Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-11-14

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan thinks the deadline for a reply to the UN proposals is wrong.

[02] Turkey's outgoing prime Minister assessed the UN plan on Cyprus.

[03] Former Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the UN proposals.

[04] Statements by the Deputy leader of the Justice and Development party from Rome.

[05] Baykal says the absence of a government in Turkey and Denktas' health will delay the rapid evaluation of the proposals for Cyprus.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader to undergo a check-up on 15 November.

[07] The pseudocabinet discussed the UN plan. They asked for extra time to study the plan.

[08] The party of the illegal Turkish settlers describes Annan's plan as solution imposed by the US, the UN and Europe.

[09] The co-ordinator of NPM, the successor to the terrorist TMT organization, says the plan is full of ambushes.

[10] Gul: We do not consider the non-solution in Cyprus as a solution".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS.

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist says the registered Turkish land in Cyprus is only 11%.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan thinks the deadline for a reply to the UN proposals is wrong

Mr. Erdogan replied to the following question on Cyprus:

Question: You are talking about the Belgian model with regard to Cyprus, but you say that there will be two sovereign nations. What are the most difficult obstacles between Ankara and Athens?

Answer: First and foremost, the sides should be in favour of a solution. Politics is also the art of producing solutions, not creating problems. In this regard, we are in favour of a solution. Inspired by the Belgian model, we have expressed our concept of two equal and sovereign two separate states. We have never said, however, that we will apply the exact Belgian model. The details of this issue will, undoubtedly, be discussed after the government is established. At present, there is a proposal prepared by the United Nations. The deadline given with this proposal is wrong. At first, the new government should be established. Only afterward, can the necessary steps be taken.

[02] Turkey's outgoing Prime Minister assessed the UN plan on Cyprus

Bulent Ecevit was commenting to NTV on current events and political developments. Replying to questions from Murat Akgun, Ecevit asserted that there are two separate states on Cyprus, and that this reality must be accepted.

Stating that he will study the plan closely, Ecevit said: "The way in which the plan came about is interesting. This plan was drawn up during an election campaign period in Turkey. The government has not yet been established. Moreover, "TRNC" ("Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus") "President" [Rauf] Denktas is ill. The plan has been prepared in such circumstances, and we are told to study it and provide our views. This is an injustice. It was a mistake for this document to be presented under these conditions."

Prime Minister Ecevit, stating that the plan drawn up by the UN Secretary-General ensures equality for both sides, and that this is heartening, listed as follows the drawbacks of the plan:

"There are articles in the plan that are disturbing. For example, a large amount of territory is proposed to be taken away from the "TRNC". When one looks at the Turkish population in the territories in question, it is understood that the number amounts to 150 to 160 thousand people. This is not acceptable to the government of the`TRNC'. The number of Turkish troops on the island is significantly reduced. These are not things that we can get ourselves to accept."

Ecevit noted that it will be possible to exchange views on the UN plan, but that this in itself is insufficient. Stating that he will first seek the views of officials of the Foreign Ministry, Ecevit noted that he has not yet spoken with Rauf Denktas regarding the plan. Ecevit spoke as follows:

"The time has indeed come to resolve this issue. But while a true solution is being sought, it is essential to take account of the definite realities. The first of these is that there are two separate states on Cyprus. There are two separate nations, two separate religions, and two separate cultures. To try forcibly to join together two elements that are so different from one another is incompatible with reality. These two states can indeed take serious steps towards compromising with one another. But the greatest obstacle hindering this is the European Union. Even though the Greek Cypriot side's application to join the EU was unilateral, efforts are underway to accept it. From this standpoint, difficulties could be encountered."

[03] Former Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the UN proposals

On Cyprus Cem said: "We look positively upon UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's document regarding Cyprus, but there are certain obstacles to this document's becoming functional."

Stating that it would be right for the pseudostate to show a positive approach vis-a-vis discussions on the document, Cem said: "The issues of territory and the return of refugees, however, will create serious problems. The acceptance of these topics in the document of Kofi Annan is close to 'impossible'".

Pointing out that, according to this document, the territory under occupation would be reduced from 36 percent [of the island] to 28.5 percent, and that consequently approximately 60 thousand persons living in the occupied areas would be made refugees, thus creating problems, Cem also pointed out that, on the other hand, the introduction of approximately 20 thousand former Greek refugees into Northern Cyprus would create difficulties as well.

