Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-11-29

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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] Mesut Yilmaz talks of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus

[02] Turkey: Minister Gurel Says EU Ignores 1950-1965 Events in Cyprus

[03] Turkey: NATO Envoy Addresses on Cyprus, Aegean, Continental Shelf, ESDP Issues, Questions NATO/s credibility

[04] Turkey: Ecevit, Cem, Chief of Staff Assess ESDP, Afghan Developments, Cyprus

[05] Ciller Says Turkey Should Pay No Price for Cyprus, Government Should Resign

[06] Turkey's Yucelen: Cyprus Not Subject to Negotiation, All Ministers Agree

[07] Sabanci and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce support TUSIAD; other reactions

[08] Denktas will return to the occupied areas on Friday

[09] The so-called Minister Dr. Mustafa Arabacioglu went to Ankara

[10] The Patriotic Union Movement will held a General Assembly meeting

[11] Turkish MP will arrive in the occupied areas

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[12] Turkey: Plans for Using Cyprus/s EU Accession for Annexing Northern Cyprus

[13] Turkish Column: Meaningless To Discuss Paying 'Any Price for Cyprus'

[14] Turkey: Outcome of NSC Meeting Viewed

[15] A columnist of "Avrupa" calls on the Turkish Cypriots to gather in the evening of 3 December and shout for the accession to the EU and peace

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mesut Yilmaz talks of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus

Talking yesterday at dinner of the Turkish Young Businessmen Association (TUGIAD), Mr Yilmaz argued that the Copenhagen criteria and the Cyprus problem are two obstacles in the way of Turkey towards the European Union.

Asked whether Turkey will be able to enter the EU if the Republic of Cyprus enters first, Mr Yilmaz said, among other things, the following:

"Nothing we must do is against our interests and nothing must be done for the sake of our accession (to the EU). There are things we must do anyway. We are trying to do them within the framework of a programme we have prepared with the EU. There are two serious obstacles before our accession. If Turkey insists on the Copenhagen political criteria, if we continue to insist, if the non-solution in Cyprus continues, then these two are elements, which will prevent Turkey's full accession to the EU. Our thesis on the Cyprus issue are justified, because the 1960 agreements, which now constitute the legal basis of the Cyprus issue, have given us some opportunities and we are in the position to use them. .".

Noting that in 1990 the UN Secretary - General has defined the criteria, which must definitely be found for a solution, Mr Yilmaz added: "These criteria are a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal framework. This is an element, which did not exist before. This is a development, which strengthens the Turkish position to a great extent and it is suitable for taking the measures to erase all our worries. Butros Ghali suggested that even a rotated presidency could be possible".

[02] Turkey: Minister Gurel Says EU Ignores 1950-1965 Events in Cyprus

Gurel claimed that the Greek Cypriot side's joining the EU will be a heavy blow on the search for a solution of the issue and will cause instability in the region, adding that Turkey exerts great efforts to fulfil its obligations to become an EU member.

[03] Turkey: NATO Envoy Addresses on Cyprus, Aegean, Continental Shelf, ESDP Issues, Questions NATO/s credibility

Oymen, was speaking at an international conference on ``EU-NATO cooperation and participation of third countries in European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)`` held in Ankara and organised by Middle East Technical University European Studies Center, London International Strategic Researches Institute and Bertelsmann Foundation.

``due to member is against us. Who can guarantee that this will not happen in ESDP?`` Inclusion of non-EU countries in decision making mechanism of ESDP and their participation in possible operations should not be subject to invitation, Oymen stressed.

Oymen noted that Turkey could develop ``new ideas`` in the direction of the developments that could occur.

New remedies and solutions could be found and alternative searches could be made for the security of not only Turkey but also other non-EU member countries, Oymen drew the attention.

Oymen said that in case EU`s views about ESDP were insufficient, EU should be ready to debate the issue.

You had promised in the past but how can we know whether or not you will keep your word?`` Pointing out that EU protected its members against the non-EU member countries, Oymen said that the fact that whether ESDP was developed for EU countries or for Europe's security should be made clear.

[04] Turkey: Ecevit, Cem, Chief of Staff Assess ESDP, Afghan Developments, Cyprus

[05] Ciller Says Turkey Should Pay No Price for Cyprus, Government Should Resign

Speaking at the TPP Assembly group, Ciller said that the foreign minister, addressing the closed Assembly session on the Cyprus issue, noted that Turkey might pay a price for the sake of Cyprus.

Ciller said: "Turkey will renounce neither the EU membership nor Cyprus for the sake of its future. If certain institutions are opposed to one another in the country, then the current government, the current Foreign Ministry and their impotence are to be held responsible. This government which has transformed Turkey from a country that makes others pay to one that has to pay a price, the price of EU membership for Cyprus, this government whose foreign minister has personally stated that Turkey might be faced with certain arms embargoes, carries the responsibility. Let me repeat. Instead of making Turkey pay a price, pay the price yourselves and resign."

Ciller, without giving any name, criticized Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association Tusiko statement on Cyprus.

