Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-19

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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 Foreign Ministry insists on the realities of the Turkish invasion and illegal occupation of Cyprus.

[02] Mumtaz Soysal wants Turkey to carry out another illegal intervention in Cyprus.

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister says Turkey will not sign anything on Cyprus before analyzing all its aspects.

[04] Erdogan repeats that he is against the non-solution policy on Cyprus.

[05] Statement by Sezer/s adviser in support of Denktas.

[06] Deniz Baykal: There is a need for a third UN Plan for Cyprus.

[07] Necmettin Erbakan stated that the continuity of the Status Quo in Cyprus is the best solution for the Cyprus problem.

[08] YENI DUZEN accuses former Turkish officials of possessing illegally Greek Cypriot property in occupied Kyrenia.

[09] Rauf Denktas gives a press conference in Ankara noting that the Turkish side will continue the talks until the end of February.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in HURRIYET comments on the European Court of Human Rights/ decision on Titina Loizidou.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Foreign Ministry insists on the realities of the Turkish invasion and illegal occupation of Cyprus

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said that a decision was made at the Copenhagen summit on 12-13 December to admit "Cyprus" as a member following the one-sided application submitted by the Greek Cypriot administration of south Cyprus, and according to this decision, only the Greek Cypriot administration on the island is to become a member de facto.

Recalling that the 1959-60 agreements pertaining to the establishment of the Cyprus Republic accord Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, and Britain the role of guarantor, the statement said: "Since the destruction of the 1960 partnership state in 1963 through the use of force, however, there has not been one state, government, or parliament that is authorized to represent the entire island."

The statement declared that there are currently two separate peoples on the island, two separate democratic systems instituted by them, two separate legal systems, and two separate states, alleging that the puppet regime continues to exist as a sovereign state.

The Foreign Ministry stated that Turkey supports the efforts for a just and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's goodwill mission, and noted that the ongoing direct negotiation process between the two sides was also brought about through the initiatives of Rauf Denktas.

The statement remarked that Denktas declared his readiness to discuss the proposals of the UN Secretary-General, and this stand is supported by Turkey as well. The Foreign Ministry statement went on:

"During the consultations conducted with Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary- General's special envoy for Cyprus, on the sidelines of the EU Copenhagen summit, the Turkish side confirmed to de Soto that it is ready to negotiate the proposals. In contrast, de Soto was not able to confirm to the Turkish side that the Greek Cypriot side has accepted the UN Secretary-General's proposals. Therefore, the responsibility for not having attained a solution over these proposals in Copenhagen does not belong to the Turkish side."

"The EU does not have the right to adopt unilateral decisions concerning the future of the island of Cyprus and create international liabilities, in violation of international agreements," the Foreign Ministry statement pointed out, adding that Turkey rejects the decision on Cyprus included in the EU Copenhagen summit final declaration from a legal and political standpoint, and the matter has been conveyed to EU member countries and the EU Commission.

The statement said that Turkey wants to reach a political settlement toward the establishment of a new partnership that secures the continuation of the peace and the existing guarantees in Cyprus, that preserves the Turkish-Greek balance, that accepts the sovereignty and equality of the two sides on the island, and that is based on conciliation; and it supports the continuation of the negotiations over the Annan proposals.

[02] Mumtaz Soysal wants Turkey to carry out another illegal intervention in Cyprus

Soysal, who participated in a conference entitled Turkish Foreign Policy and Cyprus, was asked to comment on Foreign Minister Yakis' remarks that if agreement is not reached in Cyprus by 28 February, the Turkish soldiers will be considered an occupying force. Soysal claimed that at this changed present situation the Turkish military has the right to intervene. Soysal: "Not only is there no question of occupation, Turkey has the right to intervene. Let them be thankful that we are not intervening."

In reply to questions about economic overtures vis-a-vis the Turkish Cypriots, Soysal said: "Until now, there were outcries about opening universities in Cyprus. Now, all of a sudden, they decided to grant diplomas. If they want to acquire those diplomas, and if they want to become second or third class citizens, they can go ahead."

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister says Turkey will not sign anything on Cyprus before analyzing all its aspects

"The rumors to the effect that we have made commitments with regard to Cyprus do not reflect reality. Simitis did not even refer to this issue. As a matter of fact, I talked to him about this issue. The Cyprus issue should not be turned into a political tool. The Cyprus issue is not related to Turkey's domestic policies and therefore, it should not be turned into a political tool. It is impossible to resolve this issue without thoroughly analyzing all the aspects. We will never sign anything without analyzing everything."

