Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-05-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader declares that he cares more about his status than for the rights of the Greek Cypriots who were forced by the Turkish army to abandon their homes and properties.

[02] Kofi Annan stresses that the unification of Cyprus will benefit everyone in Cyprus and the entire region.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot leader insists on sovereignty for his pseudostate.

[04] HURRIYET/s correspondent in the occupied areas reports that the Turkish side secured important gains from Annan/s visit.

[05] Rauf Denktas is satisfied from the results of the visit of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus.

[06] Relatives and friends of Sabri have been arrested.

[07] Mesut Yilmaz stated that there are many opening Denktas can do on Cyprus.

[08] Talat: We have no other choice than solving the Cyprus problem.

[09] How the Turkish Cypriot newspaper covered the UN Secretary-General's departure from Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Sener Levent criticizes Ankara, Denktas and the United States of America.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader declares that he cares more about his status than for the rights of the Greek Cypriots who were forced by the Turkish army to abandon their homes and properties

Birand asks Denktas if the UN Secretary-General's arrival in Cyprus changed anything. Denktas says: "It changed a lot. He understood us. He understood our reasons. I believe he saw that some of the reports on certain issues were somewhat exaggerated -- let us say in our favour or against us. He saw the facts. From my viewpoint, it was very good."

What will happen now, Birand questions Denktas, adding that the June deadline is no longer valid. Denktas notes: "I was insisting that nothing can be discussed before our status is discussed. During these four months, we discussed many things, with me insisting on our status and our sovereignty. The Greek Cypriot side kept on rejecting these. Now, it was accepted that our status is also a core issue as far as we are concerned, and that this will be discussed. This is something big for us." "Now, the status issue has been incorporated into the agenda. Therefore, I am willing to discuss anything now, dependent on my status." "Now that the status is also to be discussed, we are relaxed. Even if we agree on everything else, no agreement has been reached unless we agree on the status."

Referring to the issues to be discussed from now on, Denktas remarks: "It is clear that the territorial issue will be discussed last. There was a request to discuss the refugee issue together with the territory. As for the refugee issue, we declared that we cannot accept the Greek Cypriots coming to claim their property. This matter will be settled through compensation."

Birand asks if the Turkish side does not want any refugees. Denktas replies: "It is not that the Greek Cypriots will return to claim their property. If, in the future, any Greek Cypriot wants to work here, he can obtain a permit from the Turkish administration and come to settle here. However, there is no such thing that all the Greek Cypriots have the right to come and settle here."

Birand points out that the EU will prepare a report on Cyprus at the end of June. Denktas interrupts, and says: "If the EU writes a report without taking into consideration the existence of the Turkish Cypriots, the fact that the Turkish Cypriots' accession conditions are still under discussion, and that for Cyprus to be admitted into the EU, it needs Turkey's consent and even Turkey's prior EU membership, then it will again create difficulties for us. Let them think carefully before writing these reports. I hope that the Secretary-General will tell the EU: Do not upset my work again. You disrupted these talks by interfering. Do not disrupt my work again just because a report must be prepared in June. Give these people a chance. Let them try until the end. Let them seek ways to a conciliation."

If the EU gives Turkey a date for negotiations, will there be a flexibility in the Turkish attitude on Cyprus, Birand asks. Denktas responds: "Why are you linking these issues? The Cyprus problem is a separate issue. It was deliberately posited before Turkey. It is being shown as a reason in order to delay Turkey's accession or not to admit Turkey as a member. The Turkish media should rebel against this. Turkey has not created the Cyprus problem. The Greek Cypriots created the Cyprus problem together with Greece."

Asked if he is more hopeful after Annan's visit, Denktas says that the Turkish Cypriots never felt that the talks had reached a breaking point. He adds: "We are genuinely trying to defend and explain our rights, but we were encountering difficulties because Alvaro de Soto was siding with the Greek Cypriots. We were not intending to break off the talks, despite the Greek Cypriot signs to that effect." At this point, Denktas declares, "if the picture formed by Mr Annan as a result of our explanations remains intact, we will feel relaxed."

[02] Kofi Annan stresses that the unification of Cyprus will benefit everyone in Cyprus and the entire region

Birand begins by asking Annan about his impressions of Cyprus. Annan notes: "I have visited many places of conflict. Today, when I walked on the Green Line, I thought it was an interesting visit. Visitors feel very safe here." "I believe that there is great potential on this island, and the people will benefit greatly from unification. Unification will serve their interests. This historic opportunity can be used."

Recalling Annan's news conference, Birand notes that Annan said that he is not returning empty-handed, but from a distance, Birand says, it looks like we are in square one. In response, Annan says that this may be true for those who were expecting a miracle from the visit. "However, I came here to give the leaders a message to attain a tangible peace. We have been working on this for a long time. We are now facing a historic opportunity, and we should not miss it." Annan states that he calls this a historic opportunity because many different elements have come together. "The two leaders established contact for the solution of the problem. Clerides said progress must be registered by June. In fact, everything is going well. What is needed is a change in attitude and the method of negotiation. Therefore, both sides should address the sensitive and basic points of the other. I believe that this matter can be resolved by the end of June."

