Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-12-14

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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. 241/00 -- 14.12.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash says he will go to Geneva.

[02] Turkey supports Secretary General/s good-will mission.

[03] Denktash-Israeli ambassador meet.

[04] Pseudostate imports petroleum products from Israel.

[05] New political party.

[06] Company gets distribution rights for ``Ford'' cars.

[07] Lightning strikes church.

[08] UK government announces new entry visa move.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash says he will go to Geneva AVRUPA (13.12.00) reports that at last Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash

Speaking at the ``To tell the truth'' programme of the ``Kanal-T'' TV channel, Denktash said that he will go to Geneva to talk to the UN officials. However, he said, this cannot be considered as a 6th round. ``You can call this a first round'', Denktash declared and claimed that he will attend the talks on the basis he had prepared.

[02] Turkey supports Secretary General/s good-will mission Anatolia Agency (12:59 hours, 12.12.00) reports that Turkish Foreign

``Turkey was not included in the enlargement of EU till the year 2010, what is the view of your ministry about it?'' asked a journalist to Dirioz who said that ``certainly the EU could have acted in a way by taking into consideration more carefully the equality of the candidates that was voiced during the Helsinki summit''.

``When the time comes, and when Turkey becomes a full member of the EU, Turkey will get the place it deserves with its power. There is no need for anybody to get suspicious about it'', he said.

Responding to a question about the Cyprus question, Dirioz said that the Nice final declaration referred to the proximity talks. ``As you know the issue that was mentioned in the Accession Partnership Document about Cyprus is considered within the framework of political dialogue. Turkey continues its efforts by this understanding''.

``Turkey supports the good-will mission of the UN Secretary General,'' he said, adding that this issue is neither a political criterion, nor one that will be fulfilled only by Turkey. Dirioz stressed that there should not be such an expectation.

Dirioz recounted that Turkey said from the beginning that the issue is a part of the enhanced political dialogue.

[03] Denktash-Israeli Ambassador meet According to HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had

There was no statement after the meeting.

[04] Pseudostate imports petroleum products from Israel HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) reports that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Petrol

HALKIN SESI reports that the first consignment of Super Benzine and Diesel oil from Israel arrived in the occupied area yesterday.

[05] New political party According to HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) a new political party, the New Democracy

The logo of the new party is a clover with four petals that symbolizes justice, peace-prosperity, secure future and human dignity.

The party organized a press conference yesterday during which officials of the party explained the NDP/s aim, aspirations and programme. Party official Esref Dusenkalkar described the ``democracy'' in the occupied area as a ``lame democracy''.

During the press conference UDP officials said that they will complete their organizational work in two years/ time and then they will convene their first congress.

[06] Company gets distribution rights for ``Ford'' cars KIBRIS (13.12.00) reports that Cangar Ltd., a car dealer company in the

[07] Lightning strikes church According to KIBRIS (13.12.00) a lightning struck the Ayios Theodoros Church

KIBRIS says that stone bricks falling from the bell tower damaged two cars parked below.

[08] UK government announces new entry visa move Britain has announced a change in the issuing of visas for Turkish Cypriots

Previous single-entry visas, valid for six months, will no longer be issued, but their place will be taken by multiple-entry documents, valid for the same length of time, CYPRUS TODAY (9-15.12.00) reports.

``Since the recent changes. all visas are now valid for multiple entries to the UK for the duration of their validity'', said a British High Commission statement. ``The six-month visa is now referred to as the standard visa''.

Visa fees are said to remain the same at Cyprus pounds 33, plus Cyprus pounds 9 for a ``Declaration of Identity''.

British High Commission Second Secretary Peter Boxer said the adjustment in visa-issuing policy was for reasons of ``practicality'', and was aimed at making travel to Britain quicker and easier for Turkish Cypriots.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash says he will go to Geneva.

[02] Turkey supports Secretary General/s good-will mission.

[03] Denktash-Israeli ambassador meet.

[04] Pseudostate imports petroleum products from Israel.

[05] New political party.

[06] Company gets distribution rights for ``Ford'' cars.

[07] Lightning strikes church.

[08] UK government announces new entry visa move.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash says he will go to Geneva AVRUPA (13.12.00) reports that at last Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash

Speaking at the ``To tell the truth'' programme of the ``Kanal-T'' TV channel, Denktash said that he will go to Geneva to talk to the UN officials. However, he said, this cannot be considered as a 6th round. ``You can call this a first round'', Denktash declared and claimed that he will attend the talks on the basis he had prepared.

