Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-12-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas calls on Turkish Cypriots to be cautions but optimistic.

[02] Tansu Ciller assesses the meeting between President Clerides and Rauf Denktas.

[03] Alvaro de Soto optimistic about Cyprus developments.

[04] The speaker of the Grand National Assembly sees affirmation of the existence of the psuedostate.

[05] The leader of the Confederation of Labour Unions stresses the strategic importance of Cyprus for the EU.

[06] Statements by Ismail Cem in Brussels on ESDP, Cyprus and Turkey - EU relations.

[07] Turkish Cypriot unionists prevented from participating in a meeting organized by EU/s Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner.

[08] CLP supports the new procedure on the Cyprus issue; ISAD congratulates President Clerides and Rauf Denktas.

[09] A conference on the "Business relations with the EU" to be organized in the occupied areas.

[10] Necati Munir Ertekun: "I am hopeful, we are heading towards a solution".

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Mehmet Ali Birand: Now the ball is in Glafcos Clerides/s Court.

[12] Fikret Bila: "First Cyprus, then EU".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas calls on Turkish Cypriots to be cautions but optimistic

Replying to questions of an AA correspondent, Denktas noted that the Cyprus problem could not be solved for 38 years and the sides constitute different poles. He remarked that all this cannot be resolved in one or two meetings, and it is not right to have great expectations. Denktas announced that it was decided with Clerides that the direct talks that were slated to begin on 15 January will be launched on 16 January. Pointing out that the dinner he hosted at his residence last night with the participation of Clerides and Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Cyprus, was a social event, Denktas said that the Cyprus issue was not discussed during the dinner.

Denktas recounted that during the dinner, they talked about the past, about the days they worked together with Clerides. He said that Clerides asked retired coordinator Necati Munir Ertekun to be invited to the dinner because he is an old acquaintance of Clerides. The only concrete aspect discussed in connection with the Cyprus issue during the dinner was the decision to change the date of the talks from 15 to 16 January. Denktas was asked: "Spring seems to have come to Cyprus following your face-to-face meeting with Clerides. Has a magic wand touched Cyprus?" Denktas retorted: "If spring comes early, so does summer and winter. What I mean is that people probably know that the Cyprus issue is a tough problem and that the sides are on different poles."

"It is natural to believe that all this will and can be resolved in one meeting, but it is not right to have such great expectations," Denktas stated, asking everyone to be cautious, but optimistic.

Denktas went on: "Everyone must want and expect the outcome to be positive, but it is wrong and harmful to create the impression that 'everything is finished, there is nothing left to be done.'"

Stressing that the Cyprus problem is a big issue involving the national interests of both sides, Denktas said: "For us, it is a matter of our human rights, our equality, and our rights in sovereignty. There are reasons why a problem remained unsolved for 38 years. If we are able to eliminate at least some of these reasons and cover some distance through our contacts, we will have achieved much. This is what we will try to do."

Asked if 2002 can be a year of solution for Cyprus, Denktas responded: "We will try to make it one."

Denktas reported that he will meet with jurists in Istanbul on 12 December and in Ankara on 13 December, and he may have contacts with Turkish Government officials during his stay in Ankara.

[02] Tansu Ciller assesses the meeting between President Clerides and Rauf Denktas

Ciller told a press conference that economic bottleneck had reached a situation which was affecting Turkey`s foreign policy.

``If a success is to be achieved in Cyprus, this should not be gained by paying an EU price. Similarly, any step taken in the EU should not be brought to the agenda by making a concession in Cyprus,`` Ciller said.

Ciller evaluated the face-to-face meeting between Rauf Denktas and President Glafcos Clerides as a very important step.

A dialogue would not be enough for the solution of the Cyprus question, Ciller said and went on: ``We welcome the face-to-face meeting on Cyprus but our concerns have not been eliminated yet. A model has not been brought forth. The costs of a model which is brought forth and an initiative which is concluded in a positive way, are not clear. This is more important than everything. We hope that this approach which has turned an issue which was put forth in Helsinki and unfortunately which has to exist between Turkey and Greece, into an issue between EU and Turkey in the direction of Greek thesis.``

Ciller added: ``This issue can be brought to a situation in which two leaders discuss things in tete-a-tete meetings and in which Turkey discusses all the issues with Greece. Thus, a solution can be put forth. Otherwise, an approach like that of the government which said that `we will take Cyprus if this does not happen`, will bring forth the question of `will there be a solution for Cyprus even if we pay EU price?` Because, the atmosphere in which the EU exists rather than the Greek Cypriot administration, has of course pushed Turkey into a very narrow area.``

[03] Alvaro de Soto optimistic about Cyprus developments

While leaving the island, De Soto said that he is optimistic because of the recent developments and that he is pleased with the results of the Denktas-Clerides meeting, adding that Clerides invited Denktas to dinner in his house in January and Denktas accepted this invitation.

