Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-16

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, after being discharged from Hospital in Ankara

[02] Yakis says Turkey will probably reach compromise on UN Plan until 28 February.

[03] Erdogan assesses the EU Summit decision on Turkey and Cyprus.

[04] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister after returning from Copenhagen.

[05] Deniz Baykal assesses the results of the Copenhagen Summit.

[06] Mumtaz Soysal: Integration is inevitable.

[07] Turkish Cypriots demanded the resignation of Rauf Denktas.

[08] Round-up of Turkish Press reaction to decision made by EU Summit.

[09] Denktas/ adviser says the talks on Cyprus will start again.

[10] CLP and RTP condemn Denktas/ policy on the Cyprus problem.

[11] Dervis Eroglu: "Turkish Cypriots to display goodwill in talks" .

[12] Tahsin Ertugruloglu assesses Copenhagen Summit and goes to Ankara to brief Denktas.

[13] Erdogan: No bargaining is taking place over Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnist says the number of the Turkish Cypriots is less than 80 thousands in the occupied areas.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, after being discharged from hospital in Ankara

Mr Denktas thanked doctors and the hospital staff for their attention and treatment. He said that he had come with pain and he is leaving the hospital with smile on his face. He said that he is hopeful that during the weekend he will be able to return to Cyprus. When asked to comment on the EU decision to set December 2004 for Turkey, Denktas said that this is Turkey's domestic affair and the Turkish Government should make the evaluation. I do not want to interfere in Turkey's domestic affairs.

Denktas criticized those who invited pseudostate/s so-called Foreign Minister to sign a document that they have charted and made their own amendments, as though under force of arms, and they are exerting pressure. Our position is this: From the very beginning, the moment the UN Secretary-General's first document which was presented to the sides, we have said that several sections of this plan were unacceptable, and on several issues we have asked clarifications. For a long time, they did not accept this, and in order to make us to accept it and to sit and sign it they have exerted pressure on us. Thank god, the Greek Cypriot sides as well had objections to this Plan, so they (UN) asked both sides `what are your objections?/

Naturally, part of our objection, a summary of it, I have conveyed to them. Clerides openly has said: `I am bound by the National Council decisions, I will take your answer to them, and accordingly I will take a decision. While the case was this, an atmosphere has been created, as though Clerides accepted the plan. In my turn, despite the fact that I have said: "I have to consult with my Parliament, I am sick, I am in hospital, I am not in communication with my government, give me a chance. I do want to negotiations, I do want to negotiate this with the Greek Cypriots", they have created an atmosphere as though I have rejected the Plan. This way they have plotted against us, and succeeded to make the EU be against me.

I consider the pressure that they are exerting on us, by telling us to immediately reply and sign the third amendment that they have done, contrary to the good offices mission assigned to them and I also consider it a shame from the point of view of humanity.

They realized that they were unfair by calling us to sign the first document. They were also wrong when they presented the second amended document, and they did not give us the chance to negotiate it with the Greek Cypriots, in an attempt to show that they are bound by the 12 December, date.

What does forcing to sign a document without negotiation in the 21st century mean will be evaluated by the people who struggle for freedom, sovereignty and for liberty of their country.

No one with threatening like this could exert pressure on us, to sign a document, without negotiating with the Greek Cypriots. I repeat. Without negotiation they should not exert pressure on us.

There is an awkward situation here. They tell Clerides, `sign this document, Denktas will be in difficulty, he will sign it/. Look what Clerides replies: Let Denktas sign and then we will see to it.

Clerides does not intent to sign it. He has been invited as the President of the Republic of Cyprus and they mean all of Cyprus.

Will Clerides sign this document? Since Cyprus whether the Cyprus problem is solved or not will be EU member.

Will he sit around the negotiation table with us? The door is kept open to him.

86% of the Greek Cypriots say "no" to this plan. Clerides cannot sign this. He will not sign it. There are many aspects in this plan to be discussed and negotiated.

So we say this: "We are ready to negotiate, let us be given a chance. You do not need to take a decision on Cyprus, Cyprus is partitioned, it is a wounded island.

They are acting unfairly, I wanted to say these things. They give us until 18:00 hours to sign this document. Our answer is: We are ready for negotiation, you can postpone your Cyprus decision to your next meeting. While doing this the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots should be removed immediately. And if an agreement is reached this agreement should be suspended until Turkey becomes full EU member. You have to accept this."

[02] Yakis says Turkey will probably reach compromise on UN Plan until 28 February

Yakis who was among the guests, said that the Turkish side gained time by not signing the plan, "in this way, giving a signal that the plan may be accepted until 28 February."

When Baskin Oran said that he believes that Turkey would reach a kind of compromise until 28 February, Turkish Foreign Minister Yakis replied: "It will be probably the way Mr Oran says; however, we will never say that this decision is already adopted. We have control over two-thirds of the parliament."

Commenting on various possibilities for the future, Yakis said that Turkey could be displayed as an occupying country in Cyprus. Explaining that the EU can claim that the Turkish Armed Forces is occupying European Union territory if the sides fail to reach an agreement until 28 February and the Greek Cypriot side is admitted to the EU, Yakis pointed out to the difficult situation faced by Turkey.

