Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-12-11

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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. 238/00 -- 9-10-11

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriots want `Palestine status/.

[02] Turkey on Cyprus talks.

[03] Turkey not included in EU expansion plans till 2010.

[04] Eroglu notes need for new foundation if talks to be held.

[05] Ertugruloglu: `Proximity talks process has definitely ended/.

[06] Ertugruloglu comments on UNFICYP mission, Turkish Cypriot in detention.

[07] Turkey suspends Ozgur Radio for criticism of Denktash.

[08] Turks illegally arrest Greek Cypriot man.

[09] Turkish Cypriot unions end strikes but threaten to reactivate them.

[10] Turkey/s CHP leader Baykal says Cyprus still a political criterion.

[11] Talat says global balances allow for EU membership, calls for federal solution.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[12] Turkish paper views aim behind Accession Partnership Document.

[14] Turkish Cypriot writer on new coalition `government/ in the occupied area.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriots want `Palestine status/ According to Turkish Daily News (8.12.00), as the United Nations Security

According to well-placed sources, Denktash has been stressing at talks with UN officials that, like the world body did for the Palestinians, it should accord Turkish Cypriots the status of ``sovereign entity'' and accept it as one of the two ``equal parties'' in dealing with the Cyprus problem.

``The Palestinians don/t have a state recognized by the United Nations, by any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council or any eastern power. Yet, at Security Council sessions on Palestine, or the Middle East problems, Palestinian envoys represent their people as representatives of a sovereign entity, on equal footing with the representatives of Israel, a country which is a full-fledged member of the UN. We expect the same treatment from the UN'' the source said.

The source said although Palestine was not recognized by the US, President Yasser Arafat has been receiving the red carpet treatment at the White House on an equal level with the representatives of the Israeli state.

In an attempt to push for a Cyprus settlement and ovecome the current stalemate in the proximity talks process, the Security Council is reportedly considering a call for a special Cyprus session. Invited would be Turkey, Greece and Britain, the three guarantor countries for Cyprus according to the 1960 agreements with which the island gained its independence from Britain and representatives of the two sides on the island.

The problem is how the two sides on the island will be invited to that meting. Greek Cypriots have been stressing that as a member of the UN the ``Cyprus Republic'' should be invited in line with article 37 of the UN charter along with the three guarantor powers, while Turkish Cypriots should be invited in line with article 39 of the UN charter as a ``community''.

``This is unacceptable for us'', Ergun Olgun, so-called undersecretary of Denktash told the TDN. Olgun, however, said the Turkish Cypriot side was not officially approached by an UN official and so far there has not been any invitation for such a meeting.

``We have heard and read that there is such a preparation. Although we were not officially presented any such offer, we are evaluating reports and making assessments. We have not decided yet whether to accept such an invitation or under what conditions we may accept such an invitation'', Olgun said.

He, however, stressed that if Greek Cypriots were invited to such a meeting in line with Article 37 of the UN Charter as a ``member state of the UN'' and Turkish Cypriots were asked to send an ``individual'' to represent the Turkish Cypriot ``community'' such an invitation would not be an acceptable one.

Olgun said if the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides on the island were both invited to the Security Council meeting in line with Article 37 of the UN Charter, the UN would not establish a new practice as it has been pursuing the same policy vis a vis the Israeli and Palestinian representation at the Security Council, but on the contrary, would establish a ``symmetry and parity'' between the two sides on the island and help establish a better atmosphere for the future of Cyprus peace efforts.

[02] Turkey on Cyprus talks Anatolia Agency (14:19 hours, 8.12.00) reports that Tacan Ildem, the Turkish

Responding to a question, Ildem said, ``we are determined in defending that Cyprus issue and border disputes could not be connected with Turkey`s relations with the EU. Problems between Turkey and Greece are bilateral problems. These are problems which can be solved within the framework of the peaceful solution methods put forward in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. Turkey has been targeting to solve these problems peacefully through dialogue and negotiations with Greece from the very beginning.``

