Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-11-22

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas: Annan^Òs plan cannot be basis for negotiation.

[02] Mehmet Ali Talat was interviewed on Annan^Òs plan.

[03] Angolemli urges Denktas to accept Annan Plan as basis for negotiations.

[04] Dervis Eroglu discussed with Michael Klosson Annan^Òs plan.

[05] Turkish Cypriot NGO's call for acceptance of UN plan as basis for negotiations.

[06] Turkish Cypriot NGO's call for acceptance of UN plan as basis for negotiations.

[07] Baykal reacts to Mrs Arinc's scarf, deputies' prayers, Erdogan remarks.

[08] Denktas´ Advisor Prof. Mumtaz Soysal: "Occupation of Larnaca was in the Plan^Ô.

[09] JDP's Tayyip Erdogan Interviewed on Cyprus, EU.

[10] Turkey's Erdogan Holds News Conference in Strasbourg on EU and Cyprus.

[11] Twenty-five journalists and trade unionist will be tried for trespassing upon ^Óproperty law^Ô.

[12] Tahsin Ertugruloglu faults UN plan's sly.

[13] Denktas may remain in New York for another 10 Days.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Column says 'Give and Take' in Cyprus inevitable if Turkey is to join EU.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas: Annan^Òs plan cannot be basis for negotiation

Underlining that "No one is going to be able to grab anyone else by the ear and force him out", Denktas added: ^ÓWe are not going to give in to measures that in three to five years would reduce us to the position of being merely the Turkish minority in Cyprus; we simply won't accept this. The matter is that simple."

Denktas, in a statement to Radio Guven, which broadcasts in the occupied area, declared that he would "not accept the document presented by the UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan as a basis [for negotiations] until the shortcomings and deficiencies in that document are eliminated". Denktas spoke as follows:

"We simply cannot say, with regard to these positions that have been set out, that 'We accept it [the document] as a foundation for the structure that is going to be built.' We will discuss whether or not we will be able to accept it as a basis, and we will call for whatever changes are necessary in order for it to be acceptable as a basis. We are obliged to say these things, and we are obliged to insist on these things."

Pointing out that the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots is not cited in the Annan document, Denktas indicated that he has evaluated the shortcomings, deficiencies, and traps that he has identified in the Annan document and has conveyed his views on this topic to the relevant officials.

Denktas, indicating that the settlement in the occupied area of a certain percentage of Greek Cypriots could in the future pose the danger of the elimination of the Turkish Cypriots, said the following:

"If you take in one percent Greeks there's a problem. You've accepted the Greeks; fine, accept them, then what will happen? All the measures taken in 1960 to maintain the status of two separate communities are done away with, and we will go into elections together with the Greeks, having taken up to 30 percent Greeks into our midst, and we will defend our Turkishness, or the Turkish administration, or Turkish sovereignty, which isn't even in the thing at the moment. No such things can happen. These are very dangerous things."

Denktas stressed that he wants an agreement in Cyprus, that he has not avoided negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side, but that there has to be a basis, set upon a sound foundation, in order to negotiate something which is such a national cause.

Pointing out that he has asked the UN Secretary General to show the necessary flexibility, Denktas said that "No one is telling us 'No, we are going to hold you by the throat, and you will comply with that date and that's all.' Consequently, we will, God willing, come to our senses by that date, Turkey will have made its decision, but this is still a national cause, and requires national decisions. I think that, just because a new government has been formed in Turkey, no one is going to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch. There are a number of things that cannot simply be wiped away."

Subtitle: ^ÓAll Turkey's rights are eliminated"

Claiming that, in the Annan document, all the rights given to Turkey by 1960 Treaties, are done away with, Denktas said that "With this approach, to what degree is Turkey in agreement with this, and how, and under what conditions? We have to know these things. And in order to know these things we need time."

[02] Mehmet Ali Talat was interviewed on Annan^Òs plan

^ÓWe interviewed Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Turkish Cypriot Republican Turkish Party (RTP) on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan to solve the Cyprus problem. Although the word `left´ is not included in its title, the RTP stands on the left of the political spectrum in the pseudostate.