[04] The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly sees affirmation of the existence of the pseudostate

"I view the recent developments as very positive. The important thing here is the affirmation of the existence of two separate states in Cyprus. Once this has been affirmed, the name of the new formation in Cyprus is not at all important. In this respect, we should regard any development based on the acceptance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] as a separate state as a successful outcome".

Izgi expressed the belief that developments that will relieve both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots will occur with regard to Cyprus, and added:

"Moreover, it would be wrong to expect an outcome in a short time. The important question is whether there is goodwill. Given that TRNC President Rauf Denktas repeatedly announced that he will not take part in any formation other than the existence of the TRNC, and given that no statements were made prior to the new developments that could be construed as negative in this respect, the results will be good, but in my opinion it would be too optimistic to expect an outcome in a short time. The important thing is to attain results, even if this takes a long time".

In reply to another question, Izgi pointed out that the EU understood Turkey's importance in the wake of the 11 September attack, and stated: "The changes in EU's outlook on Turkey should be considered as very important changes".

[05] The leader of the Confederation of Labour Unions stresses the strategic importance of Cyprus for the EU

Meral noted that some circles in Turkey dreamed that Turkey could enter into the EU in case the demands regarding Cyprus questions were met.

``Even if they give Cyprus, they will not admit Turkey to the EU immediately. Then, other problems will come to the agenda. EU is following a wrong path regarding the Cyprus question. According to the EU, Turkey occupied Cyprus unjustly and it should end that occupation. Turk-Is definitely opposes and rejects this understanding. The EU attributes utmost importance to the Cyprus question due to its own interests. Cyprus has a very strategic situation in Eurasia and especially in the Middle East and East Mediterranean,`` Meral said.

[06] Statements by Ismail Cem in Brussels on ESDP, Cyprus and Turkey - EU relations

Explaining that the timing of the positive and significant developments on the ESDP and Cyprus was right, Cem shed light on some issues saying that there may have been misinterpretations on the ESDP issue:

"We have agreed upon a text. It is out of the question that we were told `Do not worry, we are giving you a guarantee/." Explaining that it was a serious text, Cem said that the text was a result of a tripartite decision (US, Britain, Turkey).

Noting that the guarantee was included in the text, Cem added: "We worked on the NATO decision. We prepared a text acceptable to both NATO and the EU. We have been waging this struggle for the past two and one-half years. This text is more powerful than an oral and written assurance. In the event that NATO accepts this text in its original form and the EU adopts it and it becomes a regulation, the ESDP issue will be resolved and the grounds for a healthy EU-NATO cooperation will have been laid".

Explaining that it is in the interest of Turkey to take part in the ESDP, Cem said that the contents of the text cannot be made public until it becomes official.

Cem continued: "The most important thing for us is that the issues directly connected with Turkey's security have been resolved. The technical military issues were extremely important. Our military is in command of these issues. These issues have been resolved." "Some distance has been covered on the EU-led operations, which will not use the NATO facilities and capabilities, even though not to our full satisfaction. I believe, however, that , on the whole, we succeeded in settling the issue in the interest of Turkey".

Cem further said: "It was very important not to be excluded from a European force, which is being formed. There was talk that `Turkey is not ready to compromise and agree/. Everybody thanked us once conciliation was secured. The prime minister, the chief of the General Staff, and the coalition leaders were in total unity of views over the issue. The issue is over for us. The rest is up to the EU".

On the Cyprus issue, Cem said that comprehensive work on various alternatives had been conducted and that the process was the outcome of a careful and long work.

Alleging that all the credit for the recent developments in Cyprus goes to Rauf Denktas, Cem added: "Denktas is an extraordinary politician. I have great admiration for him. We cannot know where all this will lead to; however, I say cautious optimism. I have always said that we seek a solution and that we have worked for a solution acceptable to both sides in Cyprus. `Turkey will not accept any other conciliation and will secure its own solution by its own means/ I said to everyone. They saw that what I said was correct."

