Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-23

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Greek and Turkish Cypriot members of the Technical Committee met in the buffer zone.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader is disturbed when reference is made to the UN decisions.

[03] Dervis Eroglu held contacts in Ankara.

[04] Abdullah Gul: There may be a difference in tone between the Turkish government and Denktas.

[05] While thousands of Turkish citizens are being tortured in Turkey today, Soysal speaks about tortures in Cyprus in the past.

[06] Demirel: "Turkey cannot ignore Denktas".

[07] CLP: The solution in Cyprus was prevented by Denktas and the opponents of EU in Turkey at Copenhagen Summit.

[08] Sezer vetoes changes to pave for Erdogan/s Premiership.

[09] Turkish Cypriots continue to make demonstrations in the occupied regime in favor of solution and peace.

[10] Serdar Denktas elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party.

[11] True Path Party (TPP) leader Mehmet Agar: Denktas did his best for negotiations.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Colmnist in SABAH says that those who expect an agreement after the latest Denbktas/ statements are living in a dream world.

[13] The Justice and Development Party (JDP) has to be the Government

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnists criticizes Denktas for the views he expressed in an interview with MILLIYET.

[15] Denktas:" With this map in the plan this problem cannot be solved".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Greek and Turkish Cypriot members of the Technical Committee met in the buffer zone

In a statement to an AA correspondent, Olgun remarked that the work to be launched by the technical committees was discussed, adding that administrative aspects were raised. Recalling that two technical committees will be established, Olgun said that one of these committees will address the bilateral or multilateral international agreements signed by the sides, and the second one will discuss the laws to be implemented by a possible common state in the initial stage. The question of when, how, and in what ways the committees can work was discussed at the meeting, Olgun explained, noting that the next meeting will be held on 7 January 2003, and until then the sides will try to advance their work. Olgun said that he will submit his report on this subject to Denktas, and the period until 7 January will be utilized at the instructions of Rauf Denktas.

Attending the meeting on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side were jurist Zaim Necatigil; Aytug Plumer, so-called Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministry under secretary; Sulen Karabacak, legal adviser at Denktas/ Office; and Gulsen Veziroglu, so-called second secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministry. A team composed on jurists, economists, and diplomats participated in the meeting on behalf of the Greek Cypriots. Didier Pfirter, legal adviser to Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Cyprus, also attended the meeting.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot leader is disturbed when reference is made to the UN decisions

Pointing out that he will respond to the Secretary-General, Denktas said that he wants to meet with Greek Cypriot leader Clerides when he returns to Cyprus, and learn in a face-to-face meeting with Clerides what he wants to achieve, what he plans to do now. Alleging that Annan's letter includes some points that accuse him, Denktas stated: "I reject these. I did whatever was necessary to protect the rights of my people, and I will continue to do that in the future. I hope that by 28 February the Greek Cypriots will renounce their old attitude and display more flexibility so that we can attain a result."

[03] Dervis Eroglu held contacts in Ankara

Noting that he will also meet with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leader of the Justice and Development Party, Eroglu added: "We will exchange views. It is important for our national cause to continue our cooperation in the future as well. I will assess with Erdogan the steps to be taken in a bid to further the cooperation between the two countries."

TRT 2 Television (20.12.02) broadcast live the press conference by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Justice and Development Party, (JDP), chairman, and Turkish Cypriot "Prime Minister" Dervis Eroglu at the JDP headquarters in Ankara.

Folloiwng are the statements by Mr Erdogan and Mr Eroglu: Erdogan:The latest developments on Cyprus and the EU process were taken up with Mr Eroglu the last time we met. This time, he returned our visit. We discussed the Copenhagen summit and the EU at the meeting. In addition, we also assessed the issues concerning the 28 February process, which you have also placed on your agenda. I would like to thank him for his visit.

