Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-07-22

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Sukru Sina Gurel says Turkey's strategic partnership with the US includes Cyprus.

[02] Sukru Sina Gurel expects the Americans to understand Turkey's concerns about the region in a possible operation against Iraq.

[03] Bulent Ecevit denies that Turkey is bargaining the solution in Cyprus in exchange of a possible US operation in Iraq.

[04] Turkey expects an intervention in Cyprus advantageous for the Turkish Cypriots in return of Turkey's support for a US operation against Iraq.

[05] Sukru Sina Gurel stresses that Turkey will make no concessions in Cyprus.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader wants to enter the EU hand in hand with Turkey.

[07] The Turkish Prime Minister stresses that Turkey will make no concessions in Cyprus.

[08] Turkish Naval Forces Commander says the direct talks on Cyprus aim at providing respect for the rights and strategic interests of Turkey.

[09] Turkey to support the Turkish Cypriot farmers with 24 trillion Turkish liras.

[10] British Ambassador to Turkey: There is no legal obstacle to Cypriot membership of the EU.

[11] Denktas claims that there are important oil reserves between the north of Cyprus and south of Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Sukru Sina Gurel says Turkey's strategic partnership with the U.S. includes Cyprus

The interview begins with the question of early elections, and Gurel expresses the belief that the Assembly will adopt a decision to hold elections on 3 November.

Yetkin poses a question on US Deputy Secretary of Defence Paul Wolfowitz's recent talks in Ankara and Turkey's position regarding a possible US operation against Iraq. Pointing out that the US delegation did not come to Turkey expecting a decision from Turkey, Gurel states: "We conveyed our views very candidly. There is nothing more natural than our thinking together, because of our strategic partnership with the United States. Our understanding of the strategic partnership with the United States is one that requires close consultation pertaining to regional problems as well as all other problems that concern the two countries. Therefore, there is nothing more natural than such an exchange of views. We exchange views on other issues as well, as we should.

"It is not clear when the United States will undertake a move, but we hold a very different position despite this strategic partnership. If such an intervention is to take place in the region, if the United States will intervene in one of the regional countries, the nature, dimensions, and lasting effects of such an intervention will concern and influence Turkey much more than the United States. We live in this region, this neighbourhood. We are not planning to depart from this neighbourhood. This is our home. However, the conditions in this region are also evident. This is the world's most problematic and active region afflicted with clashes, impending clashes, and uncertainties. We live here whereas the United States produces policies in all parts of the world, and is able to do so. We do not hold such a position. Moreover, the United States may calculate the short- and medium-term affects of its policies regarding various regions from its own perspective, but it may not feel obliged to consider the long-term affects of these policies in terms of the relevant region. Therefore, we have such a difference with the United States, and they are aware of this. We should evaluate our strategic partnership and conduct our consultations along these lines, and we must certainly consider addressing other issues within the framework of this strategic partnership as well.

"Looking at the past, we see that the Gulf crisis created great difficulties for us and affected us very significantly. This did not only impact on our share of regional trade, which is the material aspect of the matter, it also brought us against a more serious threat, whereby the terrorist organization aiming to divide our country gained strength by benefiting from the new conditions. This impact was long-lasting."

Asked to expound on the significance of the strategic partnership, Gurel notes, "We must be aware of and be able to openly talk about the intentions of the United States for this region as well as other places. After that, we should try to adopt a joint stand on these matters. Even if we are unable to adopt a joint stand on every issue, we should balance each other's intentions with the concerns of each side, as was the case in these recent events, and as will be the case in upcoming developments."

Referring to Marc Grossman's contacts in Brussels, where he most likely urged the EU to soften its attitude toward Turkey, Yetkin remarks that the strategic partnership goes beyond asking the United States to waive Turkey's military debts and asks Gurel about the scope of this partnership. Gurel explains: "This incorporates our concerns and thoughts regarding the region, our thoughts about our particular problems, the Cyprus issue, as well as other issues. All these are included in this strategic partnership. They are issues that should be addressed with a common viewpoint, if possible. Even if this is not possible, they should at least be balanced with the help of mutual concerns and thoughts." Gurel adds that Grossman probably presented Turkey's views regarding Cyprus during his talks with EU officials.

