Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-05-08

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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 President Clerides.

[02] Details of Denktas/ proposals are given by Anatolia News Agency.

[03] Denktas and Eroglu insist on the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.

[04] Karen Fogg comments on Denktas/ unfounded allegations.

[05] Delegation from the so-called TRNC Assembly will go to Switzerland.

[06] Suspicious cattle deaths in occupied Karpass peninsula.

[07] Prime Minister Ecevit spends Tuesday resting.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] Commentary in AFRIKA newspaper stresses that Turkey wishes to continue its military occupation of Cyprus and has become more inflexible after the 11 September terrorist attack in New York

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides

Denktas, who spoke to journalists while departing to attend the talks in the buffer zone, pointed out that Clerides will explain the document which he gave in response to the proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side.

Responding to a question, Denktas said he would brief the parliamentarians regarding developments on the Cyprus issue during the extraordinary meeting of the so-called Republican Assembly. Denktas said: ``Members of the parliament should know the facts as there are many speculations in newspapers. ``

The U.N. Secretary-General's Cyprus Special Envoy Alvaro de Soto is expected to give information to the leaders regarding his contacts held in New York.

During the meeting held on April 29, Mr Denktas presented a comprehensive proposal to the Greek Cypriot side for a solution, however, the Greek Cypriot side rejected the proposals.

Responding to questions of reporters following the meeting which lasted nearly one hour, Denktas said that they had listened to Clerides during today`s meeting adding: ``On Thursday, we will speak. Talks are under way.``

When asked whether President Clerides had explained why he had rejected the Turkish proposals, Denktas said: ``Naturally, he did not talk about the proposals he had rejected but he made criticisms and he put forward his proposals.`` Responding to another question, Denktas said they had not discussed any details about the planned visit of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to Cyprus.

When asked what he expected from Annan`s visit to Cyprus, Denktas said: ``We hope that it would be good. We will speak to him.``

When recalled of his visit to Ankara prior to Annan`s visit to the island, Denktas said that his visit to Ankara had been programmed one month ago and that he would have meetings in Ankara with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and he would give three lectures.

When asked whether or not he would continue negotiating over his proposals as there had not been a definite refusal, Denktas said: ``We criticize their proposals and they criticize ours. There is not a situation like one side accepted the other side's document as the infrastructure.``

Denktas and Clerides will come together once again on May 9.

[02] Details of Denktas/ proposals are given by Anatolia News Agency

Diplomatic sources told A.A correspondent that when preparing this document, the Turkish side which was in favour of the establishment of a new partnership state in the island, made use of systems in countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Canada and the United States and took the United Nations (U.N.) resolutions on Cyprus as basis.

The document renews the partnership vision and foresees the foundation of a new partnership having an international identity. The document proposes that functions and activities in the partner state should be shared and used equally and envisages that partner countries which will have equal status should protect their own constitutional orders.

According to the document which proposes the continuation of the authorities of partner countries like public order, citizenship and justice, authorities of the partner states within the scope of two level sovereignty will be under the sovereignty of the partner state.

According to the proposal of Denktas, authorities will be used by a 12-member partnership council to be set up with an equal participation of the two sides. Besides the presidents, five representatives from both sides will take place in the council.

Presidents will chair the partnership council for a period of two years. Distribution of duties will be made among the other members who will have equal status in the council. The other members will be responsible for foreign affairs, economy, relationship and coordination with the European Union (EU).

The council will work like a coalition government.

The joint parliament which will be composed of deputies from both sides which will be equal in number, will carry out the legislative function, while a higher court of partnership will be formed to inspect whether or not the partnership council and parliament act in line with the founding agreement.

In addition to basic issues, the 20-page document also clears certain issues like exchange of property, guarantee and alliance agreements, sharing of territory and economy.

Denktas proposes in the document that the issue of exchange of property should be solved by barter and compensation and he stresses that the guarantee of both Turkey and Greece should continue. The share of territory should be carried out in accordance with criteria such as ``security, depth, productivity and water sources,`` notes the document and stresses that the gap between the economies of the two sides should be overcome.

The two sides will assess the situation on the island within the scope of revising mechanism after five years and if they are still in favour of cooperation, they can form new organs and give new authorities to the state of partnership.

Denktas does not mention separation or veto in his solution proposal contrary to Greek Cypriot claims, but he gives importance to a compromise namely ``separate majority`` which needs majority separately in both sides. According to Denktas` proposal, the conflicts will be solved by a committee to be formed.