"The walls have closed around Turkey and it finds itself in a very narrow street. In this way, the Cypriot side has a stronger hand at the negotiation table", Yakis said.

Elekdag in turn, claimed that the Greek Cypriots have time until 28 February to modify the plan to their advantage and suggested that the Turkish government should go to northern Cyprus and crystallize a joint stand there.

Commenting on the EU decision, Yakis said: "We have to be satisfied with this decision even if it is way behind what we expected."

In reply to another question on what Turkey will do in the future, Yakis said: "We plan for Turkey to fulfill the demands until the 2003 progress report and urge the EU to advance the accession talks."

Noting that Annan had given time to sides until February 28 as the sides had failed to find a solution to the Cyprus issue until Copenhagen summit, Yakis said that Cyprus had been invited to the EU membership at the summit and stressed that the summit final statement did not use the expression of 'Cyprus Republic'. If the sides reached a solution until February 28, Cyprus which was two-part inside, would be a member as a single Cyprus abroad as it was foreseen in Annan's plan, Yakis said and noted, "if the sides fail to reach a solution, the Greek Cypriot side in the 1960 agreements joins the EU alone as the representative of whole island. If the latter happens, the EU takes a sick child into its arms."

Later, Yakis said that President Glafcos Clerides had not signed the plan at the Copenhagen summit. "If Clerides had signed the Annan plan in Copenhagen, we would have had to decide on this issue within half an hour. However, we have now forty-eight days."

[03] Erdogan assesses the EU Summit decision on Turkey and Cyprus

The statement and Erdogan/s replies to questions are as follows: "Turkey has recently exerted very serious efforts on the path of the EU. No doubt, these efforts reflect the will of all those who are determined to realize the contemporary ideals of our Republic. We view our Republic as the greatest project in our history aimed at contemporizing our country. We tackled and we will continue to tackle Turkey's will to become a EU member as the most important stage -- second to the stage of becoming a republic --in its process to become a contemporary country. We have said as much on the first day we embarked on this process. Those who have been following us are well aware that this is what we meant during our addresses at our party's group meetings.

As far as we are concerned, Turkey's EU membership is, at this stage of our history, the most ideal and most effective political instrument for renewing and making more contemporary the founding ideals of our republic, which is the apple of our eye. We believe that the EU is not a religious or a geographic union. We believe that the EU is a union of political values. These values that have materialized within the EU are the compass of the long journey undertaken by humanity in its efforts for democracy and freedom. This is the reason why it is the joint goal of all of us to continue and further strengthen this road map rightly preferred by the cadres that founded our republic. As soon as we emerged as the winning party from the 3 November elections by pursuing this ideal, we, together with you, our colleagues, and the representative of the nongovernmental organizations [NGO's] embarked on this journey in line with the promises we made during our election campaign. During this tour we exhibited full determination with regards to explaining the theses of Turkey. Our determination has enabled us to be the recipient of the prayers of our nation and has increased the respect of foreign leaders toward our country. We profusely thank our lofty God for granting us the opportunity to defend the law of our nation and our state.

No doubt, being able to serve this great nation and to make a small contribution to the state of this nation is the greatest honor for us. We desire and demand that our nation attain standards way above those achieved by the most developed countries in the world. We, as cadres that aim to achieve human rights, freedom. and ideals in all fields and as the cadres that believe that these values are the inalienable ideals of our country, are pursuing these ideals. We believe that working with all our might in this direction is as natural to us as drinking water and breathing. We view exhaustion and desperation on the issue as a disgrace. I would like to once again thank all our political cadres that share this understanding. The greatest thanks goes to our government, which has exhibited a serious performance and has proven that it is a bright government of the republic. I would like to extend my thanks to the members of the opposition party that has adopted an extremely positive stand in this process. I would like to extend my special thanks to the NGO's that have not left us alone on this difficult journey with their contributions and their work on various issues. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to you, the media members, who have performed an important duty in this speedy marathon.

On behalf of all our colleagues who have participated in this trip, I would like to inform our nation regarding one point. Everyone who participated in this trip has personally paid for his expenses. In this manner, these trips have not brought an additional burden on our people. I especially want our people to be aware of our sensitivity on the issue. No doubt, the fact that the heart of the entire nation has beaten as a single one had made the greatest contribution to our ability to realize this journey with our heads high up. I would like to once again note that we would view the defense of our nation's cause as one of the greatest values.

The decision that emerged from the summit has transported Turkish-EU relations to a brand new dimension. We have entered a period in which more intense and warm contacts will be held with the EU on the path to Turkey's full membership. It is inevitable for Turkey to further strengthen its recommendations on its democratization path and to increase its performance. Turkey will enter the negotiation process for its EU membership as of December 2004.

No doubt, the decision that has emerged is not the full response to our political determination. Even if this decision is not an equitable response to our political will, it has created a partnership process in Turkish-EU relations. The road map has emerged in favor of Turkey. Turkish-EU relations have been clarified and have entered a path. It is said at certain platforms that the Copenhagen criteria are not sufficient for Turkey to become a EU member. The impression that certain other preconditions existed was created. We have continuously stated that this impression is baseless. The decision has proven that we are right. It has definitely been confirmed that fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria is the only criteria for starting the negotiations.

