Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-11-26

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

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas says that he does not expect much from meeting with Cyprus President

[02] Cem said that Eastern Mediterranean Will Be a 'Conflict Area' With Cyprus' EU Membership

[03] Turkey's new approach on Cyprus, support for Denktas reported

[04] Sezer's views on parties law, EU Progress Report, Cyprus, Afghanistan outlined

[05] Turkish Assembly holds closed session on Cyprus issue

[06] Sokmenoglu asserts Turkey stands behind previous Assembly decision on Cyprus

[07] Turkey: MHP's Sevkatli says no concessions to be made on Cyprus

[08] Denktas undergoes medical checkup in Ankara, reported on good health

[09] The Generals in Turkey will discuss Cyprus

[10] Turkey's Cem continues to threaten Cyprus, on EU accession

[11] Turkey's Ecevit Says Denktas Not Alone, Nor Airing Personal Views

[12] Ecevit: To sacrifice occupied areas is to sacrifice Turkey/s territory

[13] Turkey distributes "title deeds" of occupied Cypriot land

[14] Talat says the rights of the Turkish Cypriots must be protected

[15] The pseudostate has a debt of one trillion Turkish liras for buying water

[16] Cosar says the inflation in the pseudostate reached the 80 %

[17] Denktas says he did not achieive his goals

[18] Turkey's Yilmaz: EU Must Change Attitude on Cyprus

[19] The Chairman of TUSIAD says that they have to get rid of the syndrome of selling Cyprus

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[20] Turkey: Required Reforms for EU Said Will Produce Politically Powerful PKK

[21] SertogluTurkish Cypriot complaints against Turkey justified

[22] Turkey: Ankara should make new formula to help solve Cyprus problem in stages

[23] Columnist views reasons for Turkish Cypriots reaction towards Turkey

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas says that he does not expect much from meeting with Cyprus President

In a statement at Istanbul Ataturk Airport before his departure for Rome today, Denktas stressed that a lot should not be expected from his meeting with Cyprus President Glafkos Clerides on 4 December.

Denktas said: "We will speak as Clerides and Denktas, to see whether we can find a solution to the Cyprus problem which has been at an impasse for years. There is no need for me to take the TRNC to the negotiating table because the TRNC is not a merchandise to be bargained over. The TRNC is standing there."

Denktas charged that the Greek Cypriots have been spreading false rumours to undermine his visit to Rome.

Denktas said: "We will hold various contacts on Tuesday and Wednesday (27 and 28 November). We will confer with certain administrative establishments. We will give two lectures. We will study the legal aspect of the Cyprus problem with a bar association. We will meet Deputy Defence Minister Roberto Antonini. We will attend a dinner he will give in our honour."

[02] Cem said that Eastern Mediterranean Will Be a 'Conflict Area' With Cyprus' EU Membership

"Sever starts off by pointing to Turkey's recent statements that it is willing to pay the price for Cyprus and asks what that price might be, if it may be Turkey's accession to the EU. Cem replies: 'Both the issue of this price and the Cyprus-EU relations are being misunderstood. Cyprus and the EU are two different issues for Turkey. We made great efforts to keep the two separate in respect of our obligations toward the EU. For example, we, tried hard in Helsinki to make sure that the Cyprus issue was not posited as a condition for Turkey's candidacy or membership.' The foreign minister admits, however, that one paragraph of the Helsinki declaration that concerns the relations between the Cyprus and the EU may have a negative effect on the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Cem goes on to say: "Turkey has never said that there would be a war between Turkey and the EU, that its relations with the EU would be hurt, or that it would give up on its EU membership. We have always said the following -- and I always pick my words carefully: If the Cyprus is accepted as a EU member as the sole representative, government, or ruler of Cyprus, before a solution is reached on the island, then Turkey will react strongly, and there are no limits to what Turkey can do in order to save the Turkish Cypriots' personal safety and happiness, and its own security. That is what I have been saying. That is what Turkey has been saying."

Cem then says: "If Cyprus is admitted to the EU in the way I just mentioned, we are not going to sever our relations with the EU. We will do whatever we have to do in Cyprus, and the EU will have to decide what it will do. That is not our affair."

