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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-02-21

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/>

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No.37/02 21.2.02

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] KIBRISLI claims that President Clerides presented Rauf Denktas a map on the territorial aspect of the Cyprus problem
  • [02] Rauf Denktas says the territorial aspect was discussed, but no map was presented
  • [03] The Turkish Foreign Ministry considers Fogg a 'lame duck'
  • [04] Mesut Yilmaz: "The process in Cyprus will affect positively the Greco-Turkish friendship
  • [05] Denktas will brief the political party leaders on the progress of the face-to-face talks
  • [06] Denktas met with the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen's Association
  • [07] Survey: 68 percent of Turkish people want membership to EU
  • [08] Demonstrations were held yesterday in the occupied areas
  • [B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

  • [09] Turkish Cypriot columnist on the Turkish mentality and the murders of Isaak and Solomou
  • [10] Afrika: Turkey is using Cyprus not to accede to the EU

  • [A] NEWS ITEMS

    [01] KIBRISLI claims that President Clerides presented Rauf Denktas a map on the territorial aspect of the Cyprus problem

    KIBRISLI (21.02.02) claims that it got hold of a map allegedly given by President Clerides to the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas during the first round of the face-to-face talks. According to the paper, the "give and take" on the territorial aspect of the Cyprus problem will begin on the basis of the above-mentioned map.

    "In case the proposals of Clerides are accepted the 10 % of the TRNC territory will be returned to the Greek Cypriots and the one third of our population, that is approximately 70 thousand people, will become refugees once again", claims the paper, arguing that the intention of the "neighbours", as it calls the Greek Cypriots, is bad.

    "They want to condemn us to living like goats in the foots of the mountain", alleges KIBRISLI adding that the territory left to the Turkish Cypriots is around 24 %, but "in parallel to the territorial demands, it is also demanded that the right of the Greek Cypriots who wish to return to their homes is recognized".

    The paper writes the following:

    "The map put onto the table is more like a plan aiming at eliminating the TRNC and not a territorial map for achieving a solution. With a statement he made yesterday the Greek Cypriot Spokesman, Michalis Papapetrou, declared that a solution would not be found in case Denktas insists on the two states. The territorial map put onto the table by the Greek Cypriot side is in harmony with this opinion. The above-mentioned map was designed in such a way that it will not be possible for the Turks to continue having a separate state on the piece of land which will be allocated to them. According to this map, the Greek Cypriots want to add to their territory places where thousands of Turks live, such as Kokkina, Amadies, Selemani, Loutros, Varishia, Limnitis, Galini, Ampelikou, Potamos (Kampos), Karavostasi, Pentayia, Peristeronari, Kalokhorio Lefkas, Ayios Georgios Lefkas, Petra, Angolemi, Elia Morphou, Gazivera, Prastio Morphou, Nikitas, Zodia, Pano Zodia, Syrianokhori, Argaki, Massari, Kyra, Ayia Marina Skyllouras, Kapouti, Skylloura, Ayios Vasilios, Kanli, Gerolakkos, Tymbou Airport, Tymbou, Ayia, Assia, Arsos, Vadili, Lysi, Kondea, Ahna, Makrasyka, Kalopsyda, Akheritou-Ayios Georgios, Palekythro, Exometochi, Angastina, Strongylos, Sinta and Gaidouras".

    [02] Rauf Denktas says the territorial aspect was discussed, but no map was presented

    HURRIYET (21.2.02 internet version) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas has said that the territorial aspect of the Cyprus problem was discussed during the face-to-face talks, but he denied that the Greek Cypriot side has presented him a map.

    Talking earlier today during a meeting with Ertugrul Kumcuoglu, MP and former so-called ambassador of Turkey to the pseudostate, the Turkish Cypriot leader said that the Greek Cypriot demanded 24 % on the territorial aspect. Mr Denktas noted:

    "The Greek Cypriots did not present a map. A map showing what areas could be included in this 24 % should certainly have been drawn. Therefore, this is a map, which shows the 24 % and provides for 70 thousand people abandoning their homes. Let it not be misunderstood. The Greek Cypriots have not presented a map on the table.".

    Claiming that discussing the territorial aspect, before having the so-called sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots accepted, is not necessary, Mr Denktas added:

    "This has always been our approach. If they want territory from us, it should mean that they accept that this territory belongs to us. The rest must be a territory that should be sovereign after the population adjustment, so that they do not intent in the future to demolish the new agreement by saying 'this is an internal matter' and attack us. And when they do this the world should not see this as an internal matter of a unitary state. This should be estimated as an incident between two founding states and not give again to the Greek Cypriots the opportunities they have been giving them for 38 years. .".