The basic parameter of the Turkish side while preparing the document is ``what kind of a solution is possible and realistic in line with the realities in Cyprus?``

Diplomatic sources said that the incidents which took place in Ireland and Kosovo in front of the world's eyes, and the lack of a clear vision has also played a role in continuation of the tension in Middle East and that the Turkish side aims to put forward a vision with the document of April 29.

[03] Denktas and Eroglu insist on the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus

Explaining that the Greek Cypriots explained to the world that the Turkish Cypriots deserve to live under embargoes, not raise their voices, and not go anywhere, Denktas stressed: "For a Cyprus solution, the Greek Cypriots' lies should be eliminated. We continue to present the world with the facts. The Greek Cypriots, in turn, present their own facts. I suppose that, at some time, the honest and serious persons will sit down and ask to learn about this issue. It will become clear, then, that this issue is the occupation of the whole of Cyprus by the Greek Cypriots and that the Turkish Cypriots have been fighting for 39 years against efforts to turn the whole island into a Greek Cypriot republic. Through their resistance, the Turkish Cypriot people are protecting and will continue to protect their rights of partnership."

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot people are waging a long struggle and that generations have changed, Denktas added: "The new generations should be told about the realities in Cyprus." Denktas then asked in whose interests it is to have Cyprus join the EU before the Cyprus issue is resolved. Recalling that the Greek Cypriots claim that EU membership is in the best interests of Cyprus, Denktas added: "The Cyprus issue is a four-sided issue and Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots want the agreements to be reviewed. The fact that Cyprus cannot be a member of an organization which does not include Turkey is in the international agreements. Cyprus cannot be an EU member even when it is united if we do not agree. How come the EU hasten to have Cyprus as a member when it is divided into two and where UN soldiers are deployed? This is the worst injustice committed against the Turkish Cypriot people. Everybody together, including the rightists and the leftists, should raise their voices against this."

Claiming that it is also wrong to think that it will be better to join the EU because of the economic situation, Denktas added: "Cyprus' EU membership after the Greek Cypriot request will not help to improve the economic situation. On the contrary, the Greek Cypriot side's wealth will destroy the Turkish Cypriots."

Recounting that EU envoy Karen Fogg said in her meetings in Istanbul that she hoped the Turkish Cypriots are saved from Denktas, Denktas said that remarks such as these are made because the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriot opposition are also issuing statements to this effect. Denktas continued: "In fact, it is these mistaken statements and miscalculations that put the issue into a deadlock. Those who seek to solve the Cyprus issue by all kinds of mistakes and lies have failed for 39 years. The issue can be resolved peacefully if the majority is heeded."

On his part the so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, said that there are those who seek to drag the Cyprus issue into other avenues by exploiting the Cyprus issue. Eroglu explained that those who give the economic crisis as an excuse are exerting efforts to establish a pressure group, which seeks a more flexible policy to be pursued during the direct talks. Eroglu continued: "We do not want to pursue a policy of giving for the sake of giving. We are trying for a solution, which will not waste the struggle we waged, which will not leave on the negotiation table the rights we gained, which will not have our people on the roads in the mercy of the Greek Cypriots. It is impossible for the Turkish Cypriots to give up their rights."

Alleging that a mistaken step taken now can pave the path to worst tragedies for the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu added that patience and determination should be displayed. Noting that the problems are temporary, Eroglu said that a shadow should not be cast on the strong roof, sovereignty, and equality.

[04] Karen Fogg comments on Denktas/ unfounded allegations

When recalled of Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas` statement, Fogg said: ``The European Commission I am representing wishes for success in ongoing talks in Cyprus and an agreement which is beneficial to all relevant sides.``

The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas had said that Fogg was continuing her activities aiming to destroy relations between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots and that she had said at the meeting in Istanbul that they should separate the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey and Turkish Cypriots should be saved from Denktas and this was what she fought for, reports A.A. (Anatolia Agency) from Ankara.

Moreover KIBRISLI (08/05/02) reports under banner headlines that during a workshop on the ''Cyprus Problem and Cyprus's EU membership'' which was organized by the Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, Karen Fogg told the Turkish Cypriot journalists attending the workshop: "I worked in the Eastern Block countries during the Cold War era. I have seen that people under oppression cannot take right decisions. In order for people to take the right decision they have to be free. In north Cyprus there is oppression as well. For this reason people are unable to take the right decision. The people in Cyprus should overcome this fear, we have a duty to fulfil .The Turkish Cypriots do not want Turkey. They do not want to live under a colony. They have to struggle for their independence, for their liberation from Turkey and if need be they have to come out to the streets and protest, they have to do sit-in protest and demand their freedom from Turkey. Only this way they could get rid of Denktas.The Turkish Cypriots should stop bowing before Turkey. They should regain their freedom and take the right decisions", Karen Fogg stressed.

