Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-12-06

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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. 235/00 -- 6.12.00

[01] Turkey/s Cem: APD important turning point in transition from candidacy to member.

[02] Denktash cited on proximity talks, Cyprus/ Accession to EU.

[03] Pseudo-Assembly postponed Session on Withdrawal From Proximity talks.

[04] Turkish Cypriot Journalist interviewed on Expectations, Turkey/s Cyprus Solution.

[05] Second Day of General Strike.

[06] ``Police'' against CTP members protesting Denktash/s withdrawal from Talks.

[07] Turkish Cypriot ``Diplomatic Sources'' Warn Against Criticism in Annan Report.

[08] Pseudostate postponed strike at power plants, airport.

[09] Cem addresses Foreign Policy issues.

[10] Akinci-German ambassador meeting.

[11] Yilmaz threatens as regards Cyprus/, EU Accession.

[12] Denktash/s interview to KIBRIS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey/s Cem: APD important turning point in transition from candidacy to member

Addressing journalists following the interdelegationary meeting between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, Cem said, ``the meeting in Brussels resulted in political agreement. Some wrong definitions were tried to be included in the Accession Partnership Accord. We expended great efforts to prevent inclusion of these definitions.``

Noting that France had been displaying a good administration as the Term President of the European Union (EU), Cem said, ``I am talking cautiously because the Accession Partnership Accord has not become completely official yet. It will become fully official on December 8.``

Cem told reporters, ``the EU prepared the Accession Partnership Accord. In this process, the EU held only consultations with Turkey. The Accession Partnership is not the document we exactly wanted. But the EU refrained from some mistakes in the Accession Partnership Accord. Now Turkey should prepare its National Program. Turkey will prepare the program on its own.``

Describing the EU membership as process with ups and downs, Cem stressed, ``in this process, Turkey will develop itself by protecting its own identity, basic principles of the Republic, state's unitary structure and equality of all its citizens.``

When asked whether or not Greece would consider the issues which were given place under the titles of ``Enhanced Political Dialogue and Political Criteria`` as ``political criteria`` during the negotiation process, Cem told reporters, ``these are theoretical arguments. It is meaningless to make provocative statements by carrying these theoretical arguments too far. Every thing is clear. The definition of enhanced political dialogue and two issues that were put forward under this definition at last year's Helsinki Summit were given place in the Accession Partnership Accord in a similar way. In our point of view, there is not a problem.``

Recalling that Turkey had been supporting United Nations Secretary General's efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue, Cem said, ``our support does not mean that we would do everything that were told us and we would accept the mistakes. Our support also points out the right way.``

Cem added, ``Turkey has been doing the correct thing. It will continue to do so in the future''.

[02] Denktas Cited on Proximity Talks, Cyprus' Accession to EU Turkish daily NOKTA (3.12.00) reports on an interview withTurkish Cypriot

``[Ayyildiz] Why was a decision made for indirect talks?

[Denktas] The G-8 countries called for the resumption of the intercommunal talks in their final communique in mid 1999. If was as if the disclosures we made after the meeting in Glion in 1997 to the effect that talks can be held only between two states for the establishment of a confederation in Cyprus were completely ignored. Kliridhis tried to create the impression that his Government represents the Turkish Cypriot people. He even urged the Turkish Cypriots, whom he described as his minority citizens, to support the Greek Cypriot side's unlawful application to join the EU.

I met Kofi Annan and informed him that a basis did not exist for face-to- face talks. That is how the indirect talks began. The objective was to establish a common basis for meaningful talks between the two sides. We agreed that the talks should be held between "two equal sides" and that they should not be described as "intercommunal negotiations." We also agreed that they should be held without conditions, no reference should be made to the UN Security Council resolutions, and everything should be discussed, including the establishment of a confederation. We participated in the talks saying that we will discuss the establishment of a confederation and that we will not relinquish our state. We did not participate in the talks to agree to give up Turkey's guarantee and throw out our people into the street by allowing the Greek Cypriots to return to their former places. That is what we were asked to agree to during the talks.

[Ayyildiz] It was said at some point that the two communities participated in the talks with equal status. Did that change during the course of the negotiations?

[Denktas] UN Secretary General Kofi Annan issued a statement and placed a "road map" on the negotiation table for the solution of the Cyprus problem. That was when the fourth round of the talks began on 12 September. He said that the two communities were politically equal, neither of them represented or can represent the other, a partnership structure will be established, and the two sides will have equal status at the end of the process. Had the Greek Cypriot side been willing to reach an agreement, it would have agreed that the concept of federation, which it seems to support, would have fit in that framework. We would have said that the concept of confederation would fit in it better. So, the negotiations would have been maintained.

However, the Greek Cypriot side strongly rejected Kofi Annan's road map. That showed again that it does not intend to establish a partnership with the Turkish Cypriot side. Considering Kofi Annan's statement, the Greek Cypriot side decided not to participate in the talks for two days. They forced him to retreat.

[Ayyildiz] Are you saying that the Greek Cypriot side was able to force Kofi Annan to retreat from what he said on the equal status of the two communities?

[Denktas] Yes, they achieved that. Kofi Annan conveyed a list of "verbal views" to the fifth round of the talks in Geneva on 8 November. They completely ignored the Turkish Cypriot side's state, equality, and sovereignty. It was impossible for us to accept them as a framework for the talks.(paragraph omitted).

[Ayyildiz] Can you comment on the Greek Cypriot objectives against Turkey?

[Denktas] The mistake the EU will make by agreeing to the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the organization will completely undermine the effort that is made to solve the Cyprus problem. So, the separation on the island will become permanent. The Greek Cypriots plan to cause clashes on a limited scale in Cyprus after they join the EU. They will then ask the organization and the United Nations to support them. Their objective is to create a confrontation between the EU and Turkey over Cyprus. The disclosure the Greek Cypriot Defense Minister made to the effect that the Greek Cypriot National Guard can contribute toward the European Security and Defense Identity brought to light their main objective. So, it can be said that while on the one hand the Greek Cypriots hold talks with the Turkish Cypriots under UN auspices, on the other, they employ Byzantine tactics to extend their sovereignty to the northern part of the island.

[Ayyildiz] Is it impossible for the two communities to reconcile their differences?

[Denktas] An agreement can be reached if the two communities are treated equally. However, considering the fact that the Cyprus problem is a dispute between the completely Orthodox Greek Cypriot people and the completely Islamic Turkish Cypriot people, we cannot predict to what extend the EU, which is viewed as an organization of Christian countries, will be able to maintain an impartial approach.''