The RTP won the mayoral seats in three of the five districts during the local elections on 30 June. The party officials are now visiting the villages to inform the people on the Annan plan. Matters related to the plan are not fully explained to the people in north Cyprus. It is as if the officials prefer to keep a blanket of secrecy on them. However, the Greek Cypriot press organs allocate supplements to the plan.

Talat said: `Even those who were forced to become refugees in the past want the Cyprus problem to be quickly solved.´

Drawing attention to the level of poverty in the occupied area, which has been affected by the economic crisis in Turkey, Talat asserted: `The hope for a solution prevents a mass exodus from north Cyprus at the present time.´

Stressing that Justice and Development Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit north Cyprus showed that he supports the solution of the Cyprus problem, Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas cannot remain indifferent towards Turkey's position anymore, regardless of the approach he maintained in the talks thus far.

Asked to comment on the situation in the pseudostate, Talat said: `We are waiting´. Obviously, the RTP expects the Annan plan to be accepted as a basis for talks to pave the way for steps to be taken to solve the problem until the EU summit in Copenhagen is held on 12 December. Talat said that 12 December will, in a sense, be the last day to solve the Cyprus problem. He asserted that various signs confirm that the situation will be better for Turkey after December and noted that the time factor must be carefully considered. Talat said that Greece's decision to wait for the presidential elections in February for the solution of the Cyprus problem indicates that 12 December will be a critical date.

Recalling that Rauf Denktas is still in hospital, Talat asserted that he has not yet found an opportunity to discuss the plan with him. He pointed to the lack of dialogue in north Cyprus by saying, `We communicated with Denktas only through the press thus far.´

Talat convened the RTP party assembly to discuss the Annan plan and to launch a campaign under the slogan, `Toward a solution in Cyprus.´ The RTP leader^Òs plan to confer with the other political party leaders and make initiatives to force Rauf Denktas to accept their views. Meanwhile, they will maintain their talks with the Greek Cypriot political party leaders. He does not believe that Annan^Òs map can prevent the Turkish side from agreeing to take the Annan plan as a basis for talks.

Turkey expects the EU to disclose a calendar on 12 December for talks on its accession to the organization. Talat is rather optimistic. He sees no other alternative. In fact, he is convinced that the EU will not only establish a calendar but also decide to hold talks on accession without wasting time.

The situation in the north Cyprus is the main factor behind Talat's optimistic views. The south Cyprus hosts 2.5 million tourists every year. However, only 300,000 tourists visit the occupied area. The ^ÓTRNC^Ô can remove the economic crisis it suffers from, if the economic ^Óembargo^Ô imposed on it is lifted and if foreign investments are made in the country. According to Talat, the pseudostate will collapse if the Annan plan is rejected.

We asked Talat to comment on EU Commissioner Günter Verheugen's statement, `The military forces continue to interfere in politics in Turkey. So a calendar cannot be given for talks on its accession.´ He said that he did not find it noteworthy and asserted: `There is strong hope.´

The people in Turkey and north Cyprus strongly hope that the summit in Copenhagen will initiate a new era.^Ô

[03] Angolemli urges Denktas to accept Annan Plan as basis for negotiations

Huseyin Angolemli, leader of the CLP, has said that Rauf Denktas must inform the UN Secretary-General without any further delay that the UN plan is a basis for negotiations. Otherwise, he said, this last opportunity will be lost and the Greek Cypriot side will join the EU on its own.

In a written statement, Angolemli maintained that the Annan plan includes all the elements demanded by the Turkish Cypriot side in a solution to be reached. He called on Denktas to stop playing against time.

Angolemli charged that the Turkish Cypriot side has been demanding the agreement envisaged by the plan for long years. It is not a good idea to avoid the talks, he said, and stressed that Denktas must try to reach a solution through the negotiations.

[04] Dervis Eroglu discussed with Michael Klosson Annan^Òs plan

In a statement to the press after the meeting, Eroglu said that he conveyed his views on the plan to the ambassador and tried to hear the ambassador's views.

Asked if the visit by British Special Envoy on Cyprus Lord Hannay indicates an insistence on the part of foreign countries on the Annan plan, Eroglu replied: ^ÓYes, in fact Lord Hannay can be considered one of the architects of this document.^Ô

Eroglu noted that Hannay asked to meet with him, adding that Hannay has been trying for a long time to ensure that an agreement is reached in Cyprus, but an agreement that will satisfy the Greek Cypriot side more.

