Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-10-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The President of Turkey referred to Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations in a speech before the TGNA.

[02] The National Security Council discussed Cyprus.

[03] The Turkish Foreign Minister met with the UN Secretary-General in New York.

[04] Denktas repeats allegations that Bin Ladin/s brother is laundering money in the free areas of Cyprus.

[05] Vehbi Zeki Serter to become new so-called «Speaker» of the pseudoparliament.

[06] Havali resigns from CLP; the new situation in the «assembly».

[07] Polls show disappointment within the inhabitants of the occupied areas from the political parties; the opposition is strengthening its position.

[08] Rauf Denktas criticizes the Turkish Press for its stand on Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Turkey extends full support to America but will present the bill later.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The President of Turkey referred to Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations in a speech before the TGNA

The excerpt, as reported by KIBRIS (2.10.01) is the following: «We hope that the momentum gained in Turkish-Greek relations last year will be preserved. We believe that this rapprochement, which answers the aspirations of both nations sharing the same geography, can be translated into a constructive and comprehensive cooperation and that it is possible to resolve all outstanding issues between Turkey and Greece through bilateral negotiations.

The Cyprus issue has remained on top of our foreign policy agenda for the past 50 years. Turkey supports steps towards a lasting solution, which will take into account the realities in the island and the existence of two equal states and the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General. We are of the opinion that the Secretary-General should strive for creating a common basis, which is aimed at resuming the negotiation process with a view to reaching a permanent settlement and we will support the steps the Secretary-General will take to that end.

On the other hand, as we have been making clear to our European friends at every opportunity, the unilateral entry of the Greek Cypriot Administration into the European Union will jeopardize the chances for a solution of the Cyprus issue and will upset the balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. We hope that the European Union will grasp this fact, sooner rather than later».

[02] The National Security Council discussed Cyprus

The following paragraph on Cyprus was included in the statement released after the meeting:

«The implementation stages of the action plan prepared for the strengthening of the TRNC was also discussed, and the importance of the determined continuation of the support activities envisaged in the plan was stressed».

[03] The Turkish Foreign Minister met with the UN Secretary-General in New York

Turkey's Permanent Representative to U.N. Umit Pamir, Foreign Ministry's special representative for Afghanistan Aydemir Erman and the Foreign Ministry's deputy director general of Middle East department Feridun Sinirlioglu and U.N. Secretary-General's assistant for political affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast and special representative for Cyprus Alvaro De Soto attended the meeting.

Annan and Cem evaluated the current situation on Cyprus after Soto`s visit to the island and they searched for possible ways of doing things in the future.

The Turkish side alleged in the meeting that the basic problem in Cyprus stemmed from the one-sided application of the Greek Cypriot side to EU for membership. Cem also conveyed the message to Annan that the Cyprus talks have to be carried out by new parameters, on equal basis and within the scope of a new understanding. Cem also noted that the sides` coming together when there is no common groundwork won`t be useful.

Annan, on his part reiterated that he supports the statement he issued on September 12, 2000.

Meanwhile Ankara Anatolia (30.9.01) reported that speaking to the media during his contacts in New York, Cem referred to his meeting with Kofi Annan and said that he told Annan: "You are exerting efforts to find a common solution for the Cyprus problem, but anyway the EU has given the Greek Cypriots the solution as a gift. They acquired a solution from the EU. Why should they try to seek a solution with you? Therefore, I am not optimistic."

Cem summarized what he told the UN Secretary-General as follows:

"The Greek Cypriots do not have a problem regarding a solution. They have already attained their own solution. Now, they are eagerly waiting for the time when the solution will be put into effect. The time will come, and they will accede to the EU. When this happens, they will become even stronger. This is what they are after. It is us who really want a solution. However, because the Greek Cypriots are not ready for such a common solution, they are engaging in delaying tactics, and creating obstacles."

Cem noted that he told Annan that Denktas "did not participate in the proximity talks process that was slated to begin in New York on 12 September because he did not receive the impression that there is a new attitude." Cem recalled that Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Cyprus, visited Ankara 4-5 months ago.

Cem remarked that during his talks de Soto stated that the United Nations wants to bring the sides together again.

