Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-09

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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 left New York for Istanbul.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader arrived in Istanbul. Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister after meeting Denktas.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot leader arrived in the occupied areas.

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the return of Mr Rauf Denktas to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[05] Statements by Denktas/ adviser after meeting Alvaro de Soto.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader met with Alvaro de Soto and Pat Cox in occupied Kyrenia.

[07] Erdogan joins Denktas to allege that President Clerides/ stand is negative.

[08] What the sides do not want from the Annan plan.

[09] An illegal settler official of the Nationalist Justice Party alleges that Rauf Denktas will be assassinated.

[10] Erdogan visits Denmark and US to play latest cards for EU.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist supports that Turkey should continue to blackmail the US on Cyprus in view of Iraq.

[12] Turkish columnist: "Ecevit and Denktas wanted to annex Cyprus".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader left New York for Istanbul

Speaking to reporters before leaving New York for Istanbul, Denktas said: ``Unilateral admission of the Greek Cypriot side to EU means conclusion of the Cyprus problem in the way the Greek Cypriot side wishes. Such a result means that the interests of the Turkish Cypriots are not taken into consideration in any way, and this can`t be accepted. But we can`t know what the EU will do. There can`t be any solution to the Cyprus issue until December 12. The EU should not to make the solution of the Cyprus problem more difficult by admitting the Greek Cypriot side to the EU unilaterally."

Denktas also said that he would submit another document to de Soto on Sunday about his proposals in details.

Denktas said he was disappointed by the document submitted by President Clerides to de Soto, adding: ``I saw the response of Clerides. I am deeply grieved, because I saw that the intention of the Greek Cypriot side is to keep Cyprus in their hands forever. This approach impeded the solution of the Cyprus issue for 40 years.`` Denktas stressed that solution of the problem is not in question as long as there is no equality, sovereignty and reciprocal recognition of two sides.

``EOKA defenders tell that if the proposals of the Annan are accepted, they are ready to sacrifice their lives again. Where are we going? When the documents of both sides are seen, everybody will see that nothing can be reached by such an approach. As there can`t be a solution until December 12, the EU has to give us an opportunity and they should not admit the Greek Cypriot side,`` he said.

Denktas had a check-up in the hospital in New York for the last time, doctors conducted an operation on him to empty pleural effusion by puncture, and they permitted him to return to the occupied areas.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader arrived in Istanbul. Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister after meeting Denktas

TRT 2 Television (07.12.02) broadcast statements by Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul after meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas at Istanbul/s Ataturk Airport.

The statement and his replies to questions are as follows: We have welcomed Mr Rauf Denktas. He has undergone a major heart operation in the United States. Thank God, he is in good health now even though he had minor complications after his operation. We saw him off after welcoming him here. In between, we held a consultation meeting on the latest developments. We discussed the developments within the framework of the EU, the recent steps undertaken by the UN Secretary-General, and the replies in this regard. We talked and discussed all these issues. We will be in close contact afterward as well. Our stand is crystal clear. We are not a country that thinks that non-solution is a solution. We envisage a solution in Cyprus. Both sides, however, should be satisfied by this solution. Both myself and our party leader have always said the following during our EU contacts and meetings: You can take steps to facilitate a solution to the Cyprus issue. Do not take steps that can make a Cyprus solution more difficult. It has been agreed that Cyprus can become an EU member only through a new partnership agreement. That is, two separate states with one sovereign state. This is a new partnership concept. We have also documented this view of ours.

It is evident that we have a positive approach to a solution. All the letters Mr Denktas wrote to the UN Secretary-General are positive. We are ready to discuss, talk, meet, and find a solution. There is no question of having a difference of opinions with Rauf Denktas. The important thing is that it is obvious that a solution will become easier once the EU gives Turkey the date it deserves in Copenhagen. We have always said so to the EU circles. We hope that the EU leaders will make the right decision in Copenhagen and give Turkey the definite date it deserves for accession talks. It will be easier to solve numerous problems once a definite date is given. I would like to emphasize this point. Giving a definite date to Turkey will greatly facilitate finding solutions to numerous other issues in the region and in the Turkish-EU relations. We have made this call to them openly and during our bilateral meetings. This is all I have to say.

