Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-10-22

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ismail Cem asked Azerbaijan to recognize the puppet regime Turkey set up in occupied Cyprus.

[02] Mehmet Ali Talat addressed the 18th Congress of RTP. He blames Denktas for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem.

[03] Mehmet Ali Talat was reelected RTP leader.

[04] PEYAK depositors demonstrate in occupied Nicosia.

[05] New so-called draft-law aims at preventing the freedom of movement of the Turkish Cypriots.

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel repeats Turkey/s views regarding Cyprus EU accession.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] Ilten Turkmen assesses Turkey/s EU course.

[08] Columnist in HALKIN SESI writes that Ankara does not want Eroglu.

[09] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes the occupation regime/s policy regarding the Greek Cypriot properties, stressing that the Greek Cypriots are the legal owners.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ismail Cem asked Azerbaijan to recognize the puppet regime Turkey set up in occupied Cyprus.

Cem will be received by Turkmen President Saparmurad Turkmenbasi and meet with his counterpart Rashid Meredov on Monday.

Cem is expected to proceed to Uzbekistan, the last stop on his quick trip to three countries on Monday afternoon.

Speaking before his departure from Azerbaijan, Cem said at Bine Airport of Baku that he discussed bilateral relations, the developments in the world after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. and the effects of these developments on Central Asian Turkic Republics and on Southern Caucasus with his Azerbaijani counterpart Vilayet Guliyev. Cem said that he explained the initiatives of Turkey regarding these developments in his contacts in Azerbaijan.

Cem said that Turkey plans to hold a broad-based meeting between the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Istanbul, adding that the basis of this initiative is to show the peace and brotherhood between the cultures and civilizations. Cem said that Azerbaijan supports Turkey's views on the issue.

Cem said that the second initiative is to support friendly Afghan people who are in great difficulty by a humanitarian aid campaign to be carried out by Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Cem pointed out to the importance of solidarity and support between the friendly republics. Cem said a joint aid convoy in the name of all three countries could set out from Turkey for Afghanistan.

``We have to make sure that our brothers, the Afghan people, emerge from this struggle without being hurt. We have to do everything possible for the Afghan people,`` Cem said.

Cem said that he also took up the recent developments in Georgia in his contacts with Azerbaijani officials. Cem said Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia would strengthen security cooperation under existing agreements in order to create a broader partnership aimed at reducing the tensions.

``We had taken up security issues in the meeting with my Georgian counterpart Irakli Menagharishvili in Istanbul a short time ago. Now we want to develop these ideas as being the three Southern Caucasian countries: Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan,`` he said.

Cem also took up in details the tense situation in Abkhazia in his meeting with Guliyev and the two countries decided to consult with each other about the developments. Azerbaijan also extended support to Cem who asked for support regarding the existence of the illegal regime Turkey set up through the force of arms in occupied Cyprus and its recognition. Azerbaijan, which said that it would extend the necessary support to pseudostate even if no recognition, stressed that it will be in close contact with Turkey also regarding this issue.

[02] Mehmet Ali Talat addressed the 18th Congress of RTP. He blames Denktas for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem

In his address at the congress, Talat said that the RTP had rendered honourable service for 31 years, adding that they are gaining strength through their increasing unity with the people. Noting that the RTP Congress is being held at a time when the people are experiencing a most difficult period, Talat added that his party is closely interested in the Cyprus issue, which constitutes the source of his party's problems.

Explaining that the Cyprus issue was transformed from an issue between communities to an international issue, Talat stressed that a different period had been launched when the Cyprus Government applied to the EU. Describing the EU process, which is continuing without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots, Talat charged that the reason for the continuation of the process in this manner is Rauf Denktas, who is insisting on not producing a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Recounting that a solution to the Cyprus issue should be secured simultaneously with EU membership, Talat added that a unilateral Cyprus' EU membership will be a disaster for the Turkish Cypriot community. Claiming that a unilateral EU membership for the Greek Cypriots will mean the annexation of occupied Cyprus to Turkey and the end of the EU hopes for Turkey, Talat said that a solution should be found as soon as possible to prevent the erosion of the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that the Turkish Cypriots should join in the EU process.

Stressing that Denktas is the main reason for a non-solution because he has exploited the issue for politics, Talat added that the National People/s Movement was established under the spiritual leadership of Denktas in order to increase the pressure on the people.