Gurel adds: "We are trying to explain to our strategic partners that it is not possible to easily solve the Cyprus problem by placing it in the EU framework." "Those who believed, possibly in good faith, that the EU process will play a positive role in solving or advancing the Cyprus problem, and who subsequently launched this process, must now realize that they were mistaken. There is no single Cyprus now. There are two political units, two states in Cyprus, even if one is recognized and the other is not. Those who believe that they can solve the Cyprus problem by placing it on the road to the EU, as though there is a whole Cyprus, are mistaken. On the contrary, this would solidify the division on the island, and render Turkey and the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus/ freer than ever to take certain steps together."

Asked if the talks with the US delegation were as positive as seen from his words, Gurel remarks: "It is not possible to agree on every issue, but we listened to one another, and I think we understood one another." To further clarify, he adds: "The United States wants to make certain plans regarding the region. Unfortunately, it regards the regime in Iraq as a threat against itself. From our standpoint, the Iraqi people, not the Iraqi regime, are important. We believe that the Iraqi people should not be harmed by any possible development. We believe that Iraq's territorial integrity should always be safeguarded and preserved. If the Iraqi people are to institute a new order for themselves and if they are to engage in democratisation efforts, we believe that they should do this through their own will. Besides this, if certain developments that we cannot prevent are to take place in our region, we see it our duty to have prior information and to take the necessary measures in this regard both in terms of regional stability and peace and the well-being of our own people."

As for Cyprus, Gurel adds: "If we have a strategic partnership with the United States, this encompasses every issue. We cannot exclude the prosperity and well being of the Turkish people from the concept of strategic partnership. We cannot exclude our very important national problems, mainly Cyprus, from this concept."

Asked about press reports on expected changes on Turkey's Cyprus policy following his appointment as foreign minister, Gurel affirms that Turkish foreign policy does not change according to individuals, "it has fundamental priorities, it is based on basic national interests, and it is pursued as a state policy." He adds, however, that every politician can have his own style. "I have not changed my views on the important aspects of Turkish foreign policy, particularly the Cyprus issue, but now maybe I am obliged to better explain these views." My party has never been opposed to EU accession, Gurel avers, underlining nevertheless that "this is a goal that can be achieved only if the EU, in turn, also demonstrates a similar well-intentioned will." If we do not clearly outline our concerns and limitations to our respondents, Gurel explains, we would be deceiving not only ourselves, but the foreign countries as well.

On the time frame concerning EU accession, Gurel suggests that "we are setting ourselves artificial time limits. The EU will naturally make decisions within a certain time regarding its enlargement, and it will decide on or postpone this enlargement in Copenhagen, but the belief that it will decide on Turkey now, or it will postpone it forever is a mere impression, and it is not correct."

[02] Sukru Sina Gurel expects the Americans to understand Turkey's concerns about the region in a possible operation against Iraq

To the questions about a possible US operation in Iraq, Gurel replied: Ankara will not be a partner in any move that might disrupt stability in its region. We have a strategic partnership with the United States. We expect our American friends to understand our concerns about the future of our region.

A reporter asked how Turkey would react if the EU admitted Cyprus as a full member. Gurel answered: That would be more of a problem for Europe. Turkey has constantly been warning Europe not to get involved in such a complicated problem. If the EU takes this wrong path, it will further deepen the island's division and it will set Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots free to go their own way.

[03] Bulent Ecevit denies that Turkey is bargaining the solution in Cyprus in exchange of a possible U.S. operation in Iraq

Emerging from the TRT news department following the "Sunday Panorama" program broadcast on TRT 1 earlier, Ecevit replied to reporters' questions. In reply to a journalist's question on the sensitivity concerning HADEP and AKP and the measures that will be adopted in this regard, Ecevit answered: Measures will be adopted within the democratic system.

