Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 01-01-08

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

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

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: ``Intregration with Turkey to assist in Cyprus solution based on 2 states''.

[02] Gurel says Action Plan does not aim at integration of ``TRNC''.

[03] Turkey/s Cem on new US Administration, EU relations, Cyprus `Annexation/.

[04] `TRNC/ expresses support to Action Plan.

[05] Talat calls for early ``elections''.

[06] Akinci on Cyprus talks, EU.

[07] Turkish Cypriots in Pyla demonstrate, demand release of Tekogul.

[08] ``Liberal Party'' established against degeneration, cliques.

[09] Denktash-Bandler meeting.

[10] Turkey not to participate in European championship organized in Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Initiative for Turkish Cypriot side/s integration with Turkey viewed.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas: ``Integration With Turkey To Assist in Cyprus Solution Based on 2 States''

Denktas said that the integration between Turkey and the pseudostate in certain fields is disturbing certain circles, especially the Cyprus Government. ``They will definitely understand that integration is the best way to bring about the TRNC's development,'' Denktas remarked, and expressed the belief that integration will have positive repercussions for the Cyprus issue.

Pointing out that integration with Turkey will lead to the principle of ``two states'' in the solution of the Cyprus problem, Denktas stressed that full cooperation with Turkey is a precondition. Cooperation based on a sound foundation will be tantamount to the development of the ``TRNC'', Denktas explained, adding that otherwise the Turkish Cypriots will experience even more difficult days without Turkey.

[02] Gurel Says Action Plan Does Not aim at Integration of 'TRNC' Anatolia Agency (08:31 hours, 6.1.01) reports that Turkish State Minister

Gurel issued a written statement in connection with the joint activities held with the cooperation of Turkish and so-called TRNC officials in a bid to strengthen the economic ties between the two sides and to overcome the economic problems the ``TRNC'' is facing.

Recalling that the pseudo-government is implementing a stability program, Gurel added:

"In line with this program, various working programs have been prepared in a bid to increase the production capability of the TRNC economy, to change and encourage the investment climate, and to secure economic vitality is sectors such as trade, agriculture, industry, and tourism.

Within this framework, the Action Plan adopted by the Council of Ministers carries out the distribution of duties among our pertinent institutions with a view to achieving these same goals and eliminating the economic and social destruction in the TRNC. This plan should not be interpreted as one targeting integration. The supposition that the TRNC will become Turkey's 82d province is wrong. Our goal is to repair as soon as possible the damage cause to the economic and social structure of the TRNC as a result of the embargoes. Turkey is, therefore, needed. The Action Plan that we shall implement incorporates measures directed to this need. This plan, once implemented, aims at making the TRNC the center of education and tourism. Moreover, the light industry investments to be made also aim at contributing to the economy''.

In his statement, Gurel noted that bilateral cooperation issues will be discussed and action will be taken at the ``Turkish-TRNC Partnership Council'' meeting to be held in Ankara on 12 January. He concluded by saying that so-called prime minister Dervis Eroglu will be making a working visit to Ankara on occasion of this meeting.

[03] Turkey's Cem on New US Administration, EU Relations, Cyprus 'Annexation' CNN TURK Television at 2000 hours, on 4 January 2001 carries a live

In reply to Birand's question on the reasons why 2001 will be a difficult period for Turkey's relations with the EU, Cem notes that delaying the issues with the EU will make things more difficult and adds: "In other words, delay will not achieve anything. Things have to be done on time and Turkey has already wasted time. Turkey would have been different today if it had joined the EU at the same time with Greece. Turkey's economy would have been much more advanced."

Explaining that 2002 and 2003 will be years in which "important political struggles" will take place in Western Europe, Cem continues by naming those countries in which there will be general elections within the next two years. "Therefore," Cem adds, "we will be gaining time if accession talks start at the end of 2001."

In reply to Birand's question on whether "Turkey will be able to implement the Accession Partnership Document [APD]," Cem says that this is a matter of political will and that there is a way if there is the political will.