[06] Turkey's Yucelen: Cyprus Not Subject to Negotiation, All Ministers Agree

Responding to questions at the International Police Profession Ethics Symposium, Yucelen said that Turkey took the necessary initiatives to join the EU and adopted the laws of harmony to abide by the EU legislation.

"Just like the EU has conditions, Turkey has its own principles. Other countries which joined the EU didn`t have to give certain concessions. No imposition was put on other EU countries to help in the solution of Cyprus question. We must continue to do the things that are necessary for us. The Cyprus issue is our national cause, it is a national state policy. All ministers think in the same way regarding the Cyprus question," Yucelen said.

Noting that Turkey has always stressed that it favours solution of the Cyprus question, Yucelen said that "we must know the fact that just like Turkey needs to join the EU, EU needs Turkey. Please consider that the things promised to be done by the government in its national programme will serve the people of the country."

[07] Sabanci and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce support TUSIAD; other reactions

Answering a question, Mr Sabanci said that Turkey sends a lot of money to the occupied areas of Cyprus and noted that everybody in the country sees the matter from a different point of view. "I see things as the chairman of TUSIAD sees them. We see the economic expenses and incomes and the losses during these years. I support the chairman of TUSIAD", added Mr Sabanci.

Furthermore, in a written statement issued yesterday Ali Erel, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, characterized TUSIAD's statement "well-timed and important".

Meanwhile, Mr Ozilhan expressed his satisfaction for the reopening of the Cyprus issue/s discussion has opened and added that he would not participate in it any more.

On the other hand, reactions against the statement of TUSIAD continue. Among the organizations, which protested against TUSIAD are the following: The World Council of National Turkish Institutions, the National Association of Industrialists and Businessmen, the Nationalist Justice Party, the Association of Turkish Cypriot supporters of Ataturk, the Confederation of Turkish Labour Union (Turk - Is) etc.

[08] Denktas will return to the occupied areas on Friday

[09] The so-called Minister Dr. Mustafa Arabacioglu went to Ankara

[10] The Patriotic Union Movement will held a General Assembly meeting

[11] Turkish MP will arrive in the occupied areas

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[12] Turkey: Plans for Using Cyprus/s EU Accession for Annexing Northern Cyprus

"A powerful lobby in Turkey is planning to use the accession of the Greek Cypriot Administration to the European Union [EU] as an excuse to annex Northern Cyprus or to bring it into a status close to annexation [ilhak].

The logic of this plan is as follows:

Strategically, Cyprus is very important for Turkey. It is impossible for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots to live within a partnership. In case the island is unified, then it is even possible for the Greek Cypriots to massacre the Turkish Cypriots in the Bosnian style. Thus, the best thing to do is to separate the paths of the two communities completely, who have forgotten how to live together in any case and solve the problem. However, will the partition of Cyprus -as its architects hope- completely solve the Cyprus problem, which has poisoned the Turkish-Greek relations since the 1950s, has blocked the way to the EU and has become a ball and chain in international relations? Or else, will one problem be replaced with another problem?

The answer to this question is obvious. The problem will be transformed into a bigger problem. The trouble will be exchanged for an even greater trouble. The world, which does not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC], will also not recognize annexation.

The TRNC is the inheritance of a wrong calculation made 18 years ago. For whatever reason, it was thought at the time that the United States would recognize the TRNC in return for a base in Northern Cyprus. Following that, then other countries would recognize the TRNC. A military airport was built in Northern Cyprus to be given as a base to the United States. However, the United States neither accepted the base, nor recognized the TRNC.

Only one of the 190 odd countries of the world, Turkey, recognizes the TRNC.

Recognition of the TRNC would have the meaning of making such types of interventions into an international established practice. However, there are minorities in almost all countries. Many minorities enter into the area of interest of third countries. No country wants to be the cause of the creation of an established practice, which would legalize an external intervention for its own minorities.

It is for this reason that Azerbaijan, which is almost the twin brother of Turkey, does not recognize the TRNC, because in principle, the recognition of the TRNC would be equivalent to the acceptance of the annexation of Nagorno-Karabagh by Armenia.

For the same reason, Azerbaijan also would not recognize Turkey/s annexation of the TRNC. No other country will recognize it either.

In that case, where is the logic of this matter?

There is no logic in this matter, because Turkey, with its inflexible attitude on the subject of the island, is facilitating the entrance of the Greek Cypriot Administration into the EU. It is making its own accession more difficult. Is there any country in the world, which conducts a foreign policy against itself and in favor of its enemy?"

[13] Turkish Column: Meaningless To Discuss Paying 'Any Price for Cyprus'

"Everyone has been talking about a "price" for days.

Prime Minister Ecevit and Foreign Minister Cem primarily as well as a great number of Turkish officials have noted that they are ready to pay any price for Cyprus. The first price that comes to mind is to break away from the EU and to abandon the European vision.

We have recently noticed, however, that the EU officials have also begun to talk about a /price.` Gunther Verheugen, who is in charge of the expansion policy, said the following the day before yesterday: /Turkey will question what kind of a price it is ready to pay for Denktash... If Turkey is ready to pay the price of the abandoning its European perspective, there is nothing I can do.`

This discussion, which focused on the term /price,` is very erroneous in terms of both content and timing.