Sever asks if Turkey will not burn its bridges with the EU, to which Cem replies: "Of course not. As for the price you mentioned: Turkey will build the most advanced form of togetherness and unity with the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. We are not going say: 'What can one do, the EU decided on what it decided and the Turkish Cypriots will be a minority in the Cyprus. Turkey will no longer have a say over Cyprus. We will accept our fate.' That is not going to be Turkey's approach. Turkey will do whatever is necessary. That is the right thing. This is not a laughing matter. The Cyprus issue is not a trivial matter where you can accept any kind of solution. First of all, you cannot risk human lives in Cyprus. Bitter events took place in 1964 and 1974. Genocide rehearsals were carried out. Turkey will never allow its people to become targets like that again. If that happens, the Cyprus issue would deteriorate terribly. We will not take that risk.

'Secondly, Turkey will not lose its current position in the eastern Mediterranean balances. Everybody should realize that. What will Turkey do? We are saying what Turkey will do. It is our moral responsibility to announce that to everyone, even to the EU members and the Cyprus. In fact, certain changes did take place in connection with Cyprus because we announced it.'

Sever asks if Turkey could be faced with an embargo similar to the arms embargo imposed in 1974. The foreign minister replies in the affirmative, and adds: 'Nevertheless, I do not think that the EU would erase Turkey from its books that easily.'

Cem then finds fault with the approach that says Turkey must choose either Cyprus or the EU. He says that this is not the case, adding: "we will reach a solution in Cyprus that protects our rights and will advance toward EU membership. Our policy is 'both the EU and Cyprus'. We are not going to opt for one at the expense of the other. We do not have to prefer one to the other. Others, however, may make certain choices or certain mistakes. We hope that they do not. It is possible that they will not, because the EU and other countries that are interested in Cyprus, such as the United States and others, realize the facts. The Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas' confederation proposal is very interesting. Nobody accepted it officially. Unofficially, however, my interlocutors are saying that it may be the most plausible proposal. Maybe if I write my memoirs in the distant future, I will talk about all this.'

The foreign minister asserts that the EU has 'pushed itself into a corner' because if the Cyprus is not admitted to the EU, Greece will veto the Union's expansion to include the Central European states, a project in which the EU has invested greatly.

Cem also explains that the world does not care what kind of a solution is reached in Cyprus, as long as a solution is reached. He says: "Nobody wants problems in Cyprus. We explained to everybody and everybody now understands that if the Cyprus developments lead to where they look like they are leading, there will be a problem. Everybody will suffer from that. Turkey is admitting that it will also be hurt. All the balances will be upset; the EU will have to assume a very serious problem; the eastern Mediterranean -- as you know the eastern Mediterranean is very important for the United States also in terms of its new missile defense system -- will be turned into a conflict area. Consequently, nobody wants this to happen. Everybody wants a solution to be reached that will be acceptable to the two sides in Cyprus, regardless of what kind of a solution it is."

Cem goes on to say: "What is important now is the Denktas-Clerides meeting. We hope that it will turn into a process." Cem expresses the hope that the two leaders will take the first step of a positive process, but that if they fail to do that, there are always other solutions.

Sever asks the foreign minister if he agrees that Turkey will have to forget about the EU unless it starts accession talks in 2004 at the latest. Cem replies that he thinks 2003 is the crucial year, and that unless Turkey starts the membership talks in that year, Turkey's membership may be delayed greatly. He notes that Turkey has started to implement the constitutional amendments already, and that he informed EU's Verheugen of that. He stresses that Turkey must shed its inferiority complex about its democracy and human rights record. Noting that Turkey is carrying out all the reforms for its own people and not because the EU wants it to, Cem asserts that the EU is acting as a catalyst in Turkey's process of change.

The foreign minister stresses: The EU and the IMF cannot save Turkey or destroy it. "In connection with the EU, we must be able to see that this is a process. Goodwill is very important in this process, as is political will. Our government has both the goodwill and the political will in connection with the EU."

Asked by Sever if this is true for all the coalition partners, Cem replies: 'Absolutely. Of course our coalition partners have different sensitivities. That is natural. There are different sensitivities throughout Turkey. I know that your question is implicitly concerned with the MHP [Nationalist Action Party]. With a clear conscience I can say that the MHP is not obstructing our efforts in connection with the EU. Of course we discuss issues among ourselves. Which coalition government in Turkey enacted the most advanced democratisation laws? The coalition with the MHP in it. What government made the most advanced constitutional amendments? Again the current coalition which has the MHP in it. Hopefully, we, as the Democratic Left Party, will continue to make more progress together with the MHP and ANAP [Motherland Party].'"