Karen Fogg went on and said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas too saw this reality and returned to the negotiation table: "That is Denktas made a choice between the Turkish Cypriot and Turkey and chose the Turkish Cypriot, though a little bit late he sided with the Turkish Cypriots, however, he is still not clear as regards the EU.He is unable to explain himself in Brussels. The advisors around Denktas should be changed. One of them will speak here tomorrow-implying Prof. Mumtaz Soysal- he is an outdated socialist, he is opposing liberalization attempts in Turkey, he is a very nice person, but, he should no more be with Denktas. Nathalie Tocci should be with Denktas (Tocci as well was attending the workshop. She was present when Karen Fogg made this observation). She has started helping him, however, we have to find others as well who will help him''.

Mete Tumerkan: When we consider Brussels' Cyprus stance we see that it does not have an alternative scenario, why? What Solana said is important, this kind of statement will speed up the solution of the problem, and it could motivate the Greek Cypriots.

Karen Fogg: Right, there is no second scenario. You should not see Brussels like Pentagon. The EU is not the USA. The EU is unable to get organized, as it should be. There is no coordination. Brussels is not a place where it produces alternatives and scenarios. Brussels is a little bit unorganised. Sometimes they act independently, one not knowing what the other is doing. Javier Solana spoke like that because of lack of information.

Nathalie Tocci: Yes, he talked like that because of lack of information, but he said few things right. In fact the Commission should assess what Solana said. If something comes up from the Commission the Greek Cypriots will panic. In brief something should be done to motivate the Greek Cypriots.

Karen Fogg: Let us get in touch with Brussels. It will be good if something is found that will make the Greek Cypriots scared. What I noticed during the workshop sessions is that the Turkish side is sensitive regarding the equality. For example what do you say if Brussels says that in the solution which will be found the equality is a must. In fact from what I know on this issue President Clerides has demonstrated the necessary flexibility on this subject. But, the Turks do not think this way. While the workshop was going on I called Brussels and I have asked them to find out from Nicosia exactly how Clerides approaches the issue.

Meanwhile Brussels are yet to calculate what will be if the problem is not solved and the Greek Cypriots unilaterally become EU member. I am trying to warn Brussels that the Turks will materialize their threats, but I am unable to make them understand. The Turks act with their emotion, and for this reason they could create huge problems, we could be face to face with situations worse than the situation in 1997.I am warning Brussels. At this point one should not turn a blind eye to the American factor. The USA could encourage Turkey on this issue. One has to be careful with Richard Pearle. He is very close to the Jews. He wants to detach Turkey from the E.U.

There will be elections in Turkey in the period to come .It is possible that once the election atmosphere prevails the control could be lost totally. The DLP and the ANAP could do something crazy. As a result these parties could get all the right wing votes and increase their strength. Ecevit and Bahceli could do something crazy.

The Motherland Party, ANAP, which is a liberal and democratic party could be out of the race and lose the elections. Bayar's party as well could not show any significant presence. In that case Denktas will be left for the initiative of American Pearle together with Ecevit and Bahceli. Then it will become an impossible problem. One should not forget the elections in Germany; this is another element that could affect the Cyprus problem in a negative manner. We should not forget Israel's role and interest in the regions as well.

Within the EU only few member countries know or show interest in the Cyprus problem. The British and the Germans follow the developments closely, the Spaniards started recently to get interested in Cyprus. In fact it is Lord David Hanney, the British representative who follows the issue for the EU. Nobody knows what he does and what he thinks, he keeps everything for himself, he refuses to cooperate, and he is an old, self-styled diplomat. He conducts diplomacy with old habits. I do not know the level of his relation with the USA. As far as I am concerned these things cannot be conducted this way. I can say the following: The only aim of lord David is to safeguard the existence of the British Sovereign bases in Cyprus.

Lord William Wallace and Nathalie Tocci are trying to help me in drawing alternative scenarios. We have to create alternatives and tell this. We have to explain this to Brussels. You too Nathalie .We can even do this through the CEPS . (as spelled)

For example, if the Greek Cypriots become unilaterally EU members, the EU will recognize the TRNC. In this way we will not leave the Turkish Cypriots at the mercy of Turkey.

Nathalie Tocci: One has to work a little bit on this. It can be given to the press but timing is important.

