Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-11-27

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 228/00 -- 25-26-27

[01] Denktash demands acceptance of ``TRNC'' existence, says recognition is another issue.

[02] Ecevit: Turkey supports Denktash/s decision to withdraw from proximity talks.

[03] Ecevit on Denktash/s withdrawal from proximity talks, criticizes EU support for Greek Cypriots

[04] EU Commission calls on Denktash to return to talks.

[05] Turkey/s Cem comments on decision to withdraw from proximity talks.

[06] Denktash: Proximity talks to be reassessed if ``two states principle'' accepted.

[07] Denktash: Cyprus not to be handed over, strategic importance for Turkey increasing.

[08] Denktash claims `did not run away/ from table, wants to make world think.

[09] Reaction to Denktash/s decision to withdraw from talks.

[10] Yilmaz: Turkey may give up EU membership if pressured on Cyprus, Aegean problems.

[11] Turkish diplomatic pressure on EU after Accession Document decision.

[12] Turkish presidential adviser notes full consensus between Turkey, ``TRNC''.

[13] Turkey/s Cem interviewed on EU, Cyprus Aegean.

[14] MHP/s Vural calls on EU to recognize ``TRNC''.

[15] Hasipoglu challenges sovereignty of British bases in ``TRNC''.

[16] Salih Cosar elected Democratic Party leader.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash demands acceptance of ``TRNC'' existence, says recognition is another issue

Asked what are the conditions for holding either proximity or direct talks, he replied: ``Our condition is quite simple. We shall start from the realities. The realities show that there are two states, two peoples, two sovereign entities, and two democracies. There is the approach as though these realities do not exist, as though there are only Greek Cypriots and a Greek Cypriot republic on the island, and as though the Turkish Cypriot community is a misbehaving minority among the Greek Cypriots helping the occupying forces to continue their occupation. The European Parliament began to adopt resolutions to the effect that the occupation should end and that Turkish troops should withdraw from the island. Let everyone change their eyeglasses, because they are no longer able to see the realities. They have fallen into the Greek Cypriot trap. Every party that is interested in peace regarding the Cyprus issue should accept the existence of the TRNC. Recognition is another issue. We will embark on that road with courage because it is our right. At this stage we are not even demanding that we be recognized. We are saying that our existence should be accepted. It should be acknowledged that the Greek Cypriot side is not our government nor can it become our government. The claim that the Greek Cypriot administration is the government of the entire island is a lie. They are under the impression that they own the entire island, because the world is treating them as the legitimate Cyprus Government. They are getting richer and they are presenting us to the world as a rebellious minority. Had Turkey not come to our rescue they would have annihilated us. They are portraying Turkey, which has rescued us, as an occupationist force. We have left our land in the south to them. Now they are claiming their territory in the north as though the entire island belongs to them. The so-called Cyprus Government is issuing forced demotion decisions regarding the property we left behind in the south. Therefore, the time has come for us to say stop to this development. This is what we are saying. When De Soto arrives in Cyprus on 4 December, we will submit our reports and convey our views to him. We will ask them not to use delaying tactics, to talk to us seriously, and to begin treating the two sides equally in the event they are interested in peace''.

Asked what will happen if his proposals are not accepted, Denktash said inter alia: `` We have put forth our equality as a substantive, reasonable and realistic parameter saying than an agreement can be reached ony through the acceptance of the two states. We want them to accept this equality. If this is not accepted, then the two states will continue to exist side by side.''

When asked, ``the EU Accession Partnership Document included the Cyprus issue in the short-term priorities. Turkey/s reaction was harsh. How do you view that process?'', Denktash replied:

``That was another factor that led us to this current point. There was no point in presenting the Cyprus issue - which is Turkey/s national cause and over which it has rights based on the 1960 agreement - as a precondition, a principle, to Turkey/s accession to the EU. They have indulged the Greek Cypriots through this stand as well''.

