Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 01-02-01

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

No. 22/01 -- 1.2.01

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Akinci and CTP/s Soyer comment against teachers/ proclamation.

[02] Turkish Cypriot politicians and organizations condemn teachers/ anti- Turkey proclamation.

[03] Occupation police investigates Teachers Union.

[04] Denktash tells Turkish commander ``TRNC/s'' devoted to the Motherland.

[05] Turkish Ground Forces Commander arrives on visit.

[06] Turkish daily on deputy/s death.

[07] Ismail Cem: Mediating countries want us to accept Greek positions.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] Columnist urges Turkey to drop ``TRNC'' recognition as precondition for talks.

[11] Turkish Cypriot writer: ``Teachers saved Turkish Cypriots/ honour''.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Akinci, and CTP's Soyer Comment against Teachers/ proclamation Mustafa Akinci, so-called state minister and deputy prime minister, has said

According to illegal Bayrak radio (31.1.01) Akinci recalled that Verheugen, the EU Commissioner responsible for expansion, said that the EU needs Turkey and that Turkey is important. Given this situation, Akinci said, an anti-Turkish approach will not achieve anything.

Akinci admitted that certain deficiencies exist in the relations between Turkey and the so-called ``Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'', but these problems can be eliminated, he said.

The Republican Turkish Party [CTP] has called on the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union to calmly develop its approach, and on those who attack the union for the advertisement, to refrain from exacerbating the tension.

CTP Secretary General Ferdi Sabit Soyer issued a statement (31.1.01), warning all the unions, the democratic organizations, and the Turkish Cypriot people not to be taken in by provocation, to act with common sense, and not to move away from the broadest struggle foundation. He said that the CTP believes that a lasting solution in Cyprus cannot happen despite Turkey and considers Turkey's guarantees to be necessary for a solution in Cyprus. We must be careful to develop the relations between the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey on the basis of mutual interest, he said, and called on all to act with common sense to achieve that.

[02] Turkish Cypriot Politicians and Organizations Condemn Teachers' Anti- Turkey proclamation

In its newscast on 30 January, the radio carries the reaction of Rauf Denktash, who "condemned the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union," which informed Ankara that it does not want its money or its economic package, and that it does not want to become a slave. "Pointing out that he was shocked when he saw the advertisement, Denktash said: This serves the enemy, and it is a show of ingratitude. Such an announcement could only have been originated from the Greek Cypriot side. Denktash noted that people with this mentality should not be allowed to teach, and asked that the laws be amended if they are inadequate in this regard." Denktash added: "I condemn this disgusting claim made by three-five unionists without consulting their members."

In the same newscast, the radio announces that so-called Republican ``Assembly'' Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu harshly condemned and protested against the statement of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union with regard to the socioeconomic package and Turkey." Hasipoglu said that "the apple inside the toffee presented as the EU is rotten. If we are to join the EU, we should join it as the ``Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'', which has gained its independence and freedom." He added that "the Turks have no friends other than Turkey."

According to the radio, another reaction to the advertisement came from the National Unity Party Press Bureau. The party accused the authors of "trying to serve their personal interest and of overstepping the mark." The party statement on the subject "condemned the paid advertisement in certain press organs insulting the ``TRNC state'' and motherland Turkey, by using the pretext of the economic problems experienced in the country. The statement went on: We do not believe that an institution, which has a great duty in preparing the future of the ``TRNC'', subscribes to this view. However, the leaders of this institution hold this view, and, taking advantage of the democratic environment in the country, they are trying to create strife between the ``TRNC'' and our motherland, the leader of the Turkic world." The statement pledged that "nothing can separate us from the motherland."

In the same newscast, "the Nationalist Justice Party'' called on all organizations, institutions, and teachers who do not share the views and opinions of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union with regard to Turkey to demonstrate their reaction." This was announced by party leader Zorlu Tore in a news conference. Tore noted that "the Turkish Cypriots cannot resist even 24 hours without Turkey or the Turkish army." He "condemned with abhorrence the newspaper advertisements against Turkey, which border on insult and humiliation." Tore also called for the closure of the union, describing its leaders as "spies, provocateurs, agents, and traitors."