[05] Turkish Cypriot NGO's call for acceptance of UN plan as basis for negotiations

Turkish Cypriot nongovernmental organizations [NGO's] that had signed a common vision entitled "Solution in Cyprus and EU Membership" held a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce on 20 November 2002, and issued a joint press release yesterday.

In their press release, the NGO's pointed out that the long unsettled Cyprus problem threatens not only the two sides, but Turkey, Greece, and the region as well. They said that by keeping in mind the EU process, a solution should be reached by 12 December. Otherwise, they warned, the Greek Cypriots will join the EU on their own. The NGO's noted that the UN Secretary-General drew up a plan which brings solutions to the issues that have been discussed by the two leaders in Cyprus, and that it constitutes a suitable basis for negotiations so that the problem can be discussed and resolved by 12 December.

The NGO's pointed out that territorial concessions should be made if the constitutional rights of the Turkish Cypriots, their political equality, and security needs are recognized. They said that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the relations between Turkey and the EU will influence each other closely, adding: ^ÓThe situation to be faced by the Turkish people and the Turkish Cypriots if the problem is not solved will be much worse than it is today.^Ô

^ÓIt will create an irreparable situation, which will postpone indefinitely, a settlement in Cyprus and Turkey^Òs getting a date for accession^Ô. The statement noted. The press release, urged the Turkish Cypriot leadership, to start negotiations within the framework of the settlement proposal made by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

It concluded by protesting the ^Órejectionist^Ô stance of the so-called ^Ócoalition government^Ô in the name of the Turkish Cypriots, in the occupied area. Saying that this ^Órejectionist^Ô stance would lead the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish people to crisis and to annihilation.

[06] Turkey's Erdogan critical of hawkish policies

Erdogan explained that Turkey is being presented with the EU, Cyprus, and the ESDP as linked issues. We had to make a proposal, he said, adding: ^ÓHawkish policies never get results. What good is it to be hawkish if it does not get any results?^Ô

While clarifying Erdogan's remarks, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis said: ^ÓThe UN plan on Cyprus recognizes the sovereignty rights of north Cyprus.^Ô

[07] Baykal reacts to Mrs Arinc's scarf, deputies' prayers, Erdogan Remarks

Referring to the videos and photos showing the deputies praying at the Hilton Hotel, Baykal said: "Turning worship into a show is contrary to the essence of worship itself."

On Recep Tayyip Erdogan's contention that Cyprus, the ESDP [European Security and Defence Policy], and the EU should be discussed as one package, the CHP leader asserted: "Declaring a different foreign policy at every stop will not help solve the problems of the country."

[08] Denktas´ Advisor Prof. Mumtaz Soysal:^ÔOccupation of Larnaca was in the Plan^Ô

[09] JDP's Tayyip Erdogan Interviewed on Cyprus, EU

Question: You are conducting a very intensive tour. You are holding meetings in order to ensure that the EU gives Turkey a negotiation date. Do you believe that you will achieve results in this tour?

Answer: You know that it is very important to keep your promises in politics. If you do not do so, the people will demand that you render accounts. Prior to the elections we said to our people: "We know that we will come to power. Given the fact that we do not have any time to lose, we will set appointments with the prime ministers and the main opposition party leaders of the EU countries even before we are assigned the task to establish the government. We will visit these countries and we will talk to their administrators.

Subtitle: "The Visits Were Conducted in a Positive Atmosphere"

After we won the elections, we had dinner in Ankara with the ambassadors of the EU countries. We told the ambassadors that we want to set appointments. They were very kind and they immediately schedule the appointments. We began our tour in Italy. After Italy, we went to the ^ÓTRNC^Ô. Today we visited Greece and Madrid. Our tour continues. We aim to end this marathon after we visit 15 countries. The leaders of the countries that we have visited noted that they will support us and that they are in favour of giving Turkey a date for the commencement of the negotiations. They announced this before their public. These are the results that we have achieved until now. Our talks were held in a positive atmosphere.

Will the EU refuse to give us a negotiation date at the Copenhagen summit in spite of all this? It might.

It is our duty however, to exert utmost efforts. We will exert utmost efforts to this end. If they do not keep their promises, this is their business. As you know, Turkey is the only country that was not able to receive a date for the commencement of the negotiations.