    [03] The Turkish Foreign Ministry considers Fogg a 'lame duck'

    In a report on the tapping of the EU Commission representative Karen Fogg's e-mail messages, Saadet Oruc, writes the following in Turkish Daily News (21/2/02):

    "The Foreign Ministry thinks that the time has come for the EU Commission's representative Karen Fogg to leave the Turkish capital, despite contradictory official statements.

    A senior Turkish Foreign Ministry official told the Turkish Daily News on Wednesday that EU Ambassador Fogg had lost her efficiency in Ankara, calling her a "lame duck."

    On the other hand, the head of the EU Commission Romano Prodi called Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to convey the uneasiness among the EU circles over the e-scandal.

    Ecevit, according to the information given by the Turkish diplomatic sources, assured Prodi that everything is being done on the issue, expressing his concerns for the publication of the e-mails.

    Spanish Ambassador Manuel De La Camara met with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal on Wednesday afternoon, and Ziyal has reportedly told the Spanish ambassador, who represents the EU term presidency, that it would be better if Ambassador Fogg left Turkey earlier.

    "What is logical is her leaving Ankara earlier than the previously planned schedule. She has lost her efficiency, not only because of the latest incident, but also due to the former steps taken by her," a top Turkish diplomat said.

    Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, on the other hand, ruled out the possibility of such a demand, making reference to a well-known Nasreddin Hodja short tale.

    "Doesn't the thief have any crime?", Yilmaz asked, in response to a question on the issue in an interview with NTV.

    "It is up to the EU Commission to take such a decision, not us," he said.

    The recent development will not help Turkey's bid for the EU, as Fogg had become a symbol of the insistence of Brussels to fulfill the political criteria for the EU, another senior Turkish official involved in EU matters said.

    The remarks of the top Turkish diplomat contradicted the official announcements made by the Foreign Ministry.

    Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Dirioz declared on Wednesday during the weekly press conference that Turkey had not made any attempt to demand the withdrawal of Fogg.

    The Anatolia News Agency reported on Tuesday that Turkey's Permanent Representative to the EU Nihat Akyol had told EU Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that it might be good if Fogg returned to Brussels earlier than previously planned.

    Yilmaz said in earlier remarks to CNN TURK's Manset program that it would be a shame for the Turkish State if the e-mails of Karen Fogg had been provided by a unit of the State, as claimed by the Labor Party (IP).

    "The EU is right in its reaction," said Yilmaz, defining the event as a step taken by the anti-EU circles in society.

    He did not elaborate on the details of those circles.

    Sub-title: Additional measures for EU embassies

    The Foreign Ministry took action upon an appeal made by the embassies of the EU member states in the aftermath of the revealing of the e-mails of Fogg.

    Additional measures are demanded to be taken by the relevant authorities.

    The complaint filed by the IP against certain bureaucrats of the Foreign Ministry was also defined to be far from serious by the Foreign Ministry.

    Another senior Turkish bureaucrat, whose name was mentioned in the e-mail messages revealed by the IP, and who was being accused of informing Fogg, told the TDN that it was his duty to give regular information to the Commission.

    "We have a commitment to cooperating with the EU Commission, and it is my task to inform them regularly, of course with the information and permission of my minister," a senior bureaucrat told the TDN.

    He commented that Fogg had been carrying out a legitimate mission of collecting information through open sources."

    [04] Mesut Yilmaz: "The process in Cyprus will affect positively the Greco-Turkish friendship

    KIBRIS (21/2/02) reports that the leader of the Motherland Party and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, said that the progress of a solution to the Cyprus problem will affect positively the Greco-Turkish friendship. Speaking in an interview with NTV and CNBC-E, Yilmaz added that the stance of the European Union to impose the solution that Greece wants on Cyprus creates uneasiness to Turkey.

    Evaluating the Cyprus problem, Yilmaz stressed that the EU instead of supporting one side in Cyprus and imposing a certain solution, it should truly seek a settlement. Calling on the EU to act in a sincere and serious manner on the Cyprus problem, Yilmaz said: "Due to the one-sided approach of the EU, we are uneasy." He also noted that the current settlement process is not a show, but it is a serious initiative on the substance of the problem.

    Referring that the difficulties between the two sides in Cyprus Yilmaz said there are very serious obstacles that must be overcome, and added that only the negotiation process created a suitable atmosphere to overcome these serious problems.

    [05] Denktas will brief the political party leaders on the progress of the face-to-face talks

    According to KIBRIS (21/2/02) the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is going to brief today at 15.00 the political party leaders on the progress of the face-to-face talks, which are being continued since 16 January 2002.

    [06] Denktas met with the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen's Association

    YENI DEMOKRAT (21/2/02) reports that the new administrative council of the Businessmen's Association (ISAD) paid yesterday a courtesy visit to the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the economic and political situation in the occupied areas.