Question: It is being understood that a date will not be given to Turkey. Does this mean that the issue is insoluble?

Answer: No. Actually, the meetings are more favourable than reflected in the press. I have to say again that the EU leaders should approach the issue from a strategic point of view and not make petty considerations. They should give Turkey the date it deserves. Nothing should be left hanging in the air and remain ambiguous because Turkey has fulfilled its responsibilities. Meeting the demands of the Copenhagen political criteria constituted one of the most important conditions in receiving a definite date for EU accession talks, and Turkey met them. The reform package adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on 3 August is very important. My government, in addition, has already submitted two separate packages to the TGNA. We will do everything possible in order to pass these packages before 12 December. Our political will is clear and out in the open. Among the other 10 candidate countries, one can see that there are those that could not meet the demands of the Copenhagen political criteria as much as Turkey. It is really unacceptable that an injustice be committed against Turkey when all these facts are out in the open. I have to repeat that all the Turkish people are in favor of the EU and have a great desire for Turkey to become an EU member. All the political parties -- those in the government, in the opposition, within and outside the TGNA -- feel the same way. The civil society organizations feel the same excitement as well. This excitement and interest can be lost if an injustice is committed against Turkey. For this reason, the EU will have a lot to gain from Turkey's membership. The EU will be enriched and strengthened if a Muslim country becomes an EU member. In addition, the EU will no longer have the image claimed by certain circles that it is nothing but a Christian club.

Question: Is this a last minute strategy? Until recently, it was said that the Cyprus issue is not connected to the EU issue.

Answer: This is all I have to say. Actually, those who understand will have understood everything.

Question: Which date is the best for you? Which side will be in favor on 12 December?

Answer: I have to tell you that the meetings are more positive than reflected in the press. Of course, we will be satisfied if a definite date is announced. This has not become clear yet. We will have to wait and see in the coming days. I will also go to Copenhagen. Our party chairman will also go to Copenhagen. We will do everything we can until the last minute. We will exert every effort necessary. I believe that both Turkey and the EU should put to good use this historic moment.

Question: What will be the stand if the Greek Cypriot side is admitted to the EU before a solution is found?

Answer: I said openly that the EU should assist in solving the Cyprus issue, and not act in a way that will make the problems chronic. They know this very well.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot leader arrived in the occupied areas

The statement is as follows:

"My dear brethren, with God's will and help and with the messages of support and love I have been receiving from you I am returning to Cyprus following a two-month separation as a result of an illness that was exacerbated because of various complications. My treatment is not completed. It will continue here as well. I, however, returned to the island thinking that remaining away from you, my friends, for another two to three weeks -- that is what I was told -- at this critical period of the Cyprus cause would not be right. I have confidence in our doctors.

I read the reply Clerides sent to the UN Secretary-General. It was conveyed to me yesterday. I was further despaired. Clerides is trying to build our future on the Cyprus Republic, the Cyprus Republic which has been considered Greek Cypriot for the last 40 years. He is in conflict with those whom he calls settlers. He accuses Turkey of committing a crime by transferring settlers here. He believes that the number of Greek Cypriots that should be allowed to live among the Turkish Cypriots are insufficient. That number should increase and the process should be speeded up. He also wants the two maps, which he well knows that we shall not even consider, should be combined. He wants cantons. As a result, all the initiatives we have taken in goodwill to establish a new partnership have been cast aside.

I will meet with Mr De Soto tomorrow. I will once again explain our views to him. The Turkish Cypriots are a sovereign people. The Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots were the two roots of the sovereign 1960 republic. Sovereignty was based on these two peoples. Now the word sovereignty is not even mentioned. The `TRNC/ does not exist. The Cyprus Republic will exist and everything will be built on that foundation.

