Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-10-29

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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 was released from hospital. The Technical Committee to convene soon.

[02] According to Mr Ecevit Turkey has three options if Cyprus accedes to the EU.

[03] Statements by Bulent Ecevit to NOKTA magazine.

[04] Statements by Dervis Eroglu after meeting Lord David Hannay.

[05] Thomas Weston held contacts in the occupied areas.

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel opposes the automatic use of NATO resources by Cyprus.

[07] The President of Turkey did not reply to a question whether Turkey would cancel the military exercises and reduce its occupation forces.

[08] Hungarian and Austrian businessmen in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[09] Talat opposes ^Óevery kind of annexation^Ô.

[10] Fifteen illegal immigrants arrived at occupied Famagusta coast.

[11] Ertugruloglu called on the Arab businessmen to invest in the occupied areas.

[12] Angolemli: Turkish Cypriot Parties must discuss the issue of a new negotiator for the Cyprus talks.

[13] The church at occupied Vouno village destroyed.

[14] Sener Levent banned from crossing to the free areas of Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader was released from hospital. The Technical Committee to convene soon

^ÓOur president is well. That is why it was possible to release him from the hospital today. The tests he underwent yesterday [24 October] and the checks this morning showed that there were no complications that he is on a course of speedy recovery. When the doctors determined that he has no infections, that his pulse is normal, that the cardiac surgery was successful, that his lungs are normal, and that he has no breathing problems, they decided to release him today. He is now resting at his hotel. In ten days or two weeks, he will leave for our region.^Ô

Question: Has he started to hold any contacts?

Answer: ^ÓHe has been holding social contacts. The hospital allowed him to hold a few contacts. He held a social meeting with UN Under Secretary-General Pendergast yesterday. Other than that, Umit Pamir, the permanent Turkish delegate at the United Nations, paid a social call. These were the first two social visits our president had. After resting at the hotel for a while, I believe that he will make a statement to the press in a few days, maybe toward the middle of next week. In short, he has started a process of normal and speedy recovery. He wants to resume his duties as soon as possible. We are waiting for his instructions to activate the technical committee in the coming days, with a view to resuming the negotiation process from where it was left off.^Ô

Illegal Bayrak Radio (26.10.02) broadcast that in a statement Ergun Olgun said that the health of Denktas, whose recuperation was delayed because of the operation, is very good and that he was released from hospital yesterday [25 October]. Noting that Denktas moved into the Marmara Hotel, which belongs to a Turkish citizen, Olgun said that that Denktas started to receive visitors. Explaining that Denktas will remain in the hotel for the next week or 10 days and limit his movements to doctors' orders, Olgun said that Denktas is undergoing daily checkups.

In the meantime, the Turkish side started to work on the technical committee in line with the decision adopted at the New York summit. Noting that work concerning the technical committee had already started, Olgun said that they are constantly in contact with Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General's special envoy in Cyprus.

Explaining that they will have a better chance to evaluate the Cyprus issue now that Denktas has been released from the hospital, Olgun said: ^ÓWe will be able to return to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] and start our work on the policy to be pursued and the technical committee^Ô.

Explaining that Mumtaz Soysal, constitutional advisor of Denktas in Turkey, will also come to the island and that intensive work will be launched, Olgun said: ^ÓThe return to the island will become clearer in the coming days.^Ô

In statements to illegal Bayrak Radio on (28.10.02), Mr Olgun said that Denktas will be checked by the doctors on Friday, 1 November, and the two draining tubes left in the body to drain the oedema will be removed then. Olgun expressed the hope that Denktas will be able to leave for Turkey within a few days following the removal of the draining tubes to allow the healing of the wounds. Olgun said that Denktas is planning to return to the occupied areas after staying in Ankara for some time.

[02] According to Mr Ecevit Turkey has three options if Cyprus accedes to the EU

In reply to questions on Cyprus, Ecevit says that Rauf Denktas is in good health.

In reply to a question on whether there is a possibility of annexation in the event that Cyprus´ request for EU membership is accepted, Ecevit says: "Annexation is a possibility, autonomous relations is also a possibility, and advancing the present relations is also a possibility. Our priority, however, is to explain the Cyprus issue to the world, particularly to the EU."

