Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-30

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader returned to Cyprus from Ankara.

[02] Denktas: "If Ankara forces me I shall resign".

[03] Denktas accuses the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce of receiving money from the EU.

[04] Efforts to set up a so-called Parliamentary Council were unsuccessful.

[05] The Turkish Cypriots set up the Technical Committees consisting mainly of mainland Turks.

[06] Serdar Denktas met with Prime Minister Gul.

[07] Reference to Cyprus by Erdogan during statements to NTV television.

[08] Turkey's deep state thinks the Turkish and Greek Cypriots cannot live together.

[09] Nationalist Justice Party Chairman resigns.

[10] A delegation from the Turkish Grand National Assembly will visit the occupied area of Cyprus.

[11] Ali Erel called on Rauf Denktas to apologize.

[12] The church in the occupied village of Lapithos was turned into a store for the municipality.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Columnist in Turkish Daily News assesses the rally by Turkish Cypriots in favour of peace and against Denktas.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader returned to Cyprus from Ankara

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for Cyprus.

I am returning to Cyprus with ease of mind, knowing that we are pursuing a common national cause, and having regained my health with the efforts of our physicians. As you know, for years we have been subjected to pressure on the grounds that the Cyprus problem is an obstacle before Turkey's accession to the EU, that it must immediately be pushed aside, and that it must immediately be solved. Both we and Turkey have been subjected to this pressure. It was made clear in Copenhagen that the Cyprus problem is not an obstacle to Turkey's EU accession. Other countries have their own obstacles and reasons in terms of their own interests. This is why this matter was delayed for so many years. You know all this.

Now, we have been presented with a new date. We have been told to solve this problem one way or another by 28 February. No one is asking what the problem is that they want solved.

The documents we submitted to the UN Secretary-General during the past seven months were not taken into consideration or they were taken into consideration only partially. The first document presented by the Secretary-General finally accepted that two component states will exist in Cyprus, because it became clear that we will not renounce the defence for our status, our sovereignty, and our state. The questions of the sovereignty of the component states and the status of the Turkish Cypriots were not finalized. Unwanted maps were put forward. These maps multiplied the economy of the Turkish Cypriots by zero, because everyone was pushed into a state of uncertainty. We exerted efforts to cancel these maps and we will continue to exert efforts to this end, because their acceptance is tantamount to the displacement of 50-55,000 Turkish Cypriots once again and the settlement of approximately 60,000 Greek Cypriots in our midst. This, in turn, runs counter to the basic agreements I reached with Makarios in 1977. It runs counter to Cyprus' realities. We believe that placing two discordant communities together in this way will result in new quarrels. We are saying that we need time. In a spirit of goodwill, we want them to grant us the opportunity to negotiate this document with the Greek Cypriots.

A delegation was established in our assembly in Cyprus in a bid to assist us. Together with this delegation, we will try to review this document and reach a consensus on the parts that need to be changed. While we do all this, I would like to reiterate that the Cyprus issue is not Denktas' issue; it is not the policy of Denktas; it is a common national cause pursued together with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the Turkish Government, and the Turkish state. The Turkish state appreciates Cyprus' importance for Turkey. We have certain parameters, and every Turkish government has preserved these parameters, and it continues to do so. I met with the new Turkish Government in Cankaya. We conducted contacts. The assurances I received that these basic principles will be preserved in the future comforted me. I am very pleased, and I am departing with a sense of satisfaction. The Turkish Government will continue to support the Cyprus issue, but it also wants the necessary steps to be taken to reach conciliation. Until today, we did what was needed to reach conciliation, and we will continue to do so in the future as well. I hope we will be successful. If we are to succeed, it must be realized that the Greek Cypriots should renounce the opportunity of hiding behind the title of the Republic of Cyprus, which they usurped. As long as they hold this title, they do not feel the need to reach conciliation with us. It is up to our friends, to the friendly countries to make them feel this need. We hope that in this critical time Turkey's friends will tell the Greek Cypriots certain facts -- namely, you cannot be the legitimate government of the Turkish Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots are not your minority, the Turkish Cypriots are as equal and sovereign as you and have the same rights as you, the Turkish Cypriots have extended their hands in search for a new partnership and have been ready for years, and it is you who are avoiding this.

In reply to a question on the demonstrations in the occupied areas, Denktas said: The opposition organized a demonstration for those who are in favour of peace and the EU, not on behalf of the opposition parties. Everybody in Cyprus wants peace. There are two sides. One of the sides wants peace, the EU, and prosperity but does not state the conditions for peace. The other side also seeks peace; but, without the Greek Cypriots inside and giving up so much territory. Recalling that both sides seek peace, Denktas stressed that these two sides should get together in order to talk about the desired peace. Denktas continued: Nothing will be achieved by mutual accusations. Moreover, this situation will be in the interest of the Greek Cypriot side.

Denktas called on the party leaders to get together and determine the parameters and principles of peace, expressing the hope that mutual views will be expressed at the joint meetings.