[04] Erdogan repeats that he is against the non-solution policy on Cyprus

Erdogan recalled Foreign Minister Yakis' recent statement that Turkey will be seen as an occupying power in Cyprus if an agreement cannot be reached by 28 February. He said: He has been strongly criticized. But he has not said that that is his viewpoint. He expressed a logical approach in diplomacy as a technocrat. Of course, had he been a politician, he would have looked at the matter from a different angle. He said, "The EU might adopt such an approach if this or that is not done." That was not his personal opinion.

[05] Statement by Sezer/s adviser in support of Denktas

The statement is the following:

Following the separate weekly routine meetings conducted today by the honorable president with the prime minister and the chief of the General Staff, a meeting was held at the Cankaya Mansion on various foreign policy issues.

The developments regarding Iraq were discussed during the meeting. It is important in terms of regional stability that Iraq be purged of weapons of mass destruction and that this goal be attained through peaceful means. Turkey has always been stressing that in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1441, the Iraqi Administration should engage in concrete and satisfactory cooperation with the international community with regard to disarming the country of weapons of mass destruction. Turkey's stand to the effect that military force can be used against Iraq only on the basis of international legality and consensus continues to be valid. It is common knowledge that Turkey is engaged in regular consultations with its ally the United States on this subject. A new Iraqi operation will inevitably result in adverse consequences for the economy of Turkey, which sustained great losses during the Gulf war. Turkey is in favor of solving the existing problem without having to resort to force.

Rauf Denktas, "President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus TRNC" also attended the part of today's meeting pertaining to the Cyprus issue. During the meeting, a detailed consultation was conducted with Mr Denktas. Turkey wants the "TRNC to live in peace, tranquillity, and prosperity, and to integrate with the international community after being rid of the embargoes it has unjustly been subjected to for years. Until now, the "TRNC" has always favored a just and lasting solution of the problem. There is also no doubt that it contributed constructively to the efforts exerted within the framework of the UN secretary general's goodwill mission. It will further be recalled that the "TRNC" announced at the time that it finds the UN Secretary-General's solution plan negotiable. The "TRNC" continues to adopt this stand.

Turkey supports the "TRNC's" determination to continue the negotiations. Turkey believes that a future solution in Cyprus must be based on a new partnership that will safeguard the security and the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots, the strategic interests of Turkey and the "TRNC", and the balance between the motherlands. From now on, we expect the Greek Cypriot administration of south Cyprus to display a well-intentioned and constructive attitude at the talks. As in the past, Turkey will continue to support the "TRNC" under the leadership of "President" Denktas and the Turkish Cypriot people in every field in the future as well. Thank you.

After the statement Mr Tacan Ildem replied to questions as follows:

Question: You have mentioned 28 February. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement a while ago to the effect that Turkey does not recognize the EU decision on Cyprus from a legal and political aspect. Was the stand to be adopted by Turkey discussed in the event a result is not reached at the negotiations and the Greek Cypriot sector accedes to the EU? Was integration also discussed?

Answer: As you shall recall, during the news conference held at the Presidency last Saturday [14 December], it was stressed that the decision adopted at the EU Copenhagen summit on the Cyprus issue was unacceptable from the viewpoint of international law. Our Foreign Ministry today reiterated that view. Now the important point is that the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" has expressed its will to continue the talks. Your question is a hypothetical one directed toward the future. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to answer that question.

Question: Did the honorable president make an assessment of the recent statement issued by Foreign Minister Yakis on the Cyprus issue, or did he issue any warning at the meeting?

Answer: No.

Question: Was the honorable Denktas offended or hurt?

Answer: The meeting was held in a very sincere atmosphere dominated by complete understanding. It will suffice to report this.

Question: It has been mentioned that the honorable prime minister will embark on a tour of the Gulf countries with regards to the Iraq issue. Was the Iraqi aspect of this issue discussed?

Answer: It is impossible for me to go into all the details of the issues discussed in connection with Iraq. Turkey, however, is sensitive to the developments concerning its neighbor, Iraq. These developments are constantly being assessed through the best possible coordination among all the offices. This assessment will continue in the future as well.

Question: There have been press reports to the effect that the United States has requested to conduct an inspection in certain military bases. Answer: It is common knowledge that we have a consultation mechanism with the United States based on our relations as allies. These consultations are being conducted in a manner that includes the issue of Iraq. This is all I can say.

Question: Were the new steps taken by the Greek Cypriot administration toward the Turkish Cypriots discussed at the meeting?

Answer: All the conditions we are facing with regard to the Cyprus issue were taken up at this meeting. I can not say specifically which aspects were raised.

Question: Were the preparations of the Armed Forces with regards to an operation discussed?

Answer: I believe that a wrong perception has been created in the public. I believe that these concerns are based on different media reports. The perception is that an operation will be launched either tomorrow or in the very near future. I would like to stress that such a situation that calls for concern does not exist. Naturally, all the developments were discussed at such a summit meeting. As I pointed out a while ago, we believe that a peaceful solution should be found to the problem. We preserve our hope in the issue.