[03] Pseudo-Assembly Postpones Session on Withdrawal From Proximity Talks Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 5.12.00) reports that the

The ``deputies'', former ``parliamentarians'', the people, and the press were told that the extraordinary session could not be held. The Republican Turkish Party [CTP] ``deputies'' were not at the ``assembly'' because they were out protesting Denktas for deciding on his own to withdraw from the proximity talks.

So-called assembly speaker Hasipoglu said that the decision to postpone the session was taken following consultations with Denktas. He added that the session will be held in the coming days or weeks.

Replying to a question, Hasipoglu denied that the postponement had anything to do with the approval of the EU's Accession Partnership Document on Turkey. He noted that the document is Turkey's concern.

Hasipoglu explained that all the parties drew up proposals on the Cyprus problem to be posited at the session.

In a statement, Mustafa Akinci, leader of the Communal Liberation Party [TKP], noted that everybody knows the TKP's views on the Cyprus problem, and that it would have posited those views if the session were held.

Akinci was asked if it would be a problem for the ``government'' if his party posited a proposal on the Cyprus problem that was different from that of its ``coalition'' partner, the National Unity Party. Akinci replied that he cannot comment on hypotheses. He stressed that the TKP believes that the Cyprus problem can only be solved through negotiations, but that the United Nations has no right to place the Turkish Cypriot side inside a narrow mold. He stressed that the TKP wants the equal status of ``the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'' reflected in the negotiations. He added that the TKP's proposal will be along those lines.

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, ``minister of foreign affairs and defense'', denied any links between the approval of the EU's Accession Partnership Document on Turkey and the postponement of the ``assembly'' session. He added: ``It is not that the Accession Partnership Document was amended because of our decision to withdraw from the talks, or that we will review our decision to withdraw because the Accession Partnership Document was amended''. Ertugruloglu said that the decision to withdraw from the talks is still valid regardless of the Accession Partnership Document. He stressed the proximity talks are over because they did not serve their purpose. He explained that during the fifth round of talks preparations should have been made to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations. However, he said, the fifth round of the proximity talks were viewed as the meaningful negotiations themselves.

Ertugruloglu said that the UN secretary general's verbal statement of 8 November created a framework that would greatly endanger the Turkish Cypriots existence and interests in the island. That is the only reason why a decision was reached to withdraw from the talks, he said, adding:

``however, this should not be taken to mean that the Turkish Cypriots have broken away from all kinds of negotiations, or that they will never negotiate with anyone under any circumstances. Our dialogue with the United Nations will continue of course, as long as it desires, but not in the form of the proximity talks''.

[04] Turkish Cypriot Journalist Interviewed on Expectations, Turkey's Cyprus Solution

``Why Metin Munir? Turkey has announced it is ready to go it alone without the European Union and all because of the Cyprus issue. This is a decision that will affect the future of the 65 million people living in Turkey. However, these people are not in full possession of the facts when it comes to Cyprus and the wishes of the Turkish Cypriots. In the belief that by not to keeping the community fully informed on an issue that will determine its fate they are being done a great disservice, I spoke with Metin Munir, a person who knows Cyprus and Turkey very well. Metin Munir has been a journalist for 30 years now. He worked for the BBC and the Financial Times for 12 years as a correspondent and was Chief Editor of the Gunes newspaper for a year and a half in Asil Nadir's time. Author of the book, "The Morning Incident", Metin Munir still writes a column for Yeni Binyil and works as a consultant for CNBC-e television. Born in Cyprus in 1944, Metin Munir quit his studies at Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences half way through and fought in the Cyprus War for two years''.Then follows the text of the interview:

``[Duzel] Turkey has implied it could break off from Europe over the Cyprus issue. It is said that Cyprus is the most important issue for Turkey. However, as far as I know from my experience, Cyprus is the topic that readers and television audiences know the least about. Programs about Cyprus are almost never watched. How can you explain this contradiction?

[Munir] In autocratic administrations, the government does not need to conform to the wishes of the people. What the government wants and what the people want are not the same. Looking at it this way, the Cyprus issue is not a matter for the Turkish people. It could well be a problem for the Turkish Government though.

[Duzel] I have very rarely seen instances in the Turkish media of Turkish Cypriots' voices being heard when asked what it is they want. Why is it that we do not listen to the Turkish Cypriots when the issue is said to be one of vital importance for us?

[Munir] Cyprus is where you will find the most Turkish correspondents yet Cyprus is the one issue the Turkish people know least about. The reason for this incredible contradiction is the way the Turkish media practices journalism in Cyprus. They carry out journalism under state supervision. It is for this reason that you will not be able to see any news in the Turkish press that does not conform to state policy. The press takes the side that "everything Turkish governments do in Cyprus is in the best interests of the Turkish people and consequently should be supported". Yet, the policy being guided in Cyprus is not in the interests of either the 150,000 Turkish Cypriots nor the 65 million mainland Turks. It is extremely illogical to mortgage the future of 65 million people because of a policy that is obviously of no benefit to even 150,000 people.

[Duzel] What kind of solution does Turkey want in Cyprus?

[Munir] You should really be asking, "Does Turkey want a solution on Cyprus?" In fact, Turkey does not want a solution. Turkey is pursuing the policy that "the only solution is no solution". What Ecevit said boils down to this: "The Cyprus problem has been sorted out. The current situation is the solution." Yet, the solution is not the current situation, that is the status quo. There are 190 countries on this planet. If 189 of them do not recognize the situation in Cyprus as a solution, do not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC], this cannot mean a solution. You are saying, "We came, we liked it and we're not giving it back", but the world does not accept this.

[Duzel] From an economic perspective there is a great difference between the Greek and Turkish sides of the island. The Greek administered section is at least five times wealthier than the TRNC. Why is there such a great difference between the two communities?

[Munir] The difference exists because honest and experienced people administer the Greek side. The Greek Cypriots are one of the most democratic and richest countries in the Mediterranean basin. The Greek administered side is one of the best prepared politically and economically of all the EU candidate countries. There is just one, maybe two Articles from the Copenhagen Criteria that have yet to be fulfilled. The Greek Cypriots will be able to enter the EU come the New Year. It is best to forget the Turkish side.

[Duzel] In what way should we forget them?