De Soto was given the message that "the United Nations should present a new factor, new grounds, new aspects," Cem explained, adding that "no talks were held because no new factor was introduced."

As for the future, Cem declared: "If a new factor is introduced, Rauf Denktas, will evaluate it."

[04] Denktas repeats allegations that Bin Ladin's brother is laundering money in the free areas of Cyprus

Denktas said: «South Cyprus is a money laundering center. Milosevic's accounts were spotted in the south. Now, throughout the recent incidents, the brother of Bin Ladin was managing three offshore banks there. The Governor of the Greek Cypriot Central Bank confirmed this information. He said that these offshore banks exist but that they are legal, that this is natural, and that there is nothing strange about it. If the Americans want to believe it, then that is their business. We were not deceived by it. This is not acceptable to us. The south has become a center for the Russian mafia in every issue including drug smuggling. Bombs are exploding in two or three places every week. There are incidents of arson. Mafia bosses are fighting among themselves. The Greek Cypriot police is part of this mafia. All these have been proven through official documents».

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Denktas said that taking the Cyprus issue to the EU will create a worse impasse. Alleging that the Greek Cypriots do not want to come to the negotiating table to reach a solution, Denktas said that everyone is talking about the Cyprus problem but that the issue has become disorganized, and concluded:

«Let us diagnose the issue. I am in favour of talks aimed at diagnosing the problem. Let Clerides come to the table. When I said 'you are not my president, therefore I will not hold direct talks with you', I meant it for talks without a diagnosis. I am ready to meet with Clerides day and night in front of judges -- whoever they might be, the EU, the UN Security Council, or the Secretary-General -- with the purpose of diagnosing the issue. The guarantor states, however, should be with us as well. The Greek Cypriots have gained 38 years by trying to solve the Cyprus problem without diagnosing it. We, however, have lost 38 years».

[05] Vehbi Zeki Serter to become new so-called «Speaker» of the pseudoparliament

The paper writes that Ertugrul Hasipoglu, «Speaker» of the «assembly» until today, was also candidate for the position, but he only got six votes out of 23. After the voting, Mr Hasipoglu said that the result was obvious from before and added that he was not going to resign from the party. Mr Serter is expected today to be elected so-called «Speaker» at the first meeting of the «assembly» after the summer break.

«Halkin Sesi» (02.10.01) argues that NUP leader, Dervish Eroglu «took his revenge for the 6th of May» when Mr Hasipoglu was also candidate for the leadership of the party.

[06] Havali resigns from CLP; the new situation in the «assembly»

Mr Havali criticized the fact that his party had decided to «freeze» relations with him, after accusations against him regarding the bankrupt PEYAK co-operative bank.

KIBRIS writes that after Mr Havali`s decision and the death of Ahmet Elbasan, former «deputy» of the Democratic Party, the situation regarding the «seats» in the pseudoparliament is the following: National Unity Party 23, Democratic Party 11, Republican Turkish Party 6, Communal Liberation Party 6, Nationalist Justice Party 1 and independent 2. The «seat» of Ahmet Elbasan is empty.

[07] Polls show disappointment within the inhabitants of the occupied areas from the political parties; the opposition is strengthening its position

Meanwhile, according to the research, the percentages of the opposition parties were increased. The Republican Turkish Party (RTP) seems to be in the second place with 19.3 %, while in the 1998 «elections» it took only 12.9 %.

The National Unity Party (NUP) still remains in the first place. Its power, however, has fallen from 37.4 % to 34.1 %. The percentages of the other «partner» in the «coalition government», the Democratic Party, have also fallen from 22.1 % in 1998 to 18.2 %. The Communal Liberation Party (CLP) seems also to be losing from its power, as its percentages have fallen from 17.7 % to 13.5 %.

The percentages of the other parties are the following: Patriotic Union Movement (PUM) 4.7 %, Nationalist Justice Party (NJP) 3.7 %, National Revival Party (NRP) 3.2 %, Liberal Party 0.3 % and New Democracy Party (NDP) 0.0 %.