Meanwhile illegal Bayrak Radio (29.12.02) broadcast that Denktas returned to Cyprus today. Vehbi Zeki Serter, so-called speaker of the "Republican Assembly"; so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu; General Ahmet Ozteker, commander of the Turkish occupied forces; Lieutenant General Fikri Gonultas; Major General Necmettin Baykul, commander of the security forces; Tahsin Ertugruloglu, so-called foreign affairs and defence minister; Hakan Akbulut, under secretary to Turkey's illegal Nicosia ambassador; and other officials greeted Denktas at occupied Lefkoniko Airport. Denktas' wife Aydin Denktas and Serdar Denktas, Democratic Party chairman and so-called tourism minister; Professor Altan Tuzuner from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Dr Erdem Yormuk, plastic surgeon; and Dr. Yusuf Atmaca, heart specialist; returned with Denktas.

Denktas was flown to occupied Kyrenia without issuing a statement at the airport.

Dr Tuzuner, in turn, issued a statement, saying that Denktas' health parameters are good. Describing the subcutaneous fluid retention Denktas has as unfortunate but not too great a problem, Dr Tuzuner added: These are normal complications after this kind of an operation. Explaining that the drains placed helped to heal the wound, Dr Tuzuner said that the wound was closed to a great extent, adding that only a small part of the wound was not closed.

[02] Denktas: "If Ankara forces me I shall resign"

Speaking to ATV's "Walnut Shell" program Denktas said that the demonstrations organized against him in the occupied area will put the Turkish side at the negotiation table in difficult situation.

When asked to comment on the 26.12.02 protest rally held in north Cyprus, where his resignation was demanded, Denktas said: "I do not think about tendering my resignation .I will withdraw, if pressure is exerted on us from Turkey in order to force us to accept a document that we cannot adopt. However, until today no Turkish government has demanded from me to sign such agreement." When asked to comment on press reports that his son Serdar Denktas, who was recently elected leader of the Democratic Party in the occupied area, Denktas replied: "I have asked this to my son and he told me that such a thing could only be planned by demons."

During the program Denktas listed four points that make the Turkish side uneasy in the Annan plan as follows: Maps; Displacement of people; Guarantees and Sovereignty.

[03] Denktas accuses the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce of receiving money from the EU

Denktas said: "At once, in an unprecedented manner the EU gave the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce 270 thousand Euro. And the majority of these activities (Tr note protests) started from then on .No one knows what they did with this money. They do not inform the government. They do not answer the government's queries. There are laws everywhere including in the USA governing receiving money from abroad. And they ask: 'You received, from where did you receive it? And, where did you use it?' Until today these laws are not implemented. These laws should be implemented as soon as possible "

[04] Efforts to set up a so-called Parliamentary Council were unsuccessful

The leaders of the political parties which were represented in the parliament, will re-convene on Monday and continue their studies. The so-called parliament decided on December 19 in an extraordinary session to form a parliamentary council to work in consultation with Rauf Denktas regarding the Cyprus negotiation process.

Speaking after the meeting, Democratic Party (DP) leader and Serdar Denktas said that ``Annan's plan has to be examined in detail and the acceptable and non-acceptable points have to be determined.``

Serdar Denktas said that the negotiations would start on January 7 and that there was enough time to form the "Parliamentary Council".

[05] The Turkish Cypriots set up the Technical Committees consisting mainly of mainland Turks

According to a statement issued by Ergun Olgun, so-called under secretary of Denktas´ Office, the committee for international agreements is composed of Aytug Plumer, so-called under secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministry; Zaim Necatigil, former chief prosecutor and legal adviser; Dr Sulen Karabacak, legal adviser to Denktas´ Office; Prof. Rusen Ergec, EU and Belgian law expert; Prof. Haluk Kabalioglu, Yeditepe University Law Department dean; lawyer Zeki Bayram; Dr Kudret Ozarsay, Ankara University International Law Department research fellow; and Assistant Prosecutor Ilter Koyuncuoglu.

The committee concerning the laws of the common state is made up of the so-called Chief Prosecutor Akin Sait; Salih Dayioglu, former "president of the Supreme Court"; Oktay Feridun, former "chief prosecutor" and lawyer; Prof. Haluk Kabalioglu, Yeditepe University Law Department dean; Prof. Rusen Ergec, EU and Belgian law expert; Foreign Ministry Director Can Korkut; lawyer Ergun Ulunay; and Prosecutor Ergul Kizilokgil.

The statement noted that Olgun and Denktas' constitutional adviser Mumtaz Soysal will act as coordinators for both committees. Pointing out that the officials of the relevant institutions, experts, and other jurists can be invited to attend the internal work of the committee in accordance with the agenda, the statement said that the committees will identify their members who will attend the technical committee work to be conducted with the Greek Cypriot side. The statement also stressed that the said members will present the common position reached during the internal work. In conclusion, the statement remarked that the results or findings to be obtained during the committee work are not final, and they will be subject to the approval of the political echelons at the highest level.

