Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-01-15

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas' Security in the hands of the Turkish troops.

[02] Rauf Denktas: Solution by 28 February will be difficult.

[03] Mr Thomas Weston is continuing his contacts in Ankara.

[04] Deniz Baykal accuses the Turkish government for conflicting statements.

[05] CUMHURIYET on the parliamentary Commission to promote integration between Turkey and the puppet regime.

[06] Turkey's Parliament Speaker meets with Turkish Cypriot political party leaders.

[07] Denktas says reaching an agreement until 28 February is not possible and faults Kofi Anan for taking sides.

[08] Denktas on yesterday's protest rally.

[09] A massive pro-peace rally was held yesterday in occupied Nicosia.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Turkish Daily News doubts the strategic importance of Cyprus for Turkey.

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes the effort of preventing a group of Turkish Cypriots to carry the flag of the Cyprus Republic in the rally.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas' Security in the hands of the Turkish troops

[02] Rauf Denktas: Solution by 28 February will be difficult

The interview is as follows:

Question: You are going to meet with Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides. What will your priorities be?

Answer: There are in fact changes that both sides want in the proposed Cyprus solution presented by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. UN Special Advisor for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto says that "You can't go beyond some small modifications." But if this is indeed a good faith document, then good faith documents are open to discussion. I don't think that one can simply issue orders in this way. I am going to discuss this as well with Clerides tomorrow. He will say what he wants, and we are going to convey our demands as well.

Question: How do you want the plan overall to change tomorrow? What articles must change?

Answer: If we should sign this document, this will mean that we have also accepted the map. No one has the right to impose any map. Rather, the land question should be approached after working out the actual formation. There will be 50 to 60 thousand refugees. And, as if that were not sufficient, the Greek Cypriots will begin to move into our midst. A little bit later 60 thousand Greek Cypriots will come and settle. Half of our own population will become refugees. Secondly, in terms of territory, 28 percent is being left to us. Close to half of this consists of mountains. These are areas that are not suitable for agriculture. We are going to give rights to 9 percent to the Greek Cypriots. That leaves 5 percent for us. Turkish Cypriots have in fact already settled on this land. Where are we going to settle those who will become refugees? All of these things have to be considered. For Greek Cypriots to move in among us is something new for us. And since we, with 28 percent, will not be able to settle on the Greek Cypriot side, this is a one-sided approach.

Consequently, there are a number of aspects that cause us problems. And they have not allowed us to discuss these things. They are putting time pressure on us, saying "Accept it." These things have to be negotiated by the two sides. But a Greek Cypriot side that has won the right to join the EU is not open to negotiating with us.

Question: One of our viewers has asked "If you were the people of Cyprus, looking at the most recent public rallies, would you choose the EU or Denktas?"

Answer: The Turkish people of Cyprus are not arrayed against Denktas. There is a negotiation process going on. The National Assembly gave me authorization for this process. There are criteria and parameters that the Assembly has provided me. Protecting the state comes at the head of these. There is the question of preserving equal sovereignty, and Turkey's guarantor status. I will carry out my duty. If we should be unable to obtain results by 28 February, I will bring this before the Assembly. Then the Assembly can ask the public, with a referendum law. Then the people will decide. The choice is not one between Denktas and the EU. The choice has to be one between an agreement that will lead to disaster and a fair and honest agreement. Clerides once said that when we join the EU, Turkey's guarantorship will be watered down. We are discussing this in the Annan document. With the EU norms in the Annan document, the Greek Cypriots' coming among us, the arrival of refugees and their protection, what Clerides said is in the process of being achieved. And this document is aiding them to attain their goals.

Question: De Soto has said that "A choice must be made between the

plan and the lack of a solution." Do you see things in this way?

Answer: I have looked at the things that Clerides wants to change, and I look at our own requirements. I consider it very difficult to reach results within such a short period, but we will do our best. These pressures are a great trick and an injustice. This document is in fact a document that has been drawn up in order to emplace the Cypriot Turks into the so-called Republic of Cyprus that has been accepted into the EU. It has many harmful aspects.

Question: Will it be possible to keep the public informed about the negotiations? Could not the public follow things more closely?