Karen Fogg: There are three scenarios:

1. A united Cyprus becoming EU member

2. Recognition of the TRNC in case there is no solution and the South becomes EU member

3. Without the settlement the south becomes EU member and the north is annexed to Turkey.

The best scenario is the first scenario and the worst the third. But now we can voice loudly the second scenario thus speeding the solution process. This way we can block the USA's path. These scenarios could be promoted either as CEPS or any other EU institution work.

Mete Tumerkan: During the workshop Mr Ergun Olgun has said that during the meeting with Mr Michael Leigh the proposal to establish contact between the TRNC and the EU Secretariat was rejected.

Nathalie Tocci: In fact in the north Cyprus there is a great mistrust towards the EU. I think it was wrong and it is wrong to establish contact with NGOs and people outside the state. The proposal made by Mr Ergun could be realised without recognition of the TRNC.

Karen Fogg: True, Brussels should have given a positive answer. True, this does not mean recognition. This could be done for trust building.

[05] Delegation from the so-called TRNC Assembly will go to Switzerland

[06] Suspicious cattle deaths in occupied Karpass peninsula

"I try to earn the living of my five children who go to school by raising six cows. I have no other source of income. Two of the cows died suddenly. What am I going to do?", complained Mr Sonmez adding that so-called officials from the "Veterinary Department" visited his farm and took blood from his cows to test it, but he was not informed about the results.

The paper describes the animal deaths in Rizokarapsso as "curious" and adds that two days ago another cow, which belonged to a farmer named Sultan Sari, died there.

[07] Prime Minister Ecevit spends Tuesday resting

The only government statement regarding the issue came from Deputy Prime Minister and coalition junior partner Motherland Party (MP) leader Mesut Yilmaz on Tuesday. Yilmaz said that claims that there will be a shift at the prime minister's office were just gossip, and hoped that this gossip would end once Ecevit started working on Thursday.

Prior to MP's meeting at the party's headquarters, Yilmaz responded to questions from reporters and said, "Unfortunately, such gossip arises in Turkey at times like this. I hope that it will cease once Mr. Prime Minister starts working the day after tomorrow."

When asked whether he had met with pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party (HADEP) top officials on a possible election alliance, Yilmaz noted that he had not held such a meeting, denying reports on the issue.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[08] Commentary in AFRIKA newspaper stresses that Turkey wishes to continue its military occupation of Cyprus and has become more inflexible after the 11 September terrorist attack in New York.

"Those who expect the Turkish officials to make concessions on Cyprus are wrong. Ankara is reluctant to sign an agreement that will not allow it to maintain Turkey's political and military presence on the island. Had the Greek Cypriots realized that in the 1980s they would have definitely adopted a different approach, they would have agreed to the establishment of a federation, as called for by the Turkish Cypriots.

It is true that they agree to a federation now. But, it is too late for that. The Turkish side no longer calls for a federation. It wants something more than that, a separate state that would allow Turkey to maintain its presence in the northern part of the island. Reports said that the new structure will be a Turkish Cypriot state. However, everyone is well-aware that the new state will be similar to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. They [Turks from Turkey] will be the landlords and we will be the tenants.

The Greek Cypriots failed to realize the plans they drew up in the past. They now seem to have lost their hope for a solution. They believed that the world would adopt a firm stand against Turkey's occupation and help the island to reunite. They failed to realize that Cyprus might one day be forced to chose between division or unity and the world might condone Turkey's approach. Nor did they expect the former Soviet Union to disintegrate. The United States placed the UN organization, in fact, the entire world, under its control as soon as the Soviet Union collapsed. Yes, that was what the Greek Cypriots failed to consider. They used the Soviet Union as a trump card against the United States. They were disappointed when it collapsed. And, that was when a call was made for the establishment of a confederation in Cyprus and steps were taken to divide the island.

Turkey is reluctant to sign an agreement that will not allow it to maintain its political and military presence in Cyprus. That is the basic principle in all the proposals Rauf Denktas made until now. Undoubtedly, the attack on the twin towers in New York, the operation against Afghanistan, and the latest incidents between Israel and the Palestinians encouraged Turkey to avoid making concessions on Cyprus. In fact, Ankara, considering the developments that might take place in the Middle East, particularly a possible US operation against Iraq, has become more inflexible on Cyprus.

Washington is said to have proposed to Ankara that Turkey and the United States should launch a joint operation against Iraq. Considering that, would Turkey agree to make concessions on Cyprus?

Would reunion in Cyprus not become an illusion if a joint operation is launched against Iraq, particularly if the Turkish tanks roll to Baghdad?"

KV/SK

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