[Munir] Forget preparations for membership among the Turkish Cypriots, within the TRNC government or in Denktas's office. The agenda does not even have an article on the European Union. It does not matter who is in government in the TRNC today, they will still have to do what Turkey tells them to. Turkey is telling them they are not going to join the European Union. The Greek Cypriots on the other hand will enter the EU in 2001. Turkey could possibly join in around 2021. Turkey quite rightly does not want a second Greek veto in the European Union. Furthermore, the European Union army is being formed and will contain the Greek Cypriot army, while the Turkish army remains outside.

[Duzel] You said the reason for the different states of advancement between the southern and northern communities stems from the quality of their administrations. Yet it is always said that the Greek Cypriots receive a lot of financial aid both from the EU and Greece.

[Munir] Our people say this because they want to justify why they have not been able to do this. "Nobody recognizes us. They have put an embargo on us. This is why we are so far behind," they say. "They get incredible amounts of aid and that is why they are so advanced." This does not reflect the entire truth. Yes, the embargo does mean we are running this race like a packhorse among thoroughbreds, but the real reason for us lagging behind is the fact we are badly governed. When you go from the north of the island to the south, it is just like traveling from East Berlin into West Berlin. Turkey is confining itself to such a lack of solution, such mentality. Oranges used to be Cyprus' biggest export but these days we have to import them from mainland Turkey.

[Duzel] If the famous oranges with the scent of lemons are no longer being grown on Cyprus, what is being produced there?

[Munir] Bureaucracy is being produced. Turkey gives the money and we live there. We have become a society of civil servants. Some 35,000 people get by on wages paid by Turkey. We never looked after our tangerine orchards. We killed them off. The fact that the tangerine trees have withered away has nothing to do with the embargo and everything to do with us. The Greek Cypriots formed a cooperative to export oranges. They gave cheap loans to the producers and sold the goods off at a good price. As for the cooperatives we founded, they were robbed by those that founded them. Both the cooperative and the orange growers collapsed.

[Duzel] The people invaded the TRNC Parliament this summer. Large meetings were convened. What do the Turkish Cypriots want?

[Munir] They want two things, in fact. Firstly, they want Turkish guarantees against Greek oppression to continue. Secondly, they want a solution to the Cyprus problem and to get the welfare they have. In addition, they want to join the EU.

[Duzel] So, what kind of solution do they want?

[[Munir]] The majority want a solution whereby the island becomes a twin- region federation with an international identity. This is what the world accepts but on the island what the people want and what the government wants are not the same thing. Turk or Greek, if you were to ask me not what the people want but what the governments want, I would say that only God, Denktas and Kliridhis know what the governments want because the situation is that mixed up... The documents that have accumulated over the past 40 years have doubtless become a mountain by now and the solution is lost within a heap of official paper. It is no longer clear just what is wanted and what is being said. The leaders in both the north and the south maintain an iron grip. However, peace creates its own dynamism. When there is peace, the leaders' grip weakens. The two communities will come to live among each other over time; this is probably unstoppable.

[Duzel] An opposition journalist [for Avrupa newspaper] on Cyprus was arrested on charges of spying but later released. Is there antidemocratic oppression on Cyprus?

[Munir] The TRNC is a far more democratic country than mainland Turkey because he judicial system there is independent. This is an extraordinary chance and blessing for the Turkish Cypriots. But you know that they killed a journalist, Kutlu Adali, over there. When was the last time a journalist was killed for thinking the wrong thing in Britain or France or America I wonder?

[Duzel] Is it dangerous to oppose Ankara in Cyprus?

[Munir] It can be dangerous under certain conditions. The moment you say, "Withdraw the Turkish army from Cyprus and let the Greek and Turkish Cypriots work it out for themselves and live together," you will have strayed from the official line. They had one person who strayed from the line killed and another thrown into prison as a spy. Yet, Turkey should not fear these thoughts because the overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots do not want to see the Turkish army leave. They want the problem to be solved with Turkish assurances to the effect that both peoples can live in their own regions. They believe that any solution to the problem should never jeopardize Turkey's security. They know the price of peace will be to concede some territory to the Greeks. But above all this, one has to congratulate the army. A radical newspaper like "Avrupa" has become the highest selling paper on Cyprus saying its head writer was jailed. Its presses were burned down six days ago. Just as the people do not believe in the spying charges, nor do they believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

[Duzel] Why?

[Munir] Because the workers who came over from Turkey to run the presses were abducted to Turkey by "certain individuals" a short time ago with menaces.

[Duzel] Why are Turkish Cypriots getting poorer and poorer?

[Munir] Turkey sends huge amounts of money to Cyprus. Under current conditions there is no alternative to sending the money. The grave point about this is that as a result of this tremendous flow of money TRNC gives the impression it is a third world country sinking into the swamp. The money flowing into Cyprus has not improved the standard of living of the island community. TRNC has not become a rich country. Most of the money has been and is swallowed up by the elite circles there. Cyprus is being governed by people who are benefiting from the lack of a solution.

[Duzel] So are the Turkish Cypriots happy with the current situation?

[Munir] Most of them are not.

[Duzel] Do the demands of the Turkish Cypriots and those of Ankara coincide or is there a huge difference of opinion?

[Munir] Neither Denktas nor those governing Turkey want a solution but the Turkish Cypriots want one.

[Duzel] Which would the Turkish Cypriots prefer: to be part of an independent state in the European Union or to be a separate state under Turkey's protection?

[Munir] They would prefer the first option.

[Duzel] Do Turkish Cypriots want unification with Turkey?

[Munir] No. When you say this, the people in Turkey look at you as if you are a traitor. But I do want to say this: I want to remain a Turkish Cypriot. I do not want to be a citizen of mainland Turkey. Nor do I want to be an Azeri Turk, a German Turk, a Turk resident in England or a Kazakh Turk. This is not betraying Turkey. This is a person staying as he is and leading the life he is accustomed to.

[Duzel] Have you not been able to remain a Turkish Cypriot?

[Munir] No. I have lived my life in exile. However, both I and the other Turkish Cypriots owe a debt of gratitude to Turkey we can never repay. This is mainland Turkey but for me this is exile. I always wanted to raise my children in my homeland. I am 56 years old and still obliged to live outside of Cyprus.

[Duzel] Do the Turkish Cypriots feel oppressed?

[Munir] Yes. There are 80-90,000 Turkish Cypriots there and 30-35,000 Turkish soldiers. There are 60-70,000 migrants. You cannot say we are in a country living under normal conditions.