Alleging that "the problems that will arise from the humanitarian standpoint alone will wreck the island", Cem characterized the expectation of reaching a solution on Cyprus within a month as "unreal".

Noting that serious steps will be taken toward bringing the occupation regime and Turkey more closely together in the event of Cyprus becoming a member of the EU, Cem said that it is out of the question for the puppet regime and Turkey to make any concessions on Cyprus.

Saying that the topics of the EU and Cyprus are distinct from one another both in form and in substance, Cem explained that there is no legal connection between them, but that they impact on one another politically.

Stating that the Turkish side should tell the EU "You approach Turkey positively [at the EU summit] in Copenhagen, and let the positive atmosphere created by that benefit the Cyprus issue", Cem declared that Turkey is fully justified in calling for a calendar for accession negotiations from the EU at this summit.

Pointing out that the EU is in fact a process, Cem said: "If we are unable to get a date in Copenhagen, Turkey's relations with the EU will not be blocked. The train will not get away; it will just be delayed."

[04] Statements by the Deputy leader of the Justice and Development party from Rome

Responding to a question on U.N.`s Cyprus plan, Yakis said the sine qua non issue was equality and sovereignty, and added if this can be solved, the others will also be solved. He said Denktas revealed his attitude saying that ``the issue of territory is not in the way we want. Making border arrangements is very difficult.``

When asked if there can be a "border" change on Cyprus, Yakis said there could be a "border" change on Cyprus if the pseudostate accepts and wants. ``We will not feel uneasy but on condition of not losing strategic places.``

Yakis said it was important to solve the Cyprus problem in a way that the sides on Cyprus, the EU, Turkey and Greece would not oppose.

Responding to a question about the Belgian model proposed on Cyprus, Yakis said this model was earlier brought onto the agenda by Denktas, yet that Greek Cypriot side rejected it. He said Belgian model meant that both sides would have legislation organ and legislation authorities.

``This was rejected by the Greek Cypriots because of this. Those who rejected this model earlier, wanted to bring onto the agenda only some parts of the model. We also want to be inspired by the Belgian model with respect to legislation.`` Yakis said Erdogan planned to pay a visit to Germany on November 19 within the framework of his visits to Europe toward Turkey's EU membership. He said Erdogan would go to Britain and Brussels on November 20, and that Erdogan would visit France between November 27-30.

Yakis said visits to Sweden, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark were also in their agenda.

[05] Deniz Baykal says the absence of a government in Turkey and Denktas' health will delay the rapid evaluation of the proposals for Cyprus

Speaking at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Baykal evaluated the solution draft of the U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan regarding the Cyprus problem.

Baykal said the sides came to a very important stage for the solution of the question, stressing that there was a need to examine Annan`s proposals carefully.

Pointing out that long-term efforts of Denktas and Clerides in this respect would constitute a very important basis, Baykal said it was also their wish to find a solution soon.

``Solution of this problem will have important contributions on Turkish-Greek relations, Turkish-EU relations, and inclusion of Cyprus within the EU,`` Baykal said, stressing that ``I hope the proposal of the U.N. Secretary-General will be a healthy way out. There is a need for Turkey to work calmly, and this has been revealed as a result of the first evaluation. While making this proposal, it has been stated that it is open to consultations. To this end, there is a need to use the opportunity of consultation directly in the coming period.``

Pointing out that there were some fundamental issues with respect to Turkey, Baykal said arrangements pertaining to settlement of a new population movement, a refugee inflow on the geography that would be left to "TRNC" is one of them. Baykal said this issue was very important.

Baykal said the border issue was also very important, noting that the method that would be covered in compensation of the loses was also important, and added:

"Unfortunately, this issue has been brought onto the agenda at a time when there is lack of ruling in Turkey. "TRNC President" has health problems. All these indicate that Turkey should be extraordinarily careful at this stage. It will be beneficial if the public does not face a fait accompli so quickly. Negotiation period should be evaluated very well. Lack of ruling disrupts evaluation of this rapidly.``

Mr Baykal further said: ``Turkish-EU relations will come onto the agenda after solution of the Cyprus question in a healthy way. In case Turkey cannot take a definite timetable in Copenhagen, solution in Cyprus will inevitably create a very big problem for us. We consider it obligatory for the government to come to ruling soon.``