"Naturally, the party is determined to discharge its duty on matters of sensitivity. As I noted during my interview on TRT a while ago, the other parties are not dwelling on these two parties, or they pretend not to dwell on them. However, the Democratic Left Party [DLP] will fulfil its duty in this regard. As I said, this will be done within the rules of democracy. We will try to fulfil our task without calling for arbitrary closures or bans", said Mr Ecevit.

In reply to another question on this issue, Ecevit said: The struggle against HADEP and AKP is our struggle in the political field; it is not related to legislative activities. The prime minister was reminded about his statement that early elections will harm the coalition parties, and asked if the government can stay in office for another year and a half despite losing its majority.

He replied: "We will try to do our best. As I mentioned today, and as I have always been saying, the 57th government legislated many reformist laws. It was the duty of this government to follow their implementation and complete their shortcomings. Naturally, the question of whether the Assembly will allow this or whether we can secure the necessary majority is another matter. We should have done our duty. I am not opposed to early elections only from the perspective of my party; as I said, there were certain tasks that should have been fulfilled without interruption, and I would have liked this government to have stayed in government longer in order to fulfil those tasks."

The following question was put to the prime minister about the contacts of US Deputy Secretary of Defence Paul Wolfowitz who visited Turkey last week.

Question: "There were reports that negotiations were conducted with Wolfowitz that in exchange for Turkey's support for a possible US operation in Iraq, on the solution of the Cyprus problem the United States would..."

Answer: "We definitely did not engage in any give-and-take."

[04] Turkey expects an intervention in Cyprus advantageous for the Turkish Cypriots in return of Turkey's support for a U.S. operation against Iraq

"The determination of the United States to topple the Saddam regime in Iraq became clearly obvious during the recent visit of US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz to Turkey. The US Defence Department has raised plans on likely military operations against Iraq on its agenda. US President George Bush is working on four different assault plans.

1. According to the first plan, Saddam Huseyin will be ousted with the help of a coup organized by the CIA. CIA Chief George Tenet is the engineer of this plan. However, a maximum level of 20-percent chance of success is being given to Tenet's plan.

2. According to the second plan, the US special teams will oust Saddam with the help of an extensive air bombardment by cooperating with Kurds in northern Iraq and with Shiites in southern Iraq. This plan, which has been drawn up by retired General Wayne Downing, a member of the National Security Council, is supported by Vice President Dick Cheney, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.

3. The third plan has been drawn up by the US Defence Department. This plan has received the highest level of recognition. According to this plan, the missile ramps containing weapons of mass destruction, the air defence installations, the fuel depots, and the command headquarters in Iraq will be destroyed with the help of air strikes. Approximately 100,000 soldiers will enter Iraq. This plan has been drawn up by retired General Tommy Frank, the commander of the Central Forces.

4. The last plan interests Turkey very closely. This plan envisages ousting Saddam by obtaining Turkey's support. Turkey will not take part in the military operation against Iraq, but will merely open its border regions and bases for use by the US special teams. Ankara will not oppose the Kurds' endeavour to form a federation in an Iraq that is less centralized after the ousting of Saddam Huseyin. An intervention that is advantageous for the Turkish Cypriots will be made in Cyprus in return for the support that Turkey would extend to the US forces.

Subtitle: Time Not Certain

The timing of the military operation is not known yet despite the fact that four different plans have been drawn up for this operation. Three different views prevail in Washington regarding this issue. According to the first view, President Bush must make a decision regarding this operation in early 2003 after the Congressional elections that will be held in November 2002.

According to the second view, the timing of the military operation must be determined in October 2002 before the Congressional elections. Finally, according to the third view, President Bush must make the pertinent decision on the same day that the military operation against Iraq will be launched."

[05] Sukru Sina Gurel stresses that Turkey will make no concessions in Cyprus

In his speech Mr Gurel inter alia said:

"We regard 20 July as the protection and safeguarding of the sovereignty rights and equal status of the Turkish Cypriot people in line with their aspiration and ideals for peace and stability. We believe that in this way we also contributed to tranquillity in our region. The peace operation is the rebirth of a nation, which was subjected to an attempt to erase it from history. The peace operation demonstrated what a nation, which has sincerely embraced the great leader Ataturk's principle of "peace at home, peace in the world" and which has experienced all the pains of war for centuries, can risk when its basic rights are trampled upon and when its sovereignty and freedom are threatened.