[Duzel] Turkey looks like it does not want a solution, but I cannot for the life of me understand how the current situation on Cyprus benefits Turkey. From the diplomatic perspective, there is not a single country in the entire world recognizes TRNC. Furthermore, you remain alone at all international platforms from the EU to the UN because of this problem. From an economic perspective, Turkey is constantly sending money to Cyprus. From the military angle, because we have stationed soldiers there, the Greeks have stationed forces there too and so we have stationed a force in our West directly underneath us. Maybe there is something I am missing here but just how does this situation advantage Turkey?

[Munir] I completely agree. Turkey has locked itself into a policy that is harming it and has thrown the key out the window. Furthermore, Denktas has got destroyed the second key to the door. He cannot his past (as published). I also fought at Erenkoy. The Greeks killed by best friend. On Cyprus all of our lives are scarred and traumatized. However, it is about time a solution was found. Nobody in the world has supported Turkish foreign policy for the past 25 years. Is this not a sign that the policy needs to be changed? Of course, all these curses were created by Greek Cypriot greediness. The Greek Cypriots and Greece have sinned greatly but EU candidacy changes countries. It makes domestic policy more peaceful and civilized. Consequently we cannot tar the Greek Cypriots of today with the same brush we used to. They have changed and so has Greece.

[Duzel] Let us say that Turkey makes all these sacrifices for the sake of the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots do not want the situation to continue. If there is no benefit to Turkey from this situation, nor to the Turkish Cypriots, just who is benefiting?

[Munir] It most benefits those selling arms to Greece and Turkey. Following the Cold War, with the exception of these two countries all the other countries of the world reduced defense spending considerably. However, Turkey today has got a $150 billion rearmament program, the biggest in the world. For this reason there is no pressure to get the Cyprus issue resolved. It just looks like there is. Had there been real pressure, the issue would have been resolved long ago.

[Duzel] Is Ankara really considering breaking away from Europe all because of Cyprus? Or is it using Cyprus as an excuse to do so?

[Munir] Cyprus is merely an excuse, a pretext. In fact, Turkey does not want to fulfill the conditions set by the EU for membership. Those governing Turkey constantly harp on about Cyprus but they know they will never get into Europe without first resolving the Cyprus issue and their problems with Greece because those are the EU's rules. The EU says that not even the tiniest problem should exist between you and your partners and neighbors. That this is not open for debate is quite clear.

[Duzel] If the Cyprus issue is not resolved, what will the Turkish Cypriot reaction be?

[ Munir] Great sadness and despair.''

[05] Second Day of General Strike Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 5.12.00) reports that the general

Representatives of 17 labor unions wanted to march toward the so-called assembly to protest the economic package but they were met by police barricades and could not advance. They staged their demonstration before the barricades, shouting slogans such as: "government resign, Denktas resign, down with fascism, peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented. "

The union members then dispersed. The union leaders told illegal Bayrak Radio and Television that "the government should heed the voice of the people and withdraw the economic package from the assembly." They accused the ``government'' of trying to bring the ``police'' and the people against each other.

The Patriotic Women's Union expressed its full support for the general strike. A statement issued by Oya Talat, leader of the union, called for a struggle today for the sake of the future generations. She pointed to the importance of an intercommunal rapprochement and called on Rauf Denktas to return to the negotiating table.

[06] ``Police'' against CTP members protesting Denktash/s withdrawal from talks Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 5.12.00) reports that the Republican

In a statement, Talat said that this is was a shameful situation which also violated the so-called Constitution. He charged that the ``Police Directorate'' was trampling on the CTP's democratic rights, saying this was the first time he saw the route of a demonstration closed in this way. Such a thing is unprecedented in an any country, he said.

Talat said that the CTP was being faced with the oppressive practices of the ``government'' which could not cope with the people's uprising. He noted that a strike is being held today against the economic package. He said:

``Our demonstration today was supposed to protest the dire straits in which the Turkish Cypriots find themselves and Denktas who withdraw from the negotiation process''.

Talat explained that the CTP's demonstration coincided with the general strike because the so-called assembly was going to meet on the same day. He recalled that the CTP supports the strike which aims at having the economic package withdrawn. We will maintain our determination, he said.

[07] Turkish Cypriot ``Diplomatic Sources'' Warn Against Criticism in Annan Report

Diplomatic sources say that Annan is planning to contact the concerned sides through his special representative de Soto. They say, however, that if the Turkish Cypriot side is criticized strongly in the report, such contacts may not be held.

[08] Pseudostate postponed strike at power plants, airport Anatolia Agency (13:23 hours, 5.12.00) reports that the so-called council of

It postponed the strike in the power plants, the illegal Tymbou airport and the ``Customs and Civil Aviation Department'' for sixty days as ``the strike destroys national and public security and hampers the most necessary order in pubic services''.

[09] Cem addresses Foreign Policy issues Anatolia Agency (20:58 hours, 5.12.00) reports that Turkish Foreign Minsiter

Speaking during general debates at the Assembly on foreign policy, Cem said Turkey/s foreign policy aimed at being a member of the European Union (EU) on one side, and on the other side it targeted being a determining factor within the growing Eurasia power. Stressing that those did not contradict but complemented each other, Cem said, ``whenever we can record progress in the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East, our esteem increased in the US., Asia and the EU. Similarly, whenever we can record progress in relations with the EU, Europe and the US., our power influence increased in the East''. Cem said Turkey signed the Accession Partnership Accord with the EU, yet noted that he did not want to comment on the issue as it would become official on Thursday. Cem said the document was a turning point having importance in Turkey/s full membership process to the EU, adding that, ``the document was unilaterally prepared by the EU. It consulted us while preparing it. They prepared the document with good will. However, this is not a negotiation document''. Recalling that there were two issues in the document which were discussed much, Cem said, ``what has been stated after the Helsinki summit about Cyprus and the Aegean are: all the member countries support the contacts of the UN Secretary General with the sides to bring a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus question.'' Cem said there was nothing apart from this.

Cem said the other one was the settlement of international security disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. ``It will review this after four years, may propose to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice after an evaluation in 2004''. Cem said the Term President of the time had written a letter to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and stated that the Cyprus issue was certainly not a condition, but just an aspect of the political dialogue. ``He gave assurances of this'', Cem noted.

Cem said, ``we defend the rights of Turkey on these issues regardless of whether this was included in the document or not. Our attitude on the Cyprus issue is clear, and has been revealed in every platform. Also, we are the side which says apply laws on the Aegean. We have invited Greece to the international law, but each time it refrained. We have nothing to hesitate about''.