I have stated that this decision does not fully meet our expectations. Despite the gains and success this decision represents, we believe that our political will and determination required a better decision. Despite all, however, this decision will make very serious contributions to our nation's will toward political change, the democratization process, and its determination to become contemporary. Having taken all these factors into consideration, we are not pleased with the political behavior exhibited by the EU decision-makers The reason for our displeasure is that we do not believe that the double standards of their political behavior are compatible with democracy and contemporary values. Nevertheless, we will continue our progress on the EU path in a more intensified and speedy manner because we know that implementing the Copenhagen political criteria is much more important for us than joining the EU. At the beginning of this process, we had said that we would not renounce our determination to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria irrespective of whether we accede to the EU. Yes, we will continue to take steps to transform the Copenhagen criteria to the Ankara criteria no matter what the outcome. We want this in order to improve the quality of life of our nation. The political values expressed in the Copenhagen criteria are not alien to our nation. These values will not be imported ones. We believe that these values should be the native values of our political life, because this is what our people want and expect. Do not forget. Everything is done for the happiness of our nation. Everything is done for the continuation of our state. Everything is for the bright future of our children. Everything is for Turkey. I extend my respects."

Question: No doubt, the Cyprus question is also extremely important. We are wondering about the process on the issue. Intense political contacts are being held. What kind of a timetable do you envisage with regard to the Cyprus issue? What are your views? Another point which is as important as the Copenhagen criteria is the economic criteria, the Maastricht criteria. Taking into consideration the economic difficulties in Turkey, will one of your priorities be the economy within the framework of the EU? Can you give us some tips?

Answer: I believe this has already been announced or it is about to be announced. Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's representative here, made a statement. I was informed through a phone conversation. A decision has been reached to continue the negotiations in the process that will last until 28 February. The sides have agreed to these negotiations. This process will continue.

As for the Maastricht criteria, as you know they are one of the priority steps of this government with regards to the standard of our people. With regard to the process concerning the EU, with God's will we will meet the expectations noted in the Maastricht criteria by exerting intense efforts. We will establish the infrastructure. As I have already mentioned, our goal is to increase the per capita income to $5,000 within five years. Our colleagues will exert efforts to attain that goal. The same goes for the debts, the interest and the inflation rates. We intend to fulfill those criteria.

Question: If we have a look at what was said during last night's dinner, the date was further postponed as a result of your recent statements and US President's Bush's demarches in Europe. I believe this was the topic of conversation at the meeting you held with Mr Chirac and Mr Schroeder. Do you agree? What is your assessment on the issue? Do you think Turkey blackmailed Europe?

Answer: Was it postponed or was it advanced? I did not understand. Our expectation was the end of 2003. We struggled for that date. That was our margin. As you know, France was speaking about July 2005. The middle way could have been the first half of 2004. Unfortunately, it was the second half. As I have just said, the elimination of the uncertainties, and the clarification of the issue is a success for Turkey.

Question: At the news conference he held today, the honorable prime minister said that other trade possibilities will be explored without disrupting the EU path and that new paths will be evaluated. Will we see such attempts in the future?

Answer: Increasing and intensifying our trade relations with our neighbors will be one of our most intense efforts. We are definitely determined to open Turkey to the world. I believe that our media friends have found the opportunity to observe this from close during this 20-day period. We have observed from close up the existing possibilities given the fact that we, as the state and the government, help our investment oriented institutions, which contribute to production, open to the world. We intend to reach out to all parts of the world without any discrimination and to find markets for ourselves. We will continue our efforts in that direction.

Question: You are a man of calculations. When do you think Turkey will become a full member based on the new date that has been set?

Answer: In the aftermath of the meetings we held with Mr Chirac and Mr Schroeder, 2004 will be a beginning date for us barring an extraordinary situation.

Question: I said full membership.

Answer: Full membership is the process that will follow. It does not depend on us.

Question: Can you not make a guess? Will it be 2010 or 2012?

Answer: I said something a while ago. Very interesting theses are being put forth. Especially the work of the Commission is very different. It is like the double standard I have just mentioned. I have told this clearly to them as well. I am not reluctant to say this here since I have clearly told them as well. They have claimed that they have drawn the first six-year and the second six-year budgets. Therefore, only if there is an extraordinary development can one be included in this package or plan. I believe that this depends on our strength.

Question: Is there a guarantee with regard to the ten new members?

Answer: Mr Chirac today told us not to be concerned about the ten countries and that he has their word. He said this near Mr. Schroeder. This is what he said to me and to the honorable prime minister. In other words, he told us that these ten countries would not have any adverse affects. We proposed that this be put in the records. We were told not to be concerned. This is the situation.

Question: From the date that has emerged and the statements you have made, we get the impression that full membership is not the primary priority of your party and the government? Is that true? Are you withdrawing from this issue?

Answer: Did I say such a thing?

Question: This is the impression we get.

Answer: I have been saying just the opposite. I said that we would continue full force. Moreover, we will establish a committee within the National Assembly that will follow the EU process. It will be the EU unification committee. This committee will closely follow this issue.