No one doubts that Turkey will continue to make sacrifices for Cyprus if necessary. The Cyprus issue has reached a very critical point, however. At this point it is not very wise to say: /We will not make any concessions` and /We will pay any price.`

Denktash and Clerides will hold a meeting next week. The schedule of the negotiations between south Cyprus and the EU has already been determined. It is imperative to put time into good use in order to reconcile. If an agreement is not reached, all the sides (Turkey, Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Greece, and the EU will be damaged. What is necessary is reaching a solution without paying a heavy price.

In this regard, instead of displaying heroism over the term /price` -- or instead of issuing provocative statements similar to Verherugen's -- it will be wiser to ponder over and to hold discussions on how to reach reconciliation.

As retired diplomat Ecmel Barutcu, who was considered one of the architects of the Cyprus strategy, noted on the CNN-Turk last week, a solution will only be found on the basis of /give and take.` If the sides sit at the table with the intentions of having the other side accept all their demands and if a point of reconciliation is not found, the problem will never be resolved.

Similar to Barutcu, a great number experienced diplomats share the same views. They believe that the Turkish side should not carry the issue to a point where it will definitely have to pay a price.

It is meaningless to turn the issue into a discussion of /the EU or Cyprus` within the framework of a price. It is possible to accomplish both goals, albeit difficult. It is necessary to approach the issue with such mentality and determination however.

Heavy responsibilities are laid on the EU to this end.

The truth is that if the EU continues to behave toward the Greek side as if /they will behave as EU members anyway` and if the EU continues to give Turkey a long list of conditions, it is very difficult to solve this problem.

We know that what is important for the EU is a general /expansion` strategy. The EU does not want to endanger this policy with a Greek veto. This however, does not prevent the EU from imposing pressure on the Greece-Greek Cypriot side, just like it imposes pressure on Turkey.

Speaking to Turkish journalists, a high-level EU officer said: /When the negotiations begin, we will mediate more actively.` This is wrong. It would have been much better if the EU had mediated prior to the negotiations.

Anyway... Denktash and Clerides are about to hold a meeting. Would it not be better if Verheugen would make efforts to ensure that the Greek side adopts a more flexible stand, instead of focusing on the /price` scenarios?"

[14] Turkey: Outcome of NSC Meeting Viewed

"We can say that the NSC [National Security Council] focused on three basic issues during its meeting yesterday, which lasted for five and a half hours:

1. Cyprus and the EU

2. Afghanistan

3. Politicization of PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan], HADEP [People's Democracy Party], and southeastern Turkey.

Turkey's EU Secretary General Volkan Vural informed the convocation on Cyprus and the EU. The NSC then assessed the EU Progress Report. The Council agreed that Turkey's accession to the organization and the Cyprus problem should be viewed separately. It seems that the information Vural conveyed to the meeting was what Turkey has done or not towards the EU process so far. The NSC definitely agreed that Turkey must not abandon its objective of joining the EU. However, it also agreed that concessions must not be made on Cyprus for the sake of the EU process. The NSC stand complies with the Government's approach.

The NSC approach can be summed up as follows: /The TRNC cannot be abandoned for the sake of the EU. The two issues are not linked. Making concessions on Cyprus is out of the question. Concessions would weaken the security of Turkey and the TRNC. As far as security is concerned, the TRNC is as important for Turkey is important for the TRNC.`

The NSC decision to outline its approach in its disclosure at the end of its meeting was meaningful. The statement in the disclosure that /Turkey will not allow any development that might violate international agreements, threaten the security of the TRNC and Turkey, and reduce the status of the Turkish Cypriot people to a minority community` meant full support for Denktash, who is preparing to hold talks with Clerides. It will be recalled that the Government made similar statements to support Denktas in the past. The NSC reiterated Turkey's support for him yesterday."

[15] A columnist of "Avrupa" calls on the Turkish Cypriots to gather in the evening of 3 December and shout for the accession to the EU and peace

Mr Denizci writes, interalia, the following:

"On December 4, a meeting between Denktas and Clerides is to take place. .I call on the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), the Patriotic Union Movement (PUM) and the other 41 organizations to gather at the Inonu Square in the evening of 3 December and shout to the world "no to annexation and occupation", "yes to the EU and peace".

The Turkish Cypriot people are like a bomb ready to explode. The only thing, which is missing, is the element to cause the fire.

Denktas and those who rule Turkey are going crazy when they see the end to approach. They are like Neron, ready to throw us into the fire.

The powers of this country, which want peace and agreement, must come together. The crowd must be more than the participants in the meeting of 18 July 2000, when people could not fit into the square. .

What else have we to loose any more? .As it has been written in the Turkish Press, all Turkey did during these years was done for Denktas, not for the Turkish Cypriot people. . We are about to be completely annihilated. .If you were serious when you said that this country is ours, now is the time to overturn the sultanate of Denktas and be aroused for peace.".

MS/MP

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