Annan continues: "Mr Clerides believes that significant progress can be recorded by June. Mr Denktas has certain doubts, and he thinks this will be difficult. However, clearly, I believe that if genuine efforts are exerted, progress can be registered within the framework of mutual concessions, both for the people of this island and for the region."

Birand states that of the five UN Secretary-Generals he worked with, Denktas chose Annan, not because he is here now, but because he carefully listened to him. In reaction, Annan says: "As a mediator, my duty is to listen to both sides very carefully. I must guide them toward a common point. At this point, it is necessary to be a good listener."

Birand asks Annan what Turkey can do on this subject and whether Turkey and Greece should give a push for a solution. The UN Secretary-General replies: "I believe that Turkey should support this process, because this will benefit the Turkish Cypriots as well as Turkey. Therefore, I publicly called on both sides to support this effort in a constructive and continuous manner. I trust them to give this support."

Asked if he actually called on Ankara and Athens to intervene, Annan says: "I do not mean they should intervene in the direct talks. They should encourage the sides to reach a peaceful solution and to capture this moment. Both the island and the Turkish Cypriots will greatly benefit from this. There is much the entire region can gain from this."

Finally, Birand asks if Annan believes that a solution can be reached by the end of the year. In response, Annan declares: "I am hopeful in this regard. I believe that we will find a solution this year." "In the end, if the leaders of the sides miss this opportunity, they will have denied it to their people. They should then accept the responsibility and realize that they are depriving their people, especially the younger generations, of a peaceful and brighter future. History will judge them, as will their people. We are all of a certain age, and we are thinking of the kind of legacy we will leave for the next generations."

[03] The Turkish Cypriot leader insists on sovereignty for his pseudostate Illegal Bayrak Radio (16.05.02) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader,

Asked if it is true that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan read out a text at the meeting yesterday, Denktas replied that Annan read a written statement consisting of his own views. Denktas said: "We do that too sometimes. That is what is called a non-paper. Instead of saying everything by heart, you read it out. It is not a paper."

[04] HURRIYET/s correspondent in the occupied areas reports that the Turkish side secured important gains from Annan/s visit

The paper's occupied area correspondent Huseyin Alkan reports that "while the UN Secretary-General was coming to Cyprus he intended to warn Denktas. However, when he met with Denktas in the north the picture had changed. The Turkish side made important gains."

Alkan alleges that the UN had openly supported the Turkish thesis that the Greek Cypriots are not the sole legal representative of the island and approved the Turkish stance that a new partnership state should be formed, which will have separate flag and national anthem. He also claims that the Turkish side was also relieved from the timetable pressure regarding a solution. The new target for a settlement now is the month of December.

During the meeting the other day with Denktas the UN Secretary-General, reports Alkan, did not put on the negotiation table a settlement plan. Annan has requested the following four things from Denktas:

1. Reach an agreement on core issues until June.

2. With a view to accelerating the process allow the strengthening of the role of Alvaro de Soto, who is representing the UN in the talks. (Annan tacitly has asked Denktas' support regarding the UN plan, which will be put on the negotiation table).

3. In order to succeed, take bold steps and enter into give and take process.

4. Spend efforts to find a settlement that will be suitable for EU membership.

The UN Secretary-General stressed that it is possible to reach a compromise solution regarding the property issue on which the Turkish side is sensitive and the territorial issue on which the Greek Cypriots are sensitive.

Referring to the dinner given by the UN Secretary-General in honour of the two leaders, HURRIYET correspondent claims that, first the idea that a written statement would be issued to the journalists waiting outside the residence of the local UN official in which the leaders' pledges would have been listed. First, for a settlement end of June was mentioned, Denktas said that he could not take such a responsibility. This time the date was decided as December. In the beginning Clerides had approved this new date. Annan did not object to this new date.

[05] Rauf Denktas is satisfied from the results of the visit of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus

Asked whether it could be said that the visit of Mr Annan was successful from the point of view of bringing onto the agenda of the direct talks towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem the issue of the status of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr Denktas stated: "I think so. I believe it is so. We shall see at tomorrow's (today's) meeting how Clerides understands this. .".

Reiterating his position that he could not accept return of Greek Cypriot refugees back to their homes, the Turkish Cypriot leader defined what he means when he refers to his "status": ".Recognize my status, means accept that I am sovereign. .We cannot talk about the refugees' coming back. Why have we separated, why do we talk about bi-zonality? We said all these to prevent new fights and damages. .Our status is very important for us. .We have been forced to establish a state, because we were thrown out of our state. We remained without a state. Therefore, we will not abandon our state and we want our status to be defined.".

Referring to his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Mr Denktas said: ".The Secretary-General is an excellent and neutral realistic statesman and he is a real gentleman. He is an excellent diplomat. His personality really gives prestige to his position. I respect him very much. He listened to us and afterwards we felt that some of his views changed.".