Question: With regard to foreign policy, will your determination to separate the Cyprus and EU issue continue? A process concerning Cyprus in the period after February is awaiting Turkey. How will those two policies be pursued?

Answer: The result that emerged today with regard to the EU process was a stage. This result will enable us to relax a bit on this path. Why? Because we have a clearer picture of the goal. Both the committee we will be establishing within the parliament and the teams we will be establishing within the party will follow this issue more closely. Naturally, I believe that the Cyprus issue will also gain clarity with new alternative maps and through negotiations over the recent plan. I believe that we will have the opportunity to adopt a clearer stand through the negotiations to be conducted till 28 February. With determination, I think that this business will advance toward the goal we desire.

Question: Will you make any recommendations to Mr Denktas?

Answer: We will sit and discuss this issue during the negotiations. In other words, Mr Denktas has not adopted a very negative approach at this point.

Question: Two days before you came here, one of the two adaptation packages was suspended as a reaction to the EU. It was not possible to understand this because curtailing the democratic rights, which you have been stressing during each of your foreign visits, of the people was unbelievable. Will this package be speedily adopted given the decision reached here, or will the democratic rights of the Turkish people be put on hold because the decision was not as desired?

Answer: We are continuing on our path. We are continuing in a stable manner.

Question: The EU issues a progress report every year. Such a report will be issued in October 2003. Technically is it possible to advance the date 2004 by fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria within the next year? Is there such an alternative, a plan-B?

Answer: We told them, we are continuing to tell them. There are contradictions within the EU. There are those who say why not. There are those who insist on 2004. We, however, will continue our work directed toward the 2003 report. We will exert efforts to get results there as well. As you now, Mr Berlusconi will be the term president. He was one of the leaders who approached us very positively. If this approach continues, it will be much better. I believe that our work and efforts on the issue will be appreciated.

Question: Your party conducts scientific work on many issues. You come up with charts etc. Is it possible to reach the target of zero torture cases in 2003? Can your party target such a goal? Can the goal be that none of those accused of torturing avoid the judiciary? Only if there is such a process will the progress report be clean.

Answer: This is not a mathematical equation. If it were an equation like two plus two adds up to four, then I will say this will be achieved.

Question: There is, however, a mathematical aspect.

Answer: We are determined on that aspect, the administrative aspect. As for the judiciary, this does not depend on us. With regard to the administrative aspect, we will have zero tolerance.

[04] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister after returning from Copenhagen

Following are his statement and his replies to questions:

One of the historic meetings of the EU has been held in Copenhagen. Its importance stemmed from the decisions it was to reach concerning the EU enlargement process. Turkey became the most important issue, however, and the Copenhagen criteria turned into a very important issue both regarding Turkey and for everybody who was in Copenhagen.

As you know, before we went there, we made every effort to get a definite negotiation date. We did everything that needed to be done inside Turkey in connection with that. Our legislative organ, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, worked constantly and it speedily enacted the first of the reform packages. The second reform package will be debated by the Commission in the coming days.

We have been repeating that what we did for the EU was really because the Turkish people deserve it. I want to repeat it once again. Turkey's course is set; it is a course that will lead Turkey to levels even higher than the modern advanced countries of today. The reforms needed for that will be carried out because our people deserve them and because Turkey deserves them. The Copenhagen criteria concern Turkey and the Turkish people more than they concern the EU. We have been reiterating that we are carrying out these reforms and we will continue to carry them out independently of the EU membership issue.

The EU adopts its decisions unanimously. Everybody knows that. While certain countries thought that Turkey should not be given any negotiation date, still others said it should be given later dates. Before we went there, certain EU circles were talking about a date for a date.

The point we are at today is this: Turkey has taken a very definite step toward the EU. Turkey's candidacy, which was debatable, has now become final and real. A new track has been laid in the relations between Turkey and the EU, and 2004 has been accepted as a definite date on which Turkey can begin negotiations with the EU. Furthermore, the EU has decided to start these negotiations without delay.

What we must do at this stage is this: we must prepare Turkey much better. We must show the progress Turkey will make at the meetings to be held in 2003 and in the assessment report to be issued in October 2003.

Following the last meeting we held with the EU leaders, the prime ministers or presidents of several countries came up to me and said that depending on Turkey's performance, this date can be advanced. These were remarks made after everything was over.

Undoubtedly, one of the important points was that the uncertainty was eliminated and that 2004 became a final date.

It is true that we were expecting an earlier date and we did whatever was necessary to achieve that. The fact is that there were various conflicts and priorities within the EU. Our aim was to get a date at he beginning of 2004, but it turned out to be the end of 2004.

It is now up to the public to assess this situation. I am repeating once again something that we must never forget. Turkey's course is set. We are advancing along this course because it is to the benefit of our people. Consequently, we will continue to carry out political and economic reforms with great determination. Until today, the EU pressured Turkey, but after our government came to power, Turkey pressured the EU, and that is because Turkey saw that it was justified in pressuring the EU since it had fulfilled its obligations.

Our efforts will go on. We have seen the results thereof. Changes were made even on the draft declaration. These are important developments. Now we will go about our business. We will try to pull our country together. I hope that by making progress, we can advance the negotiation date.