[06] Serdar Denktas met with Prime Minister Gul

Prime Minister Gul received Serdar Denktas, so-called tourism minister and chairman of the Democratic Party. Gul said during their meeting that Turkey is doing all it can to ensure that the Cyprus problem is solved peacefully. He stressed that the future of the Turkish Cypriots is very important for Turkey.

"The unity and solidarity must not be disrupted, they must be protected. That is very important during such critical times. There is no doubt that Turkey will be on the side of our brothers in the `TRNC´ till the end. If we are confident of the future, and if we are satisfied with the solution, a lasting peace can be achieved. We attach great importance to that. Together, we are trying to make sure both that there is a solution and that it is satisfactory," Gul said.

Serdar Denktas said, in turn, that the Turkish Cypriots want a solution on the island.

"Nevertheless we do not want to surrender. Our main aim is the elimination of conditions that could lead to renewed confrontation in the future, and an agreement that will make the current peace on the island permanent", Serdar Denktas said.

[07] Reference to Cyprus by Erdogan during statements to NTV television

Erdogan said the following on the Cyprus issue: "We have to sit at the negotiation table on Cyprus. It should be discussed. Rejecting the UN plan altogether should be out of the question. We should display an understanding, which will solve this issue. We should not adopt the 40-year-old approach to this issue. The demonstrations will increase if there is no solution. Nobody has a right to pit the people of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ against each other. Some people say 'you cannot give.' Nothing is being given.

"I say the following to those who pose obstacles. What do you have in your hands for a solution? Say it now. If you cannot produce any solutions, then move aside."

Erdogan said that there are no problems between himself and Denktas.

[08] Turkey's deep state thinks the Turkish and Greek Cypriots cannot live together

In a panel entitled the past, present, and future of our national cause Cyprus, which was organized by the Turkish Retired Officers´ Association in Ankara, Ozgen stressed that the two races in Cyprus do not have a chance of co-existence. He also explained his thoughts about the solution of the Cyprus problem, as follows:

"Both states in Cyprus should join the EU, before Turkey does, but Turkey's guarantee should continue. The people in either state should not mingle with each other, and there should not be residency rights. I do not believe that there is any other solution."

[09] Nationalist Justice Party Chairman resigns

[10] A delegation from the Turkish Grand National Assembly will visit the occupied area of Cyprus

The delegation will carry out contacts with the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, the occupation regime, the political parties and the civilian organizations. The TGNA delegation will also brief them with their views and thoughts regarding the efforts of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

They will depart on 11 January.

[11] Ali Erel called on Rauf Denktas to apologize

Erel claimed that the Chamber of Commerce has not received 270,000 Euro or dollars from EU or any other source.

[12] The church in the occupied village of Lapithos was turned into a store for the municipality

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Columnist in Turkish Daily News assesses the rally by Turkish Cypriots in favour of peace and against Denktas

Turkish civilian and military leaders in Ankara and those running Northern Cyprus have to take serious notice of the mass demonstration in Nicosia on Thursday by some 30,000 Turkish Cypriots demanding the resignation of Rauf Denktas and the acceptance of the United Nations plan for a solution on the island.

For Northern Cyprus a demonstration of 5,000 people would be massive. To see 30,000 spilling into the streets is unprecedented and shows how public sentiments have come to a boiling point...

It is clear that the Turkish Cypriots who have been on this island for centuries want a solution and demand to have their part of the island also enter the European Union along with the Greek Cypriots. Then there are the mainland Turks who have migrated to the island since the 1974 Turkish military intervention and they are vehemently opposed to the U.N. plan and want to maintain the status quo on the island...

So those who marched in the streets of Nicosia on Thursday were those who have been on the island for generations. They feel themselves as the rightful owners of Cyprus and look upon other Turks as guests...

So there we face a serious problem. One is the fact that the people who have lived on the island for generations want a solution and feel Denktas is the main obstacle. They want a quick solution on the island and want to be part of the EU without any delay.

In Ankara there have been some people who supported these demands and they have been accused of treason and of trying to sell out Cyprus.

We sense that Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP) has realized the sentiments and demands of the Turkish Cypriots and sees that the Cyprus issue has to be solved according to the wishes of the people who have made Cyprus their home for several generations.

But he has faced serious resistance from certain circles in Ankara who go to the extremes of demanding that the Northern Cyprus should be annexed to Turkey. These are the same circles who feel we can shun the European Union, turn our backs to the United Nations and take on the international community on Cyprus... These people feel Turkey can do all this and because of its strategic importance for the United States can get away with such behaviour. They are playing with fire.

But we also see a serious danger in the immediate future for the Northern Cyprus... The latest demonstration shows the deepening rift on the island between those who have lived there for centuries and the newcomers form mainland Turkey. Wrong steps could well create an explosive situation and open confrontation.

It is high time Turkish civilian and military leaders looked into this issue in a more realistic manner. Or we may face a situation which we never bargained for. We were the liberators of the Turkish Cypriots in 1974. We should never be dragged into a situation where we become a liability for them.

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