Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-11-17

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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. 222/00 -- 17.11.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Yilmaz Assesses EU Document, EP Resolution.

[02] Gurel says inclusion of Cyprus in EU document as precondition is unacceptable.

[03] Cyprus precondition unacceptable; EP report shows `bad intention/.

[04] Turkish Commander says withdrawal of troops from ``TRNC'' unacceptable.

[05] Ecevit issues stern warning over Cyprus.

[06] Protest march.

[07] ``Cyprus National Coordination Committee'' warns.

[08] Inaugurations.

[09] Diabetes.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Yilmaz Assesses EU Document, EP Resolution TRT 1 Television (21:30 hours, 15.11.00) aired a live studio interview with

Okant begins the 40-minute interview by asking Yilmaz to assess the European Parliament [EP] resolution which called on Turkey to officially recognize the Armenian genocide and to withdraw its troops, described as an occupationist force, from the occupied area of Cyprus. In response, Yilmaz says: "There is no need to say that the EP report on Turkey, which was adopted today, was extremely unreasonable. Our public should know that this report has no validity as far as we are concerned. From our viewpoint it is an invalid appeal. If I recall correctly, the EP adopted a similar resolution in 1987 as well. Just at it had no consequences at the time, it is inevitable for this resolution to have the same effect. What was actually expected from the EP was not to make the mistake of confirming through a political resolution an issue that should have been determined by an independent scientific institution. Such a mistake has, unfortunately, been committed. This has no validity for Turkey. It can only damage the respectability of the EP. As you know, the French parliamentarian who prepared the report called on the Parliament to exclude from the report the section on the Armenian genocide. Despite his appeal, however, the section was included as a result of the pressure applied by Greek parliamentarians. As far as I know, the person who prepared the report abstained when his own report was put to a vote. In other words, this is a totally political resolution. It has no value or validity as far as we are concerned." Referring to the EU Accession Partnership Document, Okant asks Yilmaz whether Turkey's policy on Cyprus will change. In reply, Yilmaz says:

"Naturally, it will not change. As you will recall, when the Helsinki Final Act issued in the aftermath of the Helsinki Summit referred to the Cyprus issue, our honorable prime minister said that a link between Turkish-EU relations and the Cyprus problem is unacceptable." Commenting on the reference to the Cyprus issue made in the Accession Partnership Document, Yilmaz remarks: "I can say that this is the only issue that disturbs us in this document. There is no serious reason for the content to disturb us because the phrase used here is the same as that used in the Helsinki Final Act. In conclusion, Turkey has not been asked to solve the Cyprus problem. It has only been asked to extend strong support to the efforts being exerted by the UN secretary general within the framework of a political dialogue. Turkey has, anyway, been extending this support and it will continue to do so in the future. Turkey, however, can never accept any linkage between its EU membership and the solution of the Cyprus problem. Neither can Turkey accept to be the only party to be held responsible for the solution of the problem. The Cyprus problem is an international issue. It is a problem that should be resolved between the two communities on the island. As you know, the intercommunal talks have been continuing for a long time now. Turkey will continue to contribute to that process in the future as well. It will, however, never accept this issue as a precondition in its relations with the EU."

Asked whether this document will be binding on Turkey in the event it is endorsed by the EU Council in its current form, Yilmaz says: "No, no. One should not confuse the issues. This document is an EU document. It has nothing to do with us. As you have pointed out, this document, in its current form, is not official. It can gain legal validity after it is adopted by the EU Council and then at the summit of the heads of government. What will happen if it is adopted in its current form both by the Council and at the summit? Again, nothing much will happen. This document comprises the steps the EU expects Turkey to take in its accession process. In a way, it is about the EU's expectations from Turkey. It is only a document which we will take into consideration while preparing our national program."