[06] Deniz Baykal: There is a need for a third UN Plan for Cyprus

Mr Baykal said that there is the need for a third plan by the UN since there were no serious changes in the second plan presented by the Secretary-General. "We are looking for a just solution which will serve the purposes of peace in Cyprus. We believe that the plan which came in front of us is weak from this angle", he stressed. He also said that with the existing plan Cyprus would become a Greek Cypriot island in twenty years and added that the Turkish side can make a decision with flexibility on the land issue however this must be done with reasonable measurements.

Commenting on the new Turkish government evaluation on the UN Plan and the Cyprus problem, Mr Baykal said that he does not interfere into the way the government handle things but stressed that from his part he considers it as a "national duty" to make some comments on this issue.

[07] Necmettin Erbakan stated that the continuity of the Status Quo in Cyprus is the best solution for the Cyprus problem

Visiting Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktas in Ankara on Wednesday, Erbakan strongly criticized the Turkish government's Cyprus policy, emphasizing that the government's contradictory remarks on the Cyprus issue saddened the Turkish nation. Responding to questions from reporters following his meeting, Erbakan said the health condition of Denktas, who recently had heart surgery, was very promising, hoping that he would recover totally soon.

Erbakan stated that they handled the Cyprus issue at their meeting. He stressed that national matters were important above everything, warning the government to be watchful of their utterances. Erbakan emphasized that the Turkish Parliament had already made decisions over Cyprus, saying that no government had the right to shift from these decisions without making changes in Parliament.

Recalling that the Turkish military should be present in Cyprus and no change can be made regarding the borders according to these decisions, Erbakan said, "The best solution is the present situation. We have no Cyprus problem." Erbakan also stressed that Northern Cyprus should be integrated with Turkey in case Southern Cyprus entered the EU.

[08] YENI DUZEN accuses former Turkish officials of possessing illegally Greek Cypriot property in occupied Kyrenia

The paper writes that a company named "Pentathaktilos (Besparmak) Houses and Constructions Cooperative" said to belong to Turkey's former Foreign Minister, Sukru Sina Gurel, former so-called "ambassador" to occupied Nicosia, Ertugrul Kumcuoglu, Prof. Erol Manisali, former Minister responsible for Cyprus, Abdullah Tenekeci and Turkey's former ambassador to London, Korkmaz Haktanir, have bought land near the occupied village of Templos and built twenty five villas. However, the paper adds, there is no such company in the "register" of the so-called "Registry of Cooperative Companies" of the pseudostate.

All the above -mentioned persons are known for their intransigent policy and their hawkish views on the Cyprus problem, adds the paper, invoking information published in Turkish media, according to which Mumtaz Soysal, adviser of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, possesses land which belongs to Greek Cypriots.

According to the paper, it is reported that after the 1974 invasion of Cyprus the occupation regime gave the great majority of the Greek Cypriot land to officials of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to high ranking bureaucrats of the so-called "embassy" of Turkey to occupied Nicosia and to some army officers. Furthermore, Mr Nursen Baytekin, former chairman of the so-called Turkey's Assistance Delegation, possesses Greek Cypriot land and "a very expensive villa" in occupied Bellapais.

YENI DUZEN notes that until today the pseudogovernment made no detailed statement regarding the distribution of the Greek Cypriot land occupied by the Turkish army since 1974.

Meanwhile, the Turkish press is also following the issue, adds YENI DUZEN and publishes questions asked by Cuneyit Ulsever of HURRIYET in his column yesterday. Mr Ulsever asked the following:

1) Does Mr Mumtaz Soysal possess a villa in Kerynia/ Templos, which belongs to a Greek Cypriot? Has Mr Soysal, who is a jurist, paid to the Greek Cypriot the real amount of the price of the property, according to the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)?

2) Has Mr Sukru Sina Gurel built a villa (a cooperative house) in Kerynia on Greek Cypriot land? As a man who once represented the state, has Mr Gurel paid the price of this property to its Greek Cypriot owners?

"Could those who are being nourished by the system change the system", wonders the paper.

[09] Rauf Denktas gives a press conference in Ankara noting that the Turkish side will continue the talks until the end of February

Referring to the accusation that he caused a big harm to Turkey because he did not go to Copenhagen and his representative there did not sign the document put before him, Mr Denktas said he had not received an invitation from the European Union, which invited only President Clerides as the only representative of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr Denktas accused the EU of ignoring the existence of the Turkish Cypriots by inviting the Republic of Cyprus to become a full member of the Union.

Mr Denktas claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side wanted to discuss with the Greek Cypriot side the documents put before them, but "no chance was given" for this.