Question: During your meetings in Greece and Spain there were rumours of an indirect formula to the effect that instead of a negotiation date, Turkey will be given "a date for scheduling a negotiation date." In other words, during the Copenhagen summit, the EU will say: "The negotiation date will be announced on such and such day." Is this acceptable in terms of Turkey?

Answer: No! This is unacceptable. We posed Mr. Simitis questions on this issue. He said: "No. We do not think in this manner. Other European countries think in this manner. We are in favour of giving Turkey a date for the commencement of the negotiations."

Question: You are always saying: "Let us look at the full half of the glass." This is a new perspective where the relations with the EU are concerned. Let us say however, that Turkey took certain steps. Let us say that it was possible to achieve results regarding issues such as Cyprus and the European Army. Let us say that despite this, Turkey was not given a negotiation date. What will happen under these conditions?

Answer: Currently we do not want to focus on the problems that might arise. There is no doubt that this is a possibility, but we do not want to focus on it at this point. If this happens, we will have to reassess the situation.

Question: Does this mean that Turkey will not have reached an irreversible stage until the Copenhagen summit?

Answer: I mean that let us assess the situation if and when this problem arises. This is because a great number of issues might be negotiated by then. We should not forget something, however. We should never escape from negotiations. We should never lose an opportunity for negotiation. In other words, we should not close the doors and we should continue to negotiate. When doing this, however, we do not intend to lose our honour, pride, or dignity.

Subtitle: Three Problems in Cyprus

Question: What is the irreversible point that you are talking about?

Answer: We will primarily protect our country's national interests. We cannot accept anything that runs counter to our national interests.

Question: For example, how much concession can we make in Cyprus? What is your red line in these negotiations?

Answer: It is not appropriate to make any comments on this issue without completing the preliminary negotiations. We have issued a great number of statements since the very beginning. We have talked about two sovereign founding states that have equal rights. This is still relevant. What are the problems? The problematic issues are the land issue, the property rights issue, and the migrants' issue.

Question: Do you believe that the sovereignty issue has already been resolved?

Answer: Yes, we believe so. This is what we understood from the plan that was submitted to the sides by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. As I have said earlier, however, the aforementioned three issues are of utmost importance. We should resolve these problems by making mutual concessions. It is erroneous to say: "Turkey and the Turkish side should unilaterally resolve this issue" or "Only Turkey should make sacrifices."

Subtitle ^ÓThe Soldiers do not oppose the EU"

Question: European politicians have recently begun to put the relations between the soldiers and the civilians on the agenda. Verheugen, EU official in charge of expansion, has reportedly talked about this to Republican People's Party (RPP) leader Deniz Baykal in Warsaw. You held a meeting with the chief of staff a while ago. The agenda of this meeting was not reflected to the press. Did you refer to these issues during this meeting?

Answer: I do not remember whether or not these issues appeared on the agenda of this meeting. I would like to state however, that our army does not oppose the EU. They said: "We are not distressed with regard to the EU."

Question: Did honourable Hilmi Ozkok say this?

Answer: Yes. He is also distressed with the fact that certain circles are trying to spread rumours to the effect that the army is against the EU.

Question: Did he refer to the 28 February process during this meeting?

Answer: No. The meeting was held in a very positive atmosphere. There were not any problems.

Question: You are always saying: "Turkey will show that Western democracy can be successfully adopted by a Muslim country. Turkey will constitute an example to the other countries." It appears that after many years, Turkey is ready to cope with full democracy. Do you believe however, that Europe is ready to accept a democratized Muslim society? I ask this question on the basis of European Parliament Chairman Giscard d'Estaing's remarks and the speech given by Pope Jean Paul 2nd on 13 November -- one day after your visit in Rome -- in the Italian Parliament.

Answer: I believe that it is not appropriate for me to make any comments on this issue. First, we do not define the EU as a Christian club. We do not want to define it in this manner. If they are talking about democratization -- most importantly, if they are talking about globalization -- it will be inappropriate to talk about such issues. There is no doubt that we will not convert in order to become EU members.