Eroglu: As the chairman said, I returned his visit. He [Erdogan] paid a visit to the "TRNC" before his trip to Greece. We had a chance to review the Cyprus issue during his brief visit. In addition, he had the opportunity to listen to those who have different views. I am extremely happy to be in Ankara today and return the visit of Mr Erdogan. As he said earlier, the "TRNC" and the Cyprus talks preceding 28 February were on our agenda. I was happy to observe that we are in unity of views over these issues. We are determined to resolve the Cyprus issue hand-in-hand and in cooperation with our motherland Turkey, the government officials, and Mr Erdogan. It goes without saying that, since there are two sides involved, both of them should display the same will for reaching an agreement. Both of the sides should display the same will. We, as the "TRNC", are in favor of securing a lasting agreement in Cyprus and we will continue to exert efforts in a bid to secure a lasting and viable agreement in Cyprus. God willing, an opportunity will rise for an agreement in line with our views and all of us will find a way to surmount and resolve this issue, which deepened after the interference of the world and the EU. Our hope is to secure a lasting agreement.

Question: What kind of reactions did you get from Mr Erdogan and the government to the economic difficulties in northern Cyprus?

Eroglu: It goes without saying that the economic difficulties in the "TRNC" were raised when we took up the Cyprus issue at the meeting. We already knew that Mr Erdogan was in favor of giving us every support necessary. He has confirmed this once again; opportunities permitting the necessary support will be given to the "TRNC" in a bid to develop the "TRNC" economy. Everything possible will be done in cooperation so that the problems stemming from this situation are surmounted.

Question: There is a period of two months left. It is said that goodwill efforts will be exerted by both sides. Do you believe that this issue will be resolved?

Erdogan: Sincere will is very important in resolving those issues which demand a solution. We have embarked on this road with a sincere will. We say that the Cyprus issue should be resolved with certain exceptions, however. We say that mutual self-sacrifice is needed for a solution. That is, not only the Turkish side should be expected to make a self-sacrifice but the Greek Cypriot side also. I believe that a solution will certainly be found and produced if both sides make self-sacrifices. It will be impossible to resolve this issue if we have prejudices and preconceived ideas about nonsolutions. As you know, I have always said that politics is the art of finding solutions and not the art of producing more problems.

Ankara Anatolia (21.12.02) reported from Ankara that Prime Minister Abdullah Gul had a meeting on Saturday with the so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

Prior to the meeting, Eroglu said that Abdullah Gul worked hard for Cyprus when the Welfare Party (WP) and the True Path Party (TPP) were the coalition parties in the past.

Stating that political and economic issues would be discussed at the meeting, Eroglu said: ``We want to assess the Cyprus issue and the economic problems of the "TRNC" and we want to determine the steps which will be taken on these issues with Turkey. We have pursued the Cyprus issue with Turkey so far. We believe that we will continue to implement the issue from now on. Our first aim is to get rid of menta confusion in "TRNC" which emerged due to economic problems in "TRNC" and due to different voices related to the Cyprus issue.`` Prime Minister Gul noted in his part that Cyprus was among the most significant issues of Turkey.

Gul said that there are still problems in Cyprus and that a lasting peace couldn`t be installed in Cyprus, adding: ``On the other hand the prosperity and future of the Turkish Cypriots closely interest us. This is one of our important issues as it was in the previous governments.``

The EU, Cyprus and the Iraqi issue was the most important issues which the JDP government had to deal whenever they came to power, said Gul and noted: ``Our target is to make Cyprus an island of peace and to take under guarantee the future of the Turkish Cypriots. But on the other hand we will continue to launch efforts by good will to ensure lasting peace in Cyprus. Yet our economic relations with the "TRNC" have a special dimension. Turkey has things to do in this regard, and it will continue to do them. Nobody should have concerns about it.``

Ankara TRT 2 Television (21.12.02) broadcast that Dervis Eroglu visited RPP [Republican People's Party] Chairman Deniz Baykal today. Serhan Asker reported the following on the meeting:

"The Baykal-Eroglu meeting lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. A joint statement was issued after the meeting. Baykal said that at this stage it is necessary for Turkey to extend support to the `TRNC/. Noting that Cyprus is going through a difficult period, Baykal added that the babyland should not be left alone. Eroglu, in turn, said that they are working for an agreement that will not plunge Cyprus into darkness but an honorable one that will ensure an existence in security and tranquillity. Noting that the Cyprus talks will resume in January and will continue until February, Eroglu added that the `TRNC/ wants to maintain good relations with the government and the opposition in Turkey."

