Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-11-21

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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. 224/00 -- 21.11.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash notes crossroads in Cyprus, says EU welcome to admit Greek Cypriots.

[02] Turkish Cypriots reject Annan/s 8 November framework as basis for talks.

[03] Debate on Turkey/s Accession Document, possibilities analyzed.

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry official: We do not want ties with EU to deteriorate.

[05] Washington Observers: Weak US President, divided Congress spell trouble for Turkey.

[06] MHP said could leave government over EU Accession Document.

[07] Retired General Bir on role of National Security Council, EU ties.

[08] Turkish officials to attend Toros-2000.

[09] European Socialist Group delegation holds meetings.

[10] Greek and Turkish party leaders meet.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Birand: With the exception of Ankara, everyone has his own Cyprus policy.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash Notes Crossroads in Cyprus, Says EU Welcome To Admit Greek Cypriots

The so-called council of ministers met under the chairmanship of Denktash yesterday. Denktash briefed the ``ministers'' on the fifth round proximity talks held in Geneva. Developments concerning the EU were also discussed during the meeting.

Pointing out that 200,000 Turkish Cypriots have constitutional rights, as well as rights to Cyprus' territory, sovereignty, and independence deriving from the 1960 agreement, Denktash said that Turkey saved the Turkish Cypriots ``with the happy peace operation.''

Denktash said: ``We say to them: If the Greek Cypriot administration, which you call Cyprus, is an administration deserving of the EU, please be my guest and admit it.''

Alleging that it is wrong of the EU to apply pressure on Turkey with regard to Cyprus, Denktash said that this is an injustice and Turkey has no blame whatsoever in this regard. He claimed that the United Nations and the whole world should thank Turkey for doing what they failed to do and bringing peace to Cyprus. Denktash went on: ``Everyone should come to their senses. We are truly at a crossroads concerning the Cyprus issue. We must assess everything very carefully.''

Asked if the proximity talks will continue, Denktash said that we are still at the stage of assessment and the necessary response will be given when the time comes.

[02] Turkish Cypriots Reject Annan's 8 Nov Framework as Basis for Talks According to illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (16:30 hours, 20.11.00), at the end of

Miroglu declared that Rauf Denktash briefed the ``government'' in detail with regard to the latest stage in the Cyprus issue. The subject was assessed in depth and the ``council of ministers'' adopted a decision on the stance to be pursued on this matter as of today, Miroglu stated.

Miroglu said that the ``council of ministers'' ascertained that the framework proposed by the UN secretary general on 8 November 2000 cannot constitute the foundation of the proximity talks and the continuation of the process is possible only through a return to the road map delineated by the UN secretary general's opening speech in New York on 12 September 2000.

Pointing out that Rauf Denktash will meet with Alvaro de Soto, UN secretary general' special envoy to Cyprus, on 4 December, Miroglu said that the ``council of ministers'' decided to fully support Rauf Denktash in the stand he will adopt with regard to the Cyprus issue.

Asked if the Turkish Cypriot side will withdraw from the talks in the event that a negative decision emanates from the United Nations, Miroglu responded: ``The kind of approach to be pursued by the president is clear. At present, we are not in a position to make further statements. Let us wait for the outcome of the Denktash-de Soto meeting.''

[03] Debate on Turkey's Accession Document, Possibilities Analyzed According to a report by Anatolia Agency (10:14 hours 20.11.00), the monthly

In this case, there are two probabilities: The Cyprus issue can remain in the Accession Partnership Document and the Aegean issue can be included in the medium-term expectations part. In such a case, Turkey`s tough reaction is expected.

Majority of people think that those reactions would be more harsh than they expected, saying that Turkey could review its full-membership application and Brussels had received such messages.

The second probability is much more feasible: The EU Council can`t take a decision (on 20.1.00) trying to gain time. It will decide to suspend the issue by February of 2001.

``Such an attitude has a ready-made pretext. In February of 2001, the European Parliament will discuss the Frame Regulations and transfer it to the Council. The Frame Regulations which has remained in the backstage and hasn`t been discussed more recently constitutes the legal basis for the Accession Partnership document and shed green light on financial assistance and sets its dimensions. Without this Frame Regulations, the Accession Partnership document can`t be valid.