Subtitle: "The EU Should Also Realize Changes"

For example, the statement issued by Valery Giscard is a sentimental statement. To fail viewing Turkey as a European country is denying the truth. Turkey is a member of OECD [Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development] and the Council of Europe. Furthermore, Turkey is a member of the European Convention, of which he is the chairman. Turkey's EU candidacy was approved in Helsinki. Turkey is realizing changes and paving the path for democratization. The EU also has to realize certain changes. 12 December will constitute a test for Europe.

Question: What kind of a test is this?

Answer: This is a test on whether or not Europe is approaching Turkey with prejudice. This is because Turkey is the only country that has not received a date for the commencement of the negotiations.

Yakis: We Can Make Concessions for the Sake of Our Interests

After finding out that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer approved his appointment, we asked new Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis whether or not he is hopeful that Turkey will be given a negotiation date at the 12 December Copenhagen summit. In answer Yakis said the following:

"I am hopeful. The truth is we are exerting utmost efforts in order to continue to be hopeful. We don't want to leave any stone unturned [last sentence in English]. (At this point, Yakis utters a famous diplomatic term in English.) We will look beneath every stone. We will try all the routes. We want to make use of all the means. The rest is up to the EU."

At this point, Yakis also issued a striking statement -- a statement that will probably be discussed by the public in the days ahead of us:

"There is no doubt that we will have to make certain concessions in order to ensure that our dreams come true. We should properly explain to the public that we might have to make concessions for the sake of our national interests. These concessions might be made in the Cyprus issue or in the European Security and Defence Policy. If we have to reconcile for the sake of our interests, we have to know that the sides might have to make concessions for conciliation. The days ahead of us are important in this regard."

[10] Turkey's Erdogan Holds News Conference in Strasbourg on EU and Cyprus

Erdogan who held a press conference in Strasbourg yesterday stressed that Turkey applied for the European Union (EU) 40 years ago, and added, ``all the countries which have applied to the union in ten years reached a point to be the members of the EU. The union^Òs not giving a negotiation date to Turkey caused some doubts in the country. ``

Erdogan said that his meetings with the president and representatives of the European Parliament were very positive, and stated, ``we are exerting efforts for Turkey to reach the result put forth by Maastricht criteria.`` Stating that there were some deficiencies in the implementation of the laws in Turkey, Erdogan said that they had the determination to implement the laws.

``We told them `to learn our promises from our web-page` and `closely follow us and remind and warn us about our deficiencies. We also said that thus, we will try to make fewer mistakes and rapidly reach results, `` Erdogan said.

Erdogan noted that almost all of the countries he had visited so far welcomed supporting Turkey at the Copenhagen summit, and added, ``I cannot know what will occur on December 12. They expressed all these views during their press statements and our bilateral contacts.`` Drawing attention to the fact that 40 years had passed since Turkey applied for EU membership, Erdogan said, ``the only country that cannot get a negotiation date is Turkey. All candidate countries except Turkey have been given a negotiation date, ended their negotiations and are now members of this union. `` Erdogan stated that all the countries which had applied for membership in the last decade had reached the stage of becoming a full member except Turkey.

``Ruling and opposition parties in Turkey hope to join the EU. Some 80 percent of our people want to join the EU. This is a ready framework, and there is a historic opportunity. We have the power to rapidly overcome deficiencies if any. Then, we are saying that we will overcome deficiencies in implementation during the negotiation process after a positive decision is taken on December 12, `` Erdogan said.

Erdogan added, ``this negotiation process may last for five, six, seven or eight years. Turkey will not become a full member if it does not fulfil the requirements. So, we reiterated our request from European friends to pave our way and get a negotiation date. ``

Responding to a question about the solution plan which was presented to the sides in Cyprus by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Erdogan said, ``we could not hold talks about the 150-page solution plan of Annan yet. The plan coincided with an unfortunate period. Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktas has been in the United States for medical treatment. Meanwhile, general elections were held in Turkey, and the new government was formed a few days ago. Now, a vote of confidence will be held at the parliament. This period will end in the first week of December. Furthermore, we cannot solve a problem which could not be solved for 40 years, in 3-4 days. However, we are determined to hold negotiations. We are determined to solve the Cyprus question together with Greece on the basis of mutual self sacrifice. During my meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis of Greece, I observed that he was positive about it. I hope that the Cyprus question would reach a solution before the Slavonic Summit through negotiations. ``