Meanwhile illegal Bayrak Radio (21.12.02) broadcast that Dervis Eroglu is continuing with his contacts in Ankara. At the meetings, ways to surmount the economic difficulties of the Turkish Cypriots were taken up. In a statement he issued after the meetings, Eroglu said that Turkey will extend a loan to the tune of $40 million to the puppet regime and that this loan will be given in cash before the new year. Eroglu added that the agreement on the loan will be signed in the coming days. Explaining that efforts are under way to take important steps on economic issues, Eroglu added that new employment possibilities will be opened so that the Turkish Cypriot youth can remain in the occupied areas. Eroglu further said that Turkey and the puppet regime will launch work to this end after the new year. Noting that the 58th government will keep all the promises made by the 57th government with regard to the budget of 2003, Eroglu explained that the cash aid to the tune of 550 trillion Turkish lira will be extended.

Finally Istanbul NTV television (22.12.02) broadcast that Dervis Eroglu, who went to Ankara at the invitation of Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, said that he is leaving Ankara satisfied. We share the same ideas and views with Ankara, Eroglu declared, adding that the goal is to continue the negotiations and reach an agreement by 28 February.

In a statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before his departure, Eroglu commented on his contacts. Explaining that the strategy to be pursued until 28 February and economic issues were discussed during the talks in Ankara, Eroglu stated: "I am pleased to see the sensitivity with regard to the Cyprus issue, both on the part of government and the opposition. It was a beneficial visit."

Asked to comment on Rauf Denktas' statement that he will make a new proposal in the event of a failure to reach an agreement, Eroglu said: "Our goal is to continue the negotiations and seek ways to reach an agreement until 28 February. Naturally, the other side must also display the same intention. If we fail to reach an agreement, we have our own ideas and plans. We will implement them."

[04] Abdullah Gul: There may be a difference in tone between the Turkish government and Denktas

Asked to comment on Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis' remarks on Cyprus and the RPP Chairman Deniz Baykal's subsequent criticism of him, the prime minister says: "The Cyprus issue is a national issue. We should discuss such a matter with a cool head without turning it into a tool for domestic politics." "Our foreign minister in fact was conducting a broad analysis. Maybe this should not have been done in front of the cameras." Gul stresses that the intention behind Yakis' remarks is clear, it is an analysis regarding the future, and it explains what the other side would claim.

Akyol goes on to suggest that the government views the Cyprus problem with an emphasis on its EU dimension and is more open to negotiation, while Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas sees the EU as an opposing pole and is more closed to negotiation. In reaction, Gul concedes that "there may be a difference in tone" between the government and Denktas, but this is normal. He notes: "Mr Denktas has dedicated his years to the Cyprus issue. This is the only issue on his mind. It is normal for him to see things from that viewpoint. We are regarding the matter from a slightly broader perspective. Of course, we all want a solution." Gul adds: "We discussed all this with Mr Denktas, but I must state that if an outcome that does not satisfy us emerges with regard to Cyprus, we would naturally resist until the end to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. A satisfactory outcome must emerge. I am hopeful about that." "A conciliation must satisfy both sides, otherwise, each side would go its own way. If and when the time comes, we can also say that, but we realize that solving this matter by reaching a satisfactory and reasonable result will benefit all of us. This does not mean that we should deceive ourselves that we solved the problem. We would not deceive ourselves. We have examples, such as the Crete one and others. As I have always contended, however, we must take into consideration the changes and developments in the world. Advocating a thesis without taking these factors into consideration is not very valid. A day may come when the borders will have no meaning. If Turkey joins the EU, the borders between Turkey and Greece will not be very effective. If we are advancing on this road, we must see such realities that will emerge in the future." Gul also describes the Kofi Annan plan as a framework on which the negotiations will be conducted.