[03] Turkey's new approach on Cyprus, support for Denktas reported

"The Turkish Grand National Assembly [TBMM] held a closed session on Cyprus yesterday. The meeting was in the light of the talks TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] President Rauf Denktas will have with Glafcos Clerides on 4 December. Meanwhile, the Government has established the main lines of the approach it will adopt.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem briefed Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on the latest situation late in the evening two days ago. Ankara, which does not expect the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides to reconcile their differences, intends to see to it that Glafkos Clerides abandons the talks this time.

Turkey believes that the meeting on 4 December will be an important turning point. Ankara will regard a decision for a second round of talks between Denktas and Clerides as an indication of success. Denktas will make two proposals to Clerides on inalienable issues. The first will be related to the Treaty of Guarantees and the second to the political equality of the two sides. Denktas will ask Clerides to outline his views on partnership. He will call for the continuation of the direct talks if Clerides responds positively. A refusal by the latter to comply with Denktas' call will confirm that the Turkish Cypriot side has not abandoned the negotiation process.

Ecevit approved the main points of the policy Ismail Cem explained to him. They have now formed the basis of the Government's approach. They can be summed up as follows:

1. Cyprus/s application to join the EU obstructed the solution of the Cyprus problem. Turkey has not done anything to facilitate the candidacy of the Greek Cypriot side. The island will be permanently divided if Cyprus is allowed to join the organization. The Cyprus Government is using its status as a candidate to confuse the Turkish Cypriot people. The accession of Cyprus to the EU will create a situation that will be unacceptable from the point of view of Turkish and Greek Cypriot peoples' security.

2. Linking Turkey's status as an EU candidate to the Cyprus problem is wrong. Turkey does not view the EU as a hostile entity. Turkey's objective is to join the organization. No promises have been made to the EU on Cyprus.

3. Turkey cannot abandon its interests in the Mediterranean Sea. In view of that, it will not allow any country or organization to use Cyprus to promote its strategic interests.

4. Turkey will continue to support the TRNC and Denktas. Denktas is an opportunity for the solution of the Cyprus problem. He has always shared Turkey's views.

5. Adopting a weak and hesitating approach will harm Turkey. Bargaining on Cyprus also will harm Turkey.

6. Condoning the oppression of the Turkish Cypriot people like the people in Kosovo and Bosnia is out of the question".

[04] Sezer's views on parties law, EU Progress Report, Cyprus, Afghanistan outlined

Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Cankaya Presidential Palace, Ildem said, ``the European Union (EU) Commission referred to the Cyprus question in its report within the framework of the strengthened political dialogue with Turkey. The report claimed that President Rauf Denktas of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"(TRNC) has withdrawn from the proximity talks, and that Denktas has rejected United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan`s invitations to resume the talks since September of 2000. Taking up this issue, one should not forget the fact that two nations on the island should make equal contribution to efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus question.``

``Recently, "President" Denktas sent a letter to Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, and proposed to hold a face-to-face meeting. The two will come together on December 4 within the framework of this proposal. Also, "President" Denktas submitted his proposals about the main parameters of a peaceful and lasting solution to United Nations Secretary General Annan. In the light of all these developments, international circles` baseless and unfair accusations against President Denktas do not reflect the reality. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has extended full support to President Denktas` productive attitude and his positive attitude to maintain dialogue.``

Ildem said that Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas would come to Ankara on Sunday before going to Italian capital Rome, added, ``during his brief visit to Ankara, President Denktas will hold a meeting with President Sezer.``

[05] Turkish Assembly holds closed session on Cyprus issue

After the reason for the closed session was read out, Istanbul Independent Deputy Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik came to the rostrum to speak on behalf of the deputies who submitted the motion for a debate. After Irtemcelik, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem briefed the TBMM. He was followed by Izmir Deputy Atilla Mutman who delivered a speech on behalf of the Democratic Left Party, Istanbul Deputy Aydin Menderes who spoke on behalf of the True Path Party [DYP], Van Deputy Kamran Inan on behalf of the Motherland Party [ANAP], Istanbul Deputy Nevzat Yalcintas on behalf of the Justice and Development Party [AKP], Sivas Deputy Temel Karamollaoglu on behalf of the Felicity Party [SP], and Aksaray Deputy Kursat Eser on behalf of the Nationalist Action Party.