Recounting that Turkey had been supporting efforts which would provide a lasting peace on Cyprus, Ildem told reporters, ``Turkey has supported the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan`s proximity talks process. But it should not be forgotten that the direct concerned sides of the Cyprus issue are obvious. These sides are the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot side. Turkey can only support efforts for a peaceful solution on the island. Turkey supports TRNC President Denktas` opinion that any method or ground for a progress could not be created during the proximity talks process. This should not be misinterpreted. It does not mean that the TRNC closed dialogue doors with the United Nations. President Denktas said that he was determined to continue contacts on a new ground which would be put forward by Annan on the basis of equality and sovereignty of the sides.``

[03] Turkey not Included in EU Expansion Plans Till 2010 A report in MILLIYET (Internet Version, 10.12.00) says that the EU ``did not

Of the 13 candidate nations waiting to enter the EU only Turkey was "excluded from plans." That has been interpreted as an important sign that Ankara's waiting period may be considerably long and has also exposed the credibility level of the EU's constant assurances that "our door is open to Turkey."

When EU officials are queried about why Turkey was not included in future plans even though it has been officially recognized as a candidate and has been invited to join the European Conference with an "equal" status, a tendency to "throw the ball to someone else" is observed. Another explanation given by EU officials can be summarized as: "We included in the list only the candidates that have begun full membership negotiations."

The structure of the European Commission, one of the top subjects of institutional reforms, will be changed in two stages. In the first stage, which will last until 2005 [as published], every member country will be represented by one member in the Commission. The second stage is described as follows: "Starting in 2010, or when the Union has 27 members, [representatives of member states] will rotate on an equal basis in a 20- member Commission."

After candidate states join the EU the total number of votes in the European Council will rise to 321. When the reforms, which were originally proposed by France, are put in place, 231 votes (71.9 percent of the total) will be considered a qualified majority to pass a measure and 91 votes will be sufficient to block a measure. The French proposal gives Germany, Britain, France, and Italy 30 votes each. In the new structure Poland, currently a candidate state, will have 26 votes, which is far more than the votes of many existing members. The three states with the smallest number of votes will be Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Malta with three votes each. Greece will have ten votes.

Had Turkey been included in this list it would have 30 votes like the current big four states.

The proposed reforms increase the number of seats in the European Parliament from 626 to 700. With 94 seats Germany is envisaged to have the largest bloc of seats. Germany is followed by Britain, France, and Italy with 71 seats each.

Had Turkey been included in the in the new structure that did "take it into account," it would have around 80 seats, becoming the country with the second largest number of seats.

Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit was asked about provisions in the final communique of the EU summit which suggest that Turkey's membership talks may stretch until 2010. Ecevit recalled that a few years ago, after the Luxembourg summit where very adverse decisions were taken against Turkey, he said: "Do not be upset or concerned. Soon the EU will come to our door and invite us to become members." He continued:

"What is important is that we prepare for full membership as required and on time. When we complete those preparations the gates of membership may open much earlier than in ten years."

[04] Eroglu Notes Need for New Foundation If Talks To Be Held Anatolia Agency (10:03 hours, 10.12.00) reports that Dervis Eroglu, the

Eroglu said, ``in order to reach an agreement, firstly the groundwork should be laid and a text which can be approved by the two sides should be submitted.``

Eroglu was speaking in a meeting held in Istanbul.

Eroglu noted that Britain, although it is a guarantor on Cyprus, pursue Greek Cypriot policy to protect its bases.

The document submitted to them by the U.N. Security Council is named as the verbal recommendations, Eroglu stated.

Eroglu said that such documents had earlier been put forward and that those had been officialized after being registered to the recordings of the U.N. Security Council.

The package of proposals consisted of 20 articles, requested that sides should behave in compliance with the decisions of the U.N.

Security Council resolution no 1250, Eroglu said, adding, ``the talks are requested to be continued until a result is reached. The most important article for us is the one related with taking into consideration the U.N. Resolutions and Agreements fully.``

The U.N. resolutions which are requested to be taken into account, included articles that do not accept confederation solution, that demand non- recognition of the ``TRNC'', and that ask the Turkish soldiers to withdraw from the island, Eroglu said.

Eroglu noted that to this end, the thesis they put forward, were rejected from the very beginning.