Answer: The parties in power did not do the necessary during the period of my recent illness, and so the people were left in the dark. I have always told the truth to the people, and will continue to do so. The people have to know. 90 to 95 percent of the people who are turning out for meetings and rallies are full of information they have gotten by word of mouth. They don't know the contents of the document. If they did, they would be concerned as well. Everyone, a hundred percent, wants peace, and wants to join the EU. But those who say "I have conditions" are the ones who are fully aware, and who are familiar with the past. It is necessary to launch a large-scale informational campaign, and we are going to launch one.

Question: Is there any objection to your putting the plan to a public referendum on 24 March 2003?

Answer: There is no objection whatsoever. But we are working to improve the things gained.

Question: How do you look upon the negotiations that will begin tomorrow? Will these be the final round of talks?

Answer: On the question of Cyprus, there is no such thing as final talks. We started in 1968, and on every occasion it was said "That's it." But every time, one new phase after another was opened. We entered each next phase either in a better position or without having gone backwards. Now we are at the stage of being a state, and we will not go backwards. The EU wants Cyprus as a whole. The Greek Cypriots as well want to join as a whole. They are worried that the separation may become permanent. Consequently, I am saying that the EU knows that it will not be able to apply its laws in the North, and that it can wait for a while.

When they see that we are standing up for the state, they will begin to negotiate with us directly. We are inviting the EU, and saying "Let's negotiate." If we enter into a state without straightening out the economy, the rich economy will simply wipe out the poor economy.

Denktas, expressing regret that he has not been able to establish contact with young people in the most recent period, said that "I was given my duties by the people. If the Assembly wants to, it can take back my responsibilities as negotiator. I have even thought of withdrawing, but there are people who are counting on me."

[03] Mr Thomas Weston is continuing his contacts in Ankara

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Weston said they had a detailed evaluation about how they would approach the Cyprus problem, expecting for an urgent solution.

Weston said there was very little time to find solution to the problem in Cyprus, stating that everybody could extend support for the solution process. Weston said his previous expectation that a solution could be found to the problem on the island could not be turned into reality, but that he hoped this one would turn to reality.

Responding to a question whether or not he brought any message, Weston said he could call his visit as a detailed meeting between friends, allies.

Responding to another question, Weston said revision of Annan's plan was a question to which the U.N. Secretary-General could respond, stating that the two leaders would meet on Wednesday at lunch, and that the technical committees continued their studies.

Weston said he would proceed to Athens and later to the island after wrapping up contacts in Ankara.

Later Weston paid a visit to Republican People's Party (RPP) Deputy Chairman Inal Batu.

Recalling that he had held contacts with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, Weston said that Turkey considered Cyprus a national cause.

Weston said that he was in Ankara because the parliament would reach some decisions.

Meanwhile, Batu said on his part: ``Cyprus is a national cause for us. The attempts to connect the Cyprus question with Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU), made the issue more complicated. The United States has been interested in the issue from the very beginning. Therefore, Weston holds contacts in Ankara in an important period.`` Pointing out that they expected talks between Rauf Denktas and Glafcos Clerides to resume within 1-2 days, Batu said the United States would have more constructive contributions to the issue in this period.

Responding to the questions of reporters, Batu said he conveyed the point of view of RPP (Republican People's Party) to Weston, adding that the Annan Plan was prepared by the EU, and defended that the EU for years did not act in a balanced way on the Cyprus issue.

Batu said: `` The Annan Plan completely demolishes the bi-zonality principle which had provided peace so far. By diluting the security of Turkish Cypriots, it does not consider the principle of the North to live in economic means and seriously injures the sovereign equality concept. This plan should be changed, made more just, and more appropriate to the facts of the island. We expect the support of the United States. `` Batu said Weston told him that there would be some changes on the plan, yet that he did not say anything concrete.

Batu said that the issue of ``what happens if a solution cannot be found until February 28?`` was also brought into agenda in the meeting and added that he said that in the history of humanity there is no such an example of imposing unfair embargoes on a country which is governed by elected representatives in a democratic way. He said that those embargoes were imposed to force Turkish Cypriots to sign an agreement presented by EU and if agreement is not signed and a political solution cannot be found, international society, especially the United States, should stop this embargo and help Turkish Cypriots prepare for EU as a separate political existence. He added that the United States should approach the Cyprus question with a new model which is just, fair and appropriate to human rights after February 28.