    Denktas also informed them that the Turkish State Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Mr Sukru Sina Gurel will arrive with a delegation in the occupied areas in the coming days, and added that Gurel will announce the new investment policy.

    [07] Survey: 68 percent of Turkish people want membership to EU

    Turkish Daily News (21/2/02) publishes the following report on a survey conducted in Turkey and the EU countries.

    Results of public opinion polls conducted in Turkey and the EU countries have revealed that there are important social, economic and cultural differences between Turkish people and Europeans. Some 68 percent of the Turkish public want Turkey to become an EU member, while 60 percent see themselves as only Turk. While Turks mostly give importance to national and local values, Europeans have become adapted to an international identity.

    The research "Turkey-EU Agenda 2002," which was carried out by the Turkish-European Foundation with the support of Taylor Nelson Sofres-PIAR Research Institute, and surveyed 1,886 people in 17 cities, was publicly announced yesterday. The results of Eurobarometer research conducted in European countries twice a year, and the results of the Brussels-based research, which is conducted in EU candidate countries, were compared in Agenda 2002. Comparisons reveal that while Turkish people presented an unhopeful picture about the current situation and the future of themselves and Turkey, the peoples of EU member countries are pleased with their economic and social life and don't worry about the future.

    Hasan Tanla, who presented Agenda 2002, stated that according to the research, the Turkish public wanted to be a member of the EU as a solution to economic problems, unemployment and poverty. Tanla evaluated the results of the research as follows:

    "While Turkish people have a basic expectation which will meet their economic demand and safety, Europeans consider social sharing, an increase of cultural richness, the protection of environment and prevention of crimes and threats with an international effort. While Turkish people perceives EU membership as "to be administrated by Europe," Europeans don't feel at ease because of this issue.

    According to the research, 60 percent of the Turkish public see themselves as only Turk. The rate of those who see themselves as Turk and European is 20 percent. Some 8 percent of Turkish people say, "I am a European." 38 percent of peoples of EU member countries define themselves with the identity of their own nation.

    Sixty eight percent of Turkish people say "yes" to EU membership, 19 percent say "no." Sixty five percent of the people from other EU candidate countries want EU membership, 18 percent don't.

    [08] Demonstrations were held yesterday in the occupied areas

    KIBRIS (21/2/02) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Unions, KTOS (Turkish Cypriot Teachers Trade Union), KTOEOS (Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Trade Union), KTAMS (Turkish Cypriot Public Servants Trade Union), held yesterday a protest march in front of the so-called Prime Ministry building, protesting the stance of the pseudo-government towards the rights of the workers.

    Speaking on behalf of the Trade Unions, the Chairman of KTOEOS, Mr Ahmet Barcin said that the purpose of their demonstrations is for the real face of the pseudo-government to be revealed and for the prosperity and happiness of the Turkish Cypriots. He also described those who work for the pseudo-government as "puppets" and that they try to extinguish the Turkish Cypriots.

    The students of the so-called East Mediterranean University (EMU) and the Union of the Turkish Cypriot Students (KOB) held also a protest march in front of the so-called Prime Ministry Building, demanding to see the so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu for their problems. The most important problem for them is to pay the university tuition fees in Turkish Lira and not in dollars.

    The protesters made a sit-in-protest until the so-called Prime Minister met them. The meeting was kept closed to the press. After the meeting, Eroglu said that they would support the demands of the students.


    [B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

    [09] Turkish Cypriot columnist on the Turkish mentality and the murders of Isaak and Solomou

    Arif Hasan Tahsin of AFRIKA (21.2.02) under the title "It is a matter of mentality" refers to the assassination of the young Greek Cypriots, Tassos Isaak and Solomos Solomou during the incidents in the buffer zone in the area of Derynia village in August 1996. Mr Tahsin reminds the discussion, which recently took place on the "Walnut Hull" programme of the Turkish ATV channel between the leader of the Republican Turkish Party, Mehmet Ali Talat and the then commander of the so-called army corps, Hasan Kundakci and writes, inter alia, the following:

    "On the 'Walnut Hull' programme the incidents on the borders were discussed, which concluded with the death of two Greek Cypriots, the one of whom was killed because he remained stuck on the wire and could not run away and the other because he embraced the pole of the flag.

    According to Mehmet Ali Talat the attitude of the Turkish side during these incidents was wrong. He himself was a deputy Prime Minister during the incidents, although he resigned. And he could not prevent the incidents even if he had warned beforehand all the officials, including the Turkish General Staff. In the end we were disgraced before the world by the fact that the assassination of these two young Greek Cypriots were filmed and showed to the world.