Criticizing the financial and economic policies being followed in the occupied areas, Talat said that the use of the Turkish lira and the lack of monetary control is continuously dealing a blow to the economy. Recounting that small businessmen have reached the point of bankruptcy because of constant imports from Turkey, even though there are no exports to Turkey, illegal workers, and the military canteens, Talat added that the last resources of the country are being depleted through the intermediary of the Turkish banks.

[03] Mehmet Ali Talat was reelected RTP leader

[04] PEYAK depositors demonstrate in occupied Nicosia

Within the framework of their action, the depositors staged sit-in actions in front of Denktas/ office as well as in front of the headquarters of the National Unity Party (NUP), of the so-called prime minister Dervish Eroglu. In a brief statement addressing the depositors who waited in front of his office, Rauf Denktas asked the «government» to do something about the problems of the PEYAK depositors and not to discriminate against them.

Also asking the depositors not to blame Turkey on every issue, Denktas pledged to pursue the matter. He pointed out that one must not expect the matter to be resolved in one day. Denktas explained that work is being conducted on the matter for the past year, a certain stage has been reached, and the «government» is working on this.

The depositors then marched to the «Republican Assembly» building. The depositors, who gathered in front of the «Assembly», collected money to give to the «Assembly» in order to protest against the deputies' stand regarding the PEYAK issue. A depositor named Kudret Yildiz undressed in front of the «Assembly».

A delegation of depositors met with the so-called Assembly Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter. Declaring that he feels the pain of the depositors in his heart, Serter said that he learned that the «government» is working on a new formula on PEYAK.

Speaking on behalf of the depositors, Ahmet Otuken criticized the government for failing to solve their problems.

[05] New so-called draft-law aims at preventing the freedom of movement of the Turkish Cypriots

According to the "draft-law" the pseudogovernment will have the right of not giving passports to some Turkish Cypriots and forbid them to leave the occupied areas, due to "political or economic reasons" or even reasons concerning the so-called "national security".

The "draft-law" forbids also to the Turkish Cypriots to apply for passports of the Republic of Cyprus. Those who break the "law" will be liable to pay the fine of two billion Turkish Liras or be imprisoned for five years.

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel repeats Turkey's views regarding Cyprus EU accession

Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots have never been a minority in the island Gurel claimed that the Turkish Cypriots would never be part of the EU as a minority. "Turkey attaches vital importance to the fact that Turks live in Cyprus. From the security point of view, Cyprus will continue to be important to Turkey even if Turks were not living in Cyprus", Gurel added.

Finally, Gurel repeated that Turkey did not and will not accept the Cyprus' accession into the EU under the present conditions and that the advancing of Cyprus' application to the EU will create problems to Turkey-EU relations.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[07] Ilter Turkmen assesses Turkey/s EU course

«While Afghanistan occupies first place on the agenda with various speculations and probable scenarios, the developments in the process of Turkey's membership in the EU, which are more important for Turkey's future, should not be overlooked. The EU Commission will announce its evaluations related to the developments in this process in November. However, the elements that will shape this evaluation are already known. Let us have a brief look at them.

Even if the Constitutional amendments, which went into force, remained below the expectations, they were met favourably by the EU. However, the EU will monitor the implementation to arrive at a definite conclusion. The EU can be considered to be justified in doing this. It is a known thing that there has not always been a harmony between the rules and their application in Turkey.

The EU has made appropriations from various funds to support Turkey's accession process. However, difficulties mostly stemming from Turkey have prevented the aid from being used on time and in an effective manner. For example, Turkey still cannot utilize the donation of 525 million Euros in aid for 3 years in the framework of the pre-accession strategy. Turkey still could not benefit because a coordination mechanism could not be established.

The fate of the earthquake aid of 600 million Euros is sad. So far, only a 150 million Euro portion of this aid has been spent. It is understood that the request for definite transparency in the competitive biddings, which has been insisted upon for reasons that can be surmised, decreased the attractiveness of the aid. In 1995 during the realization stage of the Customs Union, the 750 million Euros, which was promised, but later blocked, although it is now set free, it still cannot be used on time.

A fund of approximately 8 billion Euros was formed at the European Investment Bank for all the candidate countries. Turkey can obtain loans from this fund for investments on the basis of projects. However, once again, we are confronted with the methods of competitive biddings and because of this, although some projects are ready, the public sector is not able to use the loan opportunities.

