Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-03-22

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] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting Thomas Weston.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader continues to make statements although a blackout is supposed to be in force. He brands the EU representatives spies.

[03] Statements by Mesut Yilmaz in Brussels.

[04] Rauf Denktas: "Serbia - Montenegro Agreement is a guideline".

[05] Denktas claims he has made "important concession" by accepting the establishment of a new partnership.

[06] Ecevit: Cheney listened the Turkish views on the Cyprus problem and made no comment.

[07] Cyprus Confederation of Trade Unions is established.

[08] The occupation regime to build a water dam in the area of Limnitis village.

[09] A blow to the so-called Passport Law.

[10] The occupation regime demands a 48-hour advance notice from journalists wishing to cross the checkpoint.

[11] Another death faster dies in Turkish prisons.

[12] State Minister attacks Anna Lindh.

[13] Turkey can be one of the five biggest countries in the EU.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting Thomas Weston Illegal Bayrak Radio (21.3.02) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, met with Thomas Weston, US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus, yesterday and conferred with him for some time. The meeting lasted for one hour and 35 minutes.

In reply to another question, Denktas said: "There are real difficulties and both sides should show sincere and joint efforts to overcome them."

In a statement after the meeting, Denktas said that he was pleased to have met Weston and added: "We will see what we will do". Denktas thanked Weston for his interest.

Weston, in turn, said that they conducted a favourable exchange of ideas at the meeting, and expressed his appreciation for the continuation of the direct talks at this stage.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader continues to make statements although a blackout is supposed to be in force. He brands the EU representatives spies

Denktas, in turn, said that if the two sides in Cyprus seek to live harmoniously, they should not violate each others' rights. Explaining that the Turkish Cypriots signed the 1960 agreements as a founding member, Denktas stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side will not agree to a lower status than this one in a partnership expected to be set up in the future.

Noting that the difficulties encountered at the meetings are continuing, Denktas alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are continuing with patience and goodwill to secure a lasting agreement, which will not be a return to the period from 1963 until 1974.

Pointing out to initiatives under way to slowly wear him out, Denktas added: "I am representing a people. Nothing will happen if I am worn out. The people cannot be destroyed. It is the same people and they will never accept something which I have not accepted on their behalf just because I am worn out. The day they realize this, they will stop this exercise in futility. They will determine what the people really want and stop submitting false reports".

Denktas further said that the EU representatives' performances and approaches to the Karen Fogg incident raised grave doubts within him. Alleging that the EU representatives in Cyprus and Turkey are misleading the EU by submitting fictitious reports, Denktas added: "An EU representative presents a report, which says that nobody listens to Denktas, after distorting a poll in Cyprus. The EU officials, in turn, formulate their assessments on this false information". Denktas continued by further alleging that everybody has already realized that fictitious reports, which completely ignore the Turkish Cypriot cause, will not assist the Greek Cypriots to become EU members more easily.

Claiming that the actions of Fogg are obvious, Denktas added: "Mrs Fogg's actions cast a blemish on the glory and reputation of the EU representatives. I hope that the EU representatives will, from now on, take into consideration the people and their rights wherever they go. I hope that the EU representatives will be instructed to engage in diplomacy instead of spying. In this way, we can build our confidence once again".

Stating that it is necessary to give some thought on the reasons why one of the sides stoops low to such actions, Denktas added: "What is the need to have so many spies if they seek to take us to a good place, in which our rights will also be protected? Why is there a need for so many lies? This means that they are afraid to tell us the truth". Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots realize the plots being devised on the EU membership issue, Denktas added: "The published information actually hit its mark; however, it does not mean that all those in Fogg's list leaked information".

Denktas further said that the following questions should be posed to the EU: "How can you send such representatives? How can you make them cause such destruction? How can you pass sentence on the Turkish Cypriots, who are fighting a fight for their freedom?"

Referring to the issued of the illegal settlers from Turkey who moved to occupied Cyprus after 1974 within Turkey's policy of changing the demographic structure of occupied Cyprus Denktas said: "Those who settled here 20-30 years ago are TRNC citizens. We will not accept anybody to discriminate among the citizens".

[03] Statements by Mesut Yilmaz in Brussels

Yilmaz, currently in Brussels to attend the European Convention, the platform where Europe's future will be shaped, made statements to the representatives of the Turkish mass media with regard to Turkish-EU relations. The aim is to set a definite date to start full membership negotiations during Denmark's term presidency, Yilmaz explained, adding: "We are the ones who wanted to become a candidate and who made commitments. It is wrong to turn the moves that must be undertaken for membership into subjects of negotiation. Commitments should not be viewed as concessions. The most important step to be taken now is to implement these commitments".