On the subject of Iraq, Akyol mentions the reports that Turkey has allowed the United States to use its bases for reconnaissance purposes. In response, Gul says: "There is strategic cooperation between Turkey and the United States. More important, as a member of NATO, the capacity of certain airports in Turkey and the available capabilities in these airports are included in NATO records. What you mention is a mere review of this. These are known things within the framework of NATO work. It is being conducted in other NATO countries as well. The capabilities of these airports are registered in NATO records. This is merely a review of these records. There is no question of a move aimed at using the airports or stocking anything in the airports."

Gul continues: "At present, there is no final decision, but we will make a decision soon. This will be in a short time, because the United States is our friend and ally, and it must know where Turkey stands on this matter." In reaction to Akyol's reference to compensation, Gul hurries to dispel any impression that this is being done in exchange for money. Pointing out that Turkey would do this in any case, Gul explains: "There are things that are more important than give-and-take. We would never be a country that does something for money." Gul admits, nevertheless, that Turkey should be compensated for losses incurred outside its control, adding that a delegation conducted talks on this matter in Washington.

Akyol asks Gul to comment on reports that the government is opposed to the presence of British troops in the region. The prime minister replies: "Turkey must pay attention to certain things. We live in this region, and these neighboring countries will continue to live here. We must take historical facts as well as many things in the minds of the two publics into consideration. There will come a day when these crises will be over. Iran and Iraq fought for 10 years, but it came to an end. Therefore, we must think comprehensively." In reaction to Akyol's reference to British colonialism and the mandate period, Gul refrains from referring to "British, French, or US" aspects, and adds: "We should definitely take these historical facts into account. I am not referring to any specific country. In making a decision, we should analyze the past, make projections for the future, and conduct a healthy analysis of all these facts."

[05] While thousands of Turkish citizens are being tortured in Turkey today, Soysal speaks about tortures in Cyprus in the past

Responding to questions of journalists, Soysal said that he knew that certain columnists criticize his attitude about Cyprus. ``I am supporting a nation which suffered a lot. Think of a society which lived in very difficult circumstances for eleven years from 1963 to 1974, who had to leave their homes, migrate and live in tents. It is not right to consider Turkish Cypriots` living together with Greek Cypriots as a reasonable solution,`` he said.

When a journalist asked Soysal if he finds sincere the statements of Greek administrators who apologize for the things that took place in the past and their showing a moderate approach, Soysal said: ``Apologizing does not mean sincerity, they should at least recognize the state which they tortured for years. Every state is founded after a fight, and for a state to be legitimate it does not necessarily have to be recognized by others. When you look at the issue from a legal perspective, "TRNC" carries all the conditions to be recognized as a state. In that respect I don`t consider those statements as sincere.``

[06] Demirel: "Turkey cannot ignore Denktas"

Talking at a ceremony organized for Samsun's Chamber of Commerce and Industry 101st anniversary, Mr Demirel said the following regarding Cyprus: "Turkey cannot give Cyprus away and be freed. Ok, let it make an agreement. However, if this means that it (Turkey) will give (Cyprus) away, it should not do it. What would happen if it does not? The same, which happens until today. Turkey cannot ignore Rauf Denktas on the Cyprus issue.".

[07] CLP: The solution in Cyprus was prevented by Denktas and the opponents of EU in Turkey at Copenhagen Summit

The paper writes that CLP calls on Mr Denktas to resign, adding that his insistence means that he wants to annihilate both himself and his community.

CLP notes that the chance for reaching an agreement until 28 February must not be missed and adds that the party will contribute actively to the struggle of achieving this.

[08] Sezer vetoes changes to pave for Erdogan/s Premiership

Sezer's veto decision, justified in reference to the Constitutional provision that laws cannot be designed for individuals, has drawn criticisms from the JDP and the opposition Republican People's Party (RPP).

"What determines whether a law designated for a certain person is not who will benefit from it and who will not. Persons to benefit from a law are not the criterion to decide whether or not a law is designed for individual purposes," said Deniz Baykal, the leader of the RPP.

"The changes were meant to make our Constitution a more democratic one," allowing everyone in Turkey banned from politics because of their thought, he said and added that changes might not have been vetoed by the president if they had been inserted into a more comprehensive reform package.

Baykal did not say whether his party would vote for changes for a second time after the veto but stated that his party would continue to act in a positive and constructive manner in the light of Sezer's veto arguments.