Okant notes that Greece's aim is to make Cyprus a full EU member in 2002. He then asks what Turkey's stand will be if this Greek goal is realized. In response, Yilmaz describes this goal as ``utopian'', adding that the EU has prepared an Accession Partnership Document for the Cyprus Government as well which it expects to exert "maximum" effort to solve the problem. Yilmaz claims: "Therefore, as long as there is no political solution to the Cyprus issue, the Greek Cypriot administration's membership in the EU can only remain as a Greek wish. In my opinion, it would be impossible to realize it." Yilmaz goes on to state that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved unilaterally and adds: "In other words, a solution cannot be achieved only through our concessions and our contributions. A solution can be achieved through a just conciliation to be reached by the parties concerned. Efforts on the issue have been continuing for a long time. One should accept that much progress has not been achieved during this time. As a result, however, no one can deny the existence of two separate communities and two separate sovereign entities on the island. There has been an independent Turkish Cypriot state, which has the right to self- determination, for at least the last 26 years. It is most doubtful that a mentality that denies this reality and that does not view this entity as having an equal status with the Greek Cypriot administration can reach a conciliation." In conclusion, Yilmaz says: "If the EU has any expectations that Turkey will make unilateral concessions on Cyprus for the sake of EU membership, then the time has come to renounce such expectations."

In reply to a question on whether the EU is ready to accept Turkey as a member in the event all the conditions noted in the EU document are fulfilled, Yilmaz says: "To tell you the truth, Europe is currently not ready to accept Turkey as a member. The decision adopted in Helsinki, the decision granting Turkey candidate status, was reached by the governments for strategic reasons and not as a result of the inclination of their peoples." Yilmaz notes that during his visit to Brussels a month ago, many Turkish government officials including the prime minister and the foreign minister issued statements to the effect that Turkey could begin membership negotiations with the EU by the end of 2001. Yilmaz adds that he observed that EU Commission members "slightly panicked" when they heard these statements because they are concerned that their people will react to the commencement of the negotiations within a year. Pointing out that the EU document mentions the year 2004 for the commencement of these negotiations, Yilmaz says: "The EU policy is to discuss this expansion process in 2004. New members, if there are any, will be accepted in 2004. This status is being considered for Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Decisions concerning the other candidate members will be made in 2004."

[02] Gurel Says Inclusion of Cyprus in EU Document as Precondition is Unacceptable

Referring to criticisms levelled against the inclusion of the Cyprus condition in the short-term section of the Accession Partnership Document, Gurel expressed the belief that this situation will be rectified at the EU Council meeting to be held on 20 November.

Noting that with the exception of the precondition concerning Cyprus the EU Accession Partnership Document was found to be positive, Gurel added: "We believe that we were presented with preconditions that we can fulfil." Pointing out that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit informed the EU that the inclusion of the Cyprus issue into the short-term priorities is unacceptable, Gurel said: "Cyprus cannot be accepted as a precondition."

[03] Turkish Deputy: Cyprus Precondition Unacceptable; EP Report Shows 'Bad Intention'

Inan said, ``both Accession Partnership Accord prepared by the European Union (EU) Commission, and the European Parliament`s resolutions seem to seek a pretext to take back Turkey`s candidacy status. The EU should put forward its political will towards Turkey.``

Noting that the EU Council of Ministers would convene on November 20, Inan said that chapters of the report which created uneasiness in Turkey could be corrected at the EU Council of Ministers meeting.

``We hope that the European Parliament would change its attitude towards Turkey which could be described as hostile. Meanwhile, the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission`s meeting in Turkey should also be cancelled. In every respect, Turkey should determine an attitude against the EU,`` he stressed.

Inan, a deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP), further said that the accession partnership document put forward many issues related with Turkey`s domestic affairs as ``instructions``.

Stressing that the European Parliament`s report was open declaration and announcement of ``bad intention``, Inan said that the phrases about Cyprus were ``distressing``.

`This document of the EU clearly says that Turkey should give Cyprus as a price. This is very clear. It is not possible for a government who can give Cyprus, the national cause, to exist in the Republic of Turkey. It is not possible that such a government can be formed in this parliament. The Prime Minister has clearly expressed this. He stressed that those pre-conditions were unacceptable,`` he said.

``We should expend utmost effort for correction of these by the governments before the EU Ministers Council on November 20. This should be corrected before the EU Summit in Nice. Otherwise, we enter into a deadlock,`` he said.

[04] Turkish Commander says withdrawal of troops from ``TRNC'' unacceptable Anatolia Agency (13:56 hours, 15.11.00) reports that General Ergin Celasin,

General Celasin and the accompanying delegation who represented the Turkish Armed Forces at ``celebrations'' to mark the 17th so-called anniversary of the pseudostate, departed from the occupied area.