When asked: ``If the EU does not set a date for the opening of accession talks at the Copenhagen Summit, what will Turkey^Òs reaction be? `` Erdogan said, ``if the EU does not set a date for the opening of accession talks with Turkey at the Copenhagen Summit in December, those who decide not to give a date to Turkey will be tested not only in front of Europe, but also in front of the world. We will maintain our good will. We will continue to work with good will. However, I want to stress that the Muslim world will assume a positive attitude towards the EU after Turkey^Òs getting a date for the opening of accession talks. Turkey^Òs getting a date will constitute a bridge among civilizations. ``

When asked: ``There is an Islamist majority in Turkey. Can non-Muslims become?

members of your political party? Will Turkey become a Muslim country one day? `` Erdogan said, ``I have never said that we are an Islamist party. The JDP is a conservative democratic political party. Meanwhile, Islam cannot be an adjective to describe a political party. Of course, non-Muslims can become members of our political party. ``

[11] Twenty-five journalists and trade unionists will be tried for trespassing upon ^Óproperty law^Ô

According to the paper, members of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers´ Trade Union (KTOEOS) will be tried for trespassing upon property law, because they had protested at the Lyceum against the decision taken for suspending Mrs Orhon. Moreover, charges were filed against the journalists Oya Gurel, Sevgul Uludag, Kazim Denizci and Ali Osman for the same cases, because they went to the Lyceum to cover the events.

AFRIKA writes that prior to the so-called trial, the twenty-five people who are accused held a protest gathering yesterday in front of the so-called Attorney General^Òs Office and lay a wreath in front of the Office. Speaking at the protest gathering, KTOEOS chairman, Ahmet Barcin, accused the so-called Attorney General^Òs Office of preparing sham cases and accusations, after taking orders from the ^Ódeep state^Ô.

The twenty-five people, against whom charges were filed, for trespassing property law, are the following: Ahmet Barcin, Varol Oztug, Erdogan Sorakin, Cemaliye Volkan, Vedat Tek, Hasan Ecer, Erdinc Selasiye, Salih Yaradanakul, Kamil Saka, Haroer Orhon, Tulin Murat, Emin Ozkalp, Mustafa Ertuna, Suleyman Gocer, Ender Oztunca, Nilgun Orhon, Samiye Nurten Yaradanakul, Yusuf Karsili, Mustafa Hasturk, Ertan Azer, Gullay Kaser, Oya Gurel, Sevgul Uludag, Kazim Denizci, Ali Osman.

[12] Tahsin Ertugruloglu faults UN plan as sly

Sari asked Ertugruloglu to comment on Tayyip Erdogan's remark that Turkey's EU membership, the Cyprus issue, and the European Security and Defence Policy should be viewed as one package. Ertugruloglu admitted that the issues are linked but stressed: "The problem starts when the Cyprus issue is placed before Turkey as a precondition or as a criterion for the other items on its agenda."

In reply to a question on the UN plan for Cyprus, Ertugruloglu denied the reports that the Turkish Cypriot side is opposed only to the maps in the plan. He said: "As Rauf Denktas pointed out from New York, the document is full of very slyly prepared threats, dangers, and traps. It is deliberately written in a style that will create uncertainty and confusion. It is impossible to understand the meaning at first reading. You must read it over and over again. Issues are not addressed clearly under one subhead; when you think that you have been given something in one part of the plan, you see that the same issue has been diluted and rendered meaningless under another heading." He also added that the occupied authorities will have the plan translated into Turkish, even though it is a difficult project given the "deliberately unclear language" used in the plan.

Ertugruloglu charged: "It is wrong to launch this plan as a solution plan. As far as I am concerned, this document is not a solution plan, but a plan to dismantle the Turkish Cypriot entity and to eventually eliminate the Turkish Cypriots from the island by causing them to despair and leave."

Ertugruloglu reiterated that his so-called Ministry found that the plan cannot be considered a basis for negotiations. But, he also said: "The official Turkish Cypriot position has not been formally announced because the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is not in Cyprus and the necessary consultations have not been held."

Ertugruloglu stresses: "This does not mean the Turkish Cypriots are closing the doors to negotiations. We are ready to negotiate this document too, but we are opposed to view it as a basis for negotiations."