I thank those who say that economic difficulties will not cause them to get angry at our state, because there have been those who have made use of the economic difficulties to cause our people to get angry at the state. There may still be such people. The path of overcoming the economic difficulties is to safeguard the state. There are those who are opposed to renewed mass migrations. They are right. Refugee problems cannot be solved by creating new waves of migration. This is against humanity. This is against justice. This is merciless. Therefore, we have a strong cause, we have a state, we have sovereignty. A fervor has been created in a bid to grant EU membership to the Greek Cypriots following their hasty application. Everyone, however, is slowly beginning to see the price that has to be paid. We cannot pay this price, nor will we pay it. We will continue on our path in a bid to resolve our cause together with the motherland with a cool head and through reason and negotiations . Negotiations are not tantamount to accepting everything.

We are told that a document will be submitted to us in the coming days for me and for Clerides to sign, for the process to begin, and for Cyprus' accession to the EU. We are expected to continue the negotiations in the process. They will build another fortress and we are expected to continue on this path, on the path of negotiations. We do not recognize such a path. We will negotiate under equal conditions. Our equality should be recognized by the EU as well, and we should be treated equally.

I found the need to express these views because from the news reaching me in hospital I was aware that you were suffering greatly, that you were very concerned, and that you were in a turmoil. I was suffering the pain of not being able to do anything, of not being able to address you. I am happy that we have now come together. You, the Turkish Cypriots, you Turks who are a part of the motherland should be aware that your bravery, your humanity, your compassion, and your beauty is more advanced than even the most developed countries in the world. I embrace you all. I thank you all for the interest you have shown. I extend my respects and love."

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the return of Mr Rauf Denktas to the occupied areas of Cyprus

YENI DUZEN: Under the front -page banner title: "The father of the non-solution has come", writes that about 900 persons met Mr Denktas at the illegal Lefkoniko airport. According to the paper many members of the so-called "police" and "the civilian defense" were among those who met Mr Denktas. The absence of young people among the crowd is worth mentioning, notes YENI DUZEN.

AFRIKA: Under the front -page banner title "There is no agreement" before 12 December, writes that with his statements Denktas made those who say "no" to the Annan plan to feel happy.

VOLKAN: Under the front- page banner title "the Turkish Cypriot people embraced his leader", reports that "thousands of people", "full of excitement, longing and love" met Mr Denktas, who gave a message of resistance against the outside pressure.

KIBRIS: The paper uses as its front-page title the words of Mr Denktas that the Turkish Cypriots will not pay the price asked from them in order to accede into the European Union.

KIBRISLI: The paper refers to the issue on its front page under the title "Warm welcome to Denktas".

HALKIN SESI: The paper on its front- page banner title refers to Mr Denktas/ allegations that the Greek Cypriot side does not want a common state with the Turkish Cypriots.

[05] Statements by Denktas/ adviser after meeting Alvaro de Soto

Speaking to reporters after the meeting Olgun said that he received the response of the Greek Cypriot side to the U.N. Cyprus plan. Noting that de Soto had earlier submitted the response of the Turkish side to the Greek Cypriot side, Olgun said that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and de Soto asked the sides not to disclose the content of the responses and that they would abide by that request.

Olgun said that he would convey the response of the Greek Cypriot side to Rauf Denktas. Olgun said that Denktas could not complete his studies in the required time due to his health problems and that there was a little delay in submitting the response of the Turkish Cypriot side to U.N.

Olgun noted that Denktas will examine the response of the Greek Cypriot side after his return to the occupied areas adding that de Soto will meet with Denktas on Sunday.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot leader met with Alvaro de Soto and Pat Cox in occupied Kyrenia

Denktas later met with Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's special advisor for Cyprus. No statements were issued in connection with this meeting, during which Denktas conveyed the views of the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the UN plan and regarding the Greek Cypriot response to the plan.