[03] Statements by Bulent Ecevit to NOKTA magazine

Following are the questions on Cyprus and Mr Ecevit^Òs replies:

Question: There are insistent demands on the subject of Cyprus. Will this subject be concluded in favour of the ^ÓTRNC^Ô?

Answer: ^ÓPresident^Ô Rauf Denktas has set forth all of his influence recently. We do not want the people of the ^ÓTRNC^Ô to experience again the pains they experienced in the past. No agreements could be obtained in the period of tension, because there are two separate states, two separate nations and two separate languages on the island. They have practically no common aspects. In contrast to this, when the world with two poles came to an end, the Czechoslovakian people said that we are separating. Whereas, their religions, languages and cultures were the same, unlike the situation on Cyprus, and no one protested. Moreover, the EU did not even intervene by saying, 'this is not our business'. However, the United Kingdom and Greece, who say Cyprus is our business, have self-interests. There are the self-interests of the two communities on Cyprus. I cannot understand why they incite such an artificial division without it being to the benefit of other communities. After a point I think that they will not be able to protest. In any case, statements started to come that if the two sides cannot come to an agreement, then the Greek Cypriots will enter the EU as a single side. I hope that some circles in Istanbul will not create an unnecessary atmosphere and set forth the logic of 'give and be saved'. If the facts on Cyprus are kept in mind, then the two sides will eventually produce a satisfactory decision.

Question: Some circles are displaying a 'give and be saved' policy on the subject of the ^ÓTRNC^Ô. Is this matter that simple?

Answer: Those circles in Turkey are under the suggestions of the EU. They have close relations. Unfortunately, they are creating such a negative atmosphere. However, the people do not pay attention to them. Many people are saying that the establishment of an independent state on Cyprus, Northern Cyprus on the Eastern Mediterranean map, could be considered to be very important from the aspect of Turkey's security. Additionally, we can see that this would be even more important once the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline enters into operation. First of all, Turkey is providing a considerable contribution to the economy of the ^ÓTRNC^Ô. Let us consider the miserable situation when they were under the Greek Cypriot administration. Now, in spite of the economic embargoes, the economy of Northern Cyprus is considerably developed. However, some young people are not satisfied with this. If the developments experienced are explained to the Turkish Cypriot youth and they are reminded, then their point of view would also be different.

[04] Statements by Dervis Eroglu after meeting Lord David Hannay

Upon emerging from the luncheon with Hannay, Eroglu told reporters that the Cyprus problem was taken up in detail in a very sincere atmosphere and that it was hinted that they may be faced with a plan in the future. Eroglu added: ^ÓWe presented our views and tried to understand their views. Lord Hannay presented his views in a very sincere manner. It was a very good meeting.^Ô

Noting that they had a chance to understand the views of the British government, the UN Secretary-General, and the US officials with whom Hannay met, Eroglu said in reply to a question on whether Hannay talked about a plan: ^ÓIt is understood that we may have to face a plan in the future. It was hinted that work had been launched to create a frame and that we may have to face a frame in the future^Ô.

In reply to another question on whether his views were asked at the meeting, Eroglu added that they presented their views at the meeting. Eroglu stressed that they participated in the meeting, not as party leaders, but as representatives of the ^Ógovernment^Ô.

In reply to another question, Eroglu said that the issue of ISO was not raised at the luncheon.

Cosar, in turn, said that the meeting with Hannay was extremely comprehensive and detailed as in the past. Explaining that the latest stage in the Cyprus issue and its urgency because of the 12 December Copenhagen summit was raised at the meeting, Cosar added: ^ÓIt was an extremely comprehensive and beneficial meeting. We are very happy from this meeting.^Ô

In his statement after the meeting with Hannay, Muftizade said that the goal of these meetings with British officials was to contribute to the direct talks, which had been launched in order to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. Explaining that views were exchanged at the meeting and that the Turkish Cypriot side's difficulties were conveyed, Muftizade added that the Turkish side has some serious concerns because the Greek Cypriot side may join the EU on 13 December. The EU will have divided the island with its own hands in the event that the Greek Cypriot administration becomes an EU member, said Muftizade and added that they convened their concerns to this end. Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot side wants their rights stemming from the 1959-1960 agreements, Muftizade added that there are two equal peoples, two equal democracies, and two equal states on the island. Muftizade stressed that the ^ÓTRNC^Ô should be recognized and that the Turkish Cypriots expect this.