It is not easy to understand why Turkey is acting so slowly and passively on the subject of benefiting to a greater extent from the EU funds. Bureaucratic inertia, lack of coordination, delays in the reorganization of the competitive bidding systems and the tendency not to abandon some habits are at the foundation of the problem.

The EU circles are dwelling upon the differences of opinion that appeared on the subject of under what conditions Turkey would participate in the operations, which will be carried out in the framework of the European Security and Defense Policy, even if it is not directly related to the membership process. Both Verheugen, the Commission member responsible for expansion, and Lord Robertson, the NATO Secretary-General, do not hide the fact that they expect more flexibility from Turkey. The parties will come together on 25 October and try to arrive at an agreement. In the new security environment created by the terrorist attacks suffered by the United States on 11 September, it is hoped that more understanding will be shown to the requirements of Turkey.

Finally, the Cyprus problem is inevitably continuing to remain on the EU's agenda. Here the greatest difficulty is the fact the membership negotiations between the EU and Southern Cyprus will be concluded in 2002. Everyone is aware of the impasse that will be created by Southern Cyprus becoming a member of the EU before finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. However, a formula has not yet emerged to overcome this problem. It is necessary for Turkey to participate actively in the search for such a formula. In diplomacy solutions are inexhaustible, but to wait for a solution from others could end with a "fait accompli".

Turkey has lost a lot of time in its relations with the EU ever since the 1999 summit. Even if there has been progress recently in some fields, it is impossible to perceive that Turkey's EU policy is being carried out with a long-term vision. If Turkey does not determine a date itself for the starting of the membership negotiations and if it does not adopt keeping this date as the greatest priority of its policies, then it may miss the train».

[08] Columnist in HALKIN SESI writes that Ankara does not want Eroglu Turkish Cypriot newspaper HALKIN SESI (17.10.01) publishes the following commentary by Sinasi Basaran under the title: "Ankara Does Not Want Dervis Eroglu Any More":

However, Eroglu, for his part, has been trying at every opportunity to revolt against Ankara and to reject Ankara's desire through various insinuations. Eroglu continues to send letters [to Ankara] in order to complain against a number of newspaper columnists [who criticize him] and to apply pressure against his opponents. Moreover, Eroglu continues to confuse the people by his remarks.

Meanwhile, even RTP [Republican Turkish Party] Leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who for years has blamed `President/ Rauf Denktas for the destruction of the economy, has begun to accuse `Prime minister/ Dervis Eroglu of destroying the economy after realizing the realities. In remarks about the matter, Talat has said that anarchy will emerge when criticism exceeds its limits.

Let me ask Mehmet Ali Talat the following question: What will happen to our country when the country is in turmoil, when the citizens are unable to repay their debts due to the devaluation of the [Turkish] lira, when the people's properties are being confiscated due to their inability to repay their debts, when scores of citizens have lost their jobs, and when the `Prime Minister/ of the country still talks about his party's greatness instead of trying to solve these problems?

Well, let me answer this question Mr. Talat: The existing anarchy worsens and the national cause disappears.

I would like to openly congratulate Mehmet Ali Talat. He has been making the mistake of talking about the "Denktas regime" for years now. Finally, Talat has realized his mistake after so much destruction in the country and has succeeded in pointing his finger at the one who is really responsible for this destruction. This means that Talat cannot tolerate these mistakes any more and that he has finally had the courage to bring to light the truth.

Let us now revert to the main issue. As I said earlier, Ankara does not want to work with Dervis Eroglu any more. Individuals who have used their powers for their own personal interests, who have destroyed the country due to their helplessness, and who have caused suffering to the people should not stay in power any more. Those who are occupying positions of power must understand that the time has come for them to step down from their positions.

While the country is facing a vicious circle and while people are suffering, `Prime Minister/ Dervis Eroglu is still trying to deceive the people by saying that everything is all right and by hiding the truth. While the people are suffering, Eroglu and his close circle are gathering together every evening to dine and wine. Everyone is aware of this fact. Well, gentlemen, the country cannot be run in this way.

Those who are pursuing their own interests by turning a deaf ear to the voices of concern raised by officials in Ankara and by the Turkish Armed Forces [TAF] will not achieve any success no matter how many addresses they make to the public. The citizens of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus/ must understand that the Turkish Cypriots will not get the necessary economic aid from Ankara and things will go awry for them as long as Dervis Eroglu stays in power as the `Prime Minister/. Ankara is waiting for the end of Dervis Eroglu's term in office. Ankara is also waiting for the Turkish Cypriots to make the initiative for bringing about a new formation.