[13] Denktas may remain in New York for another 10 Days

According to news which has not officially been confirmed yet, Denktas will stay in New York till that day and meet with Annan.

The sources told AA correspondent that Denktas would stay in the hospital for some more days and then continue to rest at the hotel.

Denktas might stay in New York for ten more days, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Denktas had a telephone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul. Gul wished quick recovery to Denktas during the phone conversation.

The sources said that the Annan^Òs plan on Cyprus could have been evaluated during the phone conversation.

Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary General^Òs Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Sir, Kieran Prendergast visited Denktas yesterday evening. This was both a courtesy and a business visit.

Sources told A.A correspondent that Sir Prendergast told Denktas that he was expected to convey his response about the plan to Annan in an appropriate time.

Denktas also had a telephone conversation with the so-called Prime Minister

Dervis Eroglu and exchanged views about Annan^Òs plan.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Column says 'Give and Take' in Cyprus inevitable if Turkey is to join EU

^ÓCyprus again. No wonder, because Cyprus is the key issue in the critical bargaining between the EU and Turkey. A wrong move regarding this issue could well upset the apple cart. It could harm Turkey's relations particularly with the EU and Greece and poison the newly emerging favourable atmosphere.

In other words, as I said in my article yesterday, there is no doubt whatever that Cyprus is the crux of the matter.

Question: What does the UN Secretary-General's plan of Cyprus involve? Does the plan add up to an achievement or failure from the standpoint of Turkish diplomacy?

It adds up to an achievement.

Does it provide a viable framework for negotiations?

It does.

And because it does, the Annan plan provides a basis for going to the negotiating table and discussing a final settlement with the Greek side. Doing the opposite, that is, being a spoilsport would be in the interests of neither the Turkish Cypriots nor Turkey

What else?

While the plan is favourable from the standpoint of the Turkish side inasmuch as it proposes a partnership state, political equality, and equal sovereignty, the arrangements it suggests concerning the issue of territory and migrants are disturbing.

So what do we do?

The ratio of the Turkish Cypriots to the overall population of the island stands at some 20 percent. The ratio of the territory they presently hold is some 36, 5 percent. The Turkish side earlier agreed to an arrangement involving a reduction in its territory up to 29, 5 percent.

The Annan plan proposes that the Turkish Cypriot territory be cut down to 28, 5 percent. The approval of the plan would inevitably require thousands of Turks to bid farewell to lands that have been home to them for so many years.

Obviously this would be a painful situation.

Yet what could one do? Agreements can only be secured by give and take. To affect a compromise, you must give up one thing and take something else in return.

There is no other way.

If the proposed arrangements concerning territory and migrants are a matter of concern to the Turkish side, the arrangements concerning a partnership state and equality are no less so to the Greek side. The foundations of peace and prosperity in the region could be laid only if both sides could avoid being captive to the past and prevent certain animosities from resurfacing.

There is no other way of rewriting history.

We have known for years that we will not be able to keep our present territorial share of 36, 5 percent in our ownership forever. It has been common knowledge all along that a certain amount of territory serves as a bargaining chip. What is more, Ankara is known to have occasionally warned `TRNC´ government officials against allowing too many migrants to settle in such territory, saying that doing so would create problems in the future.

What all this boils down to is that if a solution to the Cyprus issue is to be found, it will be at the cost of facing certain problems. Let us see what is at stake: either a few villages in the `TRNC´ or the future of as big a country as Turkey. Most probably, nobody in his right mind would see a real equation here.

What is good for Turkey is of a paramount importance. An arrangement that did not favour Turkey would not favour the Turkish Cypriots, either.

So where do Turkey's interests lie?

They lie in making headway toward EU membership. They lie in joining the EU.

The same is true of the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey's becoming eligible for membership would pave the way also for the Turkish Cypriots' accession to the Union.

And the people of the `TRNC´ are for EU membership. As much as 88, 4 percent of the people of the `TRNC´ want to join the EU.

Please note this.

This desire cannot be opposed. It cannot be ignored either. Any attempt to ignore it would inevitably backfire.

What if the EU does not set a date?

A rightful question.

Yet if Turkey possesses the political resolve to solve the Cyprus issue and can show it, then let the EU think what will happen if it does not set a date.^Ô

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