[07] Erdogan joins Denktas to allege that President Clerides/ stand is negative

On his upcoming visit to the United States, Erdogan said that he will discuss mainly the EU, Cyprus, and Iraq.

Replying to reporters' questions at Istanbul Ataturk Airport before his departure for Ankara, Erdogan said that his aim is to receive a negotiation schedule from the EU. Stressing that Turkey must be given such a schedule by the end of 2003, the JDP leader said: The EU is going to be tested, and I think it must pass the test.

A reporter recalled Rauf Denktas' remarks that President Clerides' objection to the Annan plan is hopeless, and asked him to comment on Clerides' stand. Erdogan replied: "I find Clerides' approach to the issue negative. He should have approached it with a greater readiness to compromise."

[08] What the sides do not want from the Annan plan

Turkish Cypriot Side

1. SOVEREIGNTY: No stress is made on separate sovereignty. The sovereignty should emanate from both communities. With a view to stressing the two equal partnerships, our state should be recognized for 24 hours.

2. MORPHOU: The maps which are submitted will make thousands of Turkish Cypriots refugees again. Morphou can not be given. Water resources will be totally in the hands of the Greek Cypriots. It is not possible to create cantons.

3. GREEK CYPRIOT REFUGEES: In 1975 population exchange was realized. The Greek Cypriot refugees/ return to the Turkish component state destroys the bi-zonality.

4. PROPERTY OWNERSHIP: The return of Greek Cypriots to the territory under Turkish administration and settling in their homes will create chaos. The property issue should be solved through global compensations.

5. GUARANTORS: The treaty of guarantee is being rendered ineffective.

Greek Cypriot Side

1. SOVEREIGNTY: The issues regarding sovereignty and the continuity of the state need clarifications.

2. TERRITORY: The territory to be left to the Turks should be brought down from 36% to 28% and the two maps should be joined. Kythrea should be returned to the Greek Cypriot side. Access to sea should be given from Morphou and Famagusta.

3. GREEK CYPRIOT REFUGEES: The time span of twenty years envisaged for the Greek Cypriots who will return and settle in the Turkish regions should be reduced.

4. SETTLERS FROM TURKEY: The number of settlers from Turkey who arrived in the Island after 1974 should be limited to 35 thousand.

5. TRANSITION PERIOD: During the transition period the three years co-presidency period should be reduced to six months.

6. TROOPS: The number of Greek and Turkish troops to be stationed in the island after a settlement should be three thousands.

7. REFERENDUM: Settlement and EU membership should not be held on the same referendum.

[09] An illegal settler official of the Nationalist Justice Party alleges that Rauf Denktas will be assassinated

In a statement he issued today, NJP Secretary General Erhan Arikli recalled that Rauf Denktas underwent heart surgery in New York and had to stay there longer than scheduled exactly when the Annan plan was disclosed. This was all part of a ploy, he charged.

Arikli maintained that by returning to the island, Rauf Denktas foiled part of these plans. He also maintained that circles who want a solution in Cyprus at no matter what cost will carry out an assassination attempt against Rauf Denktas by using drugs. Therefore, he stressed, the "president" must be kept at the GATA Health Center under medical supervision 24 hours a day.

The NJP official stated that those who welcomed Denktas at occupied Lefkoniko Airport made the real voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard.

Arikli reiterated NJP's support for the great rally planned for Tuesday, 10 December.

[10] Erdogan visits Denmark and US to play latest cards for EU

After visiting Copenhagen and exchanging views with Danish Premier Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Erdogan will speak to the press in a joint conference with Rasmussen and will head to Washington at 11:30 a.m. today. First Erdogan will make a speech at the think-tank institution, Strategic and International Research Centre. Erdogan will meet Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell and President Bush's National Security advisor Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday.

Afterwards Erdogan will meet President Bush and his deputy Dick Cheney at the White House. After receiving representatives of the Jewish lobby in Washington Erdogan will meet the American-Turkish Council (ATC) officials.