High Rate of Participation

The debates were followed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Ministers Husamettin Ozkan, Devlet Bahceli, and Mesut Yilmaz, DYP leader Tansu Ciller, and SP leader Recai Kutan. The rate of participation was high. Certain deputies who left the session before the end said that the meeting did not achieve its aim and that they were disappointed.

Replying to a reporter's question, ANAP Istanbul Deputy Nesrin Has said: "I did not learn anything new. Even so, it was useful that all the parties could express their views on the subject."

DYP Istanbul Deputy Hayri Kozakcioglu described the closed session as "insipid," while Bulent Arinc, deputy leader of the AKP parliamentary faction, called it "a scandal."

The Minutes Can Be Disclosed 10 Years Later

According to the constitution and the TBMM Internal rules and regulations nobody was allowed to the Assembly hall except the deputies and the ministers. Those who attended the closed session or who had the right to attend it will not be able to say anything about the debates because they are considered a state secret. The minutes of the meeting and a summary of the debates can be disclosed only 10 years after the session. The Assembly can decide to disclose them earlier or later than 10 years if a recommendation to that effect is made by the Consultative Council.

In their motion for a general debate in a closed session, Irtemcelik and 125 deputies had stressed that the Cyprus issue has reached a critical stage where it may be necessary to make strategic decisions that may have multilateral repercussions, especially regarding Turkey's relations with the EU.

[06] Sokmenoglu asserts Turkey stands behind previous Assembly decision on Cyprus

[07] Turkey: MHP's Sevkatli says no concessions to be made on Cyprus

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, Sevkatli said that the Cyprus policy of the 57th government has been explained by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in a very clear and unambiguous manner.

He said: We have, time and again, said that we will not make concessions on the Cyprus issue. Cyprus cannot be an issue for bargaining in the EU membership process. We do not think that this is sincere. In other words, the EU should first decide whether it wants Turkey to accede to the EU. They should first try and eliminate their indecision on this issue".

[08] Denktas undergoes medical checkup in Ankara, reported on good health

"There is nothing urgent. There is the known cardiac condition. I will continue to take my medication. There is no reason for any urgent intervention". Denktash declared.

Prof. Tumer Corapcioglu, Ankara University Medical School dean, in turn, stated that there is no problem at all concerning Denktas' health.

[09] The Generals in Turkey will discuss Cyprus

The YAS will discuss procedures related to the Turkish Armed Forces and logistics support.

Considering the possibility of the EU deciding on the Cyprus/ accession to the organization in 2002, the Cyprus problem will be included on the agenda of the two meetings. The participants will assess Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's views on the Cyprus problem and the reaction of the EU countries to the messages Commander of the Aegean Army Gen. Hursit Tolon conveyed during his visit to the occupation area. They will also assess the results of the struggle against reactionism and terrorism.

[10] Turkey's Cem continues to threaten Cyprus, on EU accession

Cem said that no one will be able to ignore Turkey on the matter.

While the Government circles also expressed similar views, Cem asserted, "No Government can adopt an approach that might contravene the Parliament's decisions. Cyprus is our national problem. It is destiny that has brought Turkey and Cyprus together. The adoption of a policy to sacrifice or abandon Cyprus for the sake of Turkey's accession to the EU is out of the question."

In a statement on the recent developments on Cyprus, Cem said that the EU seems determined to allow Cyprus to join the organization and noted that Turkey will object to the process. He asserted, "We will not agree to bargain on Cyprus in order to be able to join the EU. That must never take place. The Cyprus problem and accession to the EU are two different issues."

Stressing that Turkey must be united on Cyprus, Cem claimed: "Turkey will fulfill its responsibilities up to their final point if the Greek Cypriot side joins the EU. Turkey can use the trump cards it holds, including annexation."

Noting that no one can ignore Turkey on the matter, he asserted, "Turkey is ready to pay the cost of the decision it will make and the approach it will adopt. The guarantor powers are responsible for Cyprus. Allowing the island to legally join the EU is impossible. The Greek Cypriot side does not represent the whole of Cyprus."