[02] Turkey supports Secretary General/s good-will mission Anatolia Agency (12:59 hours, 12.12.00) reports that Turkish Foreign

``Turkey was not included in the enlargement of EU till the year 2010, what is the view of your ministry about it?'' asked a journalist to Dirioz who said that ``certainly the EU could have acted in a way by taking into consideration more carefully the equality of the candidates that was voiced during the Helsinki summit''.

``When the time comes, and when Turkey becomes a full member of the EU, Turkey will get the place it deserves with its power. There is no need for anybody to get suspicious about it'', he said.

Responding to a question about the Cyprus question, Dirioz said that the Nice final declaration referred to the proximity talks. ``As you know the issue that was mentioned in the Accession Partnership Document about Cyprus is considered within the framework of political dialogue. Turkey continues its efforts by this understanding''.

``Turkey supports the good-will mission of the UN Secretary General,'' he said, adding that this issue is neither a political criterion, nor one that will be fulfilled only by Turkey. Dirioz stressed that there should not be such an expectation.

Dirioz recounted that Turkey said from the beginning that the issue is a part of the enhanced political dialogue.

[03] Denktash-Israeli Ambassador meet According to HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had

There was no statement after the meeting.

[04] Pseudostate imports petroleum products from Israel HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) reports that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Petrol

HALKIN SESI reports that the first consignment of Super Benzine and Diesel oil from Israel arrived in the occupied area yesterday.

[05] New political party According to HALKIN SESI (13.12.00) a new political party, the New Democracy

The logo of the new party is a clover with four petals that symbolizes justice, peace-prosperity, secure future and human dignity.

The party organized a press conference yesterday during which officials of the party explained the NDP/s aim, aspirations and programme. Party official Esref Dusenkalkar described the ``democracy'' in the occupied area as a ``lame democracy''.

During the press conference UDP officials said that they will complete their organizational work in two years/ time and then they will convene their first congress.

[06] Company gets distribution rights for ``Ford'' cars KIBRIS (13.12.00) reports that Cangar Ltd., a car dealer company in the

[07] Lightning strikes church According to KIBRIS (13.12.00) a lightning struck the Ayios Theodoros Church

KIBRIS says that stone bricks falling from the bell tower damaged two cars parked below.

[08] UK government announces new entry visa move Britain has announced a change in the issuing of visas for Turkish Cypriots

Previous single-entry visas, valid for six months, will no longer be issued, but their place will be taken by multiple-entry documents, valid for the same length of time, CYPRUS TODAY (9-15.12.00) reports.

``Since the recent changes. all visas are now valid for multiple entries to the UK for the duration of their validity'', said a British High Commission statement. ``The six-month visa is now referred to as the standard visa''.

Visa fees are said to remain the same at Cyprus pounds 33, plus Cyprus pounds 9 for a ``Declaration of Identity''.

British High Commission Second Secretary Peter Boxer said the adjustment in visa-issuing policy was for reasons of ``practicality'', and was aimed at making travel to Britain quicker and easier for Turkish Cypriots.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash asks UN to review Cyprus resolutions, Denies reports on going to Geneva.

[02] Talat expounds views on solution of Cyprus problem, EU ties.

[03] Turkish Cypriots adopt ``fiscal 2001 budget bill''.

[04] Eroglu expects to sign $350 million loan with Turkey.

[05] Turkish Cypriot ``Civil Servant Union'' leader resigns.

[06] Greek Cypriot illegally detained.

[07] Logoglu on Cyprus/ strategical importance.

[08] Pseudo-assembly to discuss Cyprus developments.

[09] Denktash meets Canadian High Commissioner.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Columnist sees EU process benefiting Greece, harming Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas Asks UN To Review Cyprus Resolutions, Denies Reports on Going to Geneva

Denktas said: ``In the decision, they included some UN Security Council resolutions, and they omitted the rights they believed [words indistinct]. This decision will make us lose our trust in the Security Council, and this is regrettable'' Denktas said. He added: ``If the Security Council wants Cyprus to attain peace, agreement, and conciliation, it must revise these resolutions''.

Referring to remarks in a newspaper that he will go to Geneva, Denktas denied these reports. He said: ``A newspaper reputed for telling lies and sued for levelling false accusations against people reported today that I announced the possibility of my going to Geneva on a television program last night. ``A Turkish television station asked me to verify this report. I told them that these are deliberate lies.'' Denktas described this report as the work of people who have made it a profession to disseminate false information with the aim of inciting the people.

