Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-09-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Logoglu fully behind Denktas and repeats that Turkey's reaction will have no limits if Cyprus accedes to the EU.

[02] More statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader on the latest developments.

[03] Reactions of the Turkish political parties on Denktas rejecting the invitation of the UN for negotiations.

[04] Dervis Eroglu backs Denktas' handlings and talks of scenarios.

[05] A meeting on the Cyprus problem was held in Ankara.

[06] Twenty-five acres of forest were turned into ashes in the areas of occupied Lefka.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] Losing Cyprus and doing nothing about it.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Logoglu fully behind Denktas and repeats that Turkey's reaction will have no limits if Cyprus accedes to the EU

Faruk Logoglu alleged that the invitation made by the United Nations (U.N) to resume the proximity talks on September 12 without the consent of the Turkish side does not coincide with the mission of good offices.

«The point which the Turkish side does not agree with is the date of September 12 not the invitation of the U.N. Going to New York without laying a common ground will cause a failure in the new process of talks. De Soto has not brought any new proposals during the ten-month period after the proximity talks process was interrupted in November 2000 despite all the expectations and warnings of the Turkish side», Logoglu said.

Logoglu pointed out that the Secretary-General did not even stand behind his statement.

«They should get well-prepared to reach a success in the end of the new process which is planned to be launched», Logoglu remarked.

Logoglu also said that the Turkish side expects the U.N to restructure, enrich and then make public its statement dated September 12 and called on the Secretary-General to stand behind a statement which had earlier been made by himself.

The main target of Turkey and the pseudostate is to ensure political and sovereign equality between the pseudostate and the Cyprus Government in which Turkish Cypriots have faith and which regards Turkey`s strategic interests in East Mediterranean and which helps the solution of the question, Logoglu noted.

Logoglu said that this is the main parameter and went on: «We think that the Cyprus question is not a question which we can approach as a game played within the framework of public relations acquisitions and with tactical purposes for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. The only side which wants a solution to the question is the Turkish side. If attention was paid on this question and if ways to solve this question were searched by Greek Cypriot administration, or Greece, or the U.N. Security Council, or other third important circles, this question would have already been solved.`` Giving a message towards the future, Logoglu said: «If a solution based on equality of the sides is not possible, an integration process which is getting more intensive and deeper every day will be in question between Turkey and the TRNC.``

Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu said that Turkey would take steps by way of response to the steps that would be taken by the European Union (EU) regarding Cyprus` membership, and Turkey`s steps would not have limits.

During a farewell reception hosted in his honour, Logoglu answered questions about Jacques Poos`s report which was approved by the European Parliament.

Recalling that Poos had mentioned the annexation concept in his report saying, ``if Turkey were to carry out its threat to annex the north of Cyprus, it would put an end to its own ambitions of EU membership``, Logoglu explained what Turkey understood from integration, saying: «Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have actually integrated with each other sufficiently. It is asked what can happen beyond this. Yes, we have very close and intense relations.

However, there are some problems in the commercial field. This means that a full integration could not be provided. Although there are many agreements between Turkey and the TRNC today there are no agreements in some fields. Turkey will take steps by way of response to the steps that will be taken by the EU regarding southern Cyprus` membership and Turkey`s steps won`t have limits. As it was in the past, finding a solution to the Cyprus issue is the best option for everybody also under today`s conditions.``

«Meanwhile Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Akin Alptuna said that the European Parliament`s decision was quite negative, adding: «However, when you look to the Council and European Commission`s statements the same day, we see that they are more balanced than the European Parliament`s decision. I mean to say that there is a specific contradiction between the European Parliament`s decision and statements of the Council and Commission representatives.``

When asked whether recognition of the pseudostate by some countries would be advantageous for the Turkish side, Logoglu said: «If a few countries recognize the TRNC, the economic situation rapidly changes, of course. Consequently, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries sent a message saying, `solve this question otherwise it becomes impossible for us to stop ignoring the realities in the island`. Although it did not bring a positive result, this message gave the Greek Cypriots a shock.»

Alleging that even mentioning of realities in the island before recognition of the pseudostate would pave the way for solution, Logoglu said that Turkey had not carried out any work on recognition of the pseudostate by other countries.

Alleging also that the Turkish Cypriot side had always accepted the proposals of the U.N. Secretary-General while the Greek Cypriot side had acted with intransigent manner, Logoglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side could not be held responsible for failure in finding a solution.

``Turkey has very important strategic interests in the East Mediterranean in addition to the safety of the Turkish Cypriots. It has important interests regarding communications and energy resources. So vital interests are in question. Consequently, a solution should be in line with Turkey`s basic interests,`` Logoglu said.