[11] Turkey's Ecevit Says Denktas Not Alone, Nor Airing Personal Views

Mr. Verheugen and certain other European politicians are making a mistake; they portray Mr. Denktas as the person responsible for the problems in Cyprus. However, Mr. Denktas is not alone. First of all, we are with him, Turkey is with him, the Turkish nation is, the Turkish Cypriot people are. To think that Mr. Denktas is airing his own personal views is self-deception, it is a big mistake. When asked if he is hopeful about the Denktas-Clerides meeting to be held on 4 December? Ecevit replied: I hope so. Thank you".

[12] Ecevit: To sacrifice occupied areas is to sacrifice Turkey/s territory

"Certain writers and politicians in Turkey say that there cannot be a genocide in our present era. I ask them: What was the genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina? One of the most severe cases of genocide in history took place there only a few years ago."

When asked about the linkage between Cyprus and EU accession, referring to the recent statement by EU Commissioner Verheugen who asked if it is worth to renounce EU membership for the sake of Rauf Denktas. Ecevit retorted: "First of all, thinking that this is a Rauf Denktas issue is inconceivable. This is Turkey's problem, it is the problem of the Turkish Cypriots." "They are deceiving themselves. As they realize that we will not make any concessions, they will probably reassess the situation."

When asked to comment on the forthcoming Denktas-Clerides meeting he answerd: "It is beneficial to be optimistic. I hope that an atmosphere of conciliation will be instituted. However, I am not very hopeful in this regard. As I said, this is not the problem of Denktas alone. It is the problem of all of us, of the entire Turkish nation. We must be able to explain this to the EU very carefully."

When asked to explain the not so friendly relations between Turkish Cypriot and the Turks from Turkey Ecevit said: "Yes, but I believe that we can overcome these problems. We are obliged to overcome them."

Referring to Turkey EU relations and the (ESDI) European Security and Defense Identity to be held on 26 November. Ecevit declared: "It is cert ain that there is friction, but actually Turkey is very important for the EU. More than the Europeans, the Americans realize how important we are for Europe. There are those in Europe who overlook this fact, but there are also those who realize it. I would also like to remind everyone of the following: As a matter of fact, Europe does not have a problem in Cyprus. Whatever happens in Cyprus can only concern Greece and the Greek Cypriots. The Cyprus question does not have any aspect that concerns any other European or world country. Therefore, this is almost like a curious fantasy. I believe that we will overcome this, and we must."

[13] Turkey distributes "title deeds" of occupied Cypriot land

The paper writes that with this move Turkey is trying to "block the way" of the Greek Cypriots, who are the legal owners of the land, in case they wish to appeal to international courts and mainly to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and demand their rights.

Turkey's State Minister Suayip Usenmez, claimed that with these "title deeds" the so-called citizens of the pseudostate would become "the owners of Cyprus". The second reason for distributing these "title deeds", added Mr Usenmez, is to make the "citizens" know that their staying there is permanent and encourage them to invest.

The paper reports that 14.808 "title deeds" have been distributed until now. 7.576 of them were given to Turkish Cypriots who lived in the southern part of Cyprus before 1974, 3.779 to families of Turkish settlers and 3.745 to Turkish Cypriots who lived in the northern part of Cyprus before 1974.

[14] Talat says the rights of the Turkish Cypriots must be protected

Talking in the occupied village of Limnitis Mr Talat noted that the Cyprus problem is a serious obstacle in Turkey/s way and added that the Turkish public opinion has started exerting pressure towards finding a solution the problem.

"We have to unite the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots and defend them as a whole", said Mr Talat referring to the relations between Turkey and the European Union.

The Turkish Cypriot politician pointed out that Turkish officials, former ambassadors, retired army officers, journalists and intellectuals have started making more realistic evaluations on the Cyprus issue. He also repeated his opinion that when the problem is solved the Turkish Cypriots must enter the EU with the Greek Cypriots and under equal conditions.

[15] The pseudostate has a debt of one trillion Turkish liras for buying water

The paper writes that the total cost of this quantity of water is one trillion 750 billion Turkish liras and adds that occupation regime has paid only 750 billion Turkish liras to the Norwegian company which had the responsibility for carrying the water. Therefore the pseudostate has a debt of one trillion liras to the Norwegians.

[16] Cosar says the inflation in the pseudostate reached the 80 %

Speaking to the so-called economy, finance, budget and planning "committee" of the pseudoassembly, Mr Cosar noted that there is a decrease in all the sectors of the economy in the occupied areas.

[17] Denktas says he did not achieive his goals

As Mrs Umar says, writes "Avrupa", during this period Denktas is real sad and tense and noted: "I am regretful because I have spent my life without achieving something after so many years".