Question: The Greek Cypriot Administration will become an EU member and it will have the right to veto. How will that affect Turkey's EU membership and the solution of the Cyprus problem?

Answer: If you read the text of the declaration well, you will see that it says that the EU enlargement process is irreversible. Therefore nobody can prevent it. This has been guaranteed. We do not see an obstacle there.

Question: In Copenhagen you said that Turkey can look for new venues other than the EU, without turning its back on it completely. Will Turkey take such a step? What did you mean? An alliance with Russia maybe? Or a regional alliance?

Answer: No, I was quite clear. I did not say anything that could be interpreted in this way. I said that Turkey has great potential, that it has wide potential in its foreign policy. Turkey will advance its foreign policy tools, and the European perspective will take its place and be retained in this enlarged and developed foreign policy. That is what I said.

Question: Mr Erdogan said a referendum might be held regarding the Iraq issue. Is the United States making such great demands that the need is being felt to hold a referendum?

Answer: Probably we will be speaking a lot about Iraq in the coming days. Nevertheless, I would like to give you a short answer to your question. The honorable chairman meant that in democratic countries you cannot pursue policies that contradict the public view. Our Constitution does not allow a referendum in this case, anyway. So what he said should not be misunderstood. He meant that the public view is always taken into consideration in democratic countries.

Question: The style used by the Mr Erdogan in his talks with the EU leaders has been criticized. What do you have to say about that?

Answer: What we are focusing on at the moment is the way we can make faster progress regarding the EU.

Question: According to the Helsinki resolutions, unless Turkey and Greece solve the Aegean problems by the end of 2004, the problems will go to the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Can the two countries solve their problems without going to the Hague?

Answer: A general agreement has been reached regarding these issues; the sides will not posit a preventive attitude. If you notice, Greece made noteworthy efforts to ensure that Turkey got an earlier date.

Question: Did the EU leaders talk to you about their resentment of the US initiatives -- what has been called the Texas pressure?

Answer: Not in the way you said it, but in another way. Certain views were expressed, yes. We told the EU leaders of our own views regarding this matter.

Question: What kind of a policy will you pursue regarding Cyprus?

Answer: You may have noticed that the Cyprus question was not discussed much at the Copenhagen summit. The Cyprus issue and the EU enlargement process are advancing slightly separately from each other. The Cyprus issue is being discussed within the framework of the plan submitted by the UN Secretary-General. There is a deadline until 28 February. I believe and hope that an agreement will be reached by then that will satisfy us all. There is no doubt that Turkey will always protect its own interests when reaching such historic decisions.

[05] Deniz Baykal assesses the results of the Copenhagen Summit

Replying to reporters' questions, Baykal stressed that there are things Turkey must do in order to start the accession talks.

"We must not leave our claim to 2004. We must be insistent and determined to start the negotiations before 2004. If it happens, good, if it does not, that is good too. Nevertheless, that is what we must do. There is a chance, albeit a small one, that it might happen. We must pursue that. Once we get a date for accession talks, we must do certain things to shorten the period of the talks. We must do them quickly, he said.

On the Cyprus issue, the RPP leader asserted that the international isolation of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" must be ended quickly. If an agreement cannot be reached by 28 February, he said, the puppet regime must be addressed as a separate identity.

"The Cyprus issue is ceasing to be a criterion in Turkey's relations with the EU. That is a new and important development. The EU decided yesterday that the European laws will not be in force in the `TRNC/. By doing that, the EU has accepted that Cyprus is legally divided", he concluded.

[06] Mumtaz Soysal: Integration is inevitable

Interviewed on Baki Ilhan's "Television Newspaper" program on TRT 2, Mumtaz Soysal first referred to the new text on Cyprus as posited in Copenhagen yesterday [13 December].

"During the deliberations yesterday, a one-page correction arrived at the last moment in a bid to bringing the two sides together. It changed some words in certain pages. We thought that this correction was going to satisfy us too. We saw, however, that it satisfied the Greek Cypriot side only. In other words, this correction was made so that the Greek Cypriots would say "yes" and the Turkish Cypriots would say "no". I believe, however, that the Greek Cypriots too were not very enthusiastic about the correction. In other words, we were faced with a text, which neither side liked, Mr Soysal said.

Asked if Turkey and the puppet regime would integrate in the wake of the decision reached at the Copenhagen summit, Soysal replied: "Ultimately, that is inevitable. Since Europe is leaving the `TRNC/ out, then integration with Turkey becomes inevitable."

[07] Turkish Cypriots demanded the resignation of Rauf Denktas

The speeches delivered urged the Annan plan to be signed without wasting more time and charged that a difficult future awaits the Turkish Cypriots if no solution is secured during the Copenhagen summit.

Noting in his speech that the Greek Cypriots cannot be made sovereign over Cyprus, Soyer said that Mr Denktas is saying "no" to a struggle for equality that has been continuing for years. Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot people have the same rights as the Greek Cypriots on Cyprus, Soyer said that the solution plan should be signed immediately.

Akinci, in turn, said that the Greek Cypriots will be admitted to the EU regardless of a Cyprus solution and asked: What will become of the Turkish Cypriots? Recounting that the Turkish Cypriots do not want to immigrate and that they seek to live under humane conditions in their country, Akinci added that the Greek Cypriot's EU membership is not a victory of the Clerides-Vasiliou duo only, claiming that the Denktas stand also contributed to this effect.