Joining those condemning the advertisement, according to the same newscast, are the National Revival Party, which termed it "an ugly initiative," the Struggle Platform for the National Goal, the ``Parliamentarians'' Union, the Turkish Cypriot Peace Operation Veterans Association, and other organizations.

On 31 January Bayrak again reported the reaction of "Prime Minister'' Dervis Eroglu in an airport statement upon his return from a visit to Turkey. Eroglu "condemned the advertisement placed by the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union, and described it as a great disgrace and show of ingratitude. Pointing out that this action is a stain on the teachers of the ``TRNC'', Eroglu announced that the matter will be discussed at the so- called ``Council of Ministers'' and the necessary decision will be adopted." Eroglu says that the ``TRNC's'' teachers are loyal to their motherland, "it is a few persons who occupy the Teachers Union who are maligning Turkey." He stressed that "the Turkish Cypriot people are loyal to Turkey and they are aware that we cannot exist without it."

Eroglu added that "he does not view advertisements that could offend the ``TRNC'' people and Turkey as a democratic action, the behaviour of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union is something that requires the adoption of measures." "Eroglu said that the necessary instructions will be given to the national education and culture minister to adopt certain decisions."

[03] Occupation police investigates Teacher/s Union According to ORTAM (1.2.01) Denktash/s police has opened an investigation

``The police'' announcement said that a statement will be made regarding the investigation later on.

The Turkish occupation police confiscated the Union/s computer, and fax machine as evidence.

ORTAM calls the opening an investigation against the union members, a ``second'' mistake. ORTAM consider as first mistake, the union/s paid advertisement given to the papers, but starting a police investigation, ORTAM says, has hurt the principle of the ``Rule of Law''.

[04] Denktash Tells Turkish Commander that 'TRNC' Devoted to the Motherland According to Anatoila new agency Rauf Denktash, said on Wednesday (31.1.01)

Denktash received General Hilmi Ozkok, Turkey/s Land Forces Commander, and the accompanying delegation.

Denktash said that the world which exerts efforts for the accession of the island to the European Union (EU) without solving the Cyprus problem, is playing a big trick on Cyprus.

``During your visit, you will see that we continue to stand on our feet despite all the difficulties and that we are devoted to our cause and to the motherland,`` Denktash said.

He added, ``TRNC'' is a happy establishment as a ``republic'' recognized by the motherland because we are under the guarantee of our 65 million friends. There are some problems and we have to overcome these problems. The motherland is also helping us in overcoming our problems.``

[05] Cyprus: Turkish Ground Forces Commander Arrives on Visit Turkey/s Land Forces Commander Hilmi Ozkok arrived in occupied Nicosia on

Ozkok said that Turkey staged the Cyprus ``Peace Operation in 1974'' by using its guarantorship right resulting from the international agreements. ``TRNC nation'' will not return back to the dark days of the past, Ozkok noted. Ozkok stated that the Turkish Armed Forces will always be beside the ``TRNC nation'' in its rightful cause.

Pointing out that the seminar on ``Peace 2001`` will be held by the participation of land, naval and air forces, Ozkok said that they will discuss the measures to be taken to overcome possible threats aiming at damaging the peaceful and secure atmosphere established in the island.

Ozkok continued, ``the final factor which will ensure the maintenance of peace and security in the island is the adoption by the international community that there are two equal and sovereign states on the island and that the question can be solved within this framework.`` They support the policy followed by Rauf Denktash, Ozkok said. So-called Parliament Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that the Turkish Cypriot ``nation'' will never return back to the days before 1974 and that the flag will continue to be hoisted.

Ertugruloglu noted that the soldiers will not depart from the island, adding, ``the only guarantee of peace is the TSK. Everybody remembers the days before 1974. Everybody knows the problems we faced. Now, peace and security have been established.``

[06] Turkish daily on deputy/s death Under the banner headline, "Opposition Killed," Yeni Safak (31.1.01)

In a 650-word article entitled "We Must Stop Being Bigoted" on page 5, Yeni Safak columnist Mehmet Barlas comments on what he refers to as Turkey's failure to keep pace with the "ever-changing" world because of its dependence on a constricting official state ideology.

