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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey: AA Reviews Turkish-Greek Relations in 2001.

[02] Cyprus: Denktas Expects 'Tough' Talks, Asks for Patience, Understanding, Trust.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Turkish columnist says the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is to put a "Blue Print" paper onto the negotiating table.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey: AA Reviews Turkish-Greek Relations in 2001

The extract on Greco-Turkish relations is as follows:

"The rapprochement between Turkey and Greece continued also in 2001 both on the governmental level and between non-govenmental organizations. However, Ankara and Athens continued to discuss bilateral relations.

The dialogue between Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and George Papandreou which covered ``issues of secondary importance`` was kept alive through signing of new agreements and mutual visits.

Developing relations between the two countries as part of the rapprochement also gained a routine character. Turkish and Greek foreign ministry officials periodically held meetings as well as the Turkish-Greek Business Council. Trade fairs were organized. The number of Turkish soccer players transferred to Greek teams increased and Turks started listening to songs played by Greek singers. However, they were no longer big news as it was in 2000.

There were also times when Turkish-Greek rapprochement was discussed in newspapers. Both Turkish and Greek newspapers and television channels reported enthusiastically when Papandreou performed a Zeybekiko dance when Cem was visiting Samos island in June. The protocol Cem signed with Greek authorities regarding the return of illegal immigrants when he visited Athens in November was reported as a ``very important development`` by a number of Greek newspapers.

WESTERN THRACE

The Turkish minority in the Western Thrace also felt the softening atmosphere brought by the Turkish-Greek rapprochement

No negative developments were lived in the Western Thrace like the previous years. On the contrary, Turkish and Greek municipalities in Western and Eastern Thrace implemented a number of projects such as signing a Cooperation Protocol.

The Turkish minority's education continued to constitute a problem and it expected a solution from Athens.

CYPRUS

The Cyprus issue made itself felt in all fields including Turkey`s EU membership and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). As an unexpected development, Turkish Cypriot community leader, Rauf Denktas invited President Glafcos Clerides to a face-to-face meeting and Clerides accepted Denktas` offer.

During the meeting, Denktas and Clerides agreed to meet again on Jan.16, 2002 and stirred up debates in Athens.

Greek Cypriot newspapers had been only saying ``EU membership will be for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots``, "We want a solution as part of the UN decisions`` and ``TRNC is a fake state and Turkey is an invader``.

The Greek government had an optimistic but cautious approach to this development and Greek Government Spokesman Hristos Protopapas said that they don't yet know the intention of the Turkish side.

EUROPEAN ARMY

After the Cyprus issue entered ``a new road`` as stated by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Athens was baffled by another surprise Ankara. Turkey, which was shown as the only obstacle in front of forming of a European Rapid Reaction Force that is planned as a part of the ESDP, announced that it reached a compromise with the United States and Britain. Until that time, Athens was saying that this was a problem between the EU and NATO and Greek newspapers were writing that the Aegean and Cyprus were being excluded from the intervention field of the European army because of Turkish pressure and this was the violation of Greece`s national interests. Athens started giving signs of a veto. Turkey only stated that the issue was resolved from its point of view.

The legal infrastructure of the Turkish-Greek rapprochement was prepared in 2000 and the relations were soldered in 2001. Both neighbours saw that the road they have to walk was full of surprises until the relations enter a natural cooperation period.

[02] Cyprus: Denktas Expects 'Tough' Talks, Asks for Patience, Understanding, Trust

Pointing out that the biggest novelty in 2002 is no doubt being expected in the political sphere, Denktas remarked that tough negotiations will begin on 16 January. He said: "Both sides hope that these negotiations conclude with an agreement that is acceptable to both peoples".

Addressing the people on illegal Bayrak Radio on the occasion of the New Year, Denktas referred to the Cyprus issue. He noted that given the sides' special expectations, it must be accepted that the negotiations will be tough. Denktas stressed that he expects patience, understanding, and trust from the people.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriots cannot exist without Turkey and the Cyprus problem does not pose an obstacle to Turkey on the road to the EU, Denktas said: "The continuation of the 1960 guarantee system is tantamount to the continuation and guarantee of the balances that constitute the basis of peace. We are viewing the issue of EU membership within this framework and within the framework of special principles under which our rights and powers can be protected".