[08] Round-up of Turkish Press reaction to decision made by EU Summit

Istanbul HURRIYET (Ankara edition): "No Deviation From the Course," which quotes Prime Minister Abdullah Gul as saying that Turkey has finally been given a date for starting negotiations, although, he notes, it is quite retarded and emphasizes that Turkey will not deviate from its course. The report also says that the EU's summit meeting in Copenhagen fell short of meeting Turkey's expectations, but the EU leaders at least clearly set a date, which Ankara had been trying to get for 40 years.

HURRIYET carries an editorial entitled "Images in the Mirror," by Oktay Eksi, who criticizes JDP leadership for using a threatening tone against the EU, which, he said, greatly disturbed some European leaders, citing excerpts from the critical comments made by some EU leaders about the JDP's approach. Nevertheless, Eksi notes, the JDP's stand does not justify what he describes as the EU's discriminatory policy towards Turkey, arguing that the summit confirmed that French President Jacque Chirac, who, he says, rightly urged the Turkish leaders to be polite, needs a lesson about "honesty."

Eksi comments: "Let bygones be bygones. What we should do in the future is to take persistent steps in order to achieve Turkey's 200-year old target and to adopt and implement the rules, which the EU has asked us to comply with as a condition for accession, but, as we have always pointed out, are in fact necessary for and beneficial to us. If Turkey fulfills the EU's requirements only because it considers them necessary for itself, it could become a star country in the world. Yet, we should suit the action to the word."

In an article entitled: "Membership is on the Right Track" HURRIYET columnist Yalcin Dogan quotes German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer as saying during a private conversation that the EU has taken a risk by setting a date for Turkey's accession and therefore Turkey should be satisfied with the outcome. Pointing out that the EU's decision has undoubtedly put Turkey on a course destined for the EU, warning that Turkey could deviate from that course should it fail to comply with democratic criteria, Dogan says: "An earlier date would certainly be better, but we should make utmost use of the next two years given the current state of democratic process and the policies being implemented." He concludes by saying that Turkey should not only criticize the EU, but also put its house in order and improve its human rights record.

Istanbul MILLIYET highlights the EU's decision under the banner headline "The Good, the bad and the Ugly," which says that the Copenhagen summit and its decision has triggered heated debates.

MILLIYET carries, an article entitled: "Now we Should Turn our Attention to Possibility of war" by Can Dundar, who argues that Turkey has made a series of miscalculated moves, including its attempt to use US pressure on EU leaders, which, he says, backfired. He comments: "Europe also punished the United States, which had poked its nose in its affairs while backing Turkey's case." Dundar says that Turkey destroyed its own bargaining power by suggesting that it could accept UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan on Cyprus only if the EU agreed to set a timetable for membership negotiations before convincing Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, who, Dundar argues, sees the current impasse as a guarantee for maintaining his status. Dundar points out that the summit has produced two positive results as it has finally finalized the date, which Turkey had been trying to get for 40 years and it will also give a fresh impetus to the reform process in Turkey.

In the last part of the article Dundar says that some reports and commentaries carried by the American press clearly indicate that US President George W. Bush lent support to Turkey's quest for joining the EU in exchange for the latter's support during a possible war against Iraq. Dundar asks: "Are we now going to pay the price for this 'support,' which has been counterproductive rather than being helpful, by opening our military bases and forming a northern front together with 100,000 American soldiers? It is now time for turning our attention from the West to the East."

MIILIYET also carries a report entitled: "Southern Cyprus Will not Join the European Army," which says that during the Copenhagen summit the EU accepted a formula set forth by Turkey, which will prevent Cyprus and Malta from taking part in EU-led military operations using NATO facilities.

In his turn MILLIYET columnist Sami Kohen writes under the title: "It is not a Satisfactory `Decision/, but says that the Copenhagen summit did not produce a result meeting Turkey's expectations in spite of intensive diplomatic efforts. He comments: "Clearly, this is not a satisfactory decision for Turkey, because of a clear reason: it is conditional upon fulfillment of certain conditions." He ascribes the outcome to the unfavorable stand taken by a group of countries led by France and Germany, mainly due to some undisclosed reasons including antipathetic feelings and prejudices against Turkey displayed by the public and opposition in some EU-member countries. Noting that the EU's decision has put Turkey at a crossroads, Kohen concludes by saying that Turkey should maintain its reform process without abandoning its goal to join the EU while displaying its dissatisfaction rather than turning its back on Europe.

Istanbul RADIKAL (Ankara edition) reports the EU's decision under the banner headline "Staying on European Course," which says that Turkey has not burnt its bridges while the EU softened its final decision.

RADIKAL carries an article entitled "The Road Leading to Europe is Clear" by Ismet Berkan, who says that the tense and pessimistic mood prevailing before the EU's summit was replaced by a positive atmosphere as a result of some favorable changes made in the EU's final decision. He says: "In short, Turkey will continue to move towards the EU. If we can complete all the preparations, we will proceed to the negotiations at the end of 2004, which will be the final phase of our membership and join the EU between 2008 and 2013. The door is open and waiting for us." He concludes by saying that the Turkish Cypriots stand a higher chance of being admitted to the EU membership if a solution is found until 28 February 2003. He also criticizes Denktas for resorting to delaying tactics and thus putting his people's future in jeopardy.