Reminding that the document requested that an important amount of territory be given back and that share of property be done in accordance with the international law understanding, Eroglu said, ``the Turkish Cypriots have been rooted in these lands during the 16 years that have passed. The Turkish Cypriots` giving their property cannot be thought. The territory issue can be discussed after reaching a compromise on all the issues. The territory issue can only be discussed in a way whether or not there can be border arrangement.``

Eroglu said that groundwork for new talks should be laid, adding, ``the launching of talks in a new ground should be provided. Of course, it is not possible to reach an agreement without negotiations. But, to reach an agreement, firstly the groundwork should be laid, and an article which can be approved by the two sides, should be submitted.`` Eroglu also said, ``Our sovereignty and political equality and Turkey`s efficient and de facto guarantee... If we sign an agreement which remove our determination, we will not have the chance to continue living on Cyprus. I address all the world: The incidents which had earlier been experienced on Cyprus, should be reviewed once more.''

[05] Ertugruloglu: 'Proximity Talks Process Has Definitely Ended' Anatolia Agency (8:48 hours 9.12.00) reports that Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the

Attending a program broadcast on illegal Bayrak television channel, Ertugruloglu said that he does not accept that the Cyprus question is unsolvable and that this question was solved in 1974. He said that talks have been held since then regarding how the cooperation bridges can be built between the two sides on the island.

Emphasizing that Turkey's guarantorship will continue in an agreement that can be reached on Cyprus, Ertugruloglu said that they will not enable the dilution of the Guarantorship Agreement.

Ertugruloglu noted that scenarios which foresaw granting territory to the Greek Cypriots and envisaged the Greek Cypriot refugees returning to their former settlements, were put forward during the Cyprus proximity talks.

``It is not possible to force our people to live their places.

None of the Turkish Cypriots accept this,`` Ertugruloglu said.

Ertugruloglu stated that this situation was one of the reasons of ending the proximity talks and that the statement that United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan made in Geneva on November 8 foresaw a unitary state by removing the bi-zonal formation.

Ertugruloglu noted that Annan`s statement foresaw single sovereignty and that all these ended the proximity talks process.

``The proximity talks process has definitely ended. The talks do not serve any goal,`` Ertugruloglu said.

Ertugruloglu stated that the proximity talks process have gone outside the target of laying the groundwork for meaningful negotiations which were stated by the Secretary General on November 14, 1999.The process was used outside its real target by the U.N, Ertugruloglu said.

Ertugruloglu noted that they discussed what can be done to start a new process with Alvaro De Soto, Annan`s Special Envoy to Cyprus, and some other diplomats.

``It is not possible to hold face-to-face talks with the Greek Cypriots without laying the state-to-state basis,'' Ertugruloglu claimed.

Drawing the attention that many countries which want to recognize the ``TRNC'', are prevented by some countries like the U.S., Britain and some other countries, Ertugruloglu said, ``they do not permit us being recognized.``

Alleging that the ``TRNC'' will be recognized sooner or later, Ertugruloglu noted that they will not give up their ``state'' because it is not recognized.

They will form a book from the documents that the U.N. had submitted during the talks to explain the reasons for withdrawing from the talks in a better way, Ertugruloglu said.

He said that De Soto requested them not to prepare this book.

Ertugruloglu added that he is against the integration with the EU by the denial of the ``state'' and that the ``TRNC'' will not take place in a union in which Turkey does not take place.

[06] Ertugruloglu Comments on UNFICYP Mission, Turkish Cypriot in Detention Anatolia in English (8:58 hours, 9.12.00) reports that Tahsin Ertugruloglu,

Attending a program broadcast on illegal Bayrak television channel, Ertugruloglu said that if the U.N. Security Council decides that the peace force can carry out its mission in whole Cyprus with the consent of the Cyprus Government, the sanctions against the Peace Force will be reviewed and additional measures can be taken.

The Security Council will take a decision regarding the period of mission until December 15, but he does not think an additional decision will be taken, Ertugruloglu said.

Ertugruloglu noted that they expect the Peace Force to make consultations with them to carry out its mission in the ``TRNC'' and that it is not possible for the Peace Force to carry out mission in the ``TRNC'' by taking the consent of only the Greek Cypriots.

They have not received any invitation to attend the meeting that will be held in New York regarding the extension of the mission of Peace Force, Ertugruloglu said.