Today, too, the Turkish Cypriot side wants peace. It wants a fair and viable solution. However, this does not mean that concessions will be made from the inalienable rights of the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriot side knows to resist when necessary. The intention of the Greek Cypriot side, however, is evident. Its continued armament efforts and its latest purchase of attack helicopters is a blatant manifestation of the Greek Cypriot side's intentions. Such negative attitudes constitute an obstacle to the establishment of an atmosphere of confidence on the island. No country or institution has the right to create uncertainty or instability in this region where we have been living for centuries, in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean. At this point, I would like to clarify one other matter. Those who expect Turkey to make concessions over its national interests or its legitimate rights in Cyprus are mistaken. The obstacle before the solution process is neither Turkey nor the `TRNC/. Progress cannot be achieved by means of artificial solution models or artificial timetables. The road to a solution passes through the equal status and equal sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots. As declared by Rauf Denktas on several occasions, it will not be possible to achieve anything through efforts that do not allow for the perpetuation of the existence and equal sovereignty of the `TRNC/, the continuation of Turkey's de facto and effective guarantee and its special relations with the `TRNC/, and the preservation of the Turkish-Greek balance.

At this stage, everyone should be aware of one other fact. The efforts to find a solution in Cyprus are not related in any way to Turkey's EU accession process. Two matters that are closely linked, however, consist of the EU memberships of Cyprus and Turkey. The `TRNC/ is a fact. Under the capable leadership of Denktas, it has a growing and developing state structure, with its self-sacrificing people, all its institutions, its independent judiciary, its established democracy, and its contemporary educational institutions. A lasting and just solution can be achieved only if all the relevant sides accept the facts on the island and the sovereign equality of the two states. Attitudes to the contrary can only lead to the creation of new problems in Cyprus. In this respect, we find the views presented by Mr. Denktas at the negotiating table meaningful in terms of a realistic and viable conciliation model, and we support them."

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader wants to enter the EU hand in hand with Turkey

In his speech Mr Denktas inter alia said:

"Dear brothers and brave Turkish Cypriots, I urge you to take to heart the remarks made by Sukru Sina Gurel, the foreign minister of our motherland. I urge you to repeat his words in schools, at your homes, and constantly tell them to your youth. These words are our history and future. They are a confirmation that our brothers will always stand beside us and are a memory to our martyrs. Let us not forget these words.

Today, we are defending our state, sovereignty, and equality at the talks so that the deeds of Dr Kucuk, our ancestors, and martyrs are not left unfinished; so that their bones rest in peace; and so that our future is guaranteed. Those who deny the existence of our state, who do not attach importance to such things, who say that there is sovereignty but that it belongs to the Greek Cypriot republic and not to the Turkish Cypriots, ask a lot from us. They want our land. They seek to give the Greek Cypriots those rights taken away from us and then call this peace. With this so-called peace, they actually seek to turn us into an attractive minority and own the whole of Cyprus by means of the EU.

Let us talk about who we are and who we will become. Words only cannot secure peace. We want peace. This peace, however, should acknowledge our sovereignty and equality and be in line with the principle of exchange of land and property. The peace we want should guarantee us a lasting security. It should not separate us from our motherland and should reinforce our special ties with our motherland. We seek a peace that will not make the Greek Cypriots sovereign over us.

We have renewed our pledge to this end in front of Dr Kucuk's mausoleum today. Dr Kucuk was a happy man today because standing at attention in front of him, from the lowest to the highest, were the representatives of the military and political echelons of Turkey, our motherland that says that Turkish Cypriots cannot live without the motherland. Standing at attention were Turkish soldiers, commanders, the presidential advisor, the government spokesman, and the speaker of the supreme Assembly, which has always adopted the decision not to let go of Cyprus even under the most difficult conditions. The veterans, the martyrs' families, and the people's representatives all stood at attention in front of Dr Kucuk. They all said that the Turkish Cypriots cannot exist without Turkey and that there will be no agreement without sovereignty.