It seems that the EU Council can prefer to wait for the Frame Regulations as it foresees Turkey`s harsh reaction. This situation will not be so important because the Frame Regulations will be approved unanimously. This means that Greece`s veto will be effective also in February. Those who say ``let`s discuss Accession Partnership and Frame Regulations at the same time`` will gain time only against Ankara. Meanwhile, the Nice Summit will be held. During this gained period, the EU hopes to gain also the concessions it expects from NATO-ally Turkey for the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI).

The EU which has problems about the ESDI accelerated its preparations for a ``Rapid Deployment Force`` while it continues to seek military identity. Within this framework, the EU wants to make use of the NATO`s capabilities by excluding the non-EU member NATO allies: Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Iceland and Norway. Turkey slows down the EU countries` preparations by taking a position.

Majority of votes in favor will be sufficient for approval of the Accession Partnership document by the EU Commission. With this respect, an ``EU with good intentions`` can overcome the Greek obstacle today, and if it wants, it can give positive response to Turkey`s demands and continue the ``Helsinki mentality`` despite ``Athens``. However, foreign diplomats in Brussels claim that there would be a very serious crisis within structure of the EU if such a way was followed, and they defend that Greece would ``take revenge`` during approval of the Frame Regulations,'' the report says.

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry Official: We Do Not Want Ties with EU To Deteriorate

The official said, ``we do not want the deterioration of Turkey-EU relations. There is a problem, but we do not want this problem to deteriorate the relations. The EU is also aware of this. But, if a problem like the Aegean comes to the agenda at the last minute, this will deteriorate the relations.``

Turkey`s goal is full membership to the EU, the official said, adding that Turkey should not give up this goal.

`There is not anything like withdrawing from our candidacy due to the latest developments. I did not hear anybody talking about the withdrawal from candidacy,`` the official also said.

[05] Washington Observers: Weak US President, Divided Congress Spell Trouble for Turkey

Diplomatic observers in Washington pointed out that the fact that it is still not clear if George Bush or Al Gore will be president will cast a shadow of doubt over the new owner of the White House.

In addition, the almost equal division between Republicans and Democrats in the US Senate and House of Representatives will also render the new president's working relations with the Congress more difficult.

Observers in Washington stressed that in an environment where the president is weak and the Congress divided, the political influence of marginal interest groups such as ethnic lobbies will increase, and this is to Turkey's disadvantage.

The observers cited the example of the Greek lobby's efforts to stop the proposed sale of CH-53E military transport helicopters to Turkey as the initial consequence of this situation.

According to political observers, in this atmosphere, Armenian and Greek lobbies will try to legislate in the House of Representatives and the Senate bills that will create problems for Turkey by using their negotiating cards with the President and the Congress on other issues.

It was noted that the possibility of the House of Representatives approving a bill similar to the Armenian bill foiled in October particularly with the initiative of President Bill Clinton is increasing under the current circumstances.

In this context, it was pointed out, anti-Turkey lobbies will attempt to undertake moves to embarrass Turkey with regard to the Cyprus and southeast issues.

The observers claimed that the new president, be it Bush or Gore, will be able to attach less importance than Clinton did to the strategic relations with Turkey because of the internal conflicts that will escalate.

Democratic Senator Joseph Biden, who is known for his opposition to the sale of the transport helicopters to Turkey, had declared that he will oppose the sale on the grounds of the Cyprus issue.

The US Administration has the power to insist on the sale and implement the transfer. According to the observers, however, people who are opposed to Turkey such as Biden have the possibility of blackmailing the administration on other matters that concern internal US politics and obstruct the sale which is important in terms of the relations with Turkey.

[06] MHP Said Could Leave Government Over EU Accession Document RADIKAL (Internet Version, 18.11.00) reports that the coalition partner

The MHP has for the first time begun to talk about withdrawing from the coalition over Cyprus and the cultural rights included in the Accession Partnership Document. And the latest MHP backstage talk is that if "broadcasting in the mother tongue" and Cyprus conditions are insisted upon then it could become necessary for the MHP to withdraw from the government.