Talat, in turn, said that they explained their views to Hannay. Talat said that the Cyprus issue reached a very critical and complex stage. Claiming that finding a solution to the Cyprus issue now drifted toward Turkey because of the EU process and Denktas' health, Talat added that he had always said that Turkey was one of the main actors in a Cyprus solution. Expressing that these contacts and the aftermath of the elections in Turkey will constitute an important development both for the Turkey-EU process and a Cyprus solution, Talat added that a package encompassing an inclusive solution will be presented to Turkey, Greece, and the Cyprus sides on the issue of Cyprus after the elections in Turkey. Noting that previously statements had been issued on a package, which seemed reasonable, Talat added: ^ÓIt is right that this package was drawn on the table; however, it could still be realistic. I believe that a package will emerge after these contacts.^Ô

Explaining that the foreign forces working for a Cyprus solution should not be looked upon as strange, Talat said that he always said that the time limit for a Cyprus solution was the end of the year. We believe that the Cyprus solution should be resolved until the end of the year, Talat added. Stressing that a solution should be found on the Cyprus issue, Talat stressed that it is vital to join the EU dependent on this solution.

[05] Thomas Weston held contacts in the occupied areas

Speaking before the meeting, Eroglu said they wanted a lasting, honourable and solid agreement stressing: ``Let us not fight with each other as it happened in the past. Let us live on this territory in tranquillity. ``

Pointing out that there was not much time to the Copenhagen summit, Eroglu said: ``However the Greek Cypriot side has sine qua nons and we have sine qua nons for an agreement. We will convey our views to Weston on issues which concern us. ``

Recalling that they earlier conveyed the views of the Turkish side to British Special Envoy to Cyprus Lord David Hannay, Eroglu said: ``They have their own views. There are views contradicting with us. There are issues which we will insist on during the negotiations. We will reveal our insistency on those issues. ``

When recalled that news reports appeared in Greek Cypriot press that the Greek Cypriot side have uneasiness about the plan which the U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan would present regarding the solution of the Cyprus question, and asked about his views, Eroglu said there could be a kind of the policy which will put the U.N. Secretary-General under pressure to issue a solution plan in the way which the Greek Cypriots wanted.

Prime Minister Eroglu said it was natural that an agreement text, which the U.N. Secretary-General would put forward, may include elements that would not satisfy both sides, stressing: ``They would be in an effort to find a way for solution considering the views which have been put forward so far. They put forward their concerns now acting on the assumption that it may not satisfy either of us, aiming to put the U.N. Secretary-General under pressure and to find a solution way in the way they thought. I mean this is some kind of a policy. ``

Before meeting with Eroglu and Cosar, Tomas Weston met Republican Turkish Party (RTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Communal Liberation Party (CLP) leader Huseyin Angolemli.

Speaking after the meeting, Angolemli said they exchanged views, stressing that a solution proposal would be put forward on the Cyprus issue following the general elections in Turkey.

On his part Mr Talat said there would be busy traffic and solution proposals would increase on the Cyprus issue as Copenhagen summit approached, adding that the solution to the Cyprus question not only concerned Turkey and Greece but also it is an issue concerning the EU from now on.

Talat defended that the sides would enter into a busy negotiation process after elections in Turkey, adding that a solution would be found till the Copenhagen summit.

After the meeting, Eroglu told reporters that Rauf Denktas was recovering rapidly and he was the negotiator of the Turkish side.

Eroglu said: ``There is no need to comment on this issue. ``

Noting that nobody was against peace, Eroglu stressed that what was important was to make a permanent peace that would satisfy the Turkish Cypriots.

Responding to a question, Eroglu said that Weston did not make a statement about solution plans and quoted him as saying that ``his country was in favour of an agreement in Cyprus and he did not know whether or not United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General was working on a solution plan.``

Eroglu stated that British Special Envoy to Cyprus Lord David Hannay, with whom he met the previous week, implied that the Secretary-General would present a solution plan.

