Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-11-14

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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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish President Addresses OIC Summit on Cyprus

[02] Turkish President Confers With Annan in Doha on Cyprus

[03] Turkey Complains About EP Report, Motion on Cyprus to UN's Annan

[04] Annan meets European diplomats to discuss Cyprus problem

[05] Logoglu on Cyprus issue

[06] World Union of Turkish-Origin Parliamentarians Established in pseudostate

[07] Turkish State Minister Arrives in occupied area

[08] Turkish Official Says Acceptance of ``two states'' Essential for Cyprus Agreement

[09] Serdar Denktas Explains Reasons Behind His Resignation

[10] Mersin port authorities do not allow Greek Cypriot registered ships to enter port

[11] Higher education in pseudostate

[12] Turkish Minister Notes Need To Amend Regulations To Allow 'TRNC' Exports

[13] Denktas Urges OIC To Recognize ``TRNC''

[14] UDI ``celebrations''

[15] Cultural heritage

[16] Turkish Cypriot Democracy Association in London supports federal solution

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[17] EU Accession Document for Turkey Termed 'Flawed' on Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish President Addresses OIC Summit on Cyprus Anatolia Agency (13:45 hours, 13/11/00) reports that Turkish President Ahmet

Sezer further claimed that ``the Turkish Cypriot nation is the indivisible part of the Moslem existence in the East Mediterranean.'' Reminding the listeners that the Cyprus question is on the agenda of the OIC for 20 years, Sezer expressed gratitude ``for the support and solidarity that the organization extended to the Moslem Turkish nation on Cyprus.'' Sezer said, ``we feel sorry that the efforts exerted for the solution of the question did not bear fruit so far. The basic reason for not being able to solve this question is that the Greek Cypriots defend that the `Republic of Cyprus` which was ended by themselves in 1963, still continues to exist. The Greek Cypriots consider the Turkish Cypriots who have the common sovereign position on the island, as a minority, and do not accede to the solution of the question under the principle of political equality.`` Sezer continued claiming: ``the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are two equal nations which have different religion, culture and language. These two nations have equal status without any discussions. Neither side can represent the other. The Turkish Cypriot nation wants that an agreement which will enable them to protect their sovereign equality, will be reached. The Turkish Cypriot nation struggles to continue to live in a peaceful and safe atmosphere.`` ``This is the basic condition for preventing the recurrence of the tragedies experienced between 1963 and 1974. A lasting solution on Cyprus can be ensured only by taking into consideration the realities on the island. There are two separate states representing two nations on Cyprus today. These two nations can live together and have cooperation in peace. This can become true by a confederation. The confederation proposal is the rationalist and constructive approach for the solution of Cyprus question,`` Sezer added. Sezer called on the OIC member countries to improve their commercial, touristic, communicative, cultural and sportive relations with the ``Turkish Cypriot nation.''

[02] Turkish President Confers With Annan in Doha on Cyprus

Recalling that President Sezer had held a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Annan, Ildem said that President Sezer explained Turkey`s opinions on the Middle East issue at the meeting.

Tacan Ildem said, ``the Cyprus issue was brought onto agenda of the meeting between President Sezer and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. Stressing that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had assumed a productive attitude throughout the proximity talks process, President Sezer said that the TRNC`s proposals were reflecting the facts on the island. President Sezer stressed that a situation ignoring the facts could not lead to lasting peace on the island. He described the Turkish Cypriot side`s proposal for a confederation on Cyprus was the most reasonable solution.`` ``Recalling that the Turkish Cypriot side had not accepted opinions put forward by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan during the fifth round of proximity talks in Geneva, Switzerland, President Sezer said that it was impossible to accept these opinions. Pointing out that the TRNC was determined not to experience again the painful incidents between 1963 and 1974, President Sezer told Annan that Turkey had been supporting the TRNC`s determination. He said that he thought Annan should act by being aware of these opinions. President Sezer emphasized that Turkey extended full support to President Rauf Denktas of TRNC,`` he told reporters.