Changes got an overwhelming approval from Parliament last week due to support from the RPP, 550-seat Parliament's sole opposition party.

The vetoed changes envisage that people convicted for inciting religious or ethnic hatred no longer be banned from politics. They also allow by-elections in circumstances where a constituency is represented with no deputy in Parliament and scrap a provision which stipulates that changes in election laws are not applicable in the first by-elections.

The JDP administration decided to stay firm and insist on the changes after the presidential veto. The president cannot veto those Constitutional changes which are passed second time by Parliament with no change. But he does have a right to call for a referendum on the changes in 120 days following their final approval. He also has the right to ask the Constitutional Court to cancel the changes. But the Constitutional Court is not authorized to review such changes in terms of their substance. The court can cancel them only if it finds procedural deficiencies in the course of parliamentary discussions and voting.

JDP Erdogan said Parliament would make necessary evaluation on Sezer's veto next week and added: "Of course, the public will make its own judgement as well."

What is next?

If the JDP government insists on the constitutional changes and attempt to enact them in Parliament with no change, the vetoed law will be discussed once again in Parliament's Constitutional and Justice committees. Then they will be brought to Parliament floor for two rounds of secret voting and the second round can be held at least 48 hours after the first round.

Under these procedural provisions, the vetoed changes cannot be passed once again before the end of the next week. The president then has the right to review the changes for 15 days. Timing in the passage and going into force of the constitutional changes is critically important for Erdogan because the Supreme Elections Board (SEB) has already announced that by-elections in Siirt will be held on February 9. Constitutional changes must definitely be in force for Erdogan to become a candidate in elections. If the president does not send the changes to referendum and instead ratifies them until January 15, Erdogan will still have the chance to stand in by-elections. If this does not take place, Erdogan will not run in elections because the SEB will have announced the list of candidates by January 15.

Given that Sezer is obliged to approve changes if they are passed without change for a second time, he might have to ratify them but he will still have the right to send them for a referendum. In this case, a referendum will be held on changes in 120 days following his approval. That means, the referendum could be held in mid-May the earliest. If the referendum produces the result the JDP wants and hence changes go into effect, then, under the changed articles of the Constitution, all JDP deputies from a province will have to resign. It is also necessary that Parliament approve these resignations. In this way, by-elections will be held in the province which is no longer represented in Parliament after at least 90 days. If this scenario is realized, Recep Tayyip Erdogan's election to Parliament, necessary to become prime minister, cannot take place before September 2003.

There are other potential obstacles as well that might prevent JDP from realizing its goal of changing the Constitution. If the opposition RPP and independent deputies reject to support changes next time they are brought onto the Parliament, the JDP will not be able to gather 367 votes necessary to change an article of the Constitution.

The JDP currently has 362 deputies but one of his deputies, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc cannot vote on constitutional amendments under Turkish laws. Given that elections in Siirt have been cancelled by the SEB, the JDP deputy from Siirt will also not be able to vote. Under these circumstances, the JDP will still need at least seven deputies' support even if all its deputies vote to approve changes in the renewed parliamentary voting on the vetoed changes.

If this obstacle is overcome, then the JDP will need a positive result from the referendum. The referendum will be held at a time when the government deals with very difficult troubles at home and abroad because by the early May, the government will have made very critical decisions on Iraq, Cyprus issues and the economy. In case it fails to overcome all these troubles, the government might lose to a serious extent the public support.

If the JDP overcomes all obstacles listed above and gets what it wants, then a new period ridden with tension will start and Erdogan will have to convince the reluctant President Sezer. Even if the current government headed by Prime Minister Abdullah Gul agrees to resign, the president does not have to appoint a new government under Erdogan's leadership. The president may designate another person to form the government and, in case the JDP resists against Sezer's decision, then a countdown will begin: The president has the right to dissolve Parliament and renew elections if the person he named as prime minister fails to form the new government and secure vote of confidence from Parliament.