Yilmaz stated that no candidate that has not complied with the Copenhagen criteria has a chance to become a member. Failure to keep the promises made to the EU will be Turkey's shortcoming, Yilmaz explained, adding that Ankara is not being discriminated against at this stage. He went on: "We, in Turkey, must reach the conclusion that the country's national integrity can be preserved even with the Copenhagen criteria. All the concerns stem from this".

Explaining that the necessary atmosphere to implement the reforms can be brought about by a harmonious government, Yilmaz said that the current period is critical, and once this phase is overcome, subsequent governments will not change the course of membership.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Yilmaz said that if the EU fails to pressure the Greek Cypriot administration, ignores the arrangements for a solution, and regards the south as the representative of the entire island, insurmountable problems will emerge between Turkey and the EU.

As for the European Security and Defense Policy, Yilmaz remarked, Greece must make concessions, and added: Greece is now one against 14. We expect the matter to be resolved by the end of Spain's presidency.

Answering questions concerning terrorist organizations, Yilmaz charged that the EU has always acted in an egoistic fashion with regard to terrorism and lived by the philosophy that the snake that does not bite me can live forever. Criticizing the EU's failure to include the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] and the DHKP-C [Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front] in the list of terrorist organizations, Yilmaz said that the EU is only concerned with whether these organizations constitute a threat to itself.

[04] Rauf Denktas: "Serbia - Montenegro Agreement is a guideline"

In a written statement from Denktas/ Office, it was noted that, between the people of the said states, unlike in Cyprus, there are no religious, language and race differences.

In the statement, it was mentioned that Serbia and Montenegro have agreed in principle that it is not possible to have a forced marriage, and in a civilized manner they reached a conclusion, and that there are lessons to be taken from this agreement for Cyprus. In the statement Serbia and Montenegro are being congratulated for this agreement.

The statement went on and said: "The Serbs are 10 million and the Montenegrins six hundred thousand, but in the agreement they reached, they recognized each other's equal sovereignty, both sides have their own constitution, and these will continue. In case a common constitution is being drafted, it will be harmonized with the existing constitutions. According to the agreement, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Human and Minority rights and Foreign Economic Policy will be carried out by the commonly created ministries. Serbia and Montenegro will be able to use two different monetary units. Their customs regulations as well could be different. Currently, Montenegro is represented in the International bodies and in foreign missions on a proportional basis, and this arrangement will continue. Defence and Foreign Ministers shall serve on a rotation basis. The Federal Army shall be under the command of the Supreme Defence Council, which is made up of the Presidents of Serbia and Montenegro and the central Federal President.

The decisions shall be taken by consensus. The citizens of each country will serve their military service in their country, respectively.

In the single Parliament, for issues concerning Montenegro the majority of the Montenegrin deputies' decision will be valid.

In judiciary, equal representation is envisaged. This agreement is for three years. At the end of the third year one of the sides could leave the Union by a referendum. If this union, which is established as a middle road against Montenegro's insistence on independence, works, it will continue, otherwise at the end of the third year they will separate".

[05] Denktas claims he has made "important concession" by accepting the establishment of a new partnership

Talking to illegal TAK news agency Mr Denktas was asked to comment on a statement by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides who had allegedly stated that the Turkish positions on Cyprus are not reasonable and that the Greek Cypriot side would not accept a partionist solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr Denktas said that "you have to make the right diagnosis for the Cyprus problem if you want to be able to estimate whether our proposals are reasonable or not".

Repeating his usual allegation regarding the period 1963 - 1974, the Turkish Cypriot leader added: "What we want today is for the past not to be repeated. Those who see us as a minority in a Greek Cypriot Republic may find difficulties in understanding and accepting this. However, they have to accept this reality. We, as Turkish Cypriot side, have made the most important concession, which will open the way of the whole of Cyprus to the EU. If they do not appreciate this and they are still opposing the establishment of a new partnership based on the co-operation of two states, this concerns only themselves. We are exerting efforts for a real partnership, which will not allow the Greek Cypriot domination, will not dilute the bi-zonality and the Turkish guarantees and will lead the two people to peace through the exchange of properties and compensations".

[06] Ecevit: Cheney listened the Turkish views on the Cyprus problem and made no comment

Talking at his party's parliamentary group, Mr Ecevit noted that he reminded the alleged efforts for genocide against the Turkish Cypriots and argued that the sufferings of the Turkish Cypriots could not be ignored. The Turkish prime Minister claimed that the Cyprus problem could easily be solved if "first of all the EU withdraw its support to the Greek Cypriots and the undeniable reality, which cannot be ignored, is accepted".