Ildem continued, ``United Nations Secretary General Annan said that his statement on September 12 was realistic. Annan said that the proximity talks process was a long process. He noted that he had concentrated his efforts on a solution which would satisfy both sides. Annan said that from time to time, thoughts which did not satisfy the sides, could be put forward, and noted that it would not be realistic to consider them as a final attitude. Annan underlined importance of contributions of the relevant sides to continuation of proximity talks process. Annan stressed that his statement dated September 12 was still valid.`` Noting that President Sezer had also come together with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Ildem said, ``President Sezer and President Denktas exchanged opinions on the fifth round of proximity talks in Geneva. President Sezer informed President Denktas on his meeting with Annan.``

[03] Turkey Complains About EP Report, Motion on Cyprus to UN's Annan

Permanent Representative of Turkey to the U.N. Umit Pamir enclosed the Turkish Foreign Ministry`s statement, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the EU Nihat Akyol`s statement and so-called prime minister Dervis Eroglu`s statement on the issue to his letter which he sent to the U.N. Secretary General.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry`s statement which was enclosed to Pamir`s letter said, ``the General Assembly of the European Parliament has adopted on October 4, 2000 the report of rapporteur Jacques Poos, former Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, regarding the unilateral accession negotiations of the Greek Cypriot Administration with the European Union. Both the report and the motion for a resolution have demonstrated once again the biased and unrealistic approach of the members of the European Parliament to the Cyprus issue, who voted for the resolution. We fully share the viewpoint and the position of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.`` ``The one- sided resolution accepted in the European Parliament will serve to augment the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side at a time when the proximity talks are under way and will create difficulties for the efforts of the U.N. Secretary General,`` it said.

The letter said that an aggressive style was used in the report`s paragraphs regarding Turkey and it was in contradiction with the constructive and positive understanding that was dominant over the Turkey- EU relations. Recalling that the Helsinki agreement did not automatically support Cyprus` EU membership, the letter claimed that the attitude of the European Parliament endangered the atmosphere of confidence that was tried to be settled between the sides on the island, and alleged that rapporteur Jacques Poos ignored the historical incidents that constituted the source of the Cyprus issue.

Criticizing the European Parliament`s inclination to use the European Security and Defense Policy as an element of pressure against Turkey as a result of this report, the letter said that the Helsinki decisions included the opinion that Cyprus wouldn`t constitute an obstacle in front of Turkey`s EU membership process.

The letter added that both the report and the motion for a resolution adopted by the European Parliament wouldn`t contribute to efforts to reach a lasting and fair solution on Cyprus, and stressed that the responsibility of this belonged to rapporteur Poos.

[04] Annan meets European diplomats to discuss Cyprus problem

They discussed a paper Annan gave last Wednesday to President Glafcos Clerides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and the way forward in the slow-moving talks.

Annan said Wednesday he had shared with the parties his assessment of where things stand, together with some thoughts on where things should go from there, but declined to give details. He asked the two sides to reflect on those thoughts.

[05] Logoglu on Cyprus issue

[06] World Union of Turkish-Origin Parliamentarians Established in pseudostate

In his turn, Remzi Osman (Bulgarian parliamentarian) said that he believed that other Turkish Origin parliamentarians will take part in the Union in the future. Romanian MP, Prof. Nusfet Sagrai, briefed the congress on the Romanian Tatars. He said that he has written articles in the Romanian press promoting the occupied area and explaining the Cyprus problem. Azeri parliamentarian Nazim Muzafferli Imanov, said that it was the third time that he has been in the occupied area. He said that during his first visit he was panicked. However, he added, during his next two visits he was relaxed because the occupied area was a very civilized place. He suggested that Turkish origin parliamentarians should convene and discuss the Cyprus problem, however this should be not in Cyprus but in another place. Similarly, the Karabahh issue should be discussed not in Azerbaijan but in another country.

The aim of the Union is to bring together, on a volunteer basis, parliamentarians of Turkish origin. Following the approval of the Rules and Regulations of the Union the members of the executive committee of the Union were elected. Following are the members of the Committee:

Ilker Nevat - occupied area (Chairman) Nazim Imanov - Azerbaijan Cahit Tekelioglu - Turkey Aslanbeh Maliev - Kyrgyzstan Remzi Ozman - Bulgaria Nusfet Saganai - Romania

[07] Turkish State Minister Arrives in occupied area

Noting that three SAR stations would be established in ``TRNC'' by 2001, Mirzaoglu said ``with the establishment of SAR stations the rights of TRNC in maritime would be taken under guarantee.'' Mirzaoglu noted that they didn`t consider valid the claims regarding the Cyprus issue which were covered by the Accession Partnership Document for Turkey and that the Turkish government didn`t change its policies on Cyprus.

[08] Turkish Official Says Acceptance of ``two states'' Essential for Cyprus Agreement

Ciragan addressed the opening remarks of the symposium on ``The Common Focus of Europe and Turkey In the Caucasus, Central Asia and Middle East`` held by the Turkish Researches Center and supported by the Hans Seidel Foundation of Germany.