Ertugruloglu claimed that a Turkish Cypriot named Omer Tekoglu, who was captured by the Greek Cypriot police in Pile, the village where both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots live and which is under the control of the U.N., faced a plot. Tekoglu was captured on charges of having drugs on him.

[07] Turkey Suspends Ozgur Radio for Criticism of Denktas Anatolia Agency (12:43 hours, 7.12.00) reports that Turkey/s Radio and

The written statement issued by the RTUK says the RTUK decided that Ozgur Radio's 24 July broadcast regarding TRNC President Rauf Denktas violated the principle of "not engaging in broadcasts that exceed the limits of criticism by humiliating, denigrating, and slandering individuals or organizations" under Act No. 3984. The statement recalled that the broadcast made remarks about Denktas such as "he has many shares in the hotels in the TRNC, an important part of the real estate and properties on the island belong to the Denktas family, and also it is the Denktas family who benefits from the renter of the prostitution on the island."

[08] Turks illegally Arrest Greek Cypriot man Anatolia Agency (17:11 hours, 8.12.00) reports that a 34-year old Greek

Feodori was caught by the so-called security forces while passing from the occupied Famagusta region.

``Police'' are continuing the investigation while not disclosing much information about the incident.

[09] Turkish Cypriot Unions End Strikes but threaten to reactivate them Illegal Bayrak Radio (16:30 hours, 8. 12.00) reports that the indefinite

However, illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 9.12.00) reports that labor unions that are part of the 41 organizations, which have organized various actions in protest against the economic package, have issued a warning saying that the decision to launch an definite general strike can be reactivated in the event the ``government'' takes even the slightest initiative rejecting a dialogue or a move with regards to the package that is not acceptable to the unions. The unions noted that as an indication of their warning they will set up a tent and begin a determination and resistance vigil as of 11 December.

The labor unions held a joint news conference at the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union premises. Varol Oztug, the secretary general of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union, in a statement on behalf of all the unions, said that Turkish Cypriot economy has been destroyed by the Ankara governments.

[10] Turkey/s CHP Leader Baykal Says Cyprus Still a Political criterion Anatolia Agency (10:41 hours, 9 .12.00) reports that CHP [Republican

``No changes were made in the document that was singed. The Cyprus issue is still a political criterion. In addition, the Aegean issue was also included to the document. In other words, in its current state the Accession Partnership Document is worse than the Helsinki Document. What has changed? We reacted to the document. We held a summit.

After the economic crisis, however, we went to Nice. Nothing has changed and this is a fact. It is wrong to ignore this fact in order not to spoil the optimistic atmosphere. The statement to the effect that 'we will give up the EU, but we will never give up Cyprus' has cost Turkey $7.5 billion. Furthermore, it has added the Aegean problem to the document."

[11] Talat Says Global Balances Allow for EU Membership, Calls for Federal Solution

Talat said that Cyprus was accorded the opportunity to become an EU member as a result of the balances in global conditions. In his speech, Talat explained that for the first time in history the interests of the great powers and especially of the EU coincide with the goal of a solution in Cyprus. Talat noted that the importance of those who favor nonsolution has been reduced in the face of greater interests.

Stating that a federal solution will serve the interests of all Cypriots, Talat stated that the Turkish Cypriots advocate such a solution with determination.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[12] Turkish Paper Views Aim Behind Accession Partnership Document Turkish paper Ortadogu (7.12.00) claims there is an intention to drag Turkey

``It has been indicated that the EU, which aims at bringing the solution processes regarding the Aegean and Cyprus issues to the international platform under the so-called `political dialogue and political criteria,/ wants to solve the aforementioned two issues, which are dear to Athens, within a short period of time after transferring these issues to the International Court of Justice.

In remarks they have made regarding the matter, international observers have drawn attention to the fact that the EU will not accept Turkey as a member before solutions are found to the Cyprus and Aegean issues. The same observers have said that there are intentions to deceive Ankara by a so- called change introduced into the Accession Partnership Document.

2004 Will Be difficult

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources known for their closeness to Turkey have said that the Accession Partnership Document--which has been accepted as a result of pressure applied by France--has resulted in the transfer of the Cyprus and Aegean issues to the EU platforms. The same sources have said that consequently, the EU will from now on follow both issues closely.