Mr Ecevit continued referring to his meeting with Mr Cheney: "I noted that the continuation of the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is very important not only for the Turkish Cypriots, but for Turkey itself as well. Cheney listened to these, made no comment and gave no answer".

[07] Cyprus Confederation of Trade Unions is established

The new organization was established on the initiative of the trade unions of the Turkish Cypriot primary and secondary school teachers, KTOS and KTOEOS respectively, the trade union of the so-called public servants, KTAMS and the Revolutionary Trade Unions Federation, DEV - IS.

The decision for the establishment of "Cyprus Confederation of Trade Unions" was announced yesterday by the chairmen of KTOS, Erdogan Sorakin, KTAMS, Ali Seylani, KTOEOS Ahmet Barcin and DEV- IS, Ali Gulle.

Referring to the reasons of the creation of the new organization, Mr Sorakin said that during the last few years some very serious incidents happened in the occupied areas and economic and social problems were caused. Referring to the so-called "passport law" and the "law" limiting the protest meetings and marches Mr Sorakin said that some so-called "laws" remind of a civilian coup.

Meanwhile, AFRIKA (22.3.02) writes that the four trade unions decided to establish the Confederation ignoring TURK - SEN's chairman Onder Konuloglu, because as the paper claims he does not belong to the Republican Turkish Party (RTP).

[08] The occupation regime to build a water dam in the area of Limnitis village

Mr Albayrak said that the dam must in any case be built and added that the water, which was brought with balloons from Turkey in the last four years, was 2.5 million cubic metres, whereas after the Limnitis dam is completed they could save 5 million cubic metres of water annually.

[09] A blow to the so-called Passport Law

The "law" foresees that the people who will possess a passport of the Cyprus Republic will be punished with imprisonment and heavy fines. The research was based on a single question: "Do you approve the passport law?" Two hundred and six persons participated in the poll within one hour and a half and they sent the message to the occupation authorities that they are against the so-called law. One hundred and ninety persons voted against the "law" and only sixteen persons approved it.

The opposition objects to that "law", which is against their human rights and they will never quit from their rights in the Cyprus Republic, writes YENIDUZEN.

[10] The occupation regime demands a 48-hour advance notice from journalists wishing to cross the checkpoint

[11] Another death faster dies in Turkish prisons

Hundreds of leftist prisoners and a few of their supporters began the hunger strikes more than a year ago, to protest plans to introduce new prisons with small cells for one to three inmates. The hunger strikes later turned into death fasts. The protesters say the small cells isolate prisoners and leave them vulnerable to abuse by prison guards.

Accusations of torture are common in police stations in Turkey, a candidate for European Union membership.

The government says the new prisons meet European standards and argues the old-style dormitory wards were controlled by political and criminal gangs.

Ankara says the hunger strikers are controlled by leftist "terrorists" of the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) and has refused to negotiate with them.

The hunger strikers have prolonged their protests by drinking sugared and salted water and by taking vitamins to stay alive.

[12] State Minister attacks Anna Lindh

Arseven said that to name a candidate of the European Union as a dictatorship regime was not only unfair and uninformed, but moreover an insolence. He returned to Turkey after taking part at the ministerial meetings of the U.N. Human Rights Commission, held in Geneva, Switzerland. He told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that he had informed the participants of the constitutional changes, adaptation laws and the human rights reforms made by Turkey.

He also stated that his meeting with the U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner had been very positive, quoting the High Commissioner as saying that she had been following the human rights reforms and legal amendments closely.

Arseven claimed that Lindh had put Turkey in the same basket as Belarus and China, claiming that Turkey was a country of dictators where Kurds have been assaulted.

"We rejected this accusation, stating that Turkey is a democratic country administered by a Turkish Republic government which came to power through elections," he said.

The Turkish minister's response to the Swedish minister also included a comment that Sweden was the only state among the 15 EU members, which had been confusing human rights with terrorism.

Arseven has invited the Swedish ambassador to his office to express his uneasiness over the comments of the Swedish Minister.

The Foreign Ministry and Turkish Embassy in Sweden will also take action against the words of Lindh, Arseven was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.

[13] Turkey can be one of the five biggest countries in the EU

Sen stated: "Turkey has been experiencing a new process since the Helsinki summit in the field of relations between Turkey and the EU. Turkey can gain benefits for the road to the EU through close relations between Turkey and Spain. Thus, one of the crucial goals of Turkey must be to start negotiations."

Furthermore, he added: "In case of full-membership, Turkey is going to send 71 representatives to the European Parliament. Our voting right in the EU Council will be 29. Also, Turkey will send one member to the EU Commission, one to the Court of Accounts, and one to the Court of Justice."

KV/SK

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