In the meantime, the government has prepared a new legal amendment proposal for Erdogan and presented it to Parliament. Erdogan was barred from running in November 3 elections on the basis of a past conviction for inciting religious hatred in a poem he read out in a public rally. Erdogan already served his prison sentence and he is currently banned from politics as a continuation of the punishment. The government is now aiming at changing laws envisaging postponement in the execution of sentences for crimes committed through the press. If the proposed amendments go into force, then not only those who have been convicted for such crimes but have not been jailed but also those who served a prison sentence will be able to benefit from the postponement. Erdogan was not able to benefit from the law postponing execution of sentences because he had completed his prison term before the law was enacted. It was on this grounds that the SEB ruled he could not stand in November 3 elections.

By enacting this amendment, the government wants to make it impossible for the SEB to reject Erdogan's candidacy once again. The government will also have to review a 33-article reform package, which could not be approved in Parliament because the constitutional changes had to go into effect first, given that the constitutional changes are now vetoed by Sezer. Because of the presidential veto, going into force of the constitutional changes will have to be delayed. Given this, those articles of the 33-article package which are not related to the vetoed constitutional changes have to be discussed in Parliament and approved. Otherwise, the entire package will face a presidential veto. If the JDP insists on the reform package after such a veto, then the president may ask the Constitutional Court to cancel the amendments on the grounds of clear violation of the Constitution.

[09] Turkish Cypriots continue to make demonstrations in the occupied regime in favor of solution and peace

Under the title "Famagusta rose" YENI DUZEN (21.12.02) reports that a big demonstration took place in occupied Famagusta on the 20th of December, Friday. According to the paper around six thousand persons gathered in Namik Kemal Square, calling on Denktas to resign from his "office". The demonstrators carried banners with some of the following slogans: "We do not want to immigrate", "Denktas resign", Obstacles cannot be put against peace in Cyprus", "We will not forgive the betrayal", "Solution and European Union", "Without Denktas on the 28th of February". The demonstration was organised by the platform "This country is ours" and many other political organisations and Trade Unions.

As other papers report, similar forms of reactions in favour of peace and solution for Cyprus are planned by the same organisations. KIBRIS (23.12.02) reports that two other demonstrations are going to take place in the next days. The first demonstration will take place in occupied Morphou district, on the 24th of December, Tuesday and the second one will take place in occupied Nicosia on the 26th of December, Thursday. According to the paper the organisations that are organising the demonstrations stated that they want peace and solution for the next year and stressed that this is a crucial period for the Cyprus problem.

Furthermore, ORTAM (23.12.02) reports that a group of Turkish Cypriots decided to go on hunger strike in favour of peace in Cyprus. According to the paper, the hunger strike will start today, on the 23rd of December, Monday afternoon and will continue until the 28th of December. In a written statement the group of the hunger strikers stated that they are going on strike in order to protest in favour of peace for Cyprus. They also call the Turkish Cypriots to give them support and help their peaceful voice to be heard.

[10] Serdar Denktas elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party

According to the paper one thousand and one hundred two people voted on the party's elections. Serdar Denktas took 560 votes, only 28 votes more than Salih Cosar who took 532 votes. There were ten invalid votes. In a speech delivered after his victory, Serdar Denktas said that for him the power comes third after the trust showed to him and the road to the EU. He said that he wants the party to sail to new horizons. He also stressed that he would do his best to serve the party. The Democratic Party holds four "ministers" in the current coalition "government".

[11] True Path Party (TPP) leader Mehmet Agar: Denktas did his best for negotiations

"Denktas fought for this national struggle with his nationalist character, and he is a very important politician and statesman," stated Agar. Agar said, "We have to be very cautious, sensible and make honourable negotiations during our integration process with the EU."

Stating that there are some problems in the details of the Annan Plan, and these were not publicized, Agar added, "But these should be solved with negotiations." Agar also said Greece should show sincerity during its EU term presidency, which was indicated in Greece officials' statements. Agar also criticized the government's foreign policy and said that the government should be more cautious

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Colmnist in SABAH says that those who expect an agreement after the latest Denbktas/ statements are living in a dream world

"The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an expert in taking foreign policy decisions, which are not supported by anyone other than Turkey.