Istanbul CUMHURIYET reports under the banner headline "The Aegean Sea is the new Item on the Agenda" that the EU may ask Turkey to resolve its dispute with Greece over the Aegean Sea until December 2004 as a new precondition for opening accession talks.

CUMHURIYET also carries an article entitled: "Kasimpasa [a district of Istanbul known for tough attitudes of its residents] Attitude did not Work" by Hikmet Cetinkaya, who says that the EU ignored the ultimatum issued by Erdogan and Gul, who, he argues, were shocked by the EU's response. Arguing that Germany and France are reluctant to admit Turkey into the EU, as they fear it could upset the political balance within the Union, Cetinkaya concludes by saying that the EU would "knock on Turkey's door" if it eliminates corruption and poverty, achieves economic growth, prevents torture and lift prohibitions on civil freedoms.

Istanbul AKSAM (Ankara edition) carries an article entitled: "Rauf Denktas Outwits Erdogan," by Mehmet Barlas, who says that the situation is not worse than it was before the Copenhagen summit and could have been better if an agreement had been worked out about Cyprus. He asserts that the present impasse shows that Denktas is more powerful than Erdogan, whom he lauds for his efforts.

Istanbul YENI SAFAK: "Copenhagen: Turkey's Path is Clear" by Cengiz Candar, who says that there is still room for optimism after the EU's decision, because, he says, Turkey has been irreversibly placed on a course destined for the EU irrespective of the date to be set for starting membership negotiations. He concludes by saying that "the EU's doors would also be opened to the Turkish Cypriots if the JDP government abandons the traditional policy of supporting Denktas and places the emphasis on the Turkish Cypriots' interests.

Istanbul VAKIT in an article "A Walking Turtle is Faster Than a Lying Rabbit" by Hasan Karakaya, who describes the outcome of the EU summit as a success for Turkey and lauds Erdogan and his team for their performance in the past 40 days. He says: "The date given in Copenhagen is only a start, rather than an end and we must use this opportunity, as a walking turtle is faster than a lying rabbit and stands a higher chance of winning the race."

[09] Denktas/ adviser says the talks on Cyprus will start again

U.N. General Secretariat officials took initiatives to start negotiations and the Turkish side is ready for negotiations.

The Turkish Cypriot leader's adviser Ergun Olgun said that U.N. Secretary-General's special envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto`s legal adviser Didier Tsirter requested that the U.N. process starts this week. Olgun said that the Turkish side responded positively to this request of the U.N., noting that he would go to Ankara in the afternoon, he would make a common assessment with Rauf Denktas, so-called Foreign and Defense Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Turkish government officials.

Olgun said that another meeting will be held later in the occupied areas with "government" and political party leaders and that the policy will be determined. Upon a question, Olgun said that ``the method of the negotiations is not yet known.`` He added that de Soto will come to the island after Christmas and that they target to return together with Denktas on Tuesday or Wednesday.

[10] CLP and RTP condemn Denktas/ policy on the Cyprus problem

In a written statement, Angolemli said that through the policies Denktas has been pursuing, he gave EU membership as a gift to the Greek Cypriots and dragged the Turkish Cypriot people into a position weaker than in the past. In any future agreement, Angolemli remarked, the rights obtained by the Turkish Cypriots in the Annan plan will never again be achieved. Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots alongside all the political and nongovernmental organizations must conduct a reassessment, Angolemli said that the short time period until 28 February should be well utilized to attain peace.

The Republican Turkish Party (RTP) Central Administrative Council stated that the opportunity presented by the United Nations and the EU for the solution of the Cyprus problem was not realized because of the attitude of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and the opponents of the EU in Turkey, YENIDUZEN (15/12/02) reports.

A statement issued by the RTP Central Administrative Council said that because of the current Turkish Cypriot policy, the Greek Cypriot side acceded to the EU without having to pay a price and achieved significant political and diplomatic position in the solution of the Cyprus problem. The policy pursued by Denktas and the EU opponents in Turkey envisages to annihilate the Turkish Cypriots, the statement charged, stressing that a great struggle encompassing the entire community will be launched to achieve a solution and EU accession by 28 February 2003, the date stipulated by the EU Council for a Cyprus solution. The statement demanded in this context that Denktas resign his office and so-called presidential elections be held immediately. Pointing out that the RTP is ready to assume this task or any other task to attain a solution and progress in the EU process, the statement said that policies commensurate with a solution and with the struggle for the EU will be formulated during the 16 December meeting of the RTP Party Assembly.

[11] Dervis Eroglu: "Turkish Cypriots to display goodwill in talks" .

Eroglu noted that the EU decision on Cyprus is a continuation of the injustices against the Turkish Cypriots and the mistakes the EU committed when it accepted the Greek Cypriot application on behalf of the whole of Cyprus. Recalling that the Turkish Cypriot side said earlier that it sought to continue with the talks, Eroglu added that a positive result depends on the decision of the Greek Cypriot National Council.