Recounting that he told to all those who claimed that Denktas posed an obstacle against a Cyprus solution that Denktas was the greatest opportunity for a solution acceptable to both sides, Cem added that the recent developments proved him right.

In reply to a question on his views before the Laeken summit, Cem said: "They will probably see the developments brought about by Turkey. I do not see our relations with the EU as negative and I am not pessimistic. We will be happy from time to time and get upset at other times. It is not easy. The issue in question is a civilization with a population of 65 million. Our position is very different. The EU integration process with such a country is a difficult process. It is also difficult for the EU. The EU took a very courageous step in Helsinki. It was a difficult step even if it was in its own interest. I can see that the relations are progressing in the right track. They raised the issue of convention. I told them that this is a mistake. We are on the right track even if certain problems come up that upset us. The relations are progressing on the right track".

Cem said that reports that a Turkish commander will assume duties in Afghanistan are not true, adding that there is no such development.

In the meantime, Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou and Cem issued a short statement after their meeting. They said that the meeting focused on the Cyprus issue, that they welcomed the positive developments, and that these developments were grounds for being hopeful for the future, reported A.A from Brussles.

[07] Turkish Cypriot unionists prevented from participating in a meeting organized by EU's Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner

"Yeniduzen" (07.12.01), refers to the issue under the title "Insincerity" and notes that Kemal Darbaz, chairman of Basin - Sen (Turkish Cypriot journalists trade union), criticized the attitude of the occupation regime and called on the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas to interfere in the issue, adding that the decision of the so-called "Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministry" is contrary to the "breeze of friendship", which dominates in the island after the meetings between President Clerides and Rauf Denktas.

[08] CLP supports the new procedure on the Cyprus issue; ISAD congratulates President Clerides and Rauf Denktas

CLP noted that it is ready to contribute to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Furthermore, underlining that the party would watch closely the developments argued that these developments are "positive, hopeful and rational".

Meanwhile, according to KIBRIS (07.12.01), the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen/s Association (ISAD) has characterized "historical" the results of the 4th December meeting between President Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas and congratulated the two leaders for achieving these results. In a statement issued yesterday by ISAD's chairman, Salih Celiker, the Association wished the positive climate to continue until a peaceful and final solution is found.

[09] A conference on the "Business relations with the EU" to be organized in the occupied areas

The paper writes that Lyn Parker, the British High Commissioner and Ali Erel, chairman of TCCC are to address the conference. After the first session of the conference, Mr Parker will give a reception.

Officials from London School of Economics, Leeds University, the British Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CNN Italy are to address the conference, which is planned to continue on Saturday.

[10] Necati Munir Ertekun: "I am hopeful, we are heading towards a solution"

Mr Ertekun noted, among other things, the following: ".These meetings by themselves may not solve the problem, they will have a great contribution to its solution. We are heading towards a solution.As I have said, I consider the meetings to be useful and I hope they continue. They must definitely continue after the 16th of January as well. .I believe that the face - to - face meetings will help very much the sides to find a solution and to accept the real, the de facto situation on the island.I am hopeful.".

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Mehmet Ali Birand: Now the ball is in Glafcos Clerides/s Court

The full text of the commentary is as follows:

"Acting quite wisely, the `TRNC/ President Rauf Denktas has adopted a new tactic. What he has done was what was expected of him.

It turns out that everybody wanted that.

The Cypriots still cannot believe it. There is a mood of great optimism sweeping over the island.

Denktas has shown that he is an expert chess player. He has shown that he would not hesitate to back down the moment he sees that he would not be able to get results.

He has done the right thing.

One would not be able to get anywhere by maintaining the old stance.

What happens from now on is very important.

To tell the truth, the two leaders have put themselves in a tunnel.

A tunnel from which they will not be able to get out easily.

The negotiations will be held on the island from now on and continue until results are obtained.

The United Nations (U.N.) representative too will take his place at the table but he will not be in a position to put forth any proposals.

These are the things Rauf Denktas has wanted all along because:

1. Denktas was upset by the negotiations being held in New York or some other foreign city. That created technical problems not to mention the need to travel and the costs that it involved.

