Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-03-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mesut Yilmaz rules out a change in Turkey/s attitude towards Cyprus.

[02] Sukru Sina Gurel: Turkey against time limit in Cyprus talks.

[03] KIBRISLI claims that Mr Verheugen, on behalf of the "imperialists of the EU" will give "a baksheesh" to the Turkish Cypriots to solve the Cyprus problem.

[04] Denktas:"Our efforts are in vain if guarantees have been given to Clerides".

[05] Denktas sees "foreign hands" which desire to turn upside down the measures in Turkey and the pseudostate.

[06] Forty one organizations criticize Gurel: "This was not support, it is becoming a chain".

[07] A Turkish Cypriot company to be bought by Koc Holding.

[08] CLP and PUM declared the principles of their alliance.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mesut Yilmaz rules out a change in Turkey/s attitude towards Cyprus

``It is clear that Turkey has faced some serious drawbacks in its relations with the EU. The main reason of these evaluates is that Turkey is not a member of the EU. Because, decisions taken unanimously were generally affected negatively with several political considerations. It is a known fact that we have some deficiencies in democracy, human rights and in freedom of thought and expression. It is extremely difficult for Turkey to start full membership negotiations with the EU without removing these deficiencies.

Yilmaz said that the issue of free movement of Turkish workers would be taken up during the full membership negotiations with the EU.

He stressed that the government had never considered the Cyprus question a pre-condition for the EU full membership, and added:

``We should put into practice the principles of human rights, democracy and supremacy of law. However, a different approach in our attitudes about the issues of minorities, Cyprus and the Aegean was out of the question. The Greek Cypriot side`s application for the EU full membership lacks legal frame and it contradicts with the agreements signed in 1960. This application is also against the United Nations negotiation process. It reflects a situation that is contrary to the EU`s own democratic principles and values. This application was made without approval of the `TRNC/. The EU has made a mistake by accepting the Greek Cypriot side`s application before a solution is reached on the island. It is totally wrongful to connect Turkey's EU full membership process with the Cyprus question. Also, it is a serious mistake to consider the Greek Cypriot side that did not have a constitutional government representing the whole island, a candidate country.``

[02] Sukru Sina Gurel: Turkey against time limit in Cyprus talks

Referring to Turkish-EU relations, Gurel said that Turkey wants to develop its relations with Europe, adding that no political party or organization in Turkey is against the EU and that everyone is supportive of Turkey's EU membership. Stressing that it is out of the question for Turkey to make concessions in Cyprus on its path to EU membership, Gurel said: "A crushing majority of the Turkish people do not favour EU membership at whatever cost. In other words, if we are going to accede to the EU by paying a price related or unrelated to the membership or by making concessions in Cyprus and from our individuality, our history, and our identity, then a great majority of the Turkish people would be against that membership".

Gurel underlined that if the Greek Cypriot side does not accept the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots, then a solution cannot be found. He added that a so-called solution that will harm the indestructible ties between Turkey and the pseudostate is unacceptable from the viewpoint of Turkey and the pseudostate. And Mr Gurel concluded: "One cannot claim that we are not abiding by the rules of the game. If it happens it will, if not, then it will not. Then we shall advance on our path. Our path in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots is bright".

Upon being reminded about a statement made by Verheugen, the EU Commissioner in charge of expansion, and by various other EU officials to the effect that Cyprus will be accepted as a member even if a solution is not reached in Cyprus, Gurel asked Verheugen and the other officials to issue different statements in a bid to contribute to the issue. He said that the EU and the other third parties are expected to take positive steps and initiatives aimed at lifting the so-called embargoes imposed on the occupation regime.

[03] KIBRISLI claims that Mr Verheugen, on behalf of the "imperialists of the EU" will give "a baksheesh" to the Turkish Cypriots to solve the Cyprus problem

Above the title the paper reports the following: «The imperialists of the EU, who try to pave the way for Cyprus to take its place (in the EU) as soon as possible, are being prepared to make new financial proposals to give "incentives" to the Turkish Cypriots. Verheugen is coming today to the island with a new package of "assistance". It is reported that in the package there are 70 million Euros and will be transferred to the Turkish Cypriots before the solution...».