[02] Talat Expounds Views on Solution of Cyprus Problem, EU Ties Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 (13.12.00) reports that, speaking during the

Criticizing Tahsin Ertugruloglu, ``foreign affairs and defense minister'', for his statement that the Cyprus problem ended in 1974, and exchanging words with Ertugruloglu in the ``assembly'', Talat said that such policies are not accepted in the community. Asking if the ``government'' supports Denktash/s decision to quit the talks, Talat said that he does not take seriously the statements made by the ``foreign affairs and defense ministry'' in this regard. Talat stressed that Rauf Denktash's announcement that he has withdrawn from the talks without consulting the ``assembly'' practically renders meaningless an ``assembly'' meeting on the subject. Talat said that Denktash is now expressing the view that he will go to Geneva but the talks will not be the sixth round talks but the first stage of the second round talks.

Talat declared that the decision that emanated from the Cyprus summit in Ankara should be criticized. Stressing that Turkey is unrenouncable for the EU, but a delay in Turkey's accession to the EU will not serve Turkey's interests, Talat explained that a possible Turkish-Greek war will constitute a great threat to the region. Within this context, Talat noted, there is a demand to solve problems such as Cyprus and the Aegean. Talat stated that Turkey cannot join the EU before the Cyprus problem is resolved, therefore Turkey will find a way to solve the Cyprus problem. He added that the Cyprus problem is a key issue with regard to Turkey's EU accession. Turkish officials are also aware that the Cyprus problem must be resolved, but there are difficulties in this regard, Talat underlined, adding that the Turkish Cypriots are also in favor of a solution, and therefore those who are not in favor of a solution from time to time portray themselves as wanting a solution.

Talat said that Cyprus will join the EU by 2004, and the EU will not wait for Rauf Denktash to reach a solution. He stressed that the inclusion of the Cyprus problem as a short-term priority in the EU Accession Partnership Document is to the advantage of the Turkish Cypriots, but it created a problem for Turkey because of internal dynamics. Talat claimed that Denktash urged Turkey to accept a policy that will run counter to Turkey's interests in the long term. Talat declared that the Cyprus policy should be reassessed within the framework of Turkey-EU relations. The Turkish Cypriots should formulate a policy on how to join the EU, Talat explained, noting that his party's policy consists of applying to the EU for negotiations on an equal footing and conducting an assessment in line with the response to be received.

Talat said that the contents of the nondocument, which led Denktash to quit the talks, were raised during previous talks and their discussion was on the agenda, and the nondocument is not a final document. He remarked that the views of both sides were solicited on the document. Pointing out that not every aspect in the document is acceptable and the aspect calling for everyone's return to his own home is a dangerous one, Talat said that these points can be discussed.

[03] Turkish Cypriots Adopt ``Fiscal 2001 Budget Bill'' Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (6:00 hours, 13.12.00) reports that the

Commenting on the ``budget'' as a whole, Democratic Party ``deputy'' Ahmet Kasif said that the establishment of a medical school is a dream, therefore, the idea must be renounced and a good hospital should be built instead. Kasif called on the ``government'' to conduct a dialogue on the subject of the economic package, otherwise, he warned, communal opposition will escalate and the statements against Turkey will increase. Kasif remarked that nothing was said about the view of the ``government'' concerning the summit held in Ankara about the Cyprus issue.

Republican Turkish Party ``deputy'' Kadri Fellahoglu said that his party demanded that the Turkish Cypriot side submit to the EU accession process a proposal based on a shared presidency and a shared representation, but ``prime minister'' Dervis Eroglu conveyed this to the people in a distorted way. Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots have always waged a struggle to build a future on this land, Fellahoglu noted, however, that the Turkish Cypriots are now beginning to immigrate. He recalled that the National Unity Party and the Communal Liberation Party failed to keep the promises they made to the people before the ``elections'', and he called on both parties to fulfil these promises.

[04] Eroglu Expects To Sign $350 Million Loan With Turkey Anatolia Agency (6:40 hours, 13.12.00) reports that so-called

Addressing the pseudo-parliament, Eroglu said that ``embargoes'' and inflation seriously damaged the pseudostate/s economy.

Stressing that new loan agreements with Turkey were on the agenda, Eroglu said that those agreements would contribute to especially investments and the private sector.

Eroglu stressed that participation of the pseudostate in negotiations with the European Union (EU) was out of question before an agreement.

``Participation under the name of the Greek Cypriot delegation is a mistake. We are opposed to it. Besides, we don`t accept the U.N.

Secretary General`s ideas which he explained on November 8,`` Eroglu said.