[10] Akinci-German ambassador meeting The front page of ORTAM (6.12.00) under the headlines: ``We are on the right

In a statement at the meeting, Akinci expressed his satisfaction about the meeting with the German Ambassador. He said they exchanged views. Akinci, stressing that the acceptance of the Accession Partnership Document is a very important and positive development for the future EU-Turkey relations, added that EU-Turkey and Turkey-Greece relations are important factors which will help in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Akinci said: ``We hope that these developments will help in the solution of the Cyprus problem with the balance which will be obtained between the two sides''.

Windih said that the acceptance of the EU Accession Partnership Document (APD) by Turkey is an important step towards EU. He added that they hope the APD will be a reason to reflect some important developments with regard to Cyprus as well .

[11] Yilmaz threatens as regards Cyprus/EU Accession KIBRIS (6.12.00) reports that Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime

Claiming that Greece and the Greek Cypriot side think that by letting the non-solution to drag on, the Greek Cypriot side will eventually enter the EU alone, Yilmaz alleged that ``Greece and the Greek Cypriot side should give up this illusion.'' ``Especially, they should not even dream about the fact that the problem could be solved with the one-sided concessions of Turkey'' Yilmaz warned. ``The European Union countries should tell this reality to the Greek Cypriot side. In order to reach a settlement in Cyprus the acceptance of this idea is a must'', he added.

Yilmaz made this statement while assessing the EU-Turkey and Cyprus relations in light of the Accession Partnership Document.

Mesut Yilmaz warned that both in Turkey and in Europe there are circles that do not want Turkey to become a European Union member. He stressed that these circles occupy quite effective positions.

``For us, EU membership is not a must nor a destiny but a helping hand that will secure an advantage on the road we are walking,'' Yilmaz concluded.

[12] Denktash/s interview to KIBRIS Following are extensive excerpts of an interview given by Turkish Cypriot

``Question: You have said that you are ready for dialogue but the process has ended. Could you expand on this a little bit?

Answer: We are ready for dialogue within the framework of our parameters and our parameters are known. We talk state-to-state, we discuss confederation, we do not bargain on our state and on our sovereignty. Global exchange of property is a must. This should be completed before an agreement is signed, so that later on no one should recourse to courts regarding his or her property. If we conclude an agreement on the basis of accepting the EU norms -something that they want - they we will put our people and the displaced people in a very difficult situation. This is contrary to humanity as well as to the reality. This is an inadmissible situation. We have explained all these in detail to him (de Soto). (paragraph omitted).

Question: De Soto insists that the 12 September statement is on the negotiation table unchanged. Most probably this is not enough for you?

Answer: After the 12 September statement they forced de Soto and the UN Secretary General to make such statements...

Question: You mean the last non-paper of the (UN) Secretary General.

Answer: No, before that, in New York. When Clerides did not show up for two days, both de Soto and the Secretary General made statements. In fact, according to Clerides, they exchanged letters and Clerides received a letter that satisfied him. We do not know the content of that letter.

(paragraph omitted) Question: Well, if de Soto proposed to you, would you resume (the talks) if we consider the 8 November statement as null and void?

Answer: No, what he said is: `You have wrongly interpreted 8 November. We say to him: No, we do not accept your interpretation, your other documents are also on this same path.

Our interpretation is right and valid. This process has served its purpose or has not served its purpose and it cannot. (as published)

Question: You mean he did not bring with him a proposal.

Answer: He will come again, and will talk again. That is, he will go and report. The UN Secretary General will report to the Security Council. The report will come out and it will either condemn or will do something else. They neither let us free nor let this case end this way.

Question: Can we say that for you the negotiation process has ended at the fifth round of talks?

Answer: Yes, it is over. Here we are, we are saying that''.

No. 236 7.12.2000

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash on UNFICYP mandate, Cyprus issue

[02] Denktash Accuses Media of Misinforming Public

[03] EU' s Fogg on Cyprus issue in APD

[04] Turkey's Yilmaz comments on EU membership, Cyprus

[05] Akinci, Ertugruloglu comment on UNFICYP mandate report, general strike

[06] Turkey's Ecevit leaves for EU meeting in Nice

[07] Ciller criticizes Turkish government on Cyprus

[08] US University officials visit ``university'' in occupied area

[09] Decision to supervise banks in occupied area

[10] Turkey's security posture outlined in ``White Book'' Denktash, in 1998.''

[11] Denktash meets South African ambassador

[12] High Commission official visits ``Lefke University'' Peter Boxer was informed about the university and visited the facilities.

[13] New strike

[14] Denktash: 'TRNC' to be recognized 'sooner or later'

[15] Cem on Cyprus

[16] Eroglu admits weak economy in pseudostate D. Comments and Editorials

[01] AVRUPA comments on Cyprus issue in ADP

[01] Denktash on UNFICYP mandate, Cyprus issue

Denktash said that the reasons for changing the working conditions of UNFICYP are very clear. He continued: ``The TRNC exists. No one should expect us to act as though there is a legitimate Cyprus government in charge of the entire island, to confirm the existence of this fake government, and to accept UNFICYP into our bosom.'' Stressing that it is impossible to allow UNFICYP to function on the island with the approval of the Cyprus government, Denktash said that ``rectifying'' this situation and eliminating the difficulties is quite easy. He noted that the working conditions of UNFICYP will return to normal when the United Nations accepts that it can function in the north with the approval of the ``TRNC'' and in line with the conditions put forth by the Turkish Cypriots.

Pointing out that the proximity talks have exhausted their goal, Denktash said that if a new framework envisaging the sovereignty and equality of the Turkish Cypriots and the existence of the ``TRNC'' is drawn then the talks can be renewed. Noting that the issue of the validity of the UN secretary general's invitation to the sixth round of talks is constantly being brought to the agenda, Denktash said that an assessment was made prior to the statement issued by the UN secretary general on 8 November to the effect that it is not beneficial to continue the talks. He added that the 8 November statement confirmed that the Turkish Cypriots were right in their assessments. Denktash said that talks aimed at continuing the proximity talks cannot be held outside this framework, adding that nothing can be achieved through the current path. He added: ``Since we are a state, we are ready to conduct talks with the UN secretary general, his representatives and diplomats.'' Denktash noted that, however, the process of the talks has ended.