Stating that the strategy to be followed toward the EU has become the "first serious and persistent difficulty before the government," MHP leader Devlet Bahceli added: "For the first time we are face to face with an issue on which we will make no compromises for the sake of stability."

Ahmet Cakar [MHP Istanbul Deputy] said in his turn that they will make no concessions over Cyprus and the cultural rights for the sake of entering the EU, adding: "If necessary we will break up the government. We are ready to sacrifice our posts in order to safeguard the continuation of the state. A government can fall and be formed at any time but the state cannot be. The plot staged during the fall of the Ottoman Empire is being re- enacted. And everyone advocating such rights are heedless persons acting at the bidding of others."

[07] Retired General Bir on Role of National Security Council, EU Ties Anatolia Agency (15:38 hours, 17.11.00) reports that retired General Cevik

Cevik Bir gave a speech at the conference entitled "Turkey's Importance in the 21st Century and the Youth's Role in Increasing Turkey's Effectiveness, " that was held by the Izmir Youth Culture and Solidarity Association (IZGED).

Noting that the EU countries frequently put the MGK on their agenda, Bir emphasized that the EU countries do not have neighbours that constitute a threat to them. Stating that Turkey has 13 neighbours, Bir said the following: ``I have 13 neighbours. Under these circumstances, consultation should be conducted with regard to security issues. Therefore, there will be soldiers in the MGK''

Pointing out that the MGK assists the government with regard to security issues, Bir said: ``The MGK is the only center that produces ideas for the political authorities in Turkey. We have to explain this to our Western friends''.

Pointing out that integration with the EU does not only involve the economic field, Bir explained that it also involves the political, social, cultural, and security fields.

Bir continued: "Turkey should enter the integration process with the EU in a harmonious way. To resolve the Cyprus issue will not enable integration. Turkey's integration with the EU concerns both the politicians and the citizens. In this respect, the political authorities should determine their goal and should enlighten the citizens and the nongovernmental organizations on their vision."

Noting that Turkey has become a sine qua non country among the EU and Eurasian countries in the 21st century, Bir stressed that Turkey constitutes a key country in terms of the solution of any problems that might emerge in the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

[08] Turkish officials to attend Toros-2000 KIBRIS (21.11.00) reports that Turkish Defense Minister Sabahattin

[09] European Socialist Group delegation holds meetings HALKIN SESI (21.11.00) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had

Denktash/s advisors Ergun Olgun and Mustafa Evran were also present at the meeting.

Vice President of the European Socialist Party Lena Hjelm Wallen is heading the delegation, while the Head of the EU Cyprus Delegation, Italian Ambassador Donato Chiarini, is accompanying the delegation during the meetings.

Prior to the meeting, Hjelm Wallen said that she will discuss with both Greek and Turkish Cypriot political party leaders the Cyprus problem and Cyprus/ accession process.. She added that she attaches great importance to the meetings with the political party leaders because the latter are closer to the people.

[10] Greek and Turkish party leaders meet According to YENIDUZEN (21.11.00) the Turkish and Greek Cypriot political

A meeting organized by the Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus will be held tomorrow at the Ledra Palace hotel at 10:30 a.m.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Birand: With the exception of Ankara, everyone has his own Cyprus policy

All that is changing now.

The process that began at Helsinki has taken on a more serious tone with the Accession Partnership Document. It has been made clear that if a solution to the Cyprus issue cannot be found, then Turkey/s most vital foreign relations are not going to develop.

For the first time, Ankara is truly at a crossroads. Also, for the first time, it has become apparent that Ankara needs to develop policies different from those applied since 1974.

There is also a dramatic aspect of the affair because Ankara has no other policies that have been debated and dealt with at length and that contain various scenarios to cope with any eventuality. It is a shame that this`dramatic/ fact is also a true fact.

Turkey does not know what it wants, other than that the situation in Cyprus continue as it has been.

· It is known that the solution to be found will be a formula between federative or confederative. However, Turkey has made absolutely no preparations for this eventuality.

· Turkey does not know what it is going to do with Cyprus should it accept the Greek Cypriots/ going it alone and becoming full members of Cyprus. Nobody really knows just what it means to say, `Whatever the European Union does, we will also do/.