[18] Turkey's Yilmaz: EU Must Change Attitude on Cyprus

He went on and added: "We have always stated that our relations with the EU are independent of Cyprus. To date, I do not recall any statement to the contrary on behalf of the government. The EU is aware of our sensitivity in this regard. Therefore, at this stage, it is the EU that must review its attitude."

[19] The Chairman of TUSIAD says that they have to get rid of the syndrome of selling Cyprus

Ozilhan said: "That until now the solution has not been approached in a constructive method. We should sit down and talk seriously about the Cyprus issue. We are very close to the solution. And for this reason, we have to sit around the table with this intention. The Cyprus problem should have been discussed openly in public and I cannot understand why the Parliament held a 'closed session'.

Commenting on the view that Cyprus is not for selling, Ozilhan said: "There is not such a thing as selling Cyprus. Let us free ourselves from this syndrome; Cyprus and Turkey will be members of EU. Nowadays, none is longing the territory of the other. Greece and Turkey are allies. On the road to development their aims are the same. If the 70-75% of the Turkish people say that we will enter EU, then the Cyprus problem cannot be a domestic political problem."

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[20] Turkey: Required Reforms for EU Said Will Produce Politically Powerful PKK

"The EU's 2001 Regular Report on Turkey came to the conclusion that despite all the advances, we had not yet fully implemented the Copenhagen Political Criteria necessary for full accession talks to begin. Naturally, this creates disappointment in those circles that fervently advocate full EU membership. They hold the Government responsible for the shortcomings and the delays. They strongly criticize the Government because the Central and Eastern European countries, which were only yesterday freed of the Soviets, have moved ahead of us.

Had the Government been able to keep its head above the crisis, it might have been able to take steps to ensure the independence of the judiciary. It could have simplified the Associations Law. But it would not have been able to accept the EU position on laicism and removed secularism from the reasons for dissolving political parties.

As we all know, the real problem hits us when it comes to taking steps that will affect the Southeast. From this standpoint, the view that "the government has not expended enough effort and this is why it failed" is not so valid. The EU expects freedom of expression to be expanded so as to include defense of partitioning the country and freedom of association similarly expanded so as to include political activity to this end.

The constitutional amendments will be put into effect with the enactment of adaptation laws and in accordance with the Protection of Minorities Framework Agreement, which Turkey is yet to be a party to, firstly education of and the in the mother tongue will be provided. Radio and television broadcasts in the mother tongue will also be arranged and made.

Taken one at a time, these steps do not constitute much danger, but together they will lead to separatist movements i.e. the Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] becoming powerful politically. At a PDS conference I attended in Berlin at the start of November the representatives of Kurdish institutions openly said countless times they would use these rights and freedoms to secure independence. It would not be too hard to guess that they are going to ask for at least monetary aid from certain EU countries in this regard.

Does Turkey, in the midst of a crisis and which has no means at all to develop this region, whose wounds have hardly begun to heal, have the strength to confront such politicization?

Besides, these expectations are a great injustice. Now, although it had mellowed slightly, Greece as a full EU member had up until yesterday been refusing to grant permission to the Western Thrace Turkish minority to repair their houses. Forget forming parties that will advocate separation, a unique election threshold is being enforced there to prevent independent members of parliament being elected. Furthermore, advances in minority rights in all EU countries occurred after they became full members and could take advantage of broad regional aid funds.

Let us look now at the allegation that the other candidate countries have overtaken us. Apart from Malta and Cyprus, all the candidates are former Soviet satellites. Their political, economic and social systems all collapsed along with Communism. With the exception of a few nostalgic souls, nobody advocated the former regime within the context of entrenched interests. Just as we did with Ataturk's reforms following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, they too found the means to rebuild from scratch. Besides, their reforms had been prepared in package form by Western institutions.

Turkey for its part is trying like every normal country to enact its reforms by replacing old structures and struggling with groups that have vested interests in these structures and defend them through the agency of political parties at elections. The various agricultural segments of society, tradesmen, civil servants and even business circles can become conservative at times. They slow up the reform process. In fact, they even secure concessions that can only be seen as regression. It is clear therefore that the political reform needed to establish a democracy that can govern Turkey will be that much harder to carry out.