Denktash said that the meaning of implementing the EU norms is tantamount to implementing the wishes of the Greek Cypriots, namely free circulation, free settlement, and the return of the refugees to the north. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriots do not deserve this. Denktash said that ``for the Turkish Cypriots to detect goodwill and change in the Greek Cypriots, the latter should abandon their plot of a unilateral accession to the EU, their armament plans, as well as the embargo imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.'' Referring to the statement made by De Soto that he will arrive on the island in January 2001 in a bid to renew the process, Denktash said that he will do this as a diplomat and to keep the door open. He noted that when De Soto arrives in Cyprus he will meet with the envoy and it will then be clear whether the conditions the Turkish Cypriots put forth to begin a new process have been accepted. Noting that there is no point in deceiving the people in vain, Denktash said that the people's expectations for the future should be their ``state'' and not the talks. He continued: ``Our people's expectation is Turkey's full support for its state, the development of its economy, and the ending of the disagreements among us. From now on we shall concentrate on these points. The people should stop thinking on whether the talks will continue. We have a state and we shall keep it alive. The Greek Cypriots and the world should know that we are ready for a conciliation, but we shall not do that by eliminating or sacrificing our state.'' Assessing the Accession Partnership Document, Denktash said: ``Since Turkey is satisfied, so are we.'' Stressing that this document will have no effect on Cyprus, Denktash claimed that there is no link between the Cyprus issue and Turkey's accession to the EU.

[02] Denktash Accuses Media of Misinforming Public

Noting that opposing the views defended by Denktash has become a policy in the pseudostate, Denktash said that the media, especially through some of its commentaries, is misinforming the public. Pointing out that a recent article noted that the so-called assembly no longer feels the need to make a decision on the talks given the fact that the EU has eliminated from the Accession Partnership Document the condition it imposed on Turkey, Denktash said that this is not a commentary but rather the misinformation of the people. Stressing that the ``assembly'' could not meet because of the strike of the workers, Denktash said that the ``assembly'' meeting will be held. He continued: ``The Assembly will convene and will adopt a decision conveying our message to the world. Certain party leaders are expressing very different views. They are deceiving the world with regards to the demands of the Turkish Cypriots. Who is supporting us? Should I, Turkey, and the world not know this?'' Denktash said that toward the end of the fifth round of the proximity talks it became evident that the talks were advancing in the wrong direction and that it was not beneficial to continue the talks. He added that the statement issued by the UN secretary general on 8 November confirmed this assessment. Noting that De Soto's insistence that the UN secretary general's statement was oral was meaningless, Denktash said that this was not viewed as a mitigating circumstance. He said that the Turkish Cypriot side was criticized for defending the same points throughout the fifth round of the proximity talks and was accused of inflexibility, adding: ``What kind of flexibility has the Greek Cypriots shown for them to expect any flexibility from us?'' Stressing that no concessions will be made from the principles of sovereignty and equality as well as from Turkey's guarantees, Denktash said that the differences of views between the two sides are still the same.

Denktash said that the announcement made by the defense minister of Cyprus to the effect that an application will be made to the defense wing of the EU has further exacerbated the mistrust in the Greek Cypriots. Criticizing the fact that none of the political parties reacted when he predicted this ``danger'', Denktash said: ``Am I a Don Quixote? I will ask the Assembly what it has to say to the solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the EU norms.'' He further noted that the Accession Partnership Document had no effect on the Cyprus problem.

[03] EU' s Fogg on Cyprus issue in APD

Underlining that finding a solution to the Cyprus question was important for the EU, Fogg said talks with the Cyprus Government regarded with candidacy would be completed within two years at the latest, adding that the EU would have to meet with giving difficult decisions after two years.

Fogg said the Accession Partnership Accord, which was prepared for the Cyprus Government, also included expressions regarding the Cyprus question. Pointing out that Turkey became a candidate to the EU formally, and that there should be intense political dialogue between Turkey and the EU, Fogg said to this end confidence between the two sides will increase, and views, including Cyprus, can be talked more easily.

Responding to a question, Fogg said there are deputies with differing views in the European Parliament. Turkey, she said, must carry out more efficient lobbying activities in order to promote itself.

In Sweden, there are many Turks who are influential in the forming of public opinion, Fogg said and added Sweden's becoming term president is unlikely to cause problem for Turkey.

Even if Sweden has some criticism about Turkey, it will express it in a sensitive manner and it will do it for improvement, Fogg stated.

The Accession Partnership Accord and the National Programme are two basic documents for Turkey-EU relations, she said noting that they are expecting to receive Turkey's National Programme before the end of year.

She indicated that the reforms which will be included in this programme should be feasible and there must be enough financial resources for their implementation. She also pointed out that she believed Turkey should benefit more from EU`s financial resources.

When asked what EU would gain through Turkey's EU membership, Fogg said Turkey's membership would bring EU economic dynamism, political stability and cultural richness.

``Turkey has an incredible cultural richness. I believe that its membership will bring a new dimension to Europe,`` she said. A reporter asked Fogg what would happen if Turkey, in its National Programme, ignores certain points that were included in the Accession Partnership Document. Fogg said it is not possible for any country to say it is completely against the Accession Partnership Document. Certain points can be ignored and in this case the EU would give wider coverage to these points in its reports. The commission can also suspend the financial cooperation, Fogg said adding that the EU never had to suspend financial cooperation as a sanction in the past.

[04] Turkey's Yilmaz comments on EU membership, Cyprus

In reply to a question on whether the picture that crystallized in Brussels opened the road to the EU membership process, Yilmaz first gives background information on the EU membership application and Helsinki decisions and explains that it was impossible to accept the short-term condition in the Accession Partnership Document [APD] linking the full membership talks to a Cyprus solution. Yilmaz continues: "For this reason, we requested that this condition be changed along the lines of the Helsinki final statement and along the lines of the accord with the EU." Yilmaz further says that the EU General Affairs Council, which convened the other day, rectified the situation by including within the APD the expression used in the Helsinki statement. Yilmaz adds by saying that "I can say now that the Cyprus issue, which had disturbed us in the APD, has been completely surmounted." In reply to a question on whether there is any hope on resolving the Aegean issue and settle the border disputes, Yilmaz says: "Both the EU and everybody should know that the bilateral disagreements with Greece and the Cyprus issue cannot be resolved through our will only. In other words, it is not realistic to expect a solution along the lines of the Greek stances." In reply to another question from a viewer in Cyprus on the stand of the Motherland Party [ANAP] with regard to Greek Cypriot side's membership in the EU as Cyprus, Yilmaz says: "The ANAP stand on this issue is the same as that of the government. We insist that the Cyprus issue not be imposed as a condition." Yilmaz continues by explaining that an injustice should not be committed when leveling criticisms against the EU because "in the APD drawn for the Greek Cypriot side, the EU asks for far more contribution from the Greek Cypriot side than us."