Declaring that there are factors that must not be forgotten or ignored as far as Turks are concerned, Denktas said: "These are factors that will not allow the future agreement to meet the same predicament as the 1960 agreements despite its guarantees and its internal and external balances, that will not allow a return to the 1960-1974 period, that will not endanger our security, that will not enslave our economy again by means of embargoes, and that will lead to a balanced and lasting peace".

Denktas recounted that the past two years were full of unexpected economic blows, but the people did not allow the economic collapse to be compounded by a political collapse. Denktas said that those who had such expectations were disappointed, and congratulated the people for their part in this. Denktas noted that the Turkish Cypriots did not buckle under the injustices that have been continuing for 38 years, or allow the economic collapse to be compounded by a political collapse, something the outside world had been yearning for.

Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots are "living in security within the borders of the state" they established, Denktas said that the ability to say 'I am free' is an invaluable asset. He added: "Our security of life and property is guaranteed under a democratic system. Let us appreciate the value of this. Denktas further stressed: 'There is no price to being able to say I am free in a democratic system, without being treated as a second-class citizen, and without worrying when the constitution will be discarded'. These are priceless assets".

Denktas explained that the Turkish Cypriot people survived with the assistance of the motherland despite the blows they have been sustaining since 1963 and despite the economic woes of the past two years. Denktas expressed the belief that these days will also remain in the past.

Assessing world events in 2001, Denktas remarked that terrorism and wars continued, natural disasters caused unbelievable catastrophes in many parts of the world, and the rising unemployment has been increasing the crime rate. Despite all this, Denktas said, we are living in health and safety in our country, and asked the people to appreciate the value of this. He continued: "The events around us are a reason for us to be thankful for our situation. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is still continuing. Innocent people are being killed in Chechnya. People are starving in African countries". Denktas remarked that the world is seeking ways to protect itself against the threat of international terrorism.

In his message, Denktas also called on the Turkish people, reiterating that the Turkish Cypriots cannot exist without Turkey. Denktas stressed that Turkey's signature and guarantee are inevitable in any future agreement. He declared: "Our expectation from the people consists of patience, understanding, and trust. I have accepted this responsibility because I know that you trust me. I will work with the hope of succeeding because I trust you".

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[03] Turkish columnist says the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is to put a "Blue Print" paper onto the negotiating table

"This week Turkey has very important guests. They will be the first guests of the year. These persons are 10 members of the American Senate. They begin from Turkey their visits to the countries, which entered into the war against terrorism together with America. In Ankara they will meet with the Prime Minister and the President. In Istanbul they will participate in a meeting with meal. Among them there are some very important names such as Joseph Lieberman who had run for President in his country.

This tour is an opportunity for Ecevit to send some messages to the US administration not only on Iraq and Afghanistan but on the issue of Cyprus as well before his visit to Washington.

When Cyprus is discussed, we would like to inform you about the following developments. As I have learned from some friends of mine in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ecevit's suggestions have played a very important role in the recent statements of Denktas. It seems that the matter will to an important extent approach to a solution if the sides could reduce the compensations to zero. The formula of this are the Greek Cypriots who are to come and settle on the area to be left to the Greek Cypriot administration, because the number of the Greek Cypriots who emigrated from the north to the south in 1974 is around 160 thousands, whereas the number of the Turks who came from the south is 60 thousands. The mutual compensations could be solved with this formula. Turkey could accept to return seven areas together with Famagusta.

The meetings between Clerides and Denktas are to begin in two weeks. Denktas could be expected to sit at the negotiating table with a 'road map or a document', because if there is going to be a solution in the island, there must be a document and the sides to discuss on this document. In the diplomatic language this document will be a 'Blue Print'.

As long as the talks continue Denktas must never forget that the openings he had made to Clerides have created a climate in favour of Turkey both in the USA and in the EU.

If we make a journey in time, we shall remember that the support given in the years 1958 - 59 by Ankara and Athens to the sides on the island concluded with the 1960 agreement. The main reason for the collapse of this agreement is that the quatrain Menderes - Zorlu and Karamanlis - Averof were not in power in 1963. The administrations in Ankara and Athens must give the same support. .

The difference in the time between Cyprus and the USA gives an advantage to Turkey before the meeting to take place in Washington between Ecevit and President Bush. Ecevit must explain to Bush that Turkey will do everything possible in order for the peace procedure to reach a happy end. .".

KV/SK

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article