We come to Ataturk after making Dr Kucuk very happy. Ataturk! The supreme Turk! We bow in reverence to the Turkish nation's father and founder, whose principles we follow despite the British rule and whom we honour and are bound with unbreakable ties. He said that a right that is not based on sovereignty, is not a right. We are trying hard to reach an agreement that will protect our rights based on our sovereignty. I call on all the parties, both those in the opposition and in the government, to defend our sovereignty. It should not be too difficult to say that rights that are not based on sovereignty are not rights, that we will not give up our sovereignty, that we want our rights to be based on our sovereignty. It is not a shame to say this and it does not mean that we do not want peace. Saying this is tantamount to assisting us in laying the grounds for a real and lasting peace.

I call on my friends to constantly repeat these words and to support us at the negotiation table. We will enter the EU only after our sovereignty is recognized. We will enter the EU together with Turkey, not by usurping and diluting Turkey's rights. We will enter the EU together, arm in arm with Turkey, and only in line with a formula acceptable to Turkey. Our people should not be given misleading messages because the ploy played by the Greek Cypriots is clear and Clerides has even made a declaration to this effect. Clerides actually said that Hellenization will emerge victorious and all the refugees will have a right of return when Turkey's rights as guarantor state will become invalid once they become EU members. He said that bizonality and the three sovereignties, which are essential for our existence and security, promised to the Turkish Cypriots will be restricted because they are in violation of the EU laws. It was totally for police reasons that they opted for the EU path. We should be aware of this. Let us not deceive ourselves by thinking that they seek EU membership for prosperity and tranquillity. Let us not be deceived by the open arms of Greece and the Greek Cypriots who say that we should also join them.

Some of our own friends say that this train should not be missed. We should not forget that this train, as Clerides made it clear, dilutes Turkey's guarantees, totally dilutes the bizonality promised to the Turkish Cypriots, enables all the Greek Cypriots who have land and properties to return, and renders Hellenization victorious. We should keep in mind these facts and act accordingly. There are formulas available that prevent these goals. We can become EU members after our equality and sovereignty are acknowledged, with a formulate that is acceptable to Turkey, and that protects Turkey's rights as well. It is possible to enter the EU together with Turkey.

Consequently, we should know where we stand and who we are. Their job will become easier if we leave the herd and break our ties with our nation, on whose behalf all this struggle is being waged. All the money spent, all the civil society organizations set up, and all the travels abroad aim at separating us from Turkey and cause Turkey to lose its affection for us. Let us be aware of the ploys being played. A similar ploy to that being played in Turkey is being played here in Cyprus. We have to be aware of those behind the scenes, the existing scenarios, the goal behind these scenarios, and those who are plotting these plots. We should come to our senses.

Let us march in defence of our state and sovereignty, which was gained by the blood and lives of our martyrs, and in this way, light the path to peace."

[07] The Turkish Prime Minister stresses that Turkey will make no concessions in Cyprus

In his opening statement Ecevit said:

"The Democratic Left Party [DLP] Assembly convened. It was a very productive meeting. In the meantime, Suleyman Yagiz has been elected to assume the post of secretary general, which was vacated. In addition, some of our friends had resigned from the DLP Assembly because of the recent incidents, mainly because of the incidents within the Assembly group. There were eight vacancies and they were filled up from the reserves. I wanted to give you this information at first.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of this day. As you know, it is 20 July today. It is the anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Operation. On this occasion, I ask God to have mercy on our martyrs and wish health to our veterans. I sincerely congratulate the Turkish Cypriot people for their struggle for freedom and independence.