Besides, all the other candidate countries are stable and most of them have small populations. It is also obvious that this affords them great advantages when it comes to education, health, unemployment and urbanization. Nor have they just emerged as we have from a frighteningly expensive domestic conflict. Because they are all Christian, they are being pampered by the EU both materially and morally.

Therefore, rather than compare the two reform processes and serve Turkey an injustice, would it not be better for us to explain our situation to the EU and ask for the minimum of understanding?"

[21] SertogluTurkish Cypriot complaints against Turkey justified

"It was as if we rediscovered the world when the young Turkish Cypriots spoke into a microphone to outline their views. But the present situation has existed for many years. Any visitor who talked with the people and students on the island quickly became aware of a feeling of dissatisfaction toward Turkey. Complaints were not made aloud for many years. Later, the people there began to raise their voice to criticize Turkey.

Should Ankara not be blamed for the present situation in north Cyprus? I believe that there are many reasons to hold Turkey responsible. Let alone making serious investments in north Cyprus, Ankara has obstructed the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] from exporting its products to Turkey since it placed the 35 percent of the island under its control in 1974.

Those who were moved to north Cyprus to settle there were not the right people. The Turkish Cypriots live on an island that is influenced by the British culture and traditions. The culture and traditions of those who moved from Turkey to settle there were Anatolian. That led to a clash of cultures on the island, which is still continuing.

We failed to solve the problem of electricity in north Cyprus for many years. The TRNC was in darkness every time the Greek Cypriots cut their power supply. The Turkish Cypriots had to buy generators to solve their problem.

Nor were we able to solve the water problem on the island. Allow me to recall the day when water was transferred from Turkey to north Cyprus in a large balloon pulled by a boat a few years ago. Former President Demirel was visiting the island at the time. The development was so important that the day was almost declared as a national occasion.

We solved the problem of unemployment by retiring almost all the employees. A stupid decision was made, unprecedented in the world. Consequently, young people were asked to retire with a pension when they were 25 years old.

The funds that were transferred from Turkey were not effectively controlled. Nor were the Turkish businessmen encouraged to invest in north Cyprus.

In short, we have done nothing for the TRNC, except transfer funds for the payment of monthly pensions and salaries.

However, we did something. We created an opportunity for profiteering. In his special television program on Cyprus, Fatih Altayli should have asked: "Who were those who significantly profited from building luxury villas on the lands that were allocated for the construction of social homes?" Serdar Denktas, whom I know well, would have answered the question. Those who visit the TRNC should spare some time from gambling to walk in the streets of Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta. They would hear more about the corruption on the island if they do so.

The Turkish Cypriots did not know what bribery meant in the past. We taught them what it is.

The Turkish Cypriots are aware of the economic development in the Greek Cypriot side. They lament that they have been unable to catch up, regardless of the fact that they are a smaller community.

The young people have lost hope. They see no future for themselves in north Cyprus. They believe that they should either settle in Turkey or move to Britain or Australia.

That is the situation in the TRNC. However, we are upset when the Turkish Cypriots complain. I should recall a well-known proverb: One reaps what one sows".

[22] Turkey: Ankara should make new formulae to help solve Cyprus problem in tages

"Of the problems with which we are confronted in international relations today, Cyprus is not the most difficult of the problems to solve. It is necessary to see that the solution on Cyprus should be in stages and that the relations between the two communities can develop in time as the feeling of confidence increases.

The development of the desire to live together on Cyprus by the parties in the not too distant future is not impossible. This is so, provided that one of the parties or the other, does not, in one manner or another, try to consider that the other does not exist or to terminate its existence, or completely eradicate it or make it ineffective. This should be the guarantee that the Turkish Cypriot side should seek in the solution formula.

In the present-day world, everyone knows and sees that the method of "ethnic cleansing" can no longer be valid. What really should be dwelled upon is not making one side ineffective by economic and financial methods. It is mandatory to take preventive measures for this.

If the representatives of the two sides of Cyprus sit at the negotiation table with this thought, then there should be no reason for not opening the way to a solution. We hope that this time Denktas and Clerides sincerely want the problem to be solved and open the way for leading to a successful result by thinking from a broader perspective.

However, it is also a mistake to think that the Cyprus problem can be solved only by the efforts between the two sections of Nicosia. It is also necessary to show the same efforts on both sides of the Aegean and to reflect this to the south.