Ciragan noted that the Accession Partnership Document for Turkey can be accepted in general sense but that it is difficult for Turkey to accept the Cyprus question`s being included in the short-term priorities chapter. Ciragan added, ``some incidents like sale of missiles within the framework of Russia`s initiatives to open to East Mediterranean, revealed the reality that TRNC`s existence is indispensable for Turkey`s geopolitic position.``

[09] Serdar Denktas Explains Reasons Behind His Resignation

In reply to remarks on a likely merger between DP and UBP, Serdar Denktash has said that he is categorically against such a merger, adding that he will always reject any suggestions on the elimination of DP.

In reply to another question, Serdar Denktash has said that it would be "naive" to expect Dervis Eroglu to resign as UBP leader. Meanwhile, Serdar Denktas has avoided from replying clearly to a question as to whether or not he plans to assume the DP leadership once more in the future.

[10] Mersin port authorities do not allow Greek Cypriot registered ships to enter port

[11] Higher education in pseudostate

It says that in the 90's the number of Turkish Cypriots attending these ``universities'' was 4 thousand. Today this number has increased to 12 thousand. It says that the education sector is one of the main income sources of ``TRNC'' economy and provides 10 percent of the so-called gross national income.

However, adds the report, the high percentage of university graduates create an employment problem, thus becoming a factor which encourages and speeds up emigration and brain drain.

The report says that now an effort should be made to improve the standard of education in these ``universities''.

[12] Turkish Minister Notes Need To Amend Regulations To Allow 'TRNC' Exports

State Minister Mirzaoglu arrived in the ``TRNC'' to attend the celebrations to mark 17th anniversary of the illegal UDI (unilateral declaration of independence) Mirzaoglu said that there was a need for amendments to regulations to enable the ``TRNC'' to sell goods to Turkey.

[13] Denktash Urges OIC To Recognize ``TRNC''

Denktash told the summit that Turkey saved the Turkish Cypriots from annihilation. He claimed: ``A 100 percent Christian community attacked a 100 percent Muslim community, and tried to usurp our sovereignty and rights by destroying the Turkish [as heard] republic. If the Palestinians succeed to declare their own state what pretext will you find not to recognize them?'' Denktash alleged that people who establish their own ``state'' have the right to be recognized. He said: ``We want that right. It will not happen at this summit, but I am telling you, I will try to achieve that in the next three years. You do not even write our name properly. You call us a community. It is your right to refuse to recognize us, but at least call us by our name.'' Denktash recalled that Turkey is the only country that recognizes the ``TRNC'', adding: For the moment that is enough for us.

Denktash stated that the UN Security Council [UNSC] resolutions should not be used as a pretext for the non-recognition of the ``TRNC''. He added:

``It is you who complain about certain UNSC resolutions. I tell you, now is the time to think about all that and to help us in order to change that.'' Denktash will return to the occupied area today.

[14] UDI ``celebrations''

Tomorrow there will be a military parade. Denktash and Turkey's state minister responsible for Cyprus affairs will address the ``celebrations''. KIBRIS adds that a total of 12 countries will have representatives at the so-called celebrations. Among these, there will be representatives from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Romania and Gagavuz (autonomous area in Moldavia). Moreover, KIBRIS (12/11/00) reports that former commanders of the terrorist organization TMT and so-called war veterans who took part in the 1974 Turkish invasion have arrived in the occupied area to take part in the so-called independence celebrations.

[15] Cultural heritage

Stepova arrived in Cyprus to investigate cultural heritage issues, the need to restore and repair historical and religious monuments and ways of projecting them. She is accompanied by the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's chairman of the education, science and culture section, Christopher Grayson, and the Director of the Monuments Protection Institute, Uzman Stults (as mentioned in the newspaper).

Akinci claimed that the pseudostate is the owner of a rich cultural heritage. He said monuments must be restored ``but the problem is to find the necessary sources in order to be able to protect our cultural heritage.'' Calling upon UNESCO, Akinci said ``it is impossible only with TRNC fund sources to restore these historical monuments and make them a common heritage for the world.

Our non-recognition by UNESCO or the world creates a lot of trouble in our finding sufficient fund sources to this end'', Akinci claimed. ``The recognition or not of the TRNC at an official level should not constitute a serious obstacle,'' he alleged.