Responding to a question, Baykal alleged that membership of Cyprus depended on Turkey's confirmation according to London and Zurich agreements, noting that acceptance of Cyprus to the EU before Turkey would create problem, and concluded:

``To this end, Turkey's EU timetable should be accelerated after Cyprus's peace agreement. In this context, a date should be set in Copenhagen for Turkey's membership.``

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader to undergo a check-up on 15 November

In a statement at Ataturk Istanbul Airport, Aydin Denktas said that Rauf Denktas' health is improving every passing day, adding that he longs to be back. Noting that he will undergo a check-up on 15 November and that, if seen fit, he will arrive in Turkey on 16 November, Aydin Denktas said that they would then proceed to the occupied areas together.

[07] The pseudocabinet discussed the UN plan. They asked for extra time to study the plan

In a statement prior to the meeting, Eroglu said that the work conducted on the plan will be assessed at the meeting, adding that, however, the "government" view on the issue will not yet be announced because they would like to conduct extensive and in-depth discussions and consultations on an issue that concerns the future of the pseudostate and the Turkish Cypriots before a stand is adopted. He noted that they asked the UN Secretary-General to grant them extra time to study the plan.

In his statement prior to the meeting, Eroglu said that the so-called Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister will brief the "cabinet" on the text of the Annan plan. Noting that the text will be discussed in depth in the light of the consultations held in New York, Eroglu said that the "Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister", who has been studying the text of the plan for the last two days, will brief the "cabinet members" on the issue.

In reply to a question on whether the "cabinet" will express a view on the plan at the end of the meeting, Eroglu said that at the moment they are not in a position to issue a statement on the issue. Noting that they have time till Monday [18 November] to reply to the UN Secretary-General, Eroglu said that, taking into consideration that the time granted is insufficient, they have asked for an extension from Annan. Eroglu said: "We would like to conduct extensive and in-depth discussions and consultations on an issue that concerns the future of our state and our people and to then adopt a stand."

In reply to a question on whether he has been in contact with Rauf Denktas since the submittal of the plan, Eroglu said that he talked with Denktas and heard his views on the plan. Noting that they are in daily contact with Ergun Olgun, Eroglu added that they would meet again this evening. He concluded by saying that the "cabinet's" stand on the plan will be conveyed to Denktas.

On his part the so-called Deputy Prime Minister Salih Cosar, in a statement prior to the meeting, said that the "cabinet" agenda is quite heavy, adding that, however, this agenda will be put aside to discuss the Annan plan. Pointing out that work is being conducted at the "Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministry" on the plan, Cosar said that the plan will be read and discussed at the "cabinet" meeting.

In a statement after the meeting, Eroglu said that they discussed the plan the UN Secretary-General submitted to the sides, but that they will continue to study the details of the 150-page text. Noting that there are certain factors in the plan, which makes them uneasy, such the issues of property, territory, and the refugees who will cross from the south to the north, Eroglu said that the plan also dilutes the issue of sovereignty and the guarantee agreements. He added that when the necessary work is concluded the "government" will discuss its views on the plan with Denktas who is expected to return to the island on Saturday [16 November]. Eroglu noted that Rauf Denktas would invite the political parties to discuss the issue at the so-called Republican Assembly.

Noting the need to study the text in detail, Eroglu said that in addition to the property and territorial issues, the issue of sovereignty is being diluted. He noted that, moreover, the guarantee agreements are also being diluted through certain authorities being granted to the UN Peace Keeping Forces.

In reply to a question on whether the UN Secretary-General granted the additional time requested for preparing a reply, Eroglu said that the request was made by Denktas but that he is not aware of the reply. He continued: What we know is that a reply is expected by Monday [18 November]. If, however, the request is accepted and if we are given additional time, this will please us.

In reply to a question on whether the so-called Republican Assembly will be briefed on the plan after Denktas returns to the island, Eroglu pointed out that Denktas has been conducting the talks so far, adding that it will be more appropriate to schedule the assessment meeting to be held with the political parties till after Denktas returns.

[08] The party of the illegal Turkish settlers describes Annan's plan as solution imposed by the US, the UN and Europe

NAP Deputy Chairman Cetin Atalay held a news conference at the party headquarters today and expressed his party's views on the positive and negative aspects of the plan. He described the positive points as follows: The emphasis put on the equality and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot side; the state model based on the Swiss one which is closest to the concept of a confederation that is being advocated for years; the structure of the Constitutional Court that will be set up within the state to be established; the parliamentary system that is based on two chambers; the rotational presidency; and the right of veto.