[07] Ismail Cem: Mediating countries want us to accept Greek positions According to CUMHURIYET (1.1.01) Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem during

When asked how the Cyprus problem will be solved Cem said: We look warmly to the confederal settlement, however, it seems that the USA, Britain and other countries which are mediating are on a mission to make us accept the Greek positions. Here the EU has made two basic mistakes. First, accepting the unilateral membership application of the Greek Cypriots, and the second to tie up the Cyprus problem to Turkey/s candidacy process, but both of them have not borne the desired result''.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] Columnist Urges Turkey to Drop ``TRNC'' Recognition as Precondition for Talks

``Davos gave us a taste of what we are going to see in Turkey in the coming period and just how the future is going to be shaped. European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen spoke of this and from this we can understand it "came from Europe". "Turkey is a very important country for Europe because of it geostrategic and economic potential," Verheugen stressed and said, "There cannot be a Europe without Turkey."

The really moving point about this official's speech was that it stressed "Europe has not abandoned Turkey." Even though certain authorities in Turkey might not want the EU, Europe has assessed Turkey's geostrategic and economic importance and has no tintention of abandoning her. In other words, "There is no escape. Whatever we do, Europe is going to take us in."

When he sent his "signal" from Davos, Verheugen said "the most important issue on Turkey's road to EU accession is Cyprus and all other issues can be worked out one way or another." Nor did he neglect to add, "The EU is not a religious club; it is receptive to all democratic values."

Immediately before this statement by Verheugen, Rauf Denktash, on a "tour of Istanbul" tried to "persuade the public" otherwise. According to Denktash, Greece's aim is "to use the EU to remove all of Turkey's people from the island and thus secure a victory for Hellenism." In other words, the EU will accept the Greek administration as the sole representative of Cyprus and make the island a full EU member." While this is happening, Turkey will be kept out of the EU. However, in this situation and because it will attempt to "integrate" the ``TRNC'', Turkey will find itself confronting the EU because of Greek designs on Cyprus soil.

Again according to Denktash, "It is Britain and the United States that are writing this scenario. Europe is setting the stage. The United Nations is being used as a tool." In other words the whole world versus Turkey and ``TRNC''. If one takes a look at this logic -- if logic it is -- seeing that Turkey is not going to abandon ``TRNC'', it should distance itself from the EU and avoid taking on the whole world. Denktash has already drawn his conclusions over UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and withdrawn from the talks in Geneva. Now, there is neither Denktash nor Clerides at the negotiating table; they are instead waiting it out as Turkey and the EU and UN are in a standoff in international politics. Meanwhile, the ``Greek administration'' in Cyprus is pushing ahead with joining the EU.

What Denktash presented almost as a precondition for getting him back to the table was recognition of "TRNC'' as an equal, sovereign and independent state". It was only then that he "will be able to start talks aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus issue". Once he has got this, what further reason remains for negotiations anyway?! What falls to us, to Turkey, is to ensure that the ``TRNC'' gets recognized and to work on America, Europe and the EU to make them accept this. In other words, rowing upstream.

Just as there is nothing new in the theses Denktash has been defending for years, the chances of getting any of them put into practice is also zero. In a word, zero.

This is because there is zero chance of the ``TRNC'' getting recognized. The UN Security Council has already outlawed any recognition of ``TRNC'' and therefore there can be no question of any country seeking international legitimacy by recognizing ``TRNC''. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, not one of the five emerging Turkic Republics has recognized ``TRNC'' and will not in the future, much to Turkey's chagrin. Does this not express the futility of it all clearly enough?

What is more important is that the ``TRNC'' was declared only as a "tactical maneouvre". It had never been a strategic target. Pay attention:

``TRNC'' was declared in November 1983 during the "interregnum" between that time when the 12 September military administration did its duty and called elections in October 1983, and when Kenan Evren formally asked Turgut Ozal, whose Motherland Party had surprisingly won the elections but had not yet formed a government at the time, to form a government in December 1983. It was the "offspring" of the then Foreign Minister Ilter Turkmen. The decision was Turkey's, not Denktash' even though he was most pleased and in power.