Below the title the paper writes the following: «Critical 48 hours. The tension, which is going to be increased within the next 48 hours, could break the rope. Verheugen has a great responsibility on the issue of the continuation of the peace process. Taking into consideration the sensitivity of those who are annoyed by the word "bribe" regarding the financial operations of the EU towards the solution of the Cyprus problem, we are using the word "baksheesh". .

Tomorrow it will be made clear whether the EU supports peace or the continuation of the non-agreement. By supporting the antidemocratic and chauvinistic policy of the Greek Cypriots, the EU could put an end to the peace process.

During his visit to the island, and especially with his attitude on the issue of the embargos, Verheugen is expected to give messages, which are going to influence the fate of the talks. In case the determination of the EU to keep moving with the Greek Cypriots on the issue of the inhuman embargos is finalized, this will be the beginning of the end.

The imperialists of the EU have decided to increase their financial measures in order to persuade the Turkish Cypriots on a solution in the direction they (the EU) want. According to the decisions, in addition to the 206 million Euros, which are planned to be given to the Turkish Cypriots after the solution, another 70 million Euros will be granted before the solution.

According to information coming from EU circles, the 70 million "aid" will be granted to the Turkish Cypriots in 2003. However, no declaration has been made yet regarding the way this money is to be given or to whom it will be given.

When Verheugen comes to the island he will once again say to 'President' Denktas that the EU does not intent to postpone the accession of Cyprus. Lifting the embargos will be demanded from Verheugen who is expected to meet with Denktas on Friday afternoon. .».

[04] Denktas: "Our efforts are in vain if guarantees have been given to Clerides"

Talking yesterday during the ceremony for giving the road between the occupied cities of Nicosia and Kyrenia to traffic, Mr Denktas referred to the guarantees reportedly given to President Clerides and said: "Then we are trying in vain. The people who have taken guarantees could not create with us a new partnership on equal conditions, think at the same level with us, deem us worthy of our rights, which we have gained at the cost of our life, and make an agreement with us within the framework of all these".

Addressing the Greek Cypriots, Mr Denktas "warned" them saying: "If those who gave you these guarantees do not give the same guarantees to us as well, if they do not ensure our equality, then why do you expect us on the table to sign something?. I am saying this as a sincere warning, because some officials in the Greek Cypriot side write that certain states and international institutions have given guarantees to the Greek Cypriot side. If these guarantees have been really given, which I do not believe, then it means that we are trying in vain.".

It is noted that the road, which was "officially" opened yesterday had been completed in 1998. According to YENIDUZEN (7.3.02), which refers to the issue under the front-page title "Comedy!", the road had been built in 1985 with the assistance of Saudi Arabia and Turkey gave after that the money for the construction of two more lanes.

[05] Denktas sees "foreign hands" which desire to turn upside down the measures in Turkey and the pseudostate

Talking yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of the Turkish Scouts' Federation, Mr Denktas claimed that foreigners give money to some people in Turkey and the pseudostate in order to raise their voice against the policy of Turkey on the Cyprus problem.

"The Turkish Cypriots are not those people. The silent, strong majority of the Turkish Cypriots is wholeheartedly committed to the Motherland", he alleged.

[06] Forty one organizations criticize Gurel: "This was not support, it is becoming a chain"

Speaking yesterday at a Press conference organized at the offices of the Trade Union of the so-called "Public Servants" (KTAMS), Ahmet Barcin, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers Trade Union (KTOEOS), read a joint statement in which the "41" accuse Mr Gurel of putting chains to the Turkish Cypriots, instead of supporting them.

[07] A Turkish Cypriot company to be bought by Koc Holding

According to the paper, 37 employees of the company, who are bound by a contract, will remain without a job.

[08] CLP and PUM declared the principles of their alliance

During the press conference the leaders of the two political parties announced that their decision to join forces is not an "alliance for the elections" and added that they have not decided yet if they are going to have common candidates for the so-called municipal elections. They also distributed a brochure with their basic principles.

On the Cyprus problem, they support a solution based on the political equality of the two communities, which protects the rights and interests of the two communities according to the parameters which are under the UN auspices, the UN's initiative and Cyprus' accession to the EU. They also support the continuation without interference of the current face-to-face talks.

They also support the contacts between the two communities.

KV/SK

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