When he was reminded about a statement of President Glafcos Clerides that ``direct talks could be turned into indirect talks`` by showing Denktas` state of health as a pretext, Eroglu said that direct talks were under way and that they would not be left without a solution due to Denktas` surgery and convalescence period.

Eroglu noted that a person could be ill or undergo a surgery and went on saying: ``There is a procedure and method launched. It is wrong to change this ongoing method and to say that `they could either or not recognize if a new negotiator was appointed. ` There is a state in the north. This state appoints a negotiator when the state wants but, our ^ÓPresident^Ô is recovering rapidly and he is the negotiator of `TRNC´. There is no need to comment on this issue. ``

On another question, Eroglu said that Turkey^Òs European Union (EU) accession was not linked with the Cyprus question. To this end, he noted, the Turkish government had announced that Turkey would not make concessions in the Cyprus problem.

Responding to questions about two committees to be formed by the two sides Eroglu said that he talked with Rauf Denktas on the phone and Ergun Olgun was charged to work on the committees.

Eroglu pointed out that Olgun would return to the island in the coming days and start initiatives.

Finally, Cosar said that they aimed to ensure peace with good will by all sides and added: ``What is important is to give priority to justice on the road to peace and find the fair path. We have got the impression of good will about this issue. If this good will continues, I think that we can have a reasonable peace. ``

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel opposes the automatic use of NATO resources by Cyprus

Gurel, travelling to Copenhagen along with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer for the meeting that EU term president Denmark will hold tomorrow with the various candidate countries, was expressing to the Turkish press his views regarding the latest developments in terms of the ESDP.

Gurel, noting that the Ankara Document (which was drawn up with Great Britain and the United States) retains its validity for Turkey, said that there are points in the newly presented ESDP document that make Turkey uneasy.

Gurel said that he would oppose in particular the automatic use of NATO resources by Cyprus, and would seek an arrangement on this issue. Asked in what form this might be achieved, Deputy Prime Minister Gurel said that a formulation could be reached in the form that "Non-NATO-member countries that will become new members of the EU may not automatically make use of NATO resources."

Following the EU summit held in Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Defence Javier Solana had said that new proposals regarding the ESDP would be conveyed to Ankara, and that they "expected that Ankara will approach this topic with understanding."

[07] The President of Turkey did not reply to a question whether Turkey would cancel the military exercises and reduce its occupation forces

Following is Mr Sezer´s reply to a question on Cyprus:

Question: What will happen with regard to ESDP [European Security and Defence Policy]? What does Turkey think with regard to the document adopted by 15 countries in Brussels on Friday? Does Turkey approve of this document? If not, what are your concerns in this regard? Second, in reference to the Cyprus problem, is there any question of cancelling your military exercises as a goodwill gesture, or reducing your military presence in the north of the island if the negotiations progress positively?

Answer: Regarding ESDP, we have not yet received a document prepared by the EU. Therefore, we do not know what the document contains. As you know, from the beginning Turkey has been supporting the efforts to enhance the contribution and role of the European countries in the security and defence of the continent. On the basis of this concept, Turkey attaches great importance to ESDI [European Security and Defence Identity] in NATO and ESDP in Europe. It is also our desire to reach an agreement on an arrangement that will allow NATO allies that are not currently EU members to take part in ESDP. As it happens, Turkey took an important and constructive step by accepting the Ankara paper. It is important that the EU conclude the matter of accession in a way that meets our expectations. An equally important point in this regard consists of concluding between NATO and the EU arrangements that will determine the cooperation methods within ESDP. In conclusion, I would like to state that we are in the course of an ongoing process and we hope that an agreement will be reached on a satisfactory solution in terms of all the NATO and EU countries.

As for the Cyprus issue, the negotiations have been interrupted because of Mr Denktas' operation. Turkey, in its part, can take certain measures, in accordance with these negotiations or in line with a possible agreement to be reached in this regard. We want a lasting and just solution that takes into account the realities on the island to be reached in Cyprus. Such a solution is possible on the basis of a new partnership. I can say that we expect the security of the Turks of north Cyprus to be part of this solution.