At a meal I had two weeks ago, I turned to Ilter Turkmen, who was sitting next to me, and said, "You left the ``TRNC'' in the care of Ozal like a baby abandoned at a church door." Turkmen replied, "We had not declared ``TRNC'' so that the policy being pursued today could be followed." In saying this, he was saying he did not like it being used as a "ace up the sleeve" to oppose Turkey's joining the EU.

Not even the "natural father of ``TRNC'' can own up to ``TRNC'' in its current condition. Let us be realistic and brave here: Let us not put official recognition of ``TRNC'' as a prerequisite for getting talks started. By doing this, let us stop it being used as an obstacle to Turkey's accession to the EU.

This means:

[103] Cyprus is bound to Turkey, not the other way round.

[105] Turkey's interests lie in Europe. If Turkey sets off down the path that will be of most benefit to it, then it will get the means to

preserve the interests of Turkish Cypriots to the greatest degree. It will also make it possible for both the Cyprus issue to be resolved and for Turkey and Cyprus to join the EU at the same time.

[112] Turkish Cypriot Writer: Teachers Saved Turkish Cypriots' Honour A column by Turgut Afsaroglu: "Ultimatum" in AVRUPA (30.1. 01) said:

``In the beginning, the bank crisis erupted. This was followed by the collapse of the economy. A total amount of 120 trillion [Turkish] lira vanished as a result of the bank crisis. At least 60,000 citizens lost the money they had deposited in banks. Inflation rose to unbearable levels. This was followed by soaring prices and interest rates. On the other hand, wages hit rock-bottom.

Half the workers and 90 percent of investors are complaining about the economic situation. There are reports about thousands of lawsuits filed with requests to have properties seized. The wages of civil servants and retirees were the only two pillars remaining in the country. However, the economic package sent to us from Ankara took away those two pillars as well.

Meanwhile, farmers are encountering severe difficulties and farmers of orange products are calling for help. Workers are in a desperate situation, but are unable to complain. Bank employees are facing unemployment. A major part of the population has become increasingly withdrawn and is waiting for a solution.

However, Rauf Denktash is still concerned about his own cause. It is not clear as to whether or not Denktash is aware of the fact that he has reached the end of the road... Meanwhile, Denktash is busy explaining the situation which the Turkish Cypriots are in to Alvaro de Soto, as if de Solo is blind and deaf and is unable to see our situation and the fact that we have been destroyed and desperately need a solution to the Cyprus problem more than the Greek Cypriots.

Thus, Denktash will reportedly explain one more time our situation that he has been unable to explain in the past 44 years!

Our situation is in a mess! Our situation was also in a mess during the British colonial days, because we were the ones who were crushed and trampled under everyone's feet in that era. We continued to be crushed and trampled under everyone's feet during the Republican era as well.

However, at least in those days we were trying to resist in dignity. Therefore, our present situation is even worse compared to our situation in the past.

We have now been crushed, our money has been siphoned off from our pockets, and we have been knocked out.

Do not ask me as to who knocked us out! What difference does it make if the regime changes, given that everything will remain the same if the regime changes?

We may lose everything except our dignity. We needed neither economic packages nor any money all these years. All we needed was a dignified voice, and that voice came once again from the teachers.

It is not for vain that Ataturk said: "Only teachers can save nations."

Standing firm in the face of any anger that it may attract, the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Union [KTOS] once again signaled an important message to Ankara and the Turkish Cypriots. No, this was not a message of "no," but an ultimatum!

O Ankara, we do not need your money, your economic package, or your civil servants...

We, the Turkish Cypriots will govern ourselves... We have the knowledge, the capability, the potential, and self-sufficiency... We do not want to be slaves! The Turkish Cypriots may lose everything. However, the Turkish Cypriots will never lose their dignity!

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

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