[05] Turkish Cypriot ``Civil Servant Union'' Leader Resigns Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 13.12.00) reports that Ahmet Otuken,

Kamu-Sen Secretary General Hasan Kozok said that Otuken's resignation is not related to the general strike held last week, but did not offer any further details.

[06] Greek Cypriot Illegally Detained Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 13.12.00 reports that the so-called

[07] Logoglu on Cyprus/ strategical importance Anatolia Agency (21:48 hours, 13.12.00) reports that Turkish Foreign

``I believe that Greek-Turkish relations will improve gradually like it happened in the last two years. We are expecting the Greeks to have the courage to discuss the Aegean issue with Turkey'', he added.

[08] Pseudo-assembly to discuss Cyprus developments According to KIBRIS (14.12.00) the so-called assembly of the pseudostate

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will attend the meeting during which his decision to withdraw from the proximity talks will be evaluated.

[09] Denktash meets Canadian High Commisioner BIRLIK (14.12.00) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had a

No statement was made before or after the meeting.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Columnist Sees EU Process Benefiting Greece, Harming Turkey Columnist Erol Manisali, writing in CUMHURIYET (6.12.00) under the title

``What meaning should we read into the Accession Partnership Document [APD] that the 15 EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels adopted with a slight change? Whose demands have been accommodated, Ankara's or Athens'?

Let us view the developments cool-heatedly.

[20] Cyprus has been mentioned as a problem that `Turkey has to solve on the short-term,/ by the end of 2001 or the beginning of 2002. This means

[25] And the latest proposals put before Turkey by the UN Secretary General in Geneva is mentioned as the solution to the problem. And what

[A] A unitary state. That is a Cyprus without two states.

[B] A Cyprus whose sovereignty is based on the Greek Cypriot majority, where the Turks have no separate sovereignty.

[12] The Aegean too has been added to the APD at the request of Athens. The Aegean problem will be solved in 2004 by a recourse to the court in The

All the above were actually `conditions/ saddled on Turkey at the 10-11 December Helsinki summit in return for granting candidacy to Turkey. Our membership was tied to conditions at Helsinki.

Both the Helsinki decisions and the APD are taking Athens step by step towards its goal. It wants to solve the Cyprus problem in 2002 and the Aegean in 2004 in line with its desires by keeping Turkey waiting on the EU door.

Ankara Summit and Ecevit [subhead]

The above developments are diametrically opposite to what was decided at the Ankara summit and to Ecevit's speech to the Democratic Left Party [DSP] group. Thus: Despite Ankara summit's decision that two-state structure in Cyprus is Turkey's categorical position, Turkey has been dragged into the latest UN proposals in the APD. The EU proposal mentioned in the APD is the solution advanced by the UN.

The government has failed to stand behind the Ankara summit, and has thus brought that summit to naught. It has backed down from that position.

In his latest address to the DSP group, Ecevit said that after the 8 December [adoption of the new APD] the government would not accept the linkage of Turkish-EU ties to Cyprus.

But there is an `absolute linkage in the APD/ and the government has agreed to it. And the beginning of that linkage arose from the conditional candidacy at Helsinki.

Turkey has completely backed down from the Ankara summit and the government has reneged on its public statements.

Athens' Anxiety [subhead]

What Athens feared most was disagreement between Ankara and Brussels over the APD. Athens is now at easy, because it can now use the EU and solve the Cyprus problem in 2002 and the Aegean problem in 2004 by keeping Turkey waiting at the EU door.

Athens greatest fear was a crisis between Ankara and Brussels. That would have wrecked Athens' plans. With the loss of the EU as its subcontractor, Athens would have suddenly remained alone facing Turkey, as in olden days. But what it feared did not come to pass, for the Turkish government reiterated its adherence to the conditions and linkage it agreed to in Helsinki.

Rest of List [subhead]

Cyprus and the Aegean are at the top of the list, and the rest of the list is quite long too. One is the recognition of all the ethnic groups as `national minorities/. Then Turkey was made to stomach the European Parliament's resolution on the Armenian genocide.

While waiting at the door, Turkey has to stomach all these. But while waiting at the door in vain for years, it will suddenly turn around to merely see the huge amount of things it has lost. It will then look right and left to see that Ukraine, Russia, White Russia and all others have crowded the place and are even ahead of Turkey in membership. But by then we would find the doors closed for lack of standing room. After all you cannot pack 100,000 people into a 50,000-seat stadium. Some will then have a lot of explaining to do to our great-grandchildren.

Let no one look for faults in Athens and Brussels, for the fault lies with us. I do not know what to call a society whose eyes have been closed to the realities for the last 40 years.''

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

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