· Neither the pros nor the cons of the TRNC joining the EU alongside the Greek Cypirots have been debated properly.

There are no studies being done at the Foreign Ministry or the National Security Council (MGK) or within the government.

In contrast to this, all `sides/ in the Cyprus question have their own policies, which they are applying.

Subtitle: Denktash wants a separate state Whether you like it or not, the only person creating policy on the Turkish side is Rauf Denktash, the president of the TRNC.

Basically, what Denktash wants is full independence for the TRNC or to be annexed to mainland Turkey. He also knows the difficulties and the risks attached to both options. Despite this, acting on the assumption that the EU wants to legally divide Cyprus by only accepting the Greek Cypriots and that Turkey is still uncertain, he is thinking only in macros, or at least that is the impression he gives.

Because of this attitude Denktash is being seen as `the obstacle to a solution/ or `the leader who does not want to see a solution found/.

Subtitle: Athens wants to pay its debts Greece/s priority is to find a solution to Cyprus.

It has two reasons for this.

The first is the sense of responsibility it feels for the policies of the military government in the 1970s, which tore apart the Greek Cypriots, and the fact that it stood by and watched the Turkish military operation on the island. The Greeks want to repay their perceived debt to the Greek Cypriots.

The other reason is the need felt by Greece for peace in the region. Athens/ long-term aim is to settle in to the European monetary union. It is for this reason that Greece is resolving its problems with Turkey and is creating an atmosphere of lasting peace in the Aegean. This is the only way in which it can avoid spending huge amounts of money on arms and get down to accelerating its economic development.

Athens believes that unless a solution is found to the Cyprus issue, there can be no lasting peace in the Aegean and is throwing all its weight behind this point.

On the island it is believed that the solution to the Cyprus question lies with the full EU membership of either the whole island or just the south. Greece is also exerting all the pressure it can to get this point achieved.

Should Cyprus become a full member of the EU, Athens will be able to consider the matter closed and handed over to the EU. This is why Athens is pulling out all the stops to achieve this goal whatever the cost. It is indeed reaching its goal one step at a time.

The most reliable part of this equation is the president of Greek Cyprus, Clerides.

Both the support from elder brother Greece and the messages of support coming in from many EU countries give the impression that the Greek Cypriots have been given assurances of full EU membership even if a solution is not found. This being the case, Clerides, just like Denktash, is pursuing a macro policy, albeit from a different approach. Not to put too fine a point on it, he is forcing Denktash to accept his solution.

This solution does no more than to give the Turkish Cypriots comparatively more rights than they had before. The Greek Cypriots want the Turkish Cypriots to be happy with the status of a `minority with various rights/.

The Greek Cypriots are very attracted to the idea of full EU membership without a prior solution to the Cyprus issue. This is because they are working on the assumption that they will be able to use the political leverage of the EU and its regulations over time to win back what they lost to the Turks in 1974.

This is an assumption not to be taken at all lightly.

Subtitle: EU will make a tough decision The EU has pursued stick and carrot policies but has been unable to get either side to distance themselves from macro policies.

The EU seems to be decided on melting down the Cyprus problem in its own furnace. No matter how much France, Holland, Spain and Germany are inclined towards not accepting Cyprus as a full member without a solution being found first, the general flow of things is along the lines of inviting both sides to join the EU as full members, but to go it alone with the Greeks anyway if the Turkish side refuses.

This eventuality is attractive to the many countries that want to keep mainland Turkey out of the EU no matter what the cost. On the other hand, the burdens of the responsibility of dividing Cyprus in such a way as to render future unity impossible is just too high a price to pay.

Subtitle: Conclusion The key appears to be in Turkey/s hands to a signfiicant degree. EU membership should not be abandoned for the sake of retaining Northern Cyprus and maintaining the status quo there.

Provided Ankara wants to, it can create solutions that will put the minds of the Turkish Cypriots at ease, that will lift the mortgage in its foreign relations and that will secure assurances of its future within the EU. However, all this necessitates coming up with new policies. It should not be forgotten that those who do not produce policies are obliged in the end to concede to the policies created by others.''

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

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