[08] Hungarian and Austrian businessmen in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to information acquired by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), the 28-member delegation of foreign businessmen will meet tomorrow with Turkish Cypriot businessmen at the TCCC^Òs headquarters. The foreign businessmen have been invited by all the members of TCCC and they will have separate and joint meetings with Turkish Cypriot businessmen, writes KIBRIS.

The paper notes also that the Hungarian and Austrian businessmen are interested in buying citrus fruits, milk products, carpets and golden pieces of jewellery from the occupied areas, while they are ready to sell to the pseudostate office equipment, communication instruments, plastic products, watering systems, cars, air conditioning systems, wine, computers etc.

[09] Talat opposes ^Óevery kind of annexation^Ô

In a written statement issued yesterday, Mr Talat described as ^Óstatements exceeding their aim^Ô the threats of some Turkish officials that ^ÓTurkey will annex the northern part of Cyprus if our will is not fulfilled^Ô.

Mr Talat noted, inter alia, the following:

^Ó^ÅCyprus has suffered a lot from the annexation policies. The basis of the annexation does not change if this annexation is with Turkey, Greece or any other state. The Turkish Cypriots do not want to be annexed either to Turkey, Greece or southern Cyprus. We want a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, EU accession together with the solution and Turkey not to be excluded from the EU accession process. We shall continue to want all these. ^Å^Ô.

[10] Fifteen illegal immigrants arrived at occupied Famagusta coast

According to the paper, the illegal immigrants, who were intercepted by fishermen, went under a shock when they realized that they arrived at Famagusta and refused to disembark. One of them tried to commit suicide. Finally they were dragged out of the ship.

The fifteen Iraqis, between 20 to 35 years old, paid 2 thousand dollars in order to take the trip.

[11] Ertugruloglu called on the Arab businessmen to invest in the occupied areas

Investors from the Islamic countries, replying to Ertugruloglu´s request, said that they wish to visit ^ÓNorth Cyprus^Ô and Ertugruloglu promised them every assistance if they wish to invest in the occupied areas, writes the paper.

[12] Angolemli: Turkish Cypriot Parties must discuss the issue of a new negotiator for the Cyprus talks

Mr Angolemli said that this period is very important since many developments related to the Cyprus problem are taking place and he pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots should not be left out. He stressed that time is running short for the Cyprus talks and added that in these circumstances, the pseudo assembly must discuss the issue of the negotiator for the Cyprus talks as well as the issue of the establishment of the committees, which was a decision taken in New York.

Referring to the Cyprus talks Mr Angolemli said that this is the most appropriate period for a solution to be found, due to the Copenhagen Summit. He also added that in the negotiating table there are all the parameters that the Turkish Cypriots want for a solution. He stressed that this solution is close since foreign dynamics will become very active towards this. He also said that the United Nations will bring in front of the two leaders a solution plan and noted that this time things will be different since they will not be able to refuse. Mr Angolemli said that this solution would be brought in the negotiating table after the Turkish elections and before the Copenhagen Summit.

Referring to the Copenhagen Summit, Mr Angolemli said that Turkey should get a date from the Summit. He warned that if this does not happen, it will have a bad effect on the Cyprus problem. He also said that for the Turkish Cypriots both Turkey^Òs and Cyprus´ accession to the EU is of a major importance.

[13] The church at occupied Vouno village destroyed

^Ó^ÅWe entered inside the church, but it is not as beautiful as it is outside, because it is destroyed all over. All the handwork and the drawings from the walls have been scratched and destroyed. It is obvious that once there were very beautiful pictures on the walls. What would happen if they had not harmed this beautiful history? However, is this possible? They are pictures on the walls of a church; they are not acceptable at all. History and the historical monuments have no religion, language or race. We, somehow, cannot understand this. I am sure that everyone who has seen this building felt sad because this magnificent structure has been abandoned here to its destiny. ^Å^Ô.

[14] Sener Levent banned form crossing to the free areas of Cyprus

The ceremony is organized by the Cyprus Journalists´ Association and it will be addressed by Mr Dimitris Christofias, President of the House of Representatives.

Under the title ^ÓThe past was theirs, the future belongs to us^Ô, Mr Levent publishes in AFRIKA the speeches he would make if he had been allowed to attend the ceremony.

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