For that reason, the statement made on the subject of Cyprus on Wednesday [18 December] did not surprise me at all.

The Foreign Ministry announced in its statement that it would not recognize the decision of the EU for accession of the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cypriot), because according to the international agreements, which created the Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus cannot become a member of international organizations, in which Turkey is not a member. As Turkey is not a member of the EU, then Cyprus also cannot become a member.

When the situation is presented in this manner, it appears to be very logical and clear, but it is not. The situation of the agreements of not becoming a member of international organizations in which Turkey is also not a member is stemming from our interpretation.

Others are not interpreting these agreements in this manner. Among these others there is also the EU, which has decided on the membership of Cyprus and no matter how many statements the Foreign Ministry makes, the EU will not reverse this decision.

After this statement of the Foreign Ministry, we also did not hear a chorus in the international arena supporting Turkey's policy.

In that case, what is the use in practice of formulating a policy, which is not supported by anyone other than us?

It is as though I can hear the answer:

"The fact that we are alone does not have the meaning that we are wrong."

It is correct. We are alone, we are correct. No state supports us and we are losing!

The Foreign Ministry resembles a child who is trying to stop the flow of water from a hole in the wall of a dam by putting his index finger into the hole.

This method does not work, because the Greek Cypriots have violated one thousand times the agreements and the Cyprus Constitution for the past 40 years. It even appears to be completely unmoved, because the entire world has accepted it as the legal government of the island. I do not recall that we have tried to annul the decisions of the Greek Cypriot government by making a petition to any international court.

The basically important matter lying between the lines of the statement of the Foreign Ministry is that there will not be any change in Turkey's Cyprus policy.

This message was probably directed to those who thought or hoped that there could be a new Cyprus policy by the new government.

If there are any remaining doubts on this subject, if it is possible to mention that any doubts remained, were eliminated yesterday [Friday, 20 December] by President Rauf Denktas. He did not say, "There will not be an agreement by 28 February [2003]", but he explained in a manner, which even the most retarded persons would understand, that those who expect that there would be an agreement by 28 February are living in a dream world.

I would like to congratulate President Denktas due to his performance yesterday. Others would have had to expend very great efforts in order to appear this unjust on a subject in which they are right and to give such great public relations trump cards to the opposite side. He is able to do this without expending any efforts.

Probably he must be indebted to remaining as the only political leader in the world, who hopes to benefit from using Cold War rhetoric.

[13] The Justice and Development Party (JDP) has to be the Government

Candar goes on and says: "This administration did not fulfill the hopes raised by Tayyip Erdogan, immediately after the election regarding Cyprus, not because it was unable to make the `TRNC/ officials to listen to it but it was unable to make 'the Ankara bureaucracy' to listen to it, which allied itself with those officials that sworn in to block the TRNC, Turkish Cypriots and Turkey's EU path. More important, this administration gave the impression that it would not be able to make these people listen to it.

Just remember: "The first rebuke against Erdogan, for his remark about 'the Belgian model of settlement in Cyprus' came publicly from the Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman. A lesson was taught to Erdogan 'about the continuity in the state affairs': This administration was unable even to remove the foreign ministry spokesman.

Both Erdogan and the Prime Minister Gul several times stressed that for this government 'non-solution is the best solution in Cyprus' is not an acceptable policy, just the contrary, 'politics is for solving existing problems'. Despite this, those who for years supported the policy of 'non-solution is the best solution' as well as the architects and technocrats of this policy still keep their posts. Come on , Tayyip Erdogan and Abdullah Gul are you going to change and advance your Cyprus policy to its objective with those who are working in excellent harmony with people like Bulent Ecevit , Sukru Sina Gurel, who consider you a 'threat' and scorn you? Do not you even have the power to change this team?

Well what about that unbecoming statement made on 18 December by the Turkish Foreign Ministry which was clearly aimed at undermining your administration? Will nobody be accountable for that? With that statement, issued on 18 December, your presence at the Copenhagen summit on 12 and 13 December was considered just a 'scarecrow'. Who drafted that statement? Who issued that statement? Who made that statement to be published? If you do not go after these things and settle this unaccounted bureaucratic undermining then you would never be able to deal with the unaccounted assassinations that started that very evening by the assassination of Necip Hablemitoglu?

