all the Turks):'' those who constantly express gratitude to Turkey and those who do not; those who support federation and those who favour confederation; those who accept to be governed by Ankara/s orders and those who do not; those who see nothing wrong with Turkish settlers replacing the emigrating Turkish Cypriots and those who do, those who approve the Turkish commander/s actions and those who do not. They are divided between the leftists and the rightists, between the democratic forces and the fascist forces.

There are many other ways of describing this divide, but this is sufficient to give a sense of what we mean.

Let us take a look at the first group (that opposes the economic package). Who are they? They are the pro-Denktash people, the supporters of the regime, those who say that ``this country belongs to all of us'', those who express gratitude to Turkey, confederation supporters, those who accept to be governed by Ankara/s orders, those who see nothing wrong in settlers replacing the emigrating Turkish Cypriots, people who approve every action of the Turkish commander, the rightists, and the fascist forces.

What about the second group (which also oppose the economic package), who are the people in this group? These are the people who are not supporters of Denktash, the anti-regime people, those who say ``this country is ours'', those who do not constantly express gratitude to Turkey, supporters of a federation, those who do not accept to be governed by Ankara/s orders, the people who do not approve of the idea that there is nothing wrong with settlers replacing the emigrating Turkish Cypriots as it is a simple case of Turks replacing Turks, those who know how to speak out against the Turkish commander when the time comes, the leftists, and the democratic forces.

Is it possible for such sharply divided groups to meet on the same path?

No, it is not possible.

The supporters of Denktash, from Serdar Denktash (leader of the Democratic Party, DP) to Zorlu tore (leader of settler-based Nationalist Justice Part, MAP) are screaming their heads off. And what are they screaming at? At the UBP-TKP (National Unity Party- Communal Liberation Party) government of course. That is, they are not screaming at Ankara, the chief architect of the package. If the democratic forces also fall into this trap we will not be able to come out of the doldrums for another forty years.

Who has prepared this trap?

Ankara and Denktash of course. It is actually this duo which is now goading the grateful into opposing this package so vehemently.

The conspiracy is a deep state plot.

Ankara and Denktash first applied the pressure. They insisted that if the package was not signed there would be no money and thus they got Dervis Eroglu (leader of UBP and ``Prime Minister'') and Mustafa Akinci (leader of TKP and ``Deputy Prime Minister'') to sign this degrading package. They then turned round and declared them to be ``enemies of the people'' and turned all their henchmen and guns on them.

Dervis and Mustafa are now like two people who have confessed to a crime so as to be spared death. They have become turncoats but are still under fire.

Dervis and Mustafa thought they could hang on to their posts by accepting Ankara/s package. How were they to know that Ankara would turn the gun on them.

Dervis and Mustafa are now like two people who have confessed to a crime so as to be spared death. They have become turncoats but are still under fire.

Dervis and Mustafa thought they could hang on to their posts by accepting Ankara/s package. How were they to know that Ankara would turn the gun on them.

Dervis and Mustafa have in actual fact made a terrible blunder that the Turkish Cypriots can never forgive. They deserted the people and went over to Ankara/s side, only to get slapped down by Ankara. They will now be hard pushed to find shelter from the people/s wrath.

Now Ankara and Denktash are scheming to topple the government by instigating the people here against the package.

In other words, Ankara both prepared the package and as is organizing protest actions here against the package.

What are we, the democratic forces, going to do? First we will ask Ankara to give an account for this conspiracy. Then we will tear up the package into a thousand pieces and send it back to them.

We will then give an appropriate reply to the screeching Denktash and his supporters here who say that ``the Motherland did not prepare the package, it was the work of UBP-TKP'' And at the end of it all we will tell Dervis and Mustafa, who for the sake of their posts have stabbed us in the back, that ``it is time for them to go''.

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

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