Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-06-22

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash on status of British bases in Cyprus.

[02] Yilmaz in Brussels talks on Cyprus issue, the EU.

[03] Yilmaz: EU membership criteria for Turkey `Correct/.

[04] Eroglu expresses satisfaction with Yilmaz/s statements.

[05] Talat - Lord William Wallace.

[06] Provocative «flag» gets fresh paint.

[07] AVRUPA reveals the names of the NPM leaders.

[08] Turkish Cypriot so-called MP/s to Strasbourg.

[09] Denktash meets French Ambassador.

[10] Curious CIA support for Denktash.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash on status of British bases in Cyprus

«...If they tried to change the status there would be a lot we could say and do, because under this status there is our signature as well. Therefore, of course we consider odd the fact that the English discuss this only with the Greek Cypriots, but due to the fact that the status has not been changed, there is no need to say anything else. If they tried to change the status, then naturally a different situation would be created...».

[02] Yilmaz in Brussels talks on Cyprus Issue, the EU

Speaking to the press about his contacts in Brussels, Yilmaz said that he explained Turkey/s plans to further improve Turkey-EU relations and to record progress in the candidacy process at the European Parliament Foreign affairs Commission.

Noting that the Cyprus question has been the issue which was discussed the most during his contacts, Yilmaz said that ``they were discussing at the meeting whether the problem would be solved in parallel with the membership of the Greek Cypriot side to EU and a possible role of Turkey.``

``Rapporteur Jacques Poos and certain Greek parliamentarians said that the attitude of Turkey was not constructive and it would not help in the solution. Other members went further and claimed that the Cyprus question started by the military intervention of Turkey. I told the meeting that the reason of the conflict was the overthrow of the common state by Greek Cypriots which was founded by the 1960 treaty. I stressed that the aim of the intervention of Turkey was to protect the lives and properties of the kinsmen in Cyprus, adding that Turkey has always contributed to the peace efforts that continue since 1974. I added that the intervention of the EU in the issue has made everything more difficult and this ended the reason for the Greek Cypriots to accept a just solution on the island.``

``I underlined the fact that if the solution of the Cyprus question in line with the wishes of the Greek Cypriot side is considered the price of Turkey's membership to the EU, Turkey will never pay this price. I stressed that our attitude on the issue is not new and it was clearly stated during Helsinki summit. I pointed out that the EU has to be objective and leave the issue to U.N. Secretary General. I stated that Turkey would never permit the aim of the Greek Cypriots to turn Turkish Cypriots into a minority.``

Yilmaz said that he stressed in his contacts that there is an independent state in Northern Cyprus, adding that ``I saw that Verheugen does not think that the EU membership of Southern Cyprus is only an issue of Southern Cyprus. He also stated that this can cause a problem which can threaten the region and affect the relations between Turkey and EU.``

He said he also referred to constitutional amendments in his contacts, adding that the government did its best for hunger strikes in prisons, a new arrangement was done in which EU norms were taken as the basis. ``I also told that the Council of Europe and the EU follow-up committee which visited Turkey, appreciated the efforts of the Turkish government,`` Yilmaz said.

``We will continue to work hard for the realization of short term and medium term targets mentioned in the national programme,`` he said, adding that his contacts in Brussels have been useful in respect of showing the European Parliament that certain expectations about the Cyprus issue were not realistic.

[03] Yilmaz: EU Membership Criteria for Turkey 'Correct,'

Yilmaz: Because of separatist terrorism, we have not been able to implement a comprehensive democratization so far. Now it is time for reforms. The death penalty will be completely abolished within three to four years.

Question: Why should Turkey join the EU? Yilmaz: For geostrategic considerations. If the EU wants to become a "global player," it needs Turkey.

Question: Is there a target date for membership negotiations? Yilmaz: This depends on our performance. I also tell this to the Turkish public. Time is very important for us, because the situation in the EU becomes more difficult for us -- because of the strengthening of the EU Parliament and new members.

Question: Do you think that the EU's membership criteria are unfair?

Yilmaz: They are correct and must be fulfilled by us. In the final document of Helsinki we criticized only one point: settling the Cyprus conflict as a condition for membership. This has been revised.

Question: Would you accept it if only the Greek part of the island becomes an EU member?

Yilmaz: No. A solution for Cyprus must not overlook the realities on the island. Both ethnic groups must agree. A federal state is unrealistic, because the Greeks demote the Turkish ethnic group to a minority. We suggest a confederation.