In reply to a question on whether the new US secretary of energy's remarks to the effect that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is a dream are disturbing, Cem says: "Turkey seeks to continue with the new administration the excellent relations it had with the United States during the past three years. There is no reason why this cannot be done." In reply to a question on whether Turkey will miss Clinton, Cem says: "Clinton is different. Clinton is at the same time a thinker and a philosopher. Clinton has made a correct analysis of the world and Turkey. In other words, Clinton is a unique person. Bush, however, can also be very good in his own style." Upon Birand's comments that the new US administration reminds one of the Cold War time, Cem says: "This is their business. It is lucky for us, however, that some of those in the administration such as the US secretary of state, the vice president, and the secretary of defense know Turkey very well." Upon being reminded the US secretary of energy's remarks, Cem says: "No. I was not upset. In my opinion, Turkey has blown out of proportion the possibility of changes in the energy politics, Baku-Ceyhan, and the Caucasus. As you know, today's press blew out of proportion the two reports. Our concerned deputy under secretary summed up these reports to me. One of these reports is anyhow not very serious. The other 90-page report on the US-Russian relations talks about the energy politics in terms of rapprochement. In other words, the answer to the question on the ways to further rapprochement with Russia is to conduct business via Russia. I do not tend to blow such things out of proportion. This is a matter of national interests. Actually, foreign politics should be approached as an issue of interests. On several occasions, I have been posed the question of whether Syria and Papandreou are sincere in their relations. My answer is as follows: They are sincere to the same extent as we are. That is, international politics is a matter of balancing the interests. It concerns the interests of your country and people. Everybody is working toward the same goal. The issue is not one of sincerity."

Commenting on the US politics concerning the Baku-Ceyhan and the Caucasus, Cem says: "The United States has interests in this region. It believes its interests lie with Baku-Ceyhan and passage via Turkey. Furthermore, both American and European companies believe their economic interests lie here. I cannot know whether they will change their minds. Today, however, this is out of the question. There is one more thing. Everybody should know that we will never accept having the straits transformed into an oil pipeline. Turkey will never concede to this. Moreover, the issue is not one of going against the Montreux Treaty. We will never accept the straits to become a passage for world oil."

Upon being asked to comment on whether a situation whereby Turkey will annex the pseudostate is a possibility in the event that Cyprus becomes a full EU member, Cem says: "I do not interpret this as annexation. This is your interpretation''. Cem continues by explaining that "Turkey will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary" in the event that Cyprus becomes a full EU member before a solution in Cyprus is secured and adds: "I am not putting any limits to what Turkey can do." In reply to a question on whether there is a possibility of annexation under such circumstances, Cem repeats: "I am not putting any limits; however, I hope that a conciliation based on confederation will be secured in Cyprus. This is in the interests of Turkey, Greece, the TRNC, the EU, and the Greek Cyprus Government." Cem explains that preparations should already be launched, mainly within the ``TRNC'', in the event that the EU accepts the Cyprus Government as a member. "In other words," Cem adds, "the TRNC should have a healthy economy, strong domestic politics, and political maturity by 2003."

[04] 'TRNC' Expresses Support to Action Plan Anatolia (13:35 hours, 6.1.01) reports that the pseudostate/s so-called

Association Chairman Macit Hakki Yusuf said in a written statement on Saturday that ``they did not have any confidence in the European Union (EU) which uses double standards according to its interest and which doesn`t have integrity even within itself''. Yusuf stressed that they fully trust Turkey.

Yusuf said they ``supported the plan with all their heart`` since the plan will open new horizons and boost tourism, trade and other fields in the ``TRNC''.

[05] Talat Calls for Early ``Elections'' KIBRIS (Internet Version, 1.1.01) reports on an interview with Republican

``Duzgun Mr. Talat, I would like to begin this interview with a classical question. How do you assess the year 2000?

[Talat] The year 2000 has at times been hope-inspiring for the Turkish Cypriots. However, in general, the year 2000 has been full of difficulties. The acceptance of Turkey as an EU candidate at the end of 1999 has raised the hopes regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem. Moreover, the hopes of achieving progress regarding the Cyprus problem were also raised thanks to the indirect talks.

Meanwhile, important developments emerged with respect to the determining of the parameters of a solution during the course of time ending with the announcement of the Turkish Cypriot side's withdrawal from the talks at the end of 2000.

Following UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's endeavor to introduce initial ideas that would constitute a basis for the comprehensive talks, TRNC President Rauf Denktas--who I believe is always against the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem--withdrew from the talks in a maneuver apparently supported by Turkey out of his fear that the indirect talks would lead to a solution.

Denktas' decision to withdraw from the talks is extremely harmful for us and will have a crucial impact on the Turkish Cypriot community, which will suffer most from the failure to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. Denktas' decision to withdraw from the indirect talks granted a major opportunity to the Greek Cypriot sector, which has advanced forward in its bid to become an EU member.

Meanwhile, the Greeks and the Greek Cypriots used to warn before 1996 that Cyprus cannot be the hostage of the Turkish Cypriot sector's intransigence. This was at a time when the EU had set the solution of the Cyprus problem as a condition on Cyprus' entry into the EU. Cyprus' EU accession process will be accelerated if an atmosphere similar to the one existing before 1996 is created. That is, the Greek Cypriots will advance forward in their bid to become an EU member whenever the idea that the "problem stems from the Turkish Cypriots' intransigence" prevails. In fact, the withdrawal from the talks creates nothing but the impression that the Turkish Cypriots constitute the intransigent side.

Meanwhile, Turkey has accepted the EU Accession Partnership Document following the endeavor of the EU to eliminate from this document in a make up revision the condition imposed on Turkey regarding the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem within a short period of time. The EU revised this condition in response to Turkey's pressure.

However, the endeavor to cease viewing the solution of the Cyprus problem as a priority would give rise to deadlier developments for the Turkish Cypriots. The year 2002 is just behind the door. The Greek Cypriot sector, before which every type of obstacles has been eliminated, will secure EU membership by the end of 2002. Moreover, the process of having the Greek Cypriot sector's EU membership approved by the member countries will be completed by mid 2004.

[Duzgun] You are the political party leader who is the most insistent on the solution of the Cyprus problem. Is the aforementioned explanation that you made the main reason behind your insistence regarding the matter, or are there other reasons?

[Talat] Yes, this is the reason. As a matter of fact, this is the reason behind my insistence on acting more quickly, because, as I explained earlier, everything has been linked to a timetable. The only thing that has not been determined yet is the date when Turkey should start the accession talks. This date, for its part, will be determined within the framework of the timetable envisaged regarding the matter after Turkey prepares its national program and after this program is viewed as conforming to the EU Accession Partnership Document.

When Cyprus becomes an EU member, the Greek Cypriot sector is the party that will sign the pertinent agreement. The EU membership of north Cyprus will be realized after the Cyprus problem is solved following the example of Germany or after Turkey gains EU membership. In both cases, the entry of north Cyprus into the EU will be linked to the agreement that the Greek Cypriot sector will sign with the EU.

This issue would not have been linked to any timetable had Turkey not been accepted as an EU candidate. However, this timetable was introduced after Turkey's target of entering the EU drew closer to realization following the country's acceptance as an EU candidate. The entry of Cyprus into the EU before the solving of the Cyprus problem can take us to the pre-1974 era at the most optimistic estimates.

[Duzgun] In your opinion, is there an appropriate atmosphere for a solution to the Cyprus problem?

[Talat] The international conditions are extremely appropriate. The atmosphere of relations between Turkey and Greece is to a great degree helpful. However, this atmosphere has not spread over Cyprus for various reasons. Since the Turkish Cypriots need a solution more desperately than the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots must create more conditions conducive to a solution of the problem.

Our endeavor to cause the failure of the international community's efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, our withdrawal from the talks, or our endeavor to call for the introduction of a confederation on the island would reflect the impression that instead of contributing toward the solution of the problem, we are shunning any efforts exerted in this respect. Explaining the recent position of the Turkish Cypriots is very difficult. Let me say that if the present situation remains the same, the Cyprus issue will be permanently suspended and this issue will be used as a trump card for EU membership, thus creating the impression that we are accepting the return to the pre-1974 era. (passage omitted).

[Duzgun] As far as we understand, neither Denktas nor Kliridhis are making any efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. In that case, who will secure a solution and who will sign an agreement?

[Talat] Clerides is successfully following the line he has drawn for himself. He has taken a number of initiatives. Clerides has got rid of the Ghali's set of ideas, has averted the confidence building measures, has taken part in the Troutbeck and Glion summits, and has overcome the indirect talks. Clerides has succeeded in having Denktas blamed for the failure of solving the Cyprus problem in all the aforementioned cases and is proceeding free of any blame for the failure of the talks.

Clerides seeks to take Cyprus to the pre-1974 era with the help of its unilateral entry into the EU by involving Turkey in the same process after failing to do so with the help of the indirect talks and the international pressure. Consequently, Clerides' policy is very clear. However, while stressing that he will not allow Clerides to take Cyprus to the pre-1974 era, Denktas is actually helping Clerides to go back to the pre-1974 era with his own actions. It appears that Denktas is using north Cyprus as a tool merely to secure Turkey's entry into the EU.

Turkey will in this way gain EU membership. The borders between Turkey and Greece as well as the borders in Cyprus will be eliminated, and the lawsuits filed against the Turkish Cypriot sector at the European Court for Human Rights will be finalized. Thus, everyone will have the right to return to his land. The policies that Denktas maintains can lead us only to the aforementioned results.

[Duzgun] You have been earlier asked to act as a mediator. How do you plan to conduct this mediation? What are the reactions to this proposition?

[Talat] I envisaged this proposal to be a mission rather than a mediation effort. As I explained earlier, staying out of the EU process is extremely dangerous for us. Our chances for gaining EU membership are getting more difficult every passing day. At the same time, the danger is growing in proportion with this difficulty.

We must without delay take part in this process on condition of political equality. We must at the same time adhere to EU norms in north Cyprus. In this way, we will prove the existence of the Turkish Cypriots on the island, and the Greek Cypriots and the EU will genuinely hold talks with us instead of merely reflecting the image that they are negotiating with us. However, should the EU and the Greek Cypriots refuse to talk to us, they would be blamed for the resulting stalemate.

I am sure that under such circumstances, a number of European countries will raise questions over today's irresponsible actions and would even take certain measures regarding the situation. I expressed my readiness to embark on a mission out of my belief in the vital importance of putting an end to the present situation. I also expressed the need to mount an initiative to secure the Turkish Cypriot sector's entry into the EU. For this reason, I announced that I would accept any task that the pertinent authorities assign me for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the first reaction to my proposition came from TRNC Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertugruloglu. He accused me of twisting the issues with an approach emanating from any dream world and from an outdated understanding. He also told me that he is not interested in the EU process.

[Duzgun] What kind of responses did you receive from President Rauf Denktas, the Greek Cypriot sector, and the EU officials with whom you wanted to mediate?

[Talat] President Denktas sent me a letter in which be asked me about the criteria and rights that I would uphold in the EU entry process. I sent a letter to Denktas explaining the criteria that I would uphold and the gains that I was expecting to make with this initiative.

An EU delegation responsible for Cyprus affairs met with me. I also explained to this delegation our aims and the gains that we are expecting to make with this initiative. I exchanged views with this delegation and agreed that should steps be taken in this direction, we would meet again in Brussels.

These are the reactions that I received in general. I have earlier discussed this proposition during a radio program, where I proposed that we benefit from individuals who are ready for talks from both sides irrespective of whether or not the respective administrations share similar views with these individuals.

(passage omitted).

[Duzgun] Rumors were earlier being circulated to the effect that a new government will be introduced in early 2001. Will CTP be included in this government? What kind of alternatives do you have?

[Talat] The formation of new government does not solve the problems of our people. Even if the present rumors prove to be correct and a government is formed between two Rightwing political parties, this government would not achieve anything different from what has been achieved in the past.

It could be that Turkey would extend more financial resources. However, more severe crises will erupt in the future. The partners of the present coalition government failed to fulfill the promises they made to the people. They made promises that can be fulfilled only in the dream world.

The government partners promised to raise the national income and the tourism revenues, to develop the tourism industry, to increase the employment opportunities, and to pay for the agricultural products in cash. However, they did exactly the opposite of what they promised, thus destroying everything.

A government that has done exactly the opposite of what it promised during the election campaigns cannot be regarded as a government that has garnered the votes of the people. The government partners must face the people once again to explain the action that they will take in the future, must apologize to the people for the mistakes they committed, must explain the benefits of the economic package, and must call for early elections.

The will of the people during the election era was quite different from their present will. From this perspective, the revival of the people's will is very important. What we need now after so much destruction is early elections and not a new government. We will thereafter need a government that will revive the will of the people.

[Duzgun] In your opinion, will the government partners UBP and TKP call for early elections?

[Talat] The government partners have prepared the subject matter economic package knowing full well that this package would destroy our people. This economic package, which is void of the rules of the science of economy, has been prepared merely with the aim of receiving financial assistance from Turkey. That is, staying in power is extremely important for the government partners. The government partners have planned every type of measure on the principle of remaining in power. Under the present circumstance, it does not appear that the government partners will accept the holding of early elections. However, it is the duty of each and every citizen to work on reaching this target.

The government partners must resign and call for early elections before causing further destruction. Democratic powers must set this as their own target. It is imperative that citizens display resistance with the aim of bringing down the present government and secure the holding of early elections''.

In reply to a last question, Talat inter alia said: ``We must seek to take part in the EU accession process without delay in 2001. We must not allow the EU and the Greek Cypriots to control our destiny. Taking part in the EU accession process is to our advantage, because we do not have anything to lose by taking part in this process. Although our chances of gaining EU membership is diminishing by the day, it is not too late yet.

The contacts that I have held and the impressions I have got indicate that we still have a chance to gain EU membership. As envisaged in the Accession Partnership Document that Turkey has signed with the EU, our participation in the EU accession process will secure progress with respect to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. In the end, our participation in the EU accession process will be a serious step for paving the way before Turkey's EU membership. Moreover, EU membership will secure great advantages to us.

The year 2001 must be hope-inspiring for our domestic issues as well as for the Cyprus problem. We need a dynamism that brings fresh blood and new understanding in 2001. Early elections can be a means for achieving this. Turkish Cypriot citizens must be allowed to make the decisions regarding their own future.''

[06] Akinci on Cyprus talks, EU KIBRIS (30.12.00) reports on an interview with Mustafa Akinci, ``state

``[Mutluyakali] How do you view the Cyprus problem? You totally differ with your coalition partners on the termination of the proximity talks. If so, how are you going to remain on course?

[Akinci] When you look at our own Assembly resolution, you will see that we do not reject the TRNC reality. We have never rejected it anyway. Rather we believe that an economically and democratically strong TRNC would take place in a possible solution and preserve its existence. We regard the UN Secretary-General's 12 September statement as a positive statement expounding the basic principles. On the other hand we do not regard the oral views he expressed on 8 November as a rational and acceptable basis for the direct talks. Still, we have to explain our concerns and point out their mistakes at the table. Let us not abandon the table. If we renounce the principle that there should be no preconditions for talks, we will give our opponents the right to advance their own preconditions. That would by a major mistake. This was the point on which the coalition partners mostly differed. Our party defends the view that the talks should continue without preconditions. Whereas, UBP's resolution implied that the proximity talks are meaningless and therefore dead.

[Mutluyakali] In the end UBP's resolution was adopted. Will this be a problem for you? Because this is incongruent with TKP's party programs so far that sought the continuation of the talks and a solution in Cyprus.

[Akinci] I will reply to this question from a broad perspective. Had this issue been solely dependent on UBP's decision, we would have debated it with the UBP and reached a conclusion. But efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem are not confined to Cyprus alone. At the least it closely interests Turkey and Greece, it is intimately linked to the behaviour and policies of those two countries. It is also closely indexed to the policies of the third sides. It is intertwined with the policies of the EU, US, and UN. The Cyprus problem cannot be assessed independently of the Turkish-Greek and Turkish-EU ties. The better the Turkish-Greek and Turkish-EU ties are the more positively their impact would be on Cyprus.

[Mutluyakali] How do you assess the EU process?

[Akinci] There are circles that do not want to see neither Turkey nor the TRNC inside the EU. Esteemed Denktas is the first opponent of the EU. He says "The EU would be a return to the 21 December 1963 [time of intercommunal troubles]." He was issuing more moderate messages at the time when Turkey was making moves toward the EU. But now he is pillorying the EU as a bogeyman. He has started saying that the EU norms are extremely bad. What does the EU norm mean? The EU norms have economic and democratic dimensions. [passage omitted on the description of Copenhagen criteria]. These are norms that are also valued by mankind in general. It is therefore wrong to confuse people's minds about the EU norms.

What should be done in Cyprus is the following. Some of these norms could only be brought onto the agenda after a transition period. Otherwise, it would be impossible to implement the solution that is being envisaged for Cyprus. To state it openly, first of all a bizonality must be created in Cyprus.

Regardless of the name of a solution in Cyprus, a structure should be put in place whereby the Turkish Cypriots would live in the north and the Greek Cypriots in the south, and the property in the north would belong to the Turkish Cypriots and the property in the south to the Greek Cypriots.

But we can obtain all these at the negotiating table. We could put all these measures in place by the time we join the EU after a solution. If, however, we lose a few more years by talking about the end of the proximity talks and possibility of some conditional talks, we would only shorten the Greek Cypriots' path to the EU.

[Mutluyakali] What would happen if the Greek Cypriots join the EU unilaterally? Could you expand on the EU issue?

[Akinci] Greek Cypriots' unilateral EU accession would increase the emigration of our people, because the Turkish Cypriots would become Europeans on individual level before securing their communal rights. Though only 60 percent of Cyprus's territory would actually join the EU, under the international law the entire Cyprus would be considered as having joined the EU. The Turkish Cypriots would therefore be given EU passports.

This I think is very important. It is difficult to defend lands when there is no community living on it. Lands are defended by not soldiers alone. A territory becomes homeland and defended only if there are people who want to live and labour on it and consider it their homeland.

What I am saying might be construed as a condemnation of the Turkish Cypriots as people who abandon their country. But home is where bread is.

It is time for both Turkey and the EU to make a decision. Will Turkey do its homework and unwaveringly proceed along the EU path? If it will, then the Cyprus and the Aegean problems have to be solved along that path. This is not a call for surrender. I believe that a framework could be drawn up in Cyprus satisfying the Turkish Cypriot people's equality, sovereignty, and security needs. I also believe that the two peoples could live on this island and an entity could be created inside the EU and the UN within the framework of two states at home and one single international representation abroad.

But will Turkey agree to this? They are of two minds there. If either the EU or Turkey conclude that there is no place for Turkey inside the EU, then this could lead to TRNC/s de facto exclusion from the EU. That would engender serious difficulties, the Turkish Cypriot emigration will increase, the Green Line would turn into a border between Turkey and the EU, and the division would consolidate. And on the long term even wars might break out. This is a negative scenario that we do not wish to happen. The positive scenario would be for Turkey to take its place inside the EU.

The most logical thing would be to find a solution in Cyprus first and then admit Cyprus in to the EU. In the meantime the deadline for Turkey's membership should also be clarified.

[Mutluyakali] Do you think the talks process will continue despite the Assembly resolution?

[Akinci] In every election, Denktas comes up with this most important election slogan: "You are electing a President who will be the interlocutor at the talks. Elect me, only I can conduct the talks best." Yet once the elections are over he does not act as "interlocutor President." The esteemed President is not saying that he would not talk. He says he would talk, but is declaring that the proximity talks have ended.

There is no alternative to the talks. If you do not talk you fight, or wait for war to break out. Nothing could be achieved without talks. The talks will therefore resume, and they will resume without preconditions. For there is no other way out.

I cannot think the rejection of talks is a tenable position. If the rejection continues then I believe we will confront negative consequences.''

[07] Turkish Cypriots in Pyla Demonstrate, Demand Release of Tekogul Anatolia Agency (14:33 7.1.01) reports that Turkish Cypriots in Pyla

Tekogul was arrested for drug trafficking.

The family of Omer Tekogul said that he has heart disease and his health went bad, adding that he has to have medical check-up.

Ahmet Sakalli, the Turkish Cypriot head official of Pyla said that the representatives of five permanent members of the UN Security Council have to be informed about this issue and the U.N. has to overcome ``this inbalance against Turkish Cypriots'' in Pyla.

At the end of the demonstration, a letter was submitted to the UN Peace Keeping police to be submitted to Zbigniew Mlosowicz, the U.N. Secretary General`s Deputy Envoy for Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriots claimed in the letter that Omer Tekogul has to be released and recounted that UN is responsible for ensuring the security in Pyla and that Tekogul was arrested when he was under the protection of UN.

Later the Pyla head official and the family of Tekogul came to Lefkosia and gave a letter to the UN peace keeping force to be submitted to the representatives of the five UN Security Council`s permanent member countries.

[08] ``Liberal Party'' Established Against Degeneration, Cliques According to illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (16:30 hours, 5.1.01) the Liberal Party

The communique explains that the Liberal Party was established as an alternative to the dirty atmosphere, the degenerated cadres, and the cliques formed within the staff and adds: ``Our goal is to be different to the other parties''. The communique further says that the necessary checks and balances had been determined against intraparty formation of cliques and degeneration.

[09] Denktash - Bandler meeting KIBRIS (6.1.01) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had a

No statement was made before or after the meeting.

[10] Turkey not to participate in european championship organized in Cyprus According to ORTAM (6.1.01), Turkey/s Youth and Sports General Directorate

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Initiative for Turkish Cypriot Side's Integration With Turkey Viewed Columnist Sami Cohen, writing in MILLIYET (6.1.01) under the title

``Turkey and the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] have lost the hope they pinned on the "indirect talks" on Cyprus. So, they are now preparing for integration. An important step will be taken in that direction during the Partnership Council's meeting in Ankara next week. Each side will participate in the convocation with four ministers, five deputies, and many high-ranking bureaucrats. They will discuss the details of the program for integration and decide how the action plan for the realization of their initiative should be realized.

The National Security Council drew up the main points of the action plan when it met in August 2000. The Government later agreed to them in principle. An effort will now be made to realize the plan, which calls for many social and economic measures to help the TRNC recover from the recent crisis with Turkey's support. For that purpose, Turkey will extend $350 million to north Cyprus in the form of economic aid over a period of three years.

The initiative made for integration at a time when the talks on the Cyprus problem have been suspended should not be seen as a coincidence. TRNC President Rauf Denktas has disclosed that the sixth round of the talks will not be held and that he will definitely not go to Geneva to resume the negotiations. It is a fact that intensive diplomatic initiatives will be made to persuade the Turkish Cypriot side to change its approach during the next few days. For example, the British and US special representatives, Sir David Hannay and Alfred Moses, are expected to visit the island and Ankara in January. They will be followed by De Soto, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Cyprus.

However, the Turkish Cypriot side seems to have made its final decision. It will no longer agree to hold indirect talks. "The sides concerned must find new modalities if they want the talks to continue." That will be the message it will convey to the representatives.

The officials we interviewed informed us that the Turkish Cypriot side will not change its decision, not unless UN Secretary General Kofi Annan completely withdraws the "non-paper" he conveyed to the interlocutors during the last round of the talks in Geneva or proposes a more "creative" method for the negotiations.

The Turkish Cypriot side is convinced that the resumption of the talks in the near future in one way or another is a remote possibility. That seems to have lessened the anxiety of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials. One of them said that the Turkish Cypriot side will now determine its own direction and make the necessary preparations to achieve its objectives.

Obviously, the new direction calls for integration. The preparations that will be made will be aimed at helping the TRNC to stand on its own feet.

Turkey and north Cyprus have already achieved a high level of integration through the political, economic, and military links they established in the past. So, why has a disclosure been made in connection with a new initiative? Is it not true that it will create the impression that an effort will be made to realize "unification?" In other words, Turkey's annexation of north Cyprus?

The officials in Ankara said that "annexation" is definitely out of question. The Turkish diplomats are aware of the international reaction it might create. Furthermore, they believe that such a formal process is unnecessary. A high-ranking official outlined Turkey's strategy as follows: "The next two years will be critical. The EU will decide on Cyprus' accession either at the end of 2002 or at the beginning of 2003. It may or it may not decide to allow the island to join the organization. No matter what its decision might be, the TRNC must be able to stand on its feet. The talks that were held on the Cyprus problem in the past showed that a solution cannot be found through the process. So, the TRNC must strengthen its sovereignty and avoid taking risks. Preparations will now be made for that purpose in accordance with the action program."

What will the outcome of the new strategy be? How will the integration program be realized and to what extent? Has the hope for a solution through reconciliation become an illusion? What will the third parties (the UN organization, the United States, the EU, and etc.), which call for the solution of the problem, do now?''

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

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