According to the results of the poll the 36.1% expressed no opinion when asked whether they support the platform «This country is ours» or the National People/s Movement (NPM). The 28.4% of the participants in the poll said that they do not support the above-mentioned organizations while the 22.2% said that they support the platform «This country is ours» and 13.3% answered that they support the NPM.

[08] Rauf Denktas criticizes the Turkish Press for its stand on Cyprus

Assessing as positive Annan's statement to the effect that he stands by his previous statement of 12 September, Denktas added: «Several difficulties would have been avoided if Alvaro de Soto had told us that 12 September is still valid and that it will not be changed. He did not say this because the Greek Cypriot side adopted a unanimous decision at the parliament rejecting 12 September».

Levelling criticisms against the Turkish press, Denktas said that the Cyprus issue constitutes a national and essential cause between Turkey and Greece. Noting that all past and present presidents and governments stressed the importance of Cyprus and that for this reason an army-corps was deployed on the island, Denktas added: «However, the Turkish press disregards this national cause when it claims that Denktas is defending the Turkish Cypriot cause for himself as though it is the cause of Denktas and it is Denktas who is not bowing in submission».

Reminding former President Ismet Inonu's comments to the effect that Turkey has a Cyprus cause even if there are no soldiers on the island and that Cyprus cannot be added to the chain of the Greek islands because of its geo-political and security importance, Denktas added: « We noticed that even 20 July was not reported in the Turkish press. Noting the importance of the public opinion formed by the press, Denktas called on all those who say that Cyprus can be given up and that agreement can be secured to see the Cyprus realities and the real stand of the Greek Cypriots».

Reiterating that Turkey does not have a cause more just than this one, Denktas asked how the Turkish media, which is incapable of defending such a cause, will defend other causes.

Denktas will return to the occupied areas after wrapping up his contacts.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Turkey extends full support to America but will present the bill later

«Ismail Cem's talks on Thursday turned into a hitherto unseen display of Turkish-American relations.

Nothing like this had even been seen during even the Korean and Gulf Wars. The effect of being struck on its own soil has seen America practically bond with Turkey.

Through his attitude and words, Cem showed that Turkey was "a friend indeed" and would not confine its support to empty words but concrete action and that it would stick to its word.

This is the first time Turkey has made its presence felt in the 17-day crisis. It is waving the flag.

Cem was received by the highest-ranking executives; he spoke on television and said things the American people wanted to hear and that they were already accustomed to hearing:

`The Turkish people felt the pain of the American people in their hearts as if they had been struck too. Turkey will support the United States in this fight until the end and as much as means allow. Our government is resolved on this matter and will do whatever is necessary. Terrorism has no excuse, no religion and no territory. We should combat terrorism everywhere. Even the European Union should actively take part in this fight and retune its attitude in accordance with today's circumstances. However, if you do not want to unite Islamic countries against you then you have to resolve the Palestinian problem. Only you can do this. If no moves for peace are paid, it will be hard to keep the Islamic world on your side/.

Ismail Cem also touched on the following points in his talks: Turkey's contribution in Afghanistan, the situation in Pakistan, Iraq, Cyprus, the European Army, the Middle East Peace Process.

One of the common issues cited in this respect was efforts by Turkey and Jordan to influence moderates in the Islamic world; another was preserving stability in Georgia.

The most interesting point here was when Turkey's special envoy to Afghanistan Aydemir Erman joined talks with Vice President Cheney and with Rice, briefed them on his experiences and told them what to watch out for.

Turkey Will Present the Bill Later

Ismail Cem's words made the Bush administration extremely happy and they showed this most clearly.

Powell in particular praised Turkey for moving into action almost from day one, of voicing its support within NATO and at the UN, and with accepting every request over Afghanistan.

The talks here were not of the kind where Ankara or Washington would issue a bill to be paid. Turkey, like all the other countries in the coalition, will issue this bill later.

When it came to subjects to be included in the bill from the outset, Cem was content just to show paragraph headings.

Economic support, Cyprus, the European Army, Caucasus policies...

Naturally, this list will change as things go on and could increase in parallel with new demands placed by the United States.

However, at this stage there is no intention to go further.

The talks with the UN Secretary-General over Cyprus yesterday could well change the colour and the cost of the bill!»

KV/SK

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