``We don`t say that the U.N. is unreliable. We say that the U.N. should work more. We stated that we have confidence in the Secretary-General and respect and support the good will mission. We did not close doors to the U.N. We are ready to work together with them,`` Logoglu said.

[2] More statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader on the latest developments

Denktas said that at his last meeting with de Soto he repeatedly told de Soto: «You came here to help find common ground between the two sides». Denktas noted, however, that de Soto's reply was: «No, I came here to extend the invitation».

Denktas asked: «So what was the point of wasting five days and keeping us busy day and night if the aim was to simply extend an invitation»?

Denktas pointed out that de Soto could have extended the invitation the day he arrived in the island, adding: «An official who is conducting a mission of good offices does not have the right to publicly declare a date for a meeting when he knows that one side will come to the meeting while the other will not be able to. Nor does he have the right to portray the side that cannot come to the meeting as intransigent or as guilty».

Denktas said that this will hurt de Soto and his mission and that de Soto refrained from using the term partnership out of fear that the Greek Cypriots would not come to the meeting. Denktas said: «If de Soto does not use the term partnership, then I do not go to the meeting, because the aim is to set up a partnership and what was destroyed was a partnership».

Denktas alleged that nobody has the right to create the impression that a Cyprus Republic exists and that the minority in that republic must come to the meeting. (Tr. Note: The Turkish Cypriots constitute only 18% of the population). He went on: «Something regrettable has happened. I believe that Secretary-General Kofi Annan was misled. I think that those who drew up the scenario misinformed the Secretary-General. That is part of the scenario. They must have told him: Do not worry, he [Denktas] will come to the meeting».

That is why Annan extended the invitation probably, Denktas said, adding: «I fully trust the Secretary-General. Unless he was misled, he would not have sent de Soto to Cyprus nor would he have extended this invitation».

Denktas said that he will tell Annan that his refusal to come to New York on 12 September is not an act of resistance against him or his mission, and that it is not an act of disrespect. He stressed that he will tell Annan this is an act of resistance of his people against those who drafted the scenario. Denktas asserted that he is leaving the door open to meet with anybody, first and foremost with the Secretary-General, to prepare the ground for the resumption of the negotiations. This is my duty, he said, adding: «Otherwise we cannot sit at the negotiating table without preparing the ground and wait to see what happens. This is not a gambling table, it is a negotiating table, and my people's freedom, sovereignty, and equality are at stake».

Denktas said that de Soto told him that nobody knows what will come out of the negotiations. I know what should come out of the negotiations, Denktas stressed, adding: «A partnership between the two states and good neighbourliness between two states must come out of the negotiations. Cyprus' unity means that the two sides agree on how to represent their unity outside. This has been accepted by the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and that is enough for the Turkish Cypriots».

[03] Reactions of the Turkish Cypriot political parties on Denktas` rejecting the invitation of the UN for negotiations

In a written statement he issued yesterday Mr Talat comments on Mr Denktas` rejecting the invitation addressed by the UN Secretary - General for the resumption of the talks aiming at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. RTP leader expressed the view that the policy followed by the Turkish side on this matter was wrong and added that Mr Denktas «is throwing the Turkish Cypriots into the fire».

Mr Denktas` behaviour, according to Mr Talat, is «wrong and dangerous» for Turkey`s EU accession course as well. Mr Talat said also that time is running out for the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side wants to gain time because time works for its accession to the EU.

Mr Talat notes also that the Turkish Cypriot leader rejected the invitation despite the «positive declarations» made by Mr Alvaro de Soto for the Turkish Cypriots. RTP leader clarified that he was talking about Mr de Soto`s declaring that the UN Secretary - General's 12 September 2000 statement is still valid and that a «new partnership will be created».

Meanwhile, Communal Liberation Party (CLP) leader, Mustafa Akinci expressed the view that «as a result of the wrong policies applied on the Cyprus problem, this problem has entered into an impasse». In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Akinci noted that the invitation of the UN Secretary - General for the resumption of the talks should be accepted and added that a framework must be found within which all the sides should have benefits from the solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr Akinci characterizes «wrong» the policy of not - negotiating. Referring to the accession course of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU he claimed that abandoning the negotiation table «will make shorter the procedure of the unilateral accession of the Greek Cypriot side to the EU, in the name of the whole of Cyprus».

Furthermore, the Patriotic Union Movement (PUM) issued a statement yesterday criticizing Rauf Denktas` rejecting the UN Secretary - General's invitation. PUM`s General Secretary, Izzet Izcan notes that Mr Denktas` behaviour is «impossible to be accepted». Mr Izcan also expresses the view that Mr Denktas` decision is contrary to the wish of the majority of the Turkish Cypriots, who want peace.