Asked what we should expect in the near future and whether or not the target of reaching a solution until June is still valid, Mr Denktas answered: "When departing today the Secretary-General may have talked about June, but he departed knowing that June belongs to the past and there is a chance for Cyprus until the end of the year. ."

[06] Relatives and friends of Sabri have been arrested

The paper writes that the four persons were arrested at Pergamos village and were taken to the so-called "Famagusta Police Headquarters" to give a statement. A spokesman of the so-called "police" said that they would decide later whether or not they would take them to "court".

Furthermore, AFRIKA (17.05.02) writes that the four persons were kept under custody for 24 hours and taken to so-called "Court", which accused them of "violating a forbidden military zone without permission and passed to the South". Sabri's family and friends will be "tried" by a military "court". Their passports and identity cards were confiscated and they are forced to show up at the "police" once a week until the day of the "trial".

[07] Mesut Yilmaz stated that there are many openings Denktas can do on Cyprus

Yilmaz said that what has remained are the structure of a partner state and the land distribution, adding: "There are many openings that esteemed Denktas could do on these issues". He also added that in case this happens, tensions between the EU-Turkey relations will be prevented and the scenario of the Greek Cypriot side acceding to the European Union will be put at risk.

Replying to a question on the problems related to the ongoing negotiations in Cyprus, Yilmaz said that Turkish Cypriots compatriots will not be satisfied when the Greek Cypriots become a member of the EU and the Turkish side is excluded from the Copenhagen summit.

[08] Talat: We have no other choice than solving the Cyprus problem

In statements prior to the meeting with the Finnish ambassador, Talat said that the most important aspect of the ongoing talks is the solution of the Cyprus problem and not whether it is solved by June or not. He also added that during the contacts the UN Secretary-General carried out in the island it was stressed by the Turkish Cypriot leaders that the Turkish Cypriots are the ones who need the solution more than anyone else.

[09] How the Turkish Cypriot newspapers covered the UN Secretary-General's departure from Cyprus

KIBRIS: "Kofi Annan left from the island satisfied "

HALKIN SESI: "Annan is satisfied"

YENI DEMOKRAT: "Annan's historic visit is completed, Annan is satisfied"

YENIDUZEN: "We will celebrate with champagne" and with the sub-title that Annan hopes that the core issues will be solved by the end of June

BIRLIK: "Annan: This historic opportunity must be evaluated"

KIBRISLI: "All this work has been for nothing"

AFRIKA: "The last round. Let us wait for more six months and we will see" and with the sub-title "Annan came, saw and left"

ORTAM: "Perseverance is needed"

VATAN: "Annan: I am satisfied"

VOLKAN: "Disappointment"

YENI CAG: "Annan insists on June"

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[10] Sener Levent criticizes Ankara, Denktas and the United States of America

"Denktas says: 'I defend Turkey's interests on the table'. Ecevit is more clear: 'Denktas represents Turkey on the table'. Now, we shall not ask once more: 'Then who represents the Turkish Cypriots?' We could ask for whom is the sovereignty, which Denktas wants. As he represents Turkey on the table, does he want the sovereignty for Turkey? And another question. Until today has Turkey not given us our sovereignty? It established a separate state. It did not give it sovereignty. It rules this state. Then, for which sovereignty are they talking about? For our sovereignty or for Turkey's?

After the visit of Annan some people are strangely wasting their time. Because they have nothing else to do than declare their optimism once more! There are some people who speak early in the morning on radio programs, stretch as if they have achieved a victory and say 'Have you seen? Our party is on the right track'. These are not the ordinary people. There are those who consider themselves 'enlightened persons' and 'being ahead of the society'.

Annan came and left. What have we gained from this? Have we earned something more or have we lost what we had? As you see they have stolen another six months from our life. We will be desperately struggling and going like this, in this swamp for six more months. For six more months we shall hope and go mad calling for a solution! And the most important of all, for six more months we shall be forced to bear the rule of Ankara.

Annan, who had the backing of the USA and sat on the table more as a representative of the USA than as a representative of the UN, fulfilled all the wishes of Washington. Washington did not want a formal paper now. He did not bring any paper. It did not want any pressure on the Turkish side. He exerted no pressure. Washington asked Annan to suspend the issue until December and not finalize it in June. Annan fulfilled this too. What more can he do?

The USA was never supportive to the solution in Cyprus, to an agreement, peace and the integrity of the island. Neither was Denktas. In any case, the USA and Denktas cannot be on different sides. Turkey too cannot be on a different side. No one of them wants the independence and integrity of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots to live brotherly with the Greek Cypriots. There are people in Greece and in the Greek Cypriot side who also do not want these. However, let us look at ourselves now.

How will these six months pass? What will happen in Northern Cyprus until December? What were they doing during the first round? After Denktas and Clerides suddenly turned into peacemakers and sat on the table, they attacked those who want peace. The oppression and violence suddenly escalated. The second and last round is more dangerous. The USA, Denktas and Ankara's increasing the violence against those who raise their voice in Northern Cyprus, is very possible now. The USA does not want Turkey to be described as 'occupying force' in Cyprus and any voices to be raised against it! .".

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