The Turkish Cypriot people should not have arrived at this point after waging a struggle for years. This type of life does not befit the Turkish Cypriot people. Ankara has always been beside the Turkish Cypriot people. However, Ankara has not supported nor will it support in the future politicians who have dragged the country to the quagmire. The Turkish Cypriots should not have been dragged to this situation for the sake of a couple of interest groups. This `government/ does not befit the Turkish Cypriots.

Those who have run the country for years as if this country is their father's farm must put an end to their practices. These officials must withdraw from the political life in order to pave the way before the people. The chaos that will erupt in the country will also destroy the national cause if these officials fail to resign from their positions.

Those who think that they can use this country--which was granted to them by TAF on 20 July 1974 after a great victory--for their own personal interests are greatly mistaken.

The time has come for everyone to know one's limit in this country. Claiming that one will come to power again if elections are held in the country will not be useful for anyone. The Turkish Cypriots did not wage this struggle for the sake of a small interest group. The Turkish Cypriots did not wage this struggle in order for a small interest group to live in luxury.

The Turkish Cypriots want to benefit from the financial aid extended to them by Turkey. The Turkish Cypriots want to live in their own country like human beings thanks to the support of motherland Turkey. The Turkish Cypriots want those who are running the country to live in conciliatory terms with Ankara and TAF. The point where those who do not understand or do not want to understand this reality will reach is clearly visible for everyone.

[09] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes the occupation regime's policy regarding the Greek Cypriot properties, stressing that the Greek Cypriots are the legal owners

"This cannot happen gentlemen. This system you have created in Northern Cyprus is not recognized and will not be recognized by the world, because it is opposed to the international law. It is injustice. If you don't come to your senses and start having a more realistic approach, you will not be able to cope with this.

As we have written many times in the past, this 'state!' created in the northern part of Cyprus, which is taken and being kept by military force, does not own the land legally. You can shout as loud as you like. This land has its real owners. And according to the international law, they own this land. This remains and will remain so, as long as they do not accept to abandon their rights on the properties in the north by signing an agreement.

You may keep saying things such as 'my citizens have properties in the south, the properties in the north are their equivalent'. They did not and will not buy this! .

As we have written in our previous articles, in the modern world fait accomplis, which are a result of the use of force, are not accepted. You may still say 'I have taken it. It is mine. I can do whatever I want. No one can interfere'. This is the logic of the strong crushing the weak. A long time has passed since this is not valid any more in the world.

In brief, the real properties in the north, which are said to belong to 'the state', belong neither to the state nor to those who have taken them. The international law and universal human rights accept this to be so. That is, according to the international law, these properties still belong to their old owners, the Greek Cypriots; whereas the properties which remained in the south belong to the Turkish Cypriots, despite the fact that they were transferred to the 'state'. .

The existence of the people who have been brought and settled to this land occupied by force is also contrary to the international law. The very worst of violation is the fact that they were given properties etc.

Could it be said that 'with time the Greek Cypriots have done the same thing, the world can say nothing to us as they said nothing to them'? This is wrong sir. The truth is that the Greek Cypriots have taken some places, which belong to Turkish Cypriots, but they brought no one to settle and they did not give title deeds bringing them under state control. Furthermore, repairing some places where Turks lived, they provided the opportunity to their residents to return. After 1974 they did not and cannot do anything illegal regarding the Turkish properties in the south. That is, they cannot violate the international law. This is the one side of the issue.

The other side of the coin is the illegal practices, the injustices etc committed by the 'state' in the north to the real people of this land. The most important thing is that you have distributed title deeds and gave gratis the remainder of the Greek Cypriot properties, which you brought under state control and support that you keep as an equivalent to the properties abandoned in the south, to people who came only with the clothes they wore.

While the increase in the number of these people is ensured, the people of this country give the title deeds of the properties they left in the south to the state and will not take their equivalent. And with this policy they are forced to emigrate and their number decreases. What next.

Yes, gentlemen.The oppression of the Turkish Cypriot people and your policies, which are contrary to the international law, cannot be valid in our modern world. Your efforts are in vain. In the end the international law will prevail in this land. You may accept to remain outside the world, but the world cannot stay outside of this land. One day it will definitely do what is necessary according to its own understanding about the law!".

KV/SK

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