Mr Izcan stresses that the ground for the negotiations is the UN resolutions for Cyprus and the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements between the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and the then Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios and Mr Spyros Kyprianou. PUM`s leader underlines that «the duty of progressive and patriotic Turkish Cypriots» is to unify their powers towards finding a federal solution in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, his party's full support to Mr Denktas` attitude expresses Vehbi Zeki Serter, General Secretary of the National Unity Party (NUP). In a written statement issued yesterday, Mr Serter says that if there is to be an agreement between the two sides, this must be made, «even from the first step, on a solid basis».

Mr Serter also claims that the Turkish Cypriot side has been always making everything possible for reaching «an agreement between the two states».

[04] Dervis Eroglu backs Denktas/ handlings and talks of scenarios

Responding to questions of reporters, Eroglu expressed uneasiness about unilateral scenarios.

Eroglu said: «We are in favour of a permanent agreement which does not harm our equality, sovereignty and security. To this end, talks should be started on the basis of the fact that positive results can be gained only by a new and well-prepared ground not by surprise invitations.»

Pointing out that Rauf Denktas had referred to a scenario allegedly mentioned in the Greek Cypriot press before he left for Salzburg, where he met with United Nations (U.N) Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Eroglu said: «Unfortunately, it was revealed that this scenario was true. That is, both sides would be invited to a meeting in New York on September 12. We are uneasy about preparation of scenarios of that kind without informing TRNC while informing the Greek Cypriot administration.»

Eroglu noted that the ground for the talks can be laid by shuttle diplomacy, however, September 12 was determined as a date without this diplomacy.

They will evaluate this unilateral behaviour, Eroglu stated.

Eroglu said that Denktas will not go to New York on September 12 and noted: «But of course, we have to make a good evaluation and inform the public about the realities.»

[05] A meeting on the Cyprus problem was held in Ankara

Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu, Ambassador Ugur Ziyal and officers of the Cyprus Affairs Department of Turkish Foreign Ministry attended the meeting.

The meeting lasted one hour and no statement was made to the press.

[06] Twenty five acres of forest were turned into ashes in the area of occupied Lefka

The paper reports that the fire started approximately at 09:00 am and destroyed a great number of cypress trees, pine trees and acacias. The fire was extinguished after the interference of 10 fire-brigade vehicles which came from occupied Lefkoniko, Morfou, Kyrenia and Famagusta.

So - called policemen and people living in the area have also helped the firemen.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] Losing Cyprus and doing nothing about it

"The Turkish public is weary of the Cypriot issue. It has lost interest in it.

Be it articles, TV programs or discussions, nothing is being followed. The general opinion of the Turkish public goes to say, "Enough of Cyprus. Let discussions come to an end -- one way or another."

However, once we ask about "what kind of solution" should be brought, the concert turns into disconcert. Especially when people say, "We saved Cyprus with our blood and can not loose it at the discussion table," everything comes to a standstill. Even the most liberal takes a moment to breathe. Flags in hands, nationalist slogans echo in ears. Still...In the middle of all this chaos, we're losing Cyprus.

It is now certain that the South, known and defined as "Cyprus" by the whole international community, will be accepted as a full member of the EU.

The procedures which started a few months ago have been speeded up. The last Cyprus report discussed in the European Parliament (EP) was full of concrete messages.

The EP stated that the Greek Cypriots would gain EU membership even if there was no political solution to the problem in sight and more importantly, added that the stalemate faced by the Cyprus issue was an obstacle to Turkey's EU membership.

This perception is held by most EU members and the European Commission. The EP is now approving of the perception held by European governments. The road has been paved for Athens and the Greek Cypriot administration. The aims of Greece and the Greek Cypriots are quite clear. Having southern Cyprus accepted as a member of the EU and then saying to the EU, "Help us end the occupation of northern Cyprus and throw out the occupying Turks." What does Turkey want to do? Ankara is keeping quiet despite all these warning messages. The EP and the EU are yelling at the top of their lungs.

We have been looking down on the decisions and we totally ignored the report of Luxembourg's former foreign minister.

The UN has been calling out for the restart of proximity talks. The Turkish side is keeping up its policy of resistance.

When observed by outsiders, the conception that we have got a tough stance concerning Cyprus and are not using diplomacy is spreading.

The side benefiting the most from this is that of Greek Cypriots. They are portraying themselves to be "victims." On the contrary, they are depending on the international community as they toughen their stance. They know time is on their side.

If Denktas declares that he accepts the federation thesis, which we have been defending for the past 20 years, the Greek Cypriots will start to conflict among themselves. This arises from the fact that the only aim of the Greek side is to become an EU member while the current stalemate is intact.

If the Turkish side has a top-secret strategy and Denktas is applying a specially devised tactic -- then no one knows of this. There's no action on behalf of Ankara.

If one was to observe the happenings and make an evaluation, he could conclude that we are on a troublesome path."

KV/SK

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