Question: Does Greece support this proposal?

Yilmaz: The Greek side is unwilling. We are now encouraging the Turkish-Cypriot side to negotiate. If there is no fair settlement, Cyprus might turn into a new powder keg. This is a great danger for the entire region.

Question: Turkey is blocking a security policy agreement between NATO and the EU.

Yilmaz: In cases where NATO cooperation is of national interest for Turkey, Ankara must be included in the decisions. The EU does not accept this. The discussion continues. The United States supports our position.

Question: Which EU country do you expect to support you on your way to Europe?

Yilmaz: Germany. The delay of the process of Turkey's integration was caused by the former Kohl government. The new government has a far friendlier attitude.

Question: What is your vision of Europe?

Yilmaz: For me, Europe is not only a desire but a passion. This passion also causes suffering. In Turkey we have many domestic and foreign policy problems. The EU can help us with bilateral solutions. If the EU permits the Greeks to use their membership as blackmail for solutions, such solutions are not in sight.

[04] Eroglu expresses satisfaction with Yilmaz`s statements

«I thank him because he spoke clearly and openly», said Mr. Eroglu during a meeting with Mustafa Ozbek, president of the Turk Metal Is Union and of the Federation of Avrasya Metal Workers.

Mr. Yilmaz had said that Turkey would make no concessions on the Cyprus problem.

[05] Talat - Lord William Wallace

Speaking during a meeting with Lord William Wallace, of the London School of Economics International Relations Section, Talat said that the settlement of the Cyprus problem and the EU membership are very important for the future and the stability of the region.

He said that break down in the talks is blocking Turkish Cypriot as well as Turkey/s membership to the EU.

Briefing the British academic on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and his party/s views, Talat said that the Cyprus problem is going through a very important phase.

Talat further said that the EU membership is one of the important dimensions of the Cyprus problem and said that taking into consideration the effect of each issue on the other, both processes should be taken up simultaneously. «Both processes are important for the future and stability of the region as well» Talat added.

«Cyprus is not only the problem of the two communities and the EU, it is also the problem of the region/s two important countries, Greece and Turkey. Greco-Turkish relations are tied up to the Cyprus issue». Talat noted.

Underlining that a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is necessary, Talat said that his party, despite its uneasiness, is determined to make a positive contribution.

Lord Williams Wallace said that he had come to Cyprus to «learn» and that he is exchanging views with the people.

Referring to EU/s anxieties on the Cyprus problem, he said that the EU, deciding to continue the accession talks, despite a break in the Cyprus talks, took the risk of pushing to a new crisis that might lead to the permanent division of the island. He said that he is greatly worried over this.

Stressing that the division of the island will not be good, and not just for Greece and Turkey, but for all concerned parties, Wallace urged that while the EU accession talks are going on, efforts should be made to secure the continuation of talks for a settlement.

Referring to Turkey/s relation to this process, Wallace warned that a possible crisis in Cyprus will be another blow to Turkey/s economy.

[06] Provocative «flag» gets fresh paint

The expenses of the project will be footed by the Turkcell company. The painting of the pseudo-state/s «flag» is expected to be completed by 5 July, 2001.

The so-called flag was last time re-painted in 1999. Thirty people are working on the Pendadactyloss Project.

[07] Avrupa reveals the names of the NPM leaders

Invoking reliable sources, the paper writes that among those who try to create a foundation related to NPM are the following: Enver Ozturk (president of the Nicosia Bar), Taner Etkin (advisor of Rauf Denktash and former so-called Foreign Minister), Omer Adal, Sinasi Tekman, Burhan Tuna, Orhan Yucel, Gokhan Guler, Hasan Emirzade, Necla Nasifogu, Ciler Incirli and Gunay Yorgancioglu.

[08] Turkish Cypriot so-called MP`s to Strasbourg

The paper writes that the delegation, which is expected to return to the occupied areas on the 1st of July, consists of Dervis Cobanoglu (National Unity Party), Osman Imre (Democratic Party), Dervis Akter (Communal Liberation Party), Sumer Aygin (Republican Turkish Party) and Seyit Yolak (so-called director for foreign affairs of the pseudo-assembly).

[09] Denktash meets French Ambassador

Prior to the meeting a brief statement said that the meeting was held within the framework of the ambassador/s assuming his duties «Esteemed ambassador has recently arrived here and we will discuss the Cyprus problem» the statement concluded.

[10] Curious CIA support for Denktash

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