The /Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC]/ will exist as long as Turkey continues to exist. The `TRNC/ is part of Turkey's fatherland and it is out of the question for us to make any concessions. I would like to say this for certain. As you know there are negotiations under way between the /TRNC/ and the Greek Cypriot administration; however, without any results. It is actually impossible for the negotiations to yield results because the Greek Cypriot administration will never make any concessions as long as it has the backing of the EU. This, however, is not such a great loss for us. The Greek Cypriot side can, if it wants, become a member of the EU on its own. The `TRNC/ will then enter into a bigger integration with the Republic of Turkey. For this reason, I am not concerned too much.

My dear friends, as you know an intensive campaign has been launched against the DLP during the past weeks. Actually, such a campaign had been under way for a long time, but evidently my illness was given as an excuse to intensify it. Unfortunately, some of the deputies in the Assembly group resigned from the DLP. I have nothing to say to this, only that I regret it. I would like to give you a piece of information reported by our colleagues, who came from different regions of Anatolia. The resignations from our party are limited to the group only. Our organization stands erect. The resignations from our organization are not more than three or five members. For this reason, I have full faith in the future of Turkey and the DLP. Even though some of our group members resigned, the DLP will prepare for the elections with all its force. It can even be possible that the DLP will secure better results than the past in the elections despite all the obstacles. The reports from our Anatolian colleagues confirm my impressions. This is all I have to say for now.

Mr Ecevit then replied to questions as follows:

Question: You said that you did not agree with the 3 November elections.

Answer: This matter was discussed among us. My colleagues believe that it will be better and more appropriate to hold the elections in April 2003 or 2004 instead of this year. We are not making an issue of this date, however. We believe that it will be more beneficial for the people to hold the elections next year or later. In the meantime, initiatives are under way to form various parties. They, in turn, will have an impact in the elections if they are not held too early. We believe that they also should not be robbed of their rights. In other words, we prefer that early elections be held in the coming year and not at the end of 2002. The best thing is, of course, that they be held in April 2004.

The decision we made today was that the group members will meet with those political parties who have groups in the Assembly and determine the dates they request. We believe that, in this way, we will be able to reach a more democratic decision. Our colleagues will start carrying their duties to this end as of today. We have full trust in our organization and the DLP regardless of the date of the elections.

Question: Will you set another date?

Answer: As you know, I had said at the leaders' summit that I was opposed to early elections in 2002 and that I would take it up with the authorized bodies. This is a requirement of the democratic process. We did exactly that and listened to the views of our group. As I said earlier, now we will listen to the views of the other parties.

Question: Does the DLP Assembly agree to 3 November elections?

Answer: The DLP and the DLP Assembly seek the elections to be held on April 2004 in line with the legal requirements. Not only the DLP but also the coalition partners rendered great service and undertook significant initiatives during the past moths. It will not be in the interests of Turkey if we go for early elections before we complete the implementation of these initiatives. We need some more time to go from the preparatory to the implementation stage. It is for this reason that we want the elections to be held on time. We are, however, ready for early elections as well and we trust ourselves. As I said earlier, we think it beneficial to listen to the views of the newly established parties on this issue as well.

Question: Will you address crowds in public squares during the election period?

Answer: Of course, this can also be called a public square.

Question: Did the DLP Assembly give you authority to set an early election date?

Answer: The authority was given to me, however, I did not impose any specific view.

[08] Turkish Naval Forces Commander says the direct talks on Cyprus aim at providing respect for the rights and strategic interests of Turkey

Speaking at occupied Tymbou Airport, Alpkaya said that the Turkish Cypriots will not return to dark old days, adding that the Turkish Armed Forces will always be besides them. Alleging that under the 1960 Treaties, Cyprus can't be a member of the EU if Turkey is not a member, Alpkaya said that the membership of Cyprus to the EU will disturb the peace and stability in the East Mediterranean and drift the latter toward a crisis atmosphere.

Alpkaya said that if the Greek Cypriot side, which is encouraged by the decision and statements of the EU, continues to have an uncompromising attitude and tries to include the Turkish side to its structure as a minority, Turkey and the pseudostate will sign certain agreements to further integrate. The EU has to help in the solution of the Cyprus problem by staying at an equal distance to both sides. Admiral Alpkaya also said that the direct talks aim at providing the security, sovereignty and equality of the Turkish Cypriots, to respect the rights of Turkey stemming from agreements and its strategic interests and the Turkish-Greek balance on the island.