    The then commander of the army corps, Hasan Kundakci Pasha has also intervened in the programme by telephone and discussed with Mehmet Ali Talat. According to Kundakci Pasha, Mehmet Ali Talat was wrong. And what they have done during the above-mentioned incidents at the borders was right. Why it was right? Because, according to the Greek Cypriots, if there was no Turkish army they could live well with the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, Turkish Cypriots would be taken there and show to the Greek Cypriots that they were wrong. And so it was done. However, the 'Turkish Cypriot people' have been reinforced a little by nationalist youths from Turkey. And the issue was settled.

    Very well, what about the security forces. Let us not go too far.

    As far as the young Greek Cypriot who was killed while he was on the pole of the flag, the Pasha said that the Greek Cypriots were about to hold a religious ceremony there. Mr. Denktas thought this was right and informed the pasha about his view. Kundakci Pasha said to Mr. Denktas what to think and did what was necessary. That is, he took measures.

    As he said, Pasha took his measures in the building, which was 60 - 70 metres from the pole of the flag. In the middle there was no army or police. In these circumstances the young Greek Cypriot climbs the pole of the flag and gets shot and dies. ..

    Is the Pasha wrong? No. Is Mehmet Ali Talat the person who is wrong? No. Then who is wrong? According to what is he wrong? According to what is he right?

    This is a matter of mentality. According to the Turkish mentality Kundakci Pasha is right. Just as the producer of the programme, Ertuk Yontem immediately interfered and explained what the flag means for the Turks. Furthermore, the producer of the programme Hulik Cevizoglu has also reminded that it is forbidden to make a cloth from the Turkish flag.

    However, according to the mentality of our times, the person who is right is Mehmet Ali Talat. Those who remember those days, would also remember that an American official said that 'after all, the flag is a piece of cloth'. .

    In countries where the rules of democracy are valid and the modern way of thinking and the Human Rights prevail, in the particular incident:

    1) You could not leave the flag in the middle and hide in a house, which is 60-70metres away, holding arms. If you do these, it is as if you have lied in ambush and you are considered guilty.

    2) How did you understand that the man who embraced the pole of the flag intended to lower the flag?

    3) Have you shouted to him and warned him before shooting? Have you shot in the air? If you were forced to shoot, why didn't you shoot at his feet and you shot his head?

    4) Why didn't you arrest him? Have you tried to do this and failed?

    5) If he lowered the flag would this be the end of the world? Would the area pass under Greek Cypriot occupation?

    Have no doubt that this behaviour of Kundakci Pasha is also contrary to the Turkish laws. Pasha was announcing to the world from the television screen that he has killed a man. However, no one neither then nor now said nor could have said the slightest thing to irritate Kundakci Pasha. But in America or in Europe, this behaviour would bring the man before a court for murder. Yes, the matter is a matter of mentality".

    [10] Afrika: Turkey is using Cyprus not to accede to the EU

    The editorial in Afrika (21/02/02) in the" Letter from Afrika" column says that anti-EU supporters in Turkey work better than those who support Turkey' s EU membership.

    The editorial says:' Unfortunately, it seems that those people who oppose Turkey's EU membership are more effective than those who support Turkey's EU membership.

    It seems they are stronger. However since the overwhelming majority of the people favour the EU, the EU enemies in the administration do not come out openly. They do not identify themselves. They carry out their anti-EU activities behind the scenes. They are making others to do their work. And the mass media is the main sector used by these people.

    There is another obvious thing . Those who control the regime in Turkey are using Cyprus not for entering the EU but not to enter. That is they hide themselves behind soapbox rhetoric speeches. They will say:' We will not sacrifice Cyprus for the EU membership'' and thus they will be able to ward off the EU membership danger for Turkey. Thus they will exploit Cyprus to get rid of the EU. For those who have major interest in the present state of affairs in Turkey, the EU membership is a nightmare . Because if the EU membership is realised then there will be rule of law, democracy and human rights. That is, all the water that is necessary for floating the present obscure dealings will be dried up. The sea of laundering black money will be dried up. Who agrees to this? One would cause the worst harm to those in Turkey that hold the regime in their hand by making Turkey an EU member.

    If Turkey does not become an EU member, of course it loses a lot of things. But it will be the people that will be the looser not those who rule the country.. They do not care about people's suffering.

    They do care about their own interest and not Turkey's interest if Turkey becomes EU member or not.

    It is enough to describe the atmosphere in Turkey if one considers what happened to Karen Fogg, the EU representative in Turkey. Following this incident the EU has asked Turkey to provide security to their staff in Turkey. Not only the EU but other foreign embassies as well demanded the same because they are concerned as well. Everybody knows that behind all these threats lie the 'deep state's'' support. Don't you think that what we are experiencing here in Cyprus is part of that scenario?


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