In reply to another question from Baydar on the statement issued by Rauf Denktash to the effect that the doors to the proximity talks are closed, Yilmaz says: "We have always advocated the method of negotiating in solving international conflicts. For this reason, Turkey can never advise and suggest to the TRNC to leave the negotiation table." Yilmaz then explains the grounds for the withdrawal from talks, noting that the parameters presented by the UN secretary general were not satisfactory and realistic. "This, however, does not mean running away from talks." In reply to a question on whether the economic crisis in Turkey stems from the decision to withdraw from Cyprus talks, Yilmaz says that he does not think "that there is a direct connection between the economic turmoil and the statements issued by Denktash and the Turkish prime minister. Actually, I do not want to believe that it could be so." Yilmaz than continues by explaining that taking into consideration all the aspects of the Cyprus issue, the best solution will be a "confederal solution."

[05] Akinci, Ertugruloglu comment on UNFICYP mandate report, general strike

So-called foreign affairs and defense minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu has said that if the United Nations continues to ignore the existence of the ``TRNC'', then this will have certain consequences.

The so-called council of ministers of the pseudostate met under ``prime minister Dervis Eroglu yesterday. Economic issues, the indefinite strikes, the report on the UNFICYP [UN Forces in Cyprus] mandate UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has submitted to the Security Council, and various routine issues were to be discussed at the meeting.

Replying to questions prior to the meeting, Ertugruloglu assessed the recent report Annan prepared on the UNFICYP mandate and rejected the account that UNFICYP was having difficulties because of the obstructions of the Turkish Cypriot side. Noting that the UN Security Council [UNSC] should think about where it went wrong with regards to its decisions on UNFICYP, Ertugruloglu continued: ``Let them assess the reasons for the measures taken by the Turkish Cypriot side.'' Referring to the measures taken by the Turkish Cypriot side as though there was no reason for them and blaming us is not the right approach and does not reflect the ``realities'', he claimed. Ertugruloglu said that if the United Nations continues to ignore the existence of the ``TRNC'', then this will have certain consequences. In reply to a question on what the Turkish Cypriot stand will be regarding the report, Ertugruloglu said that it will be assessed.

Akinci also replied to reporters' questions prior to the meeting. Assessing Annan's report, Akinci said: ``It is a report that points a finger at the Turkish Cypriot side and that blames it with regard to the deployment of the forces in the TRNC.'' Noting that the UNSC should pay attention to the reasons why the Turkish Cypriots found it necessary to introduce various changes to the activities of the forces in the occupied area, Akinci asked:

``Why is the United Nations issuing an addendum at the end of a meeting and then changing its mind on the issue? Why is it constantly ignoring the realities in Cyprus?'' Akinci alleged that ``the world should realize that there is no joint state in Cyprus that embraces both peoples, that there is no state structure that has sovereignty both in the south and the north, and that even if the TRNC is not officially recognized it should be accepted as a de facto reality.'' Akinci asked that the UN secretary general prepare his reports in line with this ``reality''. He called on the UN officials to reach a conciliation with the ``TRNC officials'' with regard to the UNFICYP arrangements.

In reply to a question on whether the talks will continue, Akinci said: ``I personally believe that they will continue, because if there is a problem then a solution should be negotiated. There is no other way. The method and the format might change, but a problem cannot be solved without talks.'' In reply to a question on whether the pseudo-government will propose to hold negotiations with the unions with regard to the general strike, Akinci described the general strike as two dimensional. Akinci said that the calls made involved the withdrawal of the economic package as a whole and the resignation of the ``government''. Akinci said that given the demands of the unions, there is no basis for a dialogue, adding: It is impossible to reach a conciliation given these rejectionist approaches.

[06] Turkey's Ecevit leaves for EU meeting in Nice

To a question whether a EU decision will make it possible to resume the Cyprus talks, Ecevit replied: ``There is no question of a decision. It will consist more of an information exchange. Our stand on the Cyprus issue is clear.'' Asked if there will be issues, which he will stress at the meetings, he replied: ``This depends on the conditions and the situation. It depends on the issues raised on the agenda; however, at this stage our relations with the EU are good.''

[07] Ciller criticizes Turkish government on Cyprus

She accused Prime Minister Ecevit of not visiting the EU capitals and explain the Cyprus problem and Turkey's special conditions.

[08] US University officials visit ``university'' in occupied area

It is also reported that the continuation of the workshops on ``Violence in the Family'' that was organised last July in Washington with participation of Turkish and Greek Cypriot women will be held in Cyprus.

[09] Decision to supervise banks in occupied area

[10] Turkey's security posture outlined in ``White Book''

[11] Denktash meets South African ambassador

At the meeting, Denktash repeated his known allegations and insisted on his intransigent views.

[12] High Commission official visits ``Lefke University''

Peter Boxer was informed about the university and visited the facilities.

[13] New strike

[14] Denktash: 'TRNC' to be recognized 'sooner or later'

[15] Cem on Cyprus

Cem was speaking at the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

[16] Eroglu admits weak economy in pseudostate

During the meeting Eroglu and the representatives of the business world exchanged views on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the economic problems facing the occupied area in light of the controversial economic package imposed by Turkey.

Eroglu criticized the strikes in vital services such as the power stations and the telecommunication sector.

Eroglu admitted that the occupied area never had a strong and sound economy to stand on its own two feet. He further said that while implementing the package it is possible that some shortcomings that will shake the structure will emerge. ``This we will take up in Ankara on 22 December at the TRNC - Turkey Association Council meeting and will be evaluated'' Eroglu said.

D. Comments and Editorials

[01] AVRUPA comments on Cyprus issue in ADP

According to the article, Prof. Mumtaz Soysal, who has so far attended all the proximity talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, has said that there is not a thing which has been changed at the APD and that Turkey was convinced (to accept it) through a play of words.

He added that the 2001 condition which was imposed on Ankara for the solution of the Cyprus problem is being protected at the new document. Soysal further added that Turkey has entered in a major crisis and she is obliged to confirm this document.

The article further says that author - journalist of ``Cumhuriyet'' Cuneyt Arcayurek shares the same view with Soysal as regards the one year time limit issue. Arcayurek writes that there is strong interest whether Ankara will press Denktash or not to attend the proximity talks.