Atalay said that the territorial concessions that go beyond border adjustments, the situation of those who arrived in Cyprus in the aftermath of 1974 and who have acquired "citizenship", the percentage of Greek Cypriots who will live among the Turkish Cypriots, and the dilution of the effective and de facto guarantees of Turkey are the negative aspects of the package.

Atalay said that in exchange for equality, sovereignty and a rotational presidency, Annan proposed to the Turkish Cypriots to live on the slopes of the Pentadaktylos mountains. He added that if the territorial concessions proposed in the package were accepted, then some 60 to 70 Turkish Cypriot villages, the entire Varosha region, and a large section of Morphou would be given to the Greek Cypriots. Atalay said that the NAP research and development group met, determined the regions, which the plan envisages to give to the Greek Cypriots, and made an assessment of the situation

Noting that the NAP favours the solution of the Cyprus problem and accession to the EU together with the Greek Cypriots, Atalay added that, however, an agreement to be concluded should be based on equity and should not take the Turkish Cypriots to the situation that existed prior to 1974.

[09] The co-ordinator of NPM, the successor to the terrorist TMT organization, says the plan is full of ambushes

Etkin held a news conference today and assessed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's solution plan. He said that a one-sided and discriminatory approach was experienced during the plan's preparation period, charging that the UN Secretariat General did not adopt a stand based on equality vis-a-vis the Turkish Cypriot side. Alleging that the document was leaked to the Greek Cypriot side 15 days in advance, Etkin charged that the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo influenced the UN Secretariat General through statements they issued during that time. Etkin said that it has become evident that the document was submitted to the sides after significant changes favouring the Greek Cypriot side were made.

Noting that Annan's solution plan should be well studied and assessed, Etkin said that the document or solution plan is full of dangers and ideas that might be described as ambushes. Etkin added that once these points are taken into consideration, this document, which Kofi Annan describes as a solution plan, is not a document that one can agree with easily. Noting that the NPM will continue its programmed work to inform the public, Etkin added that they will continue to work for a just and lasting solution, but that they are determined to reject proposals that envisage capitulation.

[10] Gul: We do not consider the non-solution in Cyprus as a solution"

Mr Gul noted that the solution must be "realistic" and that the most important point is Turkey's guarantees and that the security of the Turks is guaranteed in the long- term.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist says that the registered Turkish land in Cyprus is only 11%

"No investment has been made in some areas of Northern Cyprus for the last 28 years. Probably because it was thought that these areas would have been given as a concession. One who sees all these cannot think of something else. Some families do not even whitewash the houses they are living in. They live in the houses, which have been turned into ruins and do not spend their money in vain.

However, would it not be better for them as well if the houses, where they live for 28 years without even paying rent, were well kept? If those who rule do not do this, will the citizens do it? If we try to give examples we shall say that the areas of Morphou, Lefka, our villages at the borders, Varosha and its surroundings are extremely neglected and have been turned into ruins.

And what is the situation of Lurudjina village, which is Turkish territory? It is a total ruin and to a point of collapse. Why is this?

There is not even a way to go to old Kokkina village by land, but we still keep it in our hands. Is it a strategic matter?

Have you ever gone around the villages where villagers from Turkey had been brought and settled? It is as if they have no affection for this place and they do not consider it as their home. The villages and the houses are neglected, as if no one lives there.

Where is the embassy? Have they gone and seen the places where their own people live? Do they need to do this? They remember that these people live here only during the elections.

The villagers from Turkey have been always treated as if they would go one d ay. For years they have been used only for political reasons. Now bargaining is taking place regarding who will go and who will stay. However, no one asked them or us. Neither they nor the Cypriots are considered of any importance. Now plans have been submitted. We are aware of absolutely nothing. Only lies are said to the people in the Turkish side. This land is a Turkish territory, they say. In 1974 the registered property of the Turks on the whole island was 18 %. Now it is said that is 11 %. I could not know whether or not this is true. 90 % of the land in the north is classified as military zone. There is a military garrison everywhere. Every passing day, the places where people could go, are decreasing. That is, this country does not belong to us, but to others. They are the owners and we are refugees. Come on and solve this problem, if it can be solved".

/SK

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article