Erdogan will go to New York from there and exchange views with U.N. Secretary- General Kofi Annan and discuss the Cyprus issue and the peace plan proposed by Annan for a settlement on the island.

Erdogan will head to Denmark after his New York visit, for the Copenhagen summit that will decide on EU enlargement. Erdogan will stay in Copenhagen from December 11-15.

Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis and top officials of his party will accompany Erdogan on these visits.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist supports that Turkey should continue to blackmail the US on Cyprus in view of Iraq

"If it is necessary to organize a military operation against Iraq, then the United States will not only want logistic support, but at the same time, it will want around 30 thousand soldiers. If this information were correct, then the greatest mistake we could make would be to refuse these requests without discussing them seriously. If there are biological, chemical and nuclear warheads in Iraq, then the common strategic interests of the United States and Turkey are the same for the elimination of the missiles that would launch these and during the inevitable elimination of the oil producing states in the Arab Peninsula to make sure that these countries do not pass into the hands of a regime of radical Arab nationalists or integrationists. In that case, if a war breaks out with Iraq, then Turkey should provide all the support it can give to the United States. Turkey, however, can accept to take this course if certain conditions are fulfilled. The first condition is that an independent or a federated Kurdish state should never be established.

The second condition is the showing of respect for the rights of the Turkomans.

The third condition is that our rights on the Mosul and Karkuk oil, which were not fulfilled for years, should be restored.

The fourth condition is that the United States should provide protection of our regions within the range of the Iraqi missiles with antimissile missiles.

Finally, the fifth condition is that the United States should guarantee in advance that it would meet all the expenses, which we would need to make if we enter into such a war and all of the losses that we would suffer due to such a war.

If Turkey, as a peripheral country, shares (and it does share) the same extensive geostrategic view as the United States, then it cannot use this fact in the direction of its own self interests, only by announcing it in the theoretical plan. It should also adopt the behaviors, which are required by this view. For Turkey to be able to see the United States on its side in the long-term is dependent on this. For the United States to be able to see Turkey on its side, it is necessary for the United States to support all of the high interests of Turkey. The United States should understand that if it would joint the efforts to put the Turkish Cypriot community under the domination of the Greek Cypriot community, then the warm, friendly atmosphere in the Turkish public opinion, which is absolutely necessary in order for Turkey to be able to act together with the United States in the Middle East and other areas, would be lost.

In summary, in the Cyprus plan of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which the United States has announced that it supports completely, there are some matters, which the Turkish side cannot accept. The Turkish side cannot accept the number of Greek Cypriot refugees proposed in the plan and some of them settling on the northern coast of the Island; leaving Morphou to the Greek Cypriots; the elimination of the our depth of defense at the borders of the region belonging to the Turkish Cypriots; in the bicameral parliament, the Greek Cypriot majority can act without having a need for the votes of the absolute majority of the Turkish Cypriot representatives, by cooperating with a certain minority of the Turkish Cypriot senators; the election of the two Turkish ministers in the Council of Ministers with the same voting rule, that is, not with the absolute majority of the Turkish Cypriot ministers, but by the Greek Cypriot majority by making an alliance with a Turkish Cypriot minority; and the Council of Ministers can take decisions with only one of the two Turkish Cypriots joining the Greek Cypriot ministers, without a need for a positive vote of both of the Turkish Cypriot ministers. These proposals are even worse than the 1960 Agreements, setting aside the 1984-1985 UN Secretary- General's proposals.

If the United States accepts these proposals, then it cannot be in a position to ask Turkey to support the US military operation against Iraq.

[12] Turkish columnist: "Ecevit and Denktas wanted to annex Cyprus"

The columnist ironically notes that Denktas is upset not because the operation did not go as planned and he was unable to return to the occupied area within one week, but because of the fact that he was unable to fulfill the annexation plan drawn up with the Ecevit government. He writes that in the absence of Denktas, the Ecevit government panicked and the "annexation plan" was suspended. "Denktas has realized that the opportunity is missed", Serdar Turgut concludes.

/SK

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