Erol Manisali, the article says, who is considered one of the experts on Cyprus, wrote, ``It is decided that the Cyprus problem is an issue that must be solved by Turkey within a short term period. Until the end of 2001 or at the beginning of 2002. So the Cyprus problem is put as a condition to Turkey.'' Yalim Eralp, a retired Turkish ambassador, in an evaluation of the new and old EU APD said ``The package hasn't changed, only the wrapping has changed,'' the article concludes.

NO. 237 8.12.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] DENKTASH: NEGOTIATION PROCESS HAS NOT ENDED

[02] EU'S VERHEUGEN ON TURKEY'S EU ACCESSION, CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] AKINCI PROPOSES "2 STATES WITH SINGLE INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION"

[04] TURKISH CYPRIOT UNIONS STAGE DEMO AGAINST ECONOMIC PACKAGE; DP SUPPORTS

[05] SO-CALLED ELECTRICITY CORPORATION TO CONTINUE STRIKE AFTER 60- DAY

[06] EROGLU FLIES TO ISTANBUL

[01] DENKTASH: NEGOTIATION PROCESS HAS NOT ENDED

"I will not be tricked. The proximity talks have ended". He added that the negotiation process regarding the Cyprus problem "has neither ended nor will it end". "However", he said, "the process of proximity talks has ended".

Denktash further said that at the end of the Cankaya Summit they considered the EU-Turkey relations and as a result they did not feel the necessity to make a joint statement. Denktash noted that he had received assurances in Ankara that despite the Accession Partnership Document Turkey's, Cyprus policy will not change. He said he has faith in this promise.

[02] EU'S VERHEUGEN ON TURKEY'S EU ACCESSION, CYPRUS PROBLEM

Responding to questions of journalists about the Accession Partnership Accord for Turkey which was announced on November 8 by the EU Commission, Verheugen noted that Turkey would prepare the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis, and that beginning of full membership negotiations depended on Turkey`s taking steps in human rights and democracy.

Stressing that Turkey should lift capital punishment, Verheugen said that they expected Turkey to record concrete progress in struggle against torture, implementation of emergency rule and on other issues regarded with human rights. Noting that there was a long way in front of Turkey regarding the issue of beginning of full membership negotiations, Verheugen said everything depended on Turkey from now on.

Verheugen expressed his pleasure with the participation of Turkey in the meeting for the first time.

Responding to a question about the Cyprus issue, Verheugen told reporters that the EU had been holding intense contacts with the United Nations and the U.S. about it.

He said that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash could change his mind and attend talks after the latest developments.

Verheugen noted that United Nations-sponsored proximity talks and negotiations about Cyprus' EU full membership were related but different processes.

Verheugen said that Denktash was invited to the full membership negotiations, and added that he had refused to attend the negotiations.

[03] FRENCH AMBASSADOR ON CYPRUS INCLUSION IN ADP

He said: "Expressions like 'on the Cyprus problem the EU is exerting pressure on us' have lost their validity. The document approved by the EU is in line with the Helsinki framework that Turkey accepted as well". When asked to evaluate the APD, the French Ambassador said that the paragraph related to Cyprus should not be considered as preconditions. He said "even if it is considered as a precondition you have already accepted this expression".

When asked to comment about the decision to withdraw from the Cyprus talks, Ambassador Garcia said: "This decision was not taken by Turkey. Mr Denktash has expressed the view that they have taken a decision to withdraw. During last week there was an atmosphre of crises. Under these conditions the sides have increased the tone of their voices to influence each other. This is how we evaluate the issue. In front of us we have a document which is completly within the framework of Helsinki. Our expectations from now on is that Ankara has to review its stance regarding the Cyprus problem."

When asked to comment on Turkey's view that her relation with the EU should not be tied up to the Cyprus problem, the French Ambassador said: "We do not think that Cyrpus can be separated with clear lines from the EU relations. The Helsinki summit decision already includes the expression on Cyprus. Parties to the problem are Greece which is an EU country and Turkey which is a candidate country".

[04] AKINCI PROPOSES "2 STATES WITH SINGLE INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION"

Akinci had a meeting with the ambassador of the Czech Republic and conferred with her for some time. Akinci said that the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem were to be discussed at the meeting. Akinci claimed that there are currently "two states" in Cyprus. He noted that a structure based on two states in the domestic front and a single representation in the international front can be established in Cyprus, adding that after the solution of the problem the two sides in Cyprus can take their place within the EU.

[05] TURKISH CYPRIOT UNIONS STAGE DEMO AGAINST ECONOMIC PACKAGE; DP SUPPORTS

According to illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (1130 hours, 07/12/00) seventeen labor unions, which are continuing an indefinite strike throughout the pseudostate, yesterday staged a demonstration in front of the preudo - assembly building.

Salih Cosar, Democratic Party [DP] leader and "deputy assembly speaker", had a meeting with a delegation composed of the officials of the unions and conferred with them for some time. Turk-Sen [Turkish Cypriot Federation of Labor Unions] President Onder Konuloglu, speaking on behalf of the unions, said that the aim of their action is to secure the withdrawal of the economic package, which the majority of the people are opposed to, and to begin a dialogue with the "government" on the issue. Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots are capable of surmounting the current economic problems, Konuloglu added that nothing can be achieved through packages imposed by Ankara.

Cosar said that he shares the views of the unions, adding that the DP is against the implementation of this package and that the rights granted to workers cannot be eliminated unilaterally.

[06] SO-CALLED ELECTRICITY CORPORATION TO CONTINUE STRIKE AFTER 60-DAY

Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (1130 hours, 07/12/00) reports that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Electrical Power Employees Union [EL-SEN] has announced that the day the 60-day ban to stage a strike imposed by the "council of ministers" expires it will stage a strike. EL-SEN President Hasan Kayde and Turk-Sen [Turkish Cypriot Federation of Labor Unions] President Onder Konuloglu held a news conference and made statements on the strike and the decision to postpone it.

In a statement at the news conference, Konuloglu said that the people experienced many problems in the last four days because of the actions being taken, adding that the government was responsible for these problems. Stressing that the "government" has distorted the purpose of the strike, Konuloglu said that "government officials" are making statements to the effect that all the problems can be resolved through a dialogue and that nothing can be achieved through the rejectionist stand of the unions. He noted that "government officials" have declared the strikers to be saboteurs by claiming that these are political strikes.

EL-SEN President Kayde noted that "government officials" are doing all in their power in a bid to divide the union. He said that the officials, having understood that the union cannot be divided, banned the strike. Noting that the strike will continue on the 61st day, Kayde stressed that no one can prevent this.

[07] EROGLU FLIES TO ISTANBUL

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

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