Noting that from now on the EU and Turkey will frequently encounter each other over the Aegean and Cyprus issues in accordance with Greece's desire, the same sources have said that the endeavor of the 15 EU members to take up the issue under the "broader political dialogue and political criteria" topic would increase the pressure of the aforementioned 15 members on Turkey.

Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey, which will once again sit at the table with the EU in 2004, will be asked whether or not it has solved the Aegean and Cyprus issues, diplomatic circles have said the following regarding the insidious game: `Greece--which has succeeded in having the Aegean issue included in the Accession Partnership Document after Cyprus and which has gained Turkey's consent regarding the matter--is pleased with these developments.

Seeing that Greece is pleased with the results, this document should have been studied thoroughly before having it signed to see the real aim behind it. An insidious ploy has been plotted here. The 15 EU members will be able to apply pressure on Turkey until 2004 with the aim of obtaining concessions from it on both issues. This pressure will grow even further after Ecevit, who is in Nice now, signs the document. If Turkey fails to fulfill the pledges it has made in the Accession Partnership Document by 2004, it would give Greece the right to refer to the International Court of Justice. Things would be getting out of hand by then/''.

[65] Turkish Cypriot Writer on New Coalition 'Government' in the occupied area

``Salih Cosar, who has been elected as the new leader of DP [Democratic Party] after Serdar Denktas' resignation, is a flatterer in the true sense of the word... Cosar's appointment as DP leader is not the product of a coincidence... Cosar's appointment as DP leader has definitely been made as a maneuver to establish an UBP-DP coalition government...

We recognize Salih Cosar... He is a long-time politician who has also served as a Minister of Finance. Cosar is pro-motherland Turkey and a Turkish nationalist. The motherland would not prevent him from forming an UBP-DP coalition government. As a matter of fact, Salih Cosar is already in close contact with UBP for the same purpose.

DP has signaled its approval on the formation of the aforementioned coalition government. Naturally, DP's founder Serdar Denktas is not opposed to the formation of this government. Half the members of UBP [National Unity Party], for their part, are warmly disposed toward this coalition. However, the formation of this coalition government would dash the hopes of Ertugrul Hasipoglu, as he aspires to become the leader of UBP after Dervis Eroglu.

A number of right-wing trade union members have been taking to the streets in recent days. These people are more nationalistic than other people and maintain a tougher stand with respect to the Cyprus issue. Moreover, these people seek to form a government that is against conciliation in Cyprus. Consequently, these people have taken to the streets pretending that they are doing so with the aim of gaining retirement benefits, but their real aim is to bring an UBP-DP coalition government into power...

The latest situation regarding the Cyprus problem and the unease that TKP [Communal Liberation Party] feels toward the present government can be regarded as two factors behind the desire for the formation of a UBP-DP coalition government.

Meanwhile, it is clear that TKP is unwilling to remain in the government. The grassroots of the party have lost their hopes in the party and are unwilling to keep TKP in the government even if the leadership of the party wants to stay in the government.

In any case, the recent developments that have emerged in the country as well as the incidents that have taken place in response to the introduction of the latest economic package will certainly facilitate the withdrawal of TKP from the coalition government. TKP members with whom we have discussed the situation expressed the belief that TKP must withdraw from the government immediately. The same TKP members stressed that this moment is the most appropriate time to withdraw from the government.

It appears to me that TKP will withdraw from the government before the end of this month. Naturally, the UBP-DP government will be formed after getting Turkey's approval. I am sure that Turkey has already given its approval on the formation of an UBP-DP coalition government...

Ankara is favorably disposed toward Salih Cosar. Thus, Ankara will definitely help Cosar to bring his party to power under the present critical time. At the same time, Turkey will increase its support to Serdar Denktas.

As a matter of fact, relations have already strained between TKP and Serdar Denktas. Turkey's policies toward Cyprus and Denktas' anti-conciliatory initiatives will continue more decisively under the UBP-DP government.

Meanwhile, TKP is continuing to talk about the need for conciliation. We are all aware of the frequent friction between TKP Leader Mustafa Akinci and DP Leader Serdar Denktas regarding conciliation. Stemming from all the aforementioned facts, I can say that Serdar Denktas and Dervis Eroglu may raise the formation of an UBP-DP coalition government in the very near future.

Let us wait and see.''

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

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