Unfortunately, the fact that the EU announced that it will accede the Greek Cypriot Administration, which it considers to be the State of Cyprus, causes the Greek Cypriot side to be carried away with the wrong idea, "Why should we make concessions? In any case, the EU, by accepting us for membership, will provide for the effective solution of the problem".

The ignoring by the EU of the London and Zurich agreements and accepting the Southern Cyprus Greek Cypriot Administration into an organization in which any one of the guarantor countries is not a member, is in violation of the law.

Furthermore, the EU told Turkey, "You cannot be a member in the EU without first solving a conflict with one of my members". However, the same EU accepts as a full member a country whose borders have not been determined and whose disputes have not been solved on its own lands. It is impossible not to see the logical wrong in this matter.

In this situation, it is easy to understand why Turkey opposes the EU.

The logic of "In any case, in the end all the sides will become EU members and the problem will be solved automatically in time" is not valid, because there is no guarantee that in case Turkey accepts the EU's Cyprus fait accompli that Turkey will become a member.

No intelligent diplomat or statesman, with such an assumption, can embark on a road whose end is unknown.

However, it is also necessary to see a point. It is time for Turkey to produce new policies. Even if it is not really so, Denktas is considered in the world public opinion to be the greatest obstacle for the solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President of the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] should take initiatives to correct this appearance and to reveal the real intentions of the other side and Ankara should be helpful to Denktas in the production of formulas that would facilitate the solution in stages. Let us not forget a fact: It is not a solution to give up Cyprus for a probable EU membership. It is also not a solution to close the road for the EU membership of Cyprus...

In the meantime, whatever the official attitude is within the EU, the great drawbacks that will be created by taking the Island State into its own structure without solving the problems, have started to be understood by gradually increasing groups and in a gradually increasing degree".

[23] Columnist views reasons for Turkish Cypriots reaction towards Turkey

"Parliament will meet in secret session to discuss Cyprus tomorrow. This is an indicator of how important the latest developments are. While the cards in the international political arena are being reshuffled, we do not know what cards Turkey holds. Nor do we know whether an "open" statement is going to be made after tomorrow's `secret/ session. There is so much more we do not know because the economic crisis has lowered our heads and brought us to our knees, we cannot lift up our heads and think.

How did we get this way? What was the mistake made by politicians -- past and present -- and those who said they were running the country? The Cyprus problem has remained unsolved for decades. On the one hand they are saying: "All the aid given to Cyprus has left a huge deficit in the Turkish economy. If all that unreturned money was not to go to Cyprus and it was able to stand on its own two feet, both the Turkish Cypriots and we would be saved."

On the other, they say: "Cyprus is Turkish and will stay Turkish. We will not see our racial brothers there crushed. Cyprus is strategically important for Turkey. We will never give concessions over it." Both these are Turkish viewpoints.

Yet, when the matter is looked at from Cyprus, things are different. Of course, these are not the Greek Cypriots' opinions; I am talking about what the Turkish Cypriots think: There are two differing viewpoints there. The first is: "The motherland saved us from the massacres and ensured our freedom. Were it not for Turkey, the Greek Cypriots would drown us in an inch of water. We are grateful to the motherland."

What we do not even want to hear and what the Greek Cypriots also believe is the second viewpoint: "Turkey is no saviour. It is a power that is bringing our economy down. Turkey's policies have kept us behind and always put us into dead ends." Going even further, it is possible to meet Turkish Cypriots that say, "Turkey is an occupier." How did things get this way? Who is responsible?

Looking at things from Turkey and thinking of our soldiers who fell during the Peace Operation, contrary views touch a nerve: "How is it" or "How has it come to pass that we are being accused in the place we gave our lives for and still are?"

Is it that Turkey wants to use its own weapons to strike at its own people on Cyprus? Or are we on the receiving end of intense Greek Cypriot propaganda? Ultimately, what is happening on Cyprus? What should be?

Has all this only come to our minds now that EU membership for southern Cyprus is in its final stages? Have we only just got wise, just as the horse is about to bolt? I wonder, have the various international agreements signed "with great aplomb" by Turkey earlier only now begun to dawn on us? Has what has always been presented to us as "success" actually been "failure"?

Even more important, what should we do today? What "solutions" does Turkey possess that will satisfy itself, our racial brothers on the island and international public opinion? Or is it that we have once again fallen into the whirlpool of problems and questions without answer or solution that have been building up for years?"

AC/SK

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