``We deem it necessary that the international community has to accept the fact that there are two equal sovereign states on the island and the solution has to depend on a new partnership of sovereign states. Lasting and fair solution in Cyprus can only be possible in this way. Turkey supports the searches of Rauf Denktas for a solution on the island. It has been seen once again that Southern Cyprus administration, which prepares for a new adventure with attack helicopters is far from reaching any compromise. Turkey and Turkish Armed Forces are ready to fulfil their historical obligations and their obligations stemming from international agreements any time, `` he said.

The Naval Forces Commander visited Denktas on Friday. Speaking during the meeting with Denktas Alpkaya said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) was impressed by Denktas` fight for the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. ``The Greek Cypriot side is avoiding a fair and permanent solution by the support they take from the EU and other related circles. They continue their intentions to turn the Turkish Cypriots into a minority. We hope that they use this opportunity, which was created by you. Otherwise a crisis is inevitable in Eastern Mediterranean, `` he said.

Alpkaya also stated that the TAF was powerful and determined enough to overcome all kinds of crises but such a crisis would not do good to anyone including the EU.

``I'd like to emphasize that Turkey would never approve a solution which is not based on the equal sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots nor the single-sided membership of the Greek Cypriots to the EU, `` he said.

[09] Turkey to support the Turkish Cypriot farmers with 24 trillion Turkish liras

Speaking at the meeting, Eroglu said that Turkey had always helped the pseudostate overcome its problems.

Meanwhile, Gurel, who is currently in the occupied areas to attend ceremonies held to mark the 28th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, stressed that they had been holding consultations in order to further strengthen the ties between Turkey and the occupied areas of Cyprus.

``We aim at taking the last step to form a joint economic zone between our countries, `` he emphasized.

During the meeting, a protocol was signed. Under the protocol, Turkey will guarantee for the utilization of the harvest of the Turkish Cypriot farmers.

Gurel said that Turkey would provide the pseudostate with a financial source of 24 trillion Turkish liras to support farmers.

[10] British Ambassador to Turkey: There is no legal obstacle to Cypriot membership of the EU

In his article under the title "The application of the Greek Cypriot administration to join the EU is not legal", Ibrahim Kaya supports that the accession of Cyprus to the EU would be contrary to Article No. 2(2) of the Treaty of Guarantee and that Greece and the UK have the power to veto the final decision of the accession of Cyprus to the EU.

The full text of the "Letter to the Editor" by the British Ambassador is as follows:

"Dear Sir,

In his article about Cyprus in your 14 July edition, Ibrahim Kaya suggests that the UK would be breaching its Treaty obligations if Cypriot accession to the European Union was agreed.

That is a view that is not shared by the UK or by its European partners. There is no legal obstacle to Cypriot membership of the European Union. Membership does not constitute "union with any other state", and is therefore not ruled out by the provisions of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

This is not to say that the UK/s preference is to see a divided Cyprus accede to the EU. We would much prefer to see all the people of Cyprus benefit from EU membership following the successful conclusion of the current UN-sponsored negotiations between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders.

Yours faithfully

Peter Westmacott

British Ambassador"

[11] Denktas claims that there are important oil reserves between the north of Cyprus and south of Turkey

Kibrisli claims that the Cyprus government for a long time is closely interested in the oil reserves in the north and is acting jointly with the Egyptian government carrying out works to exploit these reserves.

Kibrisli further claims that until today the Turkish side kept silent while the Cyprus government having high-level contacts on this issue in Egypt tried to promote in a maximum way these visits in the press.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas also stated that the reserves in the north were important but he declined to speak about the volume of these reserves. Kibrisli declares that the effect of these reserves on politics will be decided according to their volume.

Kibrisli further reports that other states in the region show as much interest as Turkey does in these reserves, however it adds, they prefer to follow up this issue silently without making any statements.

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