2. More importantly, there was the UN's position. Denktas's biggest problem has been the way the U.N., and the European Union (EU) have been meddling with the Cyprus issue. Stressing that every intervention they make renders the negotiating process more difficult, Denktas restricted the U.N. role this time. U.N. representative Alvaro de Soto will be able to follow the negotiations and intervene only if the two sides want it. But he will not be putting forth any plans for a solution.

Everybody must change their stance I was not exaggerating when I likened to a tunnel this current spot.

There will be no getting out of the tunnel from any end.

The two leaders will not be able to leave the table whenever they feel like it, at least not without having to cite important and substantial grounds to explain to the public that move.

Now the time of tactical games is over.

For the first time serious bargaining starts now.

With the stance he has taken, Denktas gives the signal that he may abandon his confederation thesis. He has indicated that he will not insist.

Now the ball is in Glafcos Clerides's court.

The Turkish side's expectations are quite clear:

* Two communities that live -- as they do now -- in two separate zones and handle to their affairs on their own.

* A loose overall federative structure and joint, single representation abroad.

These two factors are indispensable.

Not only Turkey but a great part of the Turkish Cypriot community too want that.

No one wants to live "mixed" with the Greek Cypriots.

Living side by side, travelling back and forth, finding jobs and to remain under the protection of the Turkish troops for some more time -- until one gets used to the new system.

I wonder whether Clerides will accept this formula.

To put it more correctly, would Clerides be able to make his own community accept this formula? The extremists in the Greek Cypriot community are already raising their voices.

If the Greek Cypriots want EU membership they have to accept all these points. Until Dec. 4, Denktas was at the focal point of the pressure being exerted. Now pressure will be put on Clerides.

As of this moment important duties fall on everybody:

1. What we expect from the leaders is that they must keep quiet from now on. They must stop making statements to the press. They must come out by saying what they would accept rather than what they would not accept.

2. The EU must definitely stop standing between the two sides. Whenever the EU officials speak up this upsets one of the parties. Besides, since they are familiar enough with the Cyprus problem, their words always surprise the Turkish Cypriots or the Greek Cypriots.

Please step out.

Keep quiet for a while.

Let the two communities bargain about their own future at ease for the first time.

Denktas and Clerides are faced with an opportunity to make history. Many more crises are bound to occur. But we all have the expectation that the Cyprus problem will be solved.

Let this be auspicious".

[12] Fikret Bila: "First Cyprus, then EU"

"Where will the dialogue process, started and developed beyond the expectations, by the TRNC President Denktas and the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration of south Cyprus Clerides arrive at?

To what kind of a solution the Turkish side will say `yes/ prior to the Greek Cypriot Administration/s entry into the EU?

What is the relation between the new process, which is started as a result of the South Cyprus/ securing of the EU membership? And how this affects the Turkish side?

It is clear that EU membership played a decisive role in the Greek Cypriot Administration/s positive reply to Denktas/ efforts. The same approach could be valid for the Turkish side as well.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, with whom we have a telephone conversation from Brussels, has summarized Ankara/s approach as follows:

`At this stage we are not interested in the EU aspect of the issue. We are keeping that issue separate. What is important now, is the sides in Cyprus reaching an agreement through negotiations. First a settlement in Cyprus based on equality should be reached. Our thesis has always been that the si des should reach an agreement in Cyprus and there should be no outside interference. Now such a process has started. South Cyprus/ entry into EU issue is a separate thing. When one reaches that stage we will evaluate that separately. Now we are concentrating on finding a solution in Cyprus!

While conveying this view, Cem at the same time is reserved: Cem said: Naturally, what we stress is that the Turks should not be left under Greek Cypriot sovereignty. We want the creation of a central structure where the two states will have equal weight!.

Foreign Minister Cem, separates the issue of entry into the EU from the issue of reaching a solution in Cyprus. He says: `First Cyprus, then EU/. The expression used by Cem/: `Central State, central structure based on equality/ is also important.

Cem has carefully chosen the words and used them accordingly. He is not using the `federation or confederation/ concepts. The same careful approach could be seen in Denktas/ statements.

This careful approach plays a key role in creating the dialogue atmosphere, and in the Greek Cypriot administration/s steps.

It is understood that the Turkish side moves along the formula: `Equal representation/ at home and `single representation/ abroad.

The Turkish side does not want to bind itself to the EU issue without seeing a settlement in Cyprus".

KV/SK

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