You have to act speedily in order to inspire trust to the outside world and at home. You have to advance in the settlement of the Cyprus problem and put Turkey into order. To this end you have to take the bureaucracy under control and if need be you have to 'chop off heads' in order to be' a government'".

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnists criticizes Denktas for the views he expressed in an interview with MILLIYET

". There is an expression used in Cyprus. When someone offers you something, which according to him is good and you do not accept it, we say 'Thank you, I will not take from this'. When I read the above-mentioned view of Mr Denktas, in my mind came exactly this expression: 'Thank you Mr Denktas, I will not take!!!'.

This opinion of Mr Denktas is not a new one. It was included as the worst scenario in the possible solution possibilities he (Mr Denktas) had two American researchers to prepare. .

This proposal of Rauf Denktas is full of risks, dangers and traps for both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. Above all it is indefinite from the point of view of its timing. .What will happen with the Turkish Cypriots if the agreement is postponed? .".

Referring to the same statements, Basaran Duzgun of KIBRIS (23.12.02) writes, inter alia, the following under the title "Hostage":

".This statement would have been regarded as a normal one if it had been made by a young diplomat who had recently began this profession and does not know the Cyprus problem. However, given the fact that this proposal was made by Rauf Denktas who spent his whole life in the Cyprus problem and has the ability and the experience to understand the meaning of each word in every proposal regarding this problem, it is obvious that there are some targets which are not told to the people and there is a group hiding its aims because it knows very well that these are not serving the solution but they are an invitation for creating tension. .".

[15] Denktas: "With this map in the plan this problem cannot be solved"

When Bila asked whether a settlement hope to the Cyprus problem after the Copenhagen summit still exists Denktas said: "Yes, there is .I do have hope. If they have the good will there is hope to reach a common agreement until 28 February. However this should be a just settlement that takes into consideration the Turkish side's rights. It is possible to reach an agreement by working on the Annan Plan".

When asked to what kind of settlement he would put his signature, Denktas put forward three basic conditions;

1. Territorial Issue.

2. Presidential Issue.

3. Condition for bizonality-

Territorial Issue

As a matter of fact it is not possible to accept the maps given to us. If these maps are accepted around 50-60 thousand Turkish Cypriots will be displaced again. The territory that they allocated to us is 27.8. Nearly half of it is the Pendadactilos mountain range and unproductive land. Therefore the arable land in the hands of the 50-60 thousand Turkish Cypriots will be given off. They insist on Morphou. The Turkish Cypriots who settled in Morphou citrus grooves left 3-4 times more productive villages. Also Morphou is our only water resource. For this reason the maps proposed to us should be changed. In its place we could give land that we are not using along the borders. Along the border there are Greek Cypriot villages that no one is settled as well as land that is used by the army. There are also 3% of land that is under the UN control. Territory could be given from this. Apart from this Varosha is being held from the very beginning so that it could be returned to the Greek Cypriots. The part of Varosha that does not endanger the security of the Turks could be left to the Greek Cypriots. This way the territorial issue could be settled.

Presidential Issue

They tell us that although it is not written in this document you will be able to exercise effectively your right to sovereignty. If that is the case I tell them that since we will effectively exercise this right then let us put this thing legally in the document. They are also proposing joint presidency. I am asking, is this a bribe given to us or is it a symbol for our equal sovereignty? If it is the symbol of our sovereignty then we want it not temporary but permanent. It could be a presidential council as well .Since it is based on to component states, why then it should be temporary .It should be permanent.

Condition for bizonality

The problems in Cyprus were because they were living together .For this reason bizonality is absolutely necessary. They want to bring 28 thousand Greek Cypriots among us. This is wrong. We do not le the same percentage of Turkish Cypriots to go and live in the midst of the Greek Cypriots. Living together could be a problem in future. The bizonality should be basis for the settlement. If we accept this in 10- 15 years time we will be a minority."

With these proposals and conditions Denktas wants to sit around the negotiation table on 7 January 2003 in Cyprus, Bila said.

/SK

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