Addressing journalists prior to his departure, General Celasin responded to a question about armament of the Greek Cypriot side and Greece. General Celasin said, ``these efforts are in vain. We have taken all measures against these developments. We will continue to protect our rightful situation in every platform. We have taken all measures not to allow anything against TRNC`s freedom and independence. The Greek Cypriot side and Greece should think twice in their every steps.`` When asked about the settlement of a multi-national force by withdrawing Turkish soldiers, General Celasin said, ``these are unacceptable. The TRNC exists. There is a confederation on the island. These cannot be discussed.``

[05] Ecevit issues stern warning over Cyprus According to Turkish Daily News (16.11.00), Democratic Left Party (DSP)

Speaking at his party/s parliamentary group meeting Ecevit announced he had sent letters to all the EU ministers explaining Turkey/s resolve in no uncertain terms. ``As long as there remains a Turkish Republic, the Turkish Cypriots will be free and independent. The Turkish Cypriots will never surrender to the Greek Cypriots. The whole world should understand this'', he said.

Ecevit said that whether the world accepts it or not, ``there are two distinct and separate states existing on the island, consisting of Turkish and Greek Cypriots''. He added this situation would continue to apply.

``If we were to play the West/s game, we know that the Turkish Cypriots would witness disasters under far worse conditions than Bosnia or Kosovo. We cannot allow this. It is not just the security of Turkish Cypriots that would be at stake, but that of the Turkish mainland as well. Therefore we definitely cannot allow this. In such a situation, Greece will have laid siege not just to Turkey/s west but also to its south. The eastern Mediterranean will also come under threat. There is no question of us allowing any of this to happen'', said Ecevit.

Ecevit pointed out that while Turkey/s EU candidacy was being finalized at the Helsinki summit they had said they would never accept linking EU candidacy to the Cyprus issue. He said in addition that the issue was one between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots and that they had explained they did not want the EU to get involved.

``They granted us our candidacy knowing full well our resolve on this matter. They gave us assurances to this effect. We said `yes/ to the Helskinki criteria, but we told them we would not accept any other criteria. Now we see moves that show the promises are not being kept. We will absolutely never accept this and never allow it. We keep all our promises. We, expect every state and institution to stick to the promises they make us'', he said.

Ecevit said promises made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan a few days ago had muddied the waters considerably. ``The game they really wanted to play is now out. Apparently, Cyprus should be a joint state. Apparently, this joint state should be a single unity that cannot be split or broken up. Apparently, a large amount of land should be left to the Greek Cypriots. Apparently, not even that is enough and large numbers of them ought to be able to settle in the north of the island. The Turkish military, which is the Turkish Cypriots/ only guarantee of safety, apparently have to withdraw from the island. When all these points are viewed together is becomes apparent that certain influential circles do not want even a federation (the Greek proposal), let along a confederation (the Turkish proposal). But, none of these draft proposals are acceptable to the Turkish side. Everybody should get used to the fact that as long as the existence of two separate states on the island is ignored, an accord can never be reached'', he said.

[06] Protest march The front page article of YENIDUZEN (17.11.00) under the title ``protest

The march started from the occupied Famagusta and will end in Nicosia. Participants protest against the economic package.

Around 200 persons participate in the march that will end with participants handing a memorandum to so-called prime minister Dervis Eroglu.

[07] ``Cyprus National Coordination Committee'' warns KIBRIS (17.11.00) reports that the so-called Cyprus National Coordination

The statement went on and threatened that any action forced on the Turkish Cypriots or Turkey will not remain unanswered and the necessary measures will be taken.

``For Turkey, the Cyprus problem has been settled since 20 July 1974. The rest is details that remain to be settled. This firm stance, with a number of counter measures and reactions might open the door to integration'', the article warns.

[08] Inaugurations According to VATAN (17.11.00) Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash,

[09] Diabetes According to KIBRIS (17.11.00) there are 14 thousand people suffering from

According to Dr. Hasan Sav, in 1996 the screening carried out all over the occupied area showed that there were 14 thousand people suffering from diabetes and that this number is above the world average.

According to Dr. Sav a 13.5% is suffering from dormant diabetes.

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

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