Mr Thomas Weston met also on Tuesday with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

The meeting lasted for nearly half an hour.

Speaking after the meeting, Weston said they continued the evaluations regarding Cyprus with Ziyal.

No statement has been made about the meeting, but sources said that Weston noted during his contacts in Ankara that the Cyprus issue should be solved till February 28.

Weston also gave the message that good willed negotiations should be held.

Upon Weston's words, Ankara gave the message that they also wanted to get a result till February 28 but that the Greek Cypriots should be more understanding.

Meanwhile, according to NTV (15.01.03 - 09:30 hours), the US State Department's Special Cyprus coordinator Thomas Weston, answering questions put to him by the NTV's correspondent Murat Akgun, said that he has found the Turkish government willing for a settlement in Cyprus. Weston went on and said that it is out of the question for the USA to recognize the "TRNC" against Turkey's support of the USA in Iraq. Weston summed up his Ankara visit by saying that "There is change in Turkey's Cyprus policy".

However, according to NTV (15.01.03 -12:30 hours), Turkish Foreign Ministry's Spokesman, Yusuf Bulunc, has said that there is no change in Turkey's Cyprus policy.

[04] Deniz Baykal accuses the Turkish government for conflicting statements

Mr Baykal's statement is as follows:

"We understand from the Foreign Ministry spokesman that Turkey's national foreign policy will be changed in line with Kofi Annan's plan. Are we not going to negotiate this plan? Isn't this plan being negotiated? Has a final shape been given to the plan? To say that Turkey's foreign policy will be changed in line with a plan that is

currently being negotiated means that the government is negotiating this plan for show, that it does not expect to have it changed, that it realizes the plan will be implemented as it is, and that it will change the national policy that is obstructing the plan. It means that the government cannot change the plan so it will change the national policy. Turkey's foreign policy should not change in line with the plan; Turkey's foreign policy should guide the plan."

[05] CUMHURIYET on the parliamentary Commission to promote integration between Turkey and the puppet regime

"Even as the EU expects a solution on Cyprus by March, Turkey has ratified the agreement concerning the establishment of a joint parliamentary commission with regard to determining the framework for partial integration between Turkey and Cyprus.

The agreement, which was signed in Ankara in September, regarding the formation of a joint parliamentary commission between Turkey and the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] was approved by the Cabinet and came into effect after being published in the Official Gazette.

The agreement proposes the creation of a separate structure that will discuss issues that need to be taken up by deputies in order to enable economic and financial integration between Turkey and the TRNC as well as partial integration based on the principle of partnership in security, defence and foreign policies, to deepen cooperation and to provide the active participation of deputies in the process.

Subtitle: Legal Regulations

A certain provision governs the establishment of a joint commission with the participation of seven deputies from each side. The commission, starting with the adaptation of legal regulations, will take up issues concerning integration and partnership.

[06] Turkey's Parliament Speaker meets with Turkish Cypriot political party leaders

Mr Arinc said that the meetings were useful, as he had the opportunity "to see from closer and understand the reality of Cyprus". Mr Arinc noted also that when he returns to Turkey he would convey the results of his contacts to President Sezer and prime Minister Gul.

After the meeting Serdar Denktas, Rauf Denktas' son and leader of the Democratic Party, said that the conflicting statements being made in Turkey regarding the Cyprus issue are confusing. Mr Denktas argued also that the UN plan could not be accepted as it is today. Serdar Denktas stressed that if the Annan plan is accepted as it is, Cyprus will see very bad times.

He added that the plan must be negotiated and changed. Serdar Denktas also complained that the conflicting messages coming from Turkey are confusing. We expect this to end soon, he said.

Meanwhile, Dervis Eroglu, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP) and so-called "Prime Minister", reportedly said during the meeting that the Turkish Cypriots expect greater support from Turkey and that if Turkey extends greater support, the reactions in the occupied areas will wind down. He said: "If we receive economic support and strong messages, we shall have a stronger hