Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 01-01-15

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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. 10/01 -- 13-14-15

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish - ``TRNC'' joint statement at the end of ``Partnership Council'' meeting.

[02] ``Protocol on economic and financial cooperation''.

[03] News conference by Sukru Gurel.

[04] Eroglu asks Ecevit to increase $350 million loan to $940 million.

[05] Turkey/s Acting Assembly pledges continued support for ``TRNC''.

[06] Ertugruloglu asserts ``2-State Principle'' if news talks are to start.

[07] Talat claims Greek Cypriot talks with EU are dangerous.

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry notes `Constructive/ US search for Cyprus solution.

[09] Turkish General Notes Reservations on EU Accession, rules out Cyprus concessions.

[10] Ancient tombs.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Editorial views five solution scenarios.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish - ``TRNC'' joint statement at the end of ``Partnership Council'' meeting

The statement further claimed that the confederation proposal ``is an important opportunity in the path of peace and compromise''.

The statement alleged that ``the European Union`s (EU) launching full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot administration by taking an irresponsible step against the 1960 Agreements deepened the separation on the island''.

The statement noted that Turkey and ``TRNC'' agreed to accelerate the efforts regarding water transportation to ``TRNC'' by pipeline.

The two sides agreed to exert efforts to accelerate the free movement of goods, services and capital, the transfer of technology and the flow of investments, the statement pointed out.

The statement said that the economic and socio-cultural cooperation will be developed and the current legal and administrative disagreement in these fields will be overcome to establish a ``Joint Economic Field`` in the short term.

The Private Incentive System will be put into effect in ``TRNC'', the statement noted.

Stressing that the three-year economic stability program implemented in ``TRNC'' will be continued, the statement said that Turkey will continue its economic, financial, technical and commercial support to make the ``TRNC'' economy dynamic and to form a ``Joint Economic Field.''

The statement pointed out that the two sides decided to continue and support the alternative water providing projects and the investments regarding the rehabilitation of the seaports and airports and the marinas.

Turkey and ``TRNC'' reached agreement to set up a maritime committee in ``TRNC'' to establish coordination in maritime and to set up search and rescue stations, the statement stressed.

The statement said that the two sides also agreed to lift the duties and taxes imposed on passengers in seaports and airports.

The two sides agreed not to consider ``TRNC'' as third country in foreign tourist exists from Turkey, the statement noted.

The statement emphasized that Turkey and ``TRNC'' decided to continue concerted efforts to make ``TRNC'' an education and university center in the East Mediterranean and to gradually increase the capacity of the universities to 40,000.

``The Partnership Council is determined to continue to protect the mutual interests and to make TRNC`s economy a strong one'', the statement added.

[02] ``Protocol on economic and financial cooperation'' Anatolia Agency (13:26 hours, 12.01.01) reports that Turkish

Gurel and Mehmet Bayram, the so-called economy and finance minister of the pseudostate, signed the ``protocol on economic and financial cooperation''.

Responding to questions of reporters in the signing ceremony, Gurel said that the necessary infrastructure for transporting water to ``TRNC'' has been laid and that the water transportation project will rapidly be carried out from now on.

Gurel noted that transporting water to ``TRNC'' by pipelines will be completed no later than two and a half years.

Transporting water project by balloons is being carried out fairly slowly, Gurel stated, adding that they agreed to transport water by tankers.

[03] News conference by Sukru Gurel Istanbul NTV channel (10:25 hours, 12.1.01) aired a live news conference

``Our Partnership Council held its fourth meeting today. At the end of this meeting, a decision was made to issue a Partnership Council communique. We will now be distributing to you a written text of this communique. As you can see in this communique, our Partnership Council activities were held in an extremely productive and harmonious manner. The Turkish Republic and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] have the will to further strengthen their cooperation in the economic, social, and cultural fields. As you can see in the joint communique that has been issued at the end of the Partnership Council meeting, we are fully determined to further intensify our cooperation in the political, economic, and social fields. This is a pleasing conclusion. I believe that this Partnership Council meeting was an extremely important step in further developing the relations between Turkey and the TRNC. I extend my gratitude to Mr. Bayram on this issue''.

In his statement, Bayram said:

``I would like to state with gratitude that the Turkish Republic has always helped the TRNC in overcoming its problems. It has even given priority to and dealt with the problems of the TRNC before dealing with its own. From this viewpoint, the decisions adopted at the Partnership Council meeting have opened the path of the TRNC in the political, economic, cultural, and sports fields and have unified the TRNC with the world. Therefore, I extend my thanks to all those who have contributed to these activities and especially to Mr. Gurel who is in charge of TRNC affairs. On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, I extend my thanks and gratitude to the Turkish people. I thank you all''.

Asked if they discussed the loan Turkey will be extending to the ``TRNC'', Gurel said:

``Yes, this is the reason why we have signed this protocol. A loan of some $350 million will be extended within three years. This is the loan envisaged in the protocol''.

A correspondent commented: ``Meetings on whether the proximity talks will continue are being held. Alfred Moses was on a visit in Ankara. It is said that he brought various proposals. Speaking at a news conference, he said that they want to see a united Cyprus within the EU and that the US administration later wants to see Turkey within the EU. What is your opinion on these views expressed by Mr. Moses? What will the mission of the TRNC be within the EU?''

Gurel replied: ``I could not meet with Mr. Moses because of a lack of time. Naturally, Mr. Moses is the representative of the goodwill shown by the US administration toward achieving progress in the Cyprus issue. The Turkish Republic has always welcomed the initiatives of third parties aimed at achieving a solution based on the sovereign equality of the TRNC that will please both sides. We have always been pleased with regards to such initiatives. Therefore, we have always been appreciative of the efforts exerted by the US administration on the issue. The issues, however, of whether the proximity talks will continue, the parameters according to which they can be resumed, or whether a new process acceptable to both sides can be launched by the sides involved concern the two sides on the island and primarily the TRNC. TRNC President Rauf Denktas is the person who is authorized to decide on these issues and express the Turkish Cypriots views to the UN secretary general''.

In reply to a question on the $350 million loan to the ``TRNC'', Gurel said:

``The important issue here is not the amount of the loan being extended but the development of economic ties between Turkey and the TRNC with a view to creating a joint economic field. We, by fully implementing the agreements signed earlier, will make sure that from the economic viewpoint, there are no differences between Turkey and the TRNC. One of the factors to be considered is the investments Turkey will make in the TRNC. Private enterprise is being encouraged and strengthened''.

[04] Eroglu Asks Ecevit To Increase $350 Million Loan to $940 Million Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (6:00 hours, 13.1.01) reports that so-called

At his meeting with Turkish state and government officials (12 January), Eroglu assessed the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem. He dwelt on all the problems of the ``TRNC'' and pointed out that a joint economic field must be established between the two sides.

Eroglu held separate meetings with Prime Minister Ecevit; Sukru Sina Gurel, state minister responsible for Cyprus affairs; Devlet Bahceli, state minister and deputy prime minister; and Mehmet Kececiler, state minister responsible for customs affairs. Eroglu also paid a courtesy visit to General Kivrikoglu, chief of the General Staff.

In a statement to illegal Bayrak Radio and Television in connection with his talks, Eroglu said that the world has been told that Turkey and the ``TRNC'' will continue to deepen their ties.

Eroglu said that during the talks, they also discussed the Cyprus problem. He noted that Turkish officials are sensitive about the Cyprus problem.

He said that he asked Prime Minister Ecevit to increase the $350 million loan slated for the ``TRNC'' to $940 million, and that he explained to Ecevit where this money would be used, item per item. Eroglu said that he perceived a warm approach in this regard.

[05] Turkey/s Acting Assembly Speaker Pledges Continued Support for ``TRNC'' Anatolia (14:47 hours, 12.1.01) reports that Turkey/s acting Parliament

Sokmenoglu received the delegation which attended the ``Turkey-TRNC Partnership Council'' meeting.

Sokmenoglu said ``the meeting became more important as the foreign minister attended it. Overcoming economic problems in Cyprus and the 2.5 percent economic growth are inspiring hopes. The eyes of the whole world focused on the economic and social policies of TRNC.``

``That the parliament backs TRNC was clearly put forward by a declaration signed by five political parties on July 15, 1999. I want to once more say that we are backing this declaration,`` Sokmenoglu added.

[06] Ertugruloglu Asserts ``2-State Principle'' If New Talks Are To Start Anatolia Agency (15:59 hours, 14.1.01) reports that Tahsin Ertugruloglu,

Ertugruloglu, who returned from Ankara, where he attended the ``Partnership Council'' meetings, said in a statement: "Our understanding of the national cause consists of turning the TRNC into a more prosperous country. This is our mission."

Commenting on the contacts held by Alfred Moses, US President's special envoy for Cyprus, and Sir David Hannay, Britain's special envoy for Cyprus, Ertugruloglu remarked: "We cannot say that either the US or the British envoy presented us with a satisfactory proposal."

"The fact that the Britons and the Americans expect us to act in line with the path they propose as though a joint decision was not adopted with Turkey during the Cankaya summit and as though our Republican Assembly did not adopt a resolution, demonstrates that they have not reached the point we expect from them," Ertugruloglu stated, adding that this is not a new situation.

Recalling that the Turkish Cypriots decided that the proximity talks cannot continue on the basis of the existing methods used in the current process, he noted that there is no question of rescinding this decision.

Stressing that the decision is not one that forbids the ``TRNC'' from meeting with anyone or participating in a negotiating process, Ertugruloglu stated that the Turkish Cypriots are ready to conduct talks and a dialogue with goodwill. He added:

"However, their attempts to divert us from our path on the basis of oral guarantees that no danger awaits us in line with our concerns fail to satisfy us. Our position is clear. If a new negotiating process is to be launched, this must be on the basis of two peoples and two sovereign states. We will sit at the table as the TRNC. We will present our position as a state. Other than that, we have no right to determine a position. This is what we are saying to our visitors, and this is what we will continue to say. The proximity talks process has ended. There is no such thing as the sixth round. If a sincere and healthy negotiating process is to be started, we are telling them how to go about it. There is no question of taking a step back from this point. Our motherland is giving us full support in our decision."

[07] Talat claims Greek Cypriot Talks With EU are Dangerous Anatolia Agency (14:13 hours, 12.1.01) reports that Sir David Hannay,

Following the meeting, Talat said that they discussed the latest situation in Cyprus question.

Talat claimed that the membership negotiation process that the Cyprus Government is continuing with the European Union (EU) is very dangerous.

He told the British envoy that the right path is the participation of also the Turkish Cypriot side in the negotiation process, Talat said.

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry Notes 'Constructive' US Search for Cyprus Solution

Huseyin Dirioz, the deputy spokesman of the foreign ministry, evaluated the visit that Alfred Moses, the U.S. President Bill Clinton`s special envoy to Cyprus, paid to Turkey in the weekly press conference.

Dirioz said that they held beneficial contacts with Moses and that they informed Moses about the results of the last evaluation meeting held in Ankara together with Rauf Denktas.

They emphasized that Turkey is in favour of a lasting and fair solution, Dirioz noted.

Dirioz added that in the end of the contacts, they saw that the U.S. is in a constructive search regarding the Cyprus question.

[09] Turkish General Notes Reservations on EU Accession, Rules Out Cyprus Concessions

``However more than us, Greece, Greek Cypriots, the separatist terrorist organization and those who want to overthrow our republic were pleased with it. Perhaps it was Claudia Roth who was pleased with it more than anybody. Don`t these things mean anything to you?`` said Gen. Senogul in his closing remarks in the symposium on the ``Future of European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), EU and the Future of Relations with NATO and their Effects on Turkey.``

``Turkey has to join the EU in order to reach the modern civilization level. Therefore we want Turkey to join EU more than anybody, but we are concerned about our unitary structure`s and nation state`s suffering from any damage. Some incidents which take place show that we are right in our concerns. For instance supporters of the separatist terrorist organization had held demonstrations in European cities to support Turkey`s candidacy to the EU. The demands of the separatist terrorist organization from us and the wishes of the EU from us coincide. Isn`t it interesting?`` he said.

Nahit Senogul also said that the pseudostate is Turkey`s ``trachea`` in the Mediterranean, adding that Turkey ``will not permit others to squeeze this trachea even if it is left alone in the world''. Gen. Senogul said that the unitary structure of Turkey and its being a nation state is not an impediment for Turkey to join the EU.

In his closing remarks in the symposium on the ``Future of European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), EU and the Future of Relations with NATO and their Effects on Turkey,`` General Senogul said that ``Turkey is not a mosaic, it is an integrity. If Turkey were a mosaic, Ataturk wouldn`t say `how happy to say I am a Turk` but he would say `how happy to be a Turk.` Ataturk embraced all people living in Turkey irrespective of their origins and this philosophy has to be adopted by all people. The nation state didn`t die, it stands on its feet and its importance will further increase. The conditions of EU member states and Turkey are not similar to each other. Cyprus is not an hindrance for Turkey. Turkey`s interests in Cyprus are more than those of TRNC.``

``If we accept the wishes of the EU without resisting it, Turkey will be in a position of dealing with problems of fundamentalism and separatism,`` he said.

[10] Ancient tombs KIBRIS (13.1.01) reports that five ancient tombs have been unearthed at the

According to the article, while workers were digging in order to put water pipes from the occupied village of Larnacas tis Lapithou to Ayios Ermolaos, five tombs belonging to the Geometric era were found.

One amphora and some other ancient implements were unearthed from inside one of the tombs.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Editorial views five solution scenarios Gunduz Aktan, writing in Radikal (13.1.01) says:

Naturally, it cannot be denied that even if a solution is found for Cyprus, there are many other elements that could prevent Turkey's full EU membership. However, we cannot accept a solution that will lead to the economic and political dominance of the Greek Cypriots in Cyprus in a short period of time and the elimination of the Turkish Cypriots, this time, perhaps, with a somewhat more civilized method.

In that case, we must try to estimate the probable developments to find a solution. Although a large number of scenarios could be considered by increasing the assumptions even more, it is possible to do this roughly with five scenarios.

[30] A federal solution is reached based on the proposal of [UN Secretary General] Kofi Annan, and Cyprus becomes a full member of the EU before

[50] A federal solution is reached on the proposal of Kofi Annan. However, Cyprus is kept waiting as a candidate member to become a full member

[65] A confederate solution is obtained. Cyprus becomes an EU member before Turkey does. If the Greek Cypriots in the Cypriot Parliament

[75] A solution cannot be reached by the end of 2002. The Southern Cyprus Greek Cypriot administration (SCGCA) becomes an EU member representing

[83] A solution cannot be reached. The SCGCA becomes an EU member representing Cyprus. Turkey's EU membership opportunity is eliminated.

As can be seen, excluding the first and last scenarios, there are possibilities with various degrees of importance in the framework of the three scenarios for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

I mentioned previously that the probability of EU membership created a change of paradigm with regard to the Cyprus problem. The most important aspect of this change is related to Turkey's membership. President Denktas, from now on, has to have two basic objectives in solving the problem. The first objective, just as it was in the past, is to prevent the destruction of the integrity of Northern Cyprus, stemming from the island being composed of two sectors. The other objective is to guarantee Turkey's EU membership. Naturally, these two objectives are closely related to each other. In 1974, Turkey saved the Turkish Cypriots. Now, it is their turn. They should make us EU members along with themselves''.

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

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