He added: ``We, as the side familiar with the Greek Cypriot side, can say that when the EU makes to mistake of accepting the Greek Cypriot side as a member, then they will turn to Turkey and say that it should move out of EU territory. Naturally, Turkey will not accept this. Then, under the impression that they are backed up by the EU, they might even resort to arms. These efforts to join the EU security organization are a preparation for that day. We cannot accept this. They have no such right. They have no legal or de facto right. This should definitely not be allowed. The Greek Cypriots are, however, going and participating in these discussions in the name of Cyprus. What part of Cyprus? South Cyprus. Since that representative does not represent me, I am entitled to sever the communication between us''.

[02] Ecevit: Turkey Supports Denktash's Decision To Withdraw From Proximity Talks

In a statement he made, Ecevit said that a very productive meeting was held under the chairmanship of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer at the Cankaya Mansion (24.11.00) with the participation Denktash and his colleagues.

Ecevit noted that Denktash told them that it is meaningless to continue the proximity talks with the Greek Cypriot side and that no results will be attained from these talks so long as the existence of ``two separate states in Cyprus'' is not acknowledged. He continued:

"In reality, no results have been attained despite the fact that these talks have been continuing for about a year and despite the fact that five lengthy meetings were held during this time. Given the situation, we support the decision of the honorable Denktash to withdraw from the talks.

The TRNC has safeguarded and proved its independence and freedom despite the most overwhelming obstacles. Turkey has always stood by the TRNC and will continue to do so in the future. Moreover, the security of the Turkish Republic and that of the TRNC are inseparable."

After making his statement, Ecevit replied to reporters' questions. Upon being reminded about Denktas' statement regarding the EU Accession Partnership Document to the effect that the reference made to Cyprus in that document has rendered the Greek Cypriots more impertinent, Ecevit said:

"It is true. Had the EU not attempted to take up the Cyprus issue, had it not attempted to impose anything on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey on the issue, I believe that, sooner or later, and maybe sooner a conciliation would have been reached. The Greek Cypriot administration, however, continued its resistance through the EU support and led to the continuation of this atmosphere of nonconciliation."

A reporter reminded Ecevit that in the EU Accession Partnership Document the Cyprus issue was included in the short-term goals section and asked: "What kind of a result do you expect by extending Turkey's support to the TRNC decision to withdraw from the talks?" In response, Ecevit said that ``Turkey supports the TRNC in its just causes'', adding: "We have contributed to their development in the face of the economic embargoes. We will continue to contribute in the future as well. No one has the right or the power to say anything to us on the issue or to impose sanctions on us."

Asked whether the EU will condemn Turkey's support for the ``TRNC'' decision to withdraw from the proximity talks, Ecevit said: "No results were achieved at these talks and it has become clear that the more the EU takes an interest in the issue the less the chances to achieve a solution."

In reply to a question on whether the outcome of the 4 December meeting of the EU General Affairs Commission is being awaited in order to review the relations with the EU, Ecevit said: "That will come about by itself."

[03] Ecevit on Denktash' sWithdrawal From Proximity Talks, Criticizes EU Support for Greek Cypriots

Ecevit replied to questions as follows:

``- Can you comment on the outcome of the EU interference in the Cyprus problem?

- We did not expect the indirect talks to yield a result. The talks continued for nearly a year. It has now become quite clear that they will not yield a result. That is why we supported Mr. Denktash' decision not to participate in the talks until the Turkish Cypriot community is seen as an equal side.

- Can Ankara's support be described as a reaction to the EU initiatives to link Turkey's accession to the organization first with the Cyprus problem and then with the Aegean disputes?

- The matter can be viewed in many ways. They [UN officials] kept President Denktash away from his country for many months because of the talks. It was as if they banned him from returning to his country. To a certain extent, that was due to the pressure the EU put on the sides concerned. The Greek Cypriots seemed ready to reach an agreement. However, they rejected the establishment of a confederation or a federation as soon as the EU supported them. They quickly began to call for a unitary state. Drawing strength from the support they received from the EU, they adopted an irreconcilable approach. The Cyprus problem can be solved if the EU decides not to interfere. ``

[04] EU Commission Calls on Denktash To Return to Talks Anatolia Agency (13:25 hours, 24.11.00) reports that Jean-Christophe Flori,

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article