Referring to the Annan plan, Mr Denktas alleged that if the Turkish Cypriots accept it, they would turn into a minority with privileges in the legal Republic of Cyprus and "in five - ten years they will be forced to abandon the island". "This is the way we evaluated the document put before us. This is the way Turkey has evaluated it and we have rejected it", added Mr Denktas noting that during their last night meeting with high-ranking Turkish officials they decided to discuss the plan in order to change it.

"The committees must be established and the requested steps must be made very quickly", noted Mr Denktas adding that he would discuss the situation with his so-called "government", "assembly" and the political parties when he returned to the island. "In any case Turkey will help us too on the issue of which points of this document must be changed", he continued.

"We shall continue these negotiations until the end of February with good will", he claimed expressing the hope that the Greek Cypriot side will see that the Turkish Cypriots "will not be humiliated" and "show more flexibility and understanding".

Answering a question Mr Denktas said he was surprised because "such a serious, esteemed institution like the UN, which has as its duty to preserve the world peace", put deadlines in Cyprus telling the sides that they should do this or that until a certain date.

The Turkish Cypriot leader described as "immorality" the package of measures towards the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots, which the government of the Republic of Cyprus was planning to announce.

Responding to a question Mr Denktas supported that there is no difference between his views and the views of the new Turkish government on the Cyprus issue.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in HURRIYET comments on the European Court of Human Rights/ decision on Titina Loizidou

Ironically, 28 February 2003 is the deadline that was given to those who adopt the statist mentality and who are in favor of maintaining the status quo in Cyprus.

Certain people believe that despite the efforts of the elected government to ensure that concessions are made with regard to the Cyprus issue, Cyprus succeeded in not making any concessions with the support of appointed military-civilian bureaucrats (the TAF [Turkish Armed Forces], the Foreign Ministry, and the MIT [National Intelligence Organization]!).

I want to once again ask those who are in favor of maintaining the status quo:

What do you think about the Loizidou case (in the past I thought Loizidou was a man, apparently she is a woman), about which I wrote in the past?

I am addressing Rauf Denktas, constitution expert Mumtaz Soysal, the Foreign Ministry, and even Cyprus expert Sukru Sina Gurel.

Please enlighten the Turkish and the Cypriot peoples:

1. A Greek Cypriot lady called Titina Loizidou is the owner of immovable property in Kyrenia, title deed numbers 4609, 4610, 4618, 4619, 4748, 4884, 5002, 5004, 5386, and 5390.

2. On 22 July 1989 Ms. Loizidou applied to the European Human Rights Commission in Strasbourg with the title deeds and noted that her property has been seized.

3. Her case was approved on 7 March 1991 (Number 15318/89). On 9 November 1993 the Cyprus Republic also joined the case and the files were sent to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

4. On 22 November 1994 the ECHR discussed Turkey's preliminary opposition, which was rejected on 23 March 1995.

5. On 18 December 1996, the ECHR ruled in favor of Titina Loizidou.

6. On 28 July 1998 the ECHR sentenced Turkey to pay indemnities amounting to CYP457,084,83.

The summary of the court's ruling is as follows:

1. According to the international norms and the UN resolutions, a country such as TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] does not exist. Only the existence of the Cyprus Republic is acknowledged.

2. In this regard, the ECHR does not acknowledge Article 159 (the state's property right) of the TRNC Constitution, which the Turkish Government has used in its defense.

3. It is necessary to draw attention to the fact that the Turkish Government has accepted the fact that the plaintiff lost control of her immovable property after the Turkish Army took control of northern Cyprus and that the plaintiff was prevented from exercising her rights on her property by the Turkish Army several times.

4. Furthermore, it is also necessary to draw attention to the fact that Turkey has a great number of soldiers in northern Cyprus, that there is no doubt that this part of the island is under Turkey's control, and that in this regard, from the standpoint of the merits of the case, the Turkish Government is directly linked to the TRNC's decisions and policies.

5. Given the fact that Turkey has undertaken to protect the people's rights and freedoms at the ECHR, Turkey's responsibilities in this regard are not only valid within the borders of the Turkish Republic, but are also valid in northern Cyprus. In this regard, the negotiations that are being held between the two sides do not give Turkey the right to intervene with the plaintiff's property.

6. The court is authorized as of 22 January 1990, which is the date that Turkey issued a declaration announcing that it will comply with the ECHR's decisions.

If this information is true, according to the international jurisprudence, the "Loizidou Case" will also be relevant for 1,460,643 acre Greek territory, which can also be defined as "trespassed property." This, in turn, means that Turkey will have to pay indemnities amounting to $25-30 billion.

I am asking you honorable Rauf Denktas, Mumtaz Soysal, and Sukru Sina Gurel: Do you intend to pay this indemnity from your own pockets?

/SK

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