Stepova said that the aim of their visit to the occupied area is to see how they can help with the protection of the cultural heritage there. Adding that it is really risky and dangerous to obtain balance between the protection of cultural heritage and tourism, she also said it is important that tourists be educated on the issue of protecting monuments.

Finally, Stepova stressed that her visit is not a political one. ``Our coming here is not political. We are only interested in cultural heritage and in obtaining balance between cultural heritage and tourism.''

[16] Turkish Cypriot Democracy Association in London supports federal solution

Speaking at the cocktail, Baroness Sarah Ludford, member of the European Parliament (Liberal Democrat Party) said that a bizonal, bicommunal settlement of the Cyprus problem will facilitate Cyprus's EU membership. She said that she is against the membership of a divided Cyprus.

Incirli reports that representatives of Greek and Turkish Cypriot organisations as well as Patriotic Union Movement General Secretary Izzet Izcan, AKEL's Organizational Secretary Antonis Christodoulou, British Labour MPs Andy Love, Stephen Twigg, Joan Ryan, David Larry and others attended the cocktail. At the end of the cocktail, the Association's Declaration was announced.

In the Declaration, support and demand for a federal solution and Cyprus' EU membership was expressed. Speaking at the cocktail, the chairman of the Association, Hasan Raif, said that last year they had declared that they would support a candidate other than Rauf Denktash during the so-called presidential elections. ``We did so, but the candidate who stood against Denktash did not win. Denktash was not elected either because there was no election. So at this moment the Turkish Cypriots have a non-elected leader.'' Baroness Ludford in her turn said that Denktash and President Clerides complement each other. ``As far as I am concerned, both of them should leave and young people should take their posts.'' Ludford said that despite her stance regarding the Kurdish issue, she whole heartedly supports Turkey's EU membership.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[17] EU Accession Document for Turkey Termed 'Flawed' on Cyprus In his column ``World View'' in Turkish daily Milliyet (Internet Version,

``The Turkish public is being misled as well as deceived on the issue of the EU Accession Partnership Document [APD].

To this end, the media is being told that the National Program Turkey will prepare will be the real road map that will be followed to harmonize with the EU and that in doing that Turkey may stray away from the course set by the APD.

Such information is wrong and misleading. The APD sets priorities that our country must meet in order to progress on its path of membership in the EU. In the accession process the EU will evaluate Turkey's performance in the light of this basic document.

As for the National Program, this document has to incorporate the goals and priorities of the APD. The Turkish government has no authority to change those. However it may spread the goals and priorities over time and may want to allay the concerns of certain circles by expressing them in fuzzy and ambiguous language.

The most important point which the government has tried disregard and over which it has tried to deceive the public is Cyprus.

The government's statement on the APD expresses disagreement with the inclusion of the Cyprus problem among short-term goals and says that Turkey will use the Helsinki decisions and the Lipponen letter as a basis of approaching that problem. Even so the government accepts the APD in its current flawed form.

There is no question that the APD needs to be changed. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has insisted that "Turkey cannot accept the existence of a linkage between the Cyprus problem and its candidacy for membership in the EU." Those remarks notwithstanding, if this document is allowed to stand as it is, the Cyprus problem will become a precondition. Every time the start of full membership negotiations is discussed Cyprus may loom before our country with the argument: "You have not given the necessary support to the UN Secretary General's efforts."

The APD, in its present form, is not only at odds with the Helsinki decisions but also legally flawed. For that reason we must be farsighted and fight relentlessly to have the document changed.

Less than two weeks remain before the APD is finalized. The situation is extremely critical. For this reason, in order for our efforts to have any effect, it is absolutely essential that Mr. Ecevit intervene immediately and visit all major European capitals to discuss this issue at the highest levels.

Indeed, the success of many countries that were able to join the EU can be attributed principally to the charisma and political influence of prime ministers who took personal charge of this matter. Well known examples are Greece's Karamanlis, Spain's Gonzales, and Portugal's Juarez.

There are also important questions on which Ecevit must receive information directly from his peers. For example, will our country be able to start full membership negotiations if it takes a big leap and meets the APD's short-term (one-year) goals?

EU Commissioner Verheugen has made statements to the effect that "negotiations with Turkey cannot start before 2005," and that "your readiness alone is not enough, the EU must also be ready to negotiate." Do these remarks echo the increasingly negative posture in European capitals with regard to Turkey's accession to the EU?

It is critically important that Mr. Ecevit talk to European leaders and assess the situation on these issues.''

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

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