Eroglu said: "We are in favour of continuing with the talks. We will display goodwill. We will try to secure a just and lasting solution in Cyprus by adopting goodwill approaches. We hope that the Greek Cypriot side adopts a reasonable and conciliatory approach and not behave in a relaxed manner because it knows that it will be a EU member regardless of a solution".

Explaining that the EU should, first and foremost, lift the "economic embargoes" in order to bring economic development to the puppet regime of Turkey, Eroglu added: "Such a move will be welcomed by the Turkish Cypriot side and will be considered a display of goodwill".

In reply to another question, Eroglu said that the issue will be taken up with Rauf Denktas and the Turkish government.

Eroglu further said that he will do what is necessary as "prime minister" in light of the statements of the Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Justice and Development Party chairman, after the Copenhagen summit in a bid to determine a joint strategy and to proceed with the national cause together. Eroglu continued: "The important thing, at this critical turning point, is to jointly safeguard the interests of Turkey and 'TRNC' and work for better days without endangering the future of our people. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that we can do this".

Recounting that he attaches great importance to secure unity and togetherness within the country, Eroglu added that he plans to invite the representatives of all the political parties outside the pseudo-government to his "Office" in order to discuss issues with them in detail. Eroglu continued: "At this stage, it will not serve anybody to divide the public into camps and issue provocative statements".

Pointing out that great responsibilities befall on the UN Secretary-General and the other countries connected to Cyprus, Eroglu added: "They should be more just and understanding".

[12] Tahsin Ertugruloglu assesses Copenhagen Summit and goes to Ankara to brief Denktas

Participating at the 'Nutshell' program on ATV yesterday (14.12.02), Ertugruloglu assessed the events that unfolded in Copenhagen on 12 December. Explaining that a "Greek Cypriot state" was admitted to the EU under the name of Cyprus, Ertugruloglu added: "This is, certainly, not a decision made yesterday. We saw, when we arrived, that this was a decision made a long time ago. This decision was going to be adopted regardless of our efforts. We were called to give legitimacy to this decision".

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots have and will never accept the EU membership of 1960 Cyprus Republic, Ertugruloglu said that a great deal of pressure was applied to this end. Recounting that the date to be given to Turkey will not depend on the Cyprus issue, Ertugruloglu said: "We expressed our concerns with regard the EU approach to the Cyprus issue. We would have preferred to leave with a better impression".

In reply to a question on whether he signed a document of goodwill, Ertugruloglu said: "This is not true at all. We were the ones who were most amazed when we heard this report. There was not even a question of signing a goodwill document. We only stressed the importance of the EU rectifying its great mistake".

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, who attended the EU summit in Copenhagen on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, left Copenhagen for Turkey after wrapping up his contacts.

Issuing statement to the BRT correspondent, Ertugruloglu said that he will meet with Rauf Denktas on 16 December. Noting that he will brief Denktas on the meetings in Copenhagen, Ertugruloglu said that he will conduct an assessment of the situation in Ankara. Explaining that his return date is still not clear, Ertugruloglu added that he might return to the occupied area of Cyprus on Tuesday (17 December).

[13] Erdogan: No bargaining is taking place over Cyprus

Erdogan said: "None of this news is true. It is definitely fabricated. Neither my colleagues nor I entered into bargaining. We have discussed what we believe in".

NTV also reports that Denktas and his advisors are meeting in Ankara, where they will decide steps to be taken following the Copenhagen Summit decisions.

NTV says that in the afternoon deliberations Turkish Foreign Ministry bureaucrats will take part as well.

The first evaluation meeting which took place this morning, at the "Glass Mansion" in Ankara where Denktas is recuperating, Denktas/ advisors Mumtaz Soysal, Tahsin Ertugruloglu and in the afternoon Ergun Olgun and Turkish Foreign Ministry Staff will take place.

Mumtaz Soysal said that the evaluation meeting will last all day long during which they will review whether to accept the Annan plan or to accept it as a basis for negotiations.

Soysal recalled that the condition put by the Turkish Cypriot side to resume negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side is to remove the "embargo" imposed on them.

Soysal went on and said that President Clerides said certain things that they will ease trade, however, he added, Turkey should give an intensive diplomatic struggle.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnist says the number of the Turkish Cypriots is less than 80 thousands in the occupied areas

".When you look at Cyprus from the west, from one of Europe's important capitals, you do not see a modern picture. The result might have been better, if the same policies, which are supported for years on the Cyprus issue, were supported with consistency. .

The measure of whether the new policy is successful or not is how happy the Turkish Cypriots are in their own country, Cyprus. The result is there. Those who rule the Turkish Cypriots will give account for the fact that the number of the Turkish Cypriots which was around 120 thousands in 1974, has decreased today to less than 80 thousands. .

The UN plan was probably the most historic opportunity for the Turkish Cypriots during the last 50 years. This opportunity has not passed away. However, our benefits would have been more solid if we had signed a preliminary agreement in Copenhagen.

Now before us stands the 28 February 2003 target. The government in Ankara wants a solution in Cyprus by that date and supports the efforts. On the contrary, those who do not want a solution in Cyprus have gathered around Denktas and will try to cause difficulties to the procedure. .".

/SK

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