Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 01-01-18

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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. 12/00 -- 18.1.2001

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash asks Greek Cypriots to stop encouraging refugees to return.

[02] Serdar Denktash on conditions for attending negotiations.

[03] Denktash on Verheugen/s statement.

[04] Belgian Ambassdor visits ``East Mediterranean University''.

[05] Talat accuses Denktash of `Misinforming/ people on EU, urges EU talks.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] Columnist Criticizes Army/s Opposition to EU, Supports Accession.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash asks Greek Cypriots to stop encouraging refugees to return Anatolia Agency (15:25 hours, 17.1 01) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader

Denktas alleged the Greek Cypriot side`s evaluations during the latest Greek Cypriot National Council meeting were incorrect and that the Cyprus problem could only be resolved ``by accepting the existence of two legal states, two sovereign nations, and two nations with the right to self- determination in Cyprus.''

[02] Serdar Denktash on conditions for attending negotiations According to YENI DEMOKRAT (18.1.01), the Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus Duzan

After the meeting Denktash said that they exchanged views on the Cyprus issue. He alleged that the solution of the Cyprus problem is becoming more difficult every passing day and all the more so because the Greek Cypriot side is more spoiled with Verheugen/s latest statement. Serdar Denktash also claimed that it is a waste of time to attend the talks just ``for the sake of appearance''. He also added that ``there is no possibility of us attending the negotiations without the exchange of property and recognition of our sovereignty''.

[03] Denktash on Verheugen/s statement According to KIBRIS (18.01.2001) Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in a

Repeating his known allegations about the Cyprus problem and trying to justify his well-known intransigent stand Denktash claimed: ``I do not believe that Gunther Verheugen made a realistic diagnosis of the Cyprus problem, and that his statement that I or the Turkish side have hardened our position is the confirmation of my view''.

Denktash said that he has great respect towards Mr. Verheugen and he has no doubt about his good intentions. ``He is a statesman who loves democracy, justice and right and human rights'' Denktash said and added that he was always ready to discuss the ``realities'' with Verheugen. ``However'', he added, ``we are not ready to bow before an unrealistic agreement''.

[04] Belgian ambassador visits ``East Mediterranean University'' KIBRIS (18.1.01) reports that the Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon who is also

The dean of ``DAU'' Prof. Oral informed them about the ``University'', stressing that ``DAU'' cooperates with universities from the USA and Canada. He added that he will be very pleased if they establish relations with Belgium in the education field.

``DAU'' signed a cooperation agreement with Liege University of Belgium a few months ago that involves conferences, round table discussions and research.

[05] Talat accuses Denktash of `Misinforming/ people on EU, urges EU talks The front page article of YENIDUZEN (18.1.01) says that Mehmet Ali Talat,

In a written statement he issued, Talat said that a secure future may be created for the Turkish Cypriots by means of negotiations to be conducted through two channels.

The CTP leader charged that Rauf Denktash is misinforming the people in connection with the EU. Talat said: ``His efforts to portray the EU as a tunnel of fear will not only prevent the Turkish Cypriots from solving their problems but will also set them on an irreversible course of danger. In fact, these efforts will push Turkey towards an adventure together with the Turkish Cypriots, and may even destroy its 150-year goal of becoming European''.

Talat pointed out that Rauf Denktash said that Turkey is keeping the Cyprus problem out of its own EU process, but that in a statement (16 January), Verheugen, EU commissioner responsible for expansion, stressed that it is impossible for the pseudostate to join the EU as part of Turkey.

The CTP leader warned that if the process reaches this stage, even the chance for a biregional federation will be lost. ``The conditions of the past are a thing of the past, he said, and the best way is this: in addition to the UN-sponsored Cyprus talks, to participate in the EU accession talks with a similar formula''.

Talat called on the peole not to remain passive and be swept toward an unknown fate.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] Columnist Criticizes Army's Opposition to EU, Supports Accession Columnist Sedat Sertoglu, writing in SABAH (15.1.01) says:

I say they are more or less known because the remarks made by General Nahit Senogul, the commander of the Military Academies, demonstrate the military's perspective of the road map. Another statement made by Lieutenant General Resat Turgut, the Head of the General Staff's Plans and Principles Department, backs General Senogul, albeit from a different perspective.

However, claiming that our enemies were greatly delighted by the Helsinki decisions means that we are treated on the same footing with our enemies because we also rejoiced at these decisions and we vehemently reject such an accusation.

If the three leaders, namely Bulent Ecevit, Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz, fail to make the right choice among options to be laid down in the document, which will be presented by ambassador Volkan Vural, Turkey's quest for joining the EU would end before it started.

I do not agree with the General Staff's opinion that "joining the EU under these conditions would eventually divide Turkey". I think that the opposite holds true. I believe that a Turkey, which has integrated with Europe and solved all of its problems, would be indivisible. To the contrary, a Turkey, which has severed its ties with the rest of the world, would face much serious problems in the long run.

Our ability to control and shape the course of events, rather than letting others to take control of developments, is vital to Turkey's interests. This could be achieved only by joining their ranks, not by staying outside.

We should not confuse two things with each other. Turkey's policy towards the proposal for establishing a European army and steps that it must take to join the EU are two separate issues independent of each other. There are longstanding disputes even between the EU-member countries on a variety of issues. They sue and obtain judgements against each other. Turkey should maintain its policy regarding the European army, but it must remove the obstacles created by itself, which block the path for starting accession talks. Otherwise, this process would not even get off the ground, let alone ensuring Turkey's admission to the EU. Ecevit, Bahceli and Yilmaz are completely aware of this fact.

Let us not fear of expression of thoughts. Let us have trust in ourselves.

Let us abolish the capital punishment without having any fears.

Let us take bold steps to solve the Cyprus question. Let us take initiatives for this purpose.

Let us permit everybody to broadcast TV and radio programs in any language, because nobody can change Turkey's unitary system.

Let us launch a diplomatic counter-offensive in the Aegean. Let us talk.

Let us get transparent. Let us launch an unwavering campaign against corruption in every field.

We should not forget that an eventual accession to the EU would mean a comprehensive change from a A to Z in Turkey and achievement of Ataturk's goal of catching up with the developed countries.

It is normal to hear the generals voicing their anxieties about the EU, although I cannot see how one can support and oppose accession to the EU at the same time. From my point of view, every individual must have the right to express his or her opinions. However, the final decision should be made by the civilian authority, that is to say the government if we assert that Turkey is a democratic country.

A vital process is just beginning for Turkey. Not only the Turks, but also the Europeans will soon see the extent to which the civilians in Turkey desire to join the EU and how sincere they are about this issue.

"We are going to take the steps that we are expected to take just because this is our own desire", Ecevit said on various occasions.

His sincerity will be put to the test.

An overwhelming majority of the Turks are in favour of the EU and they want the accession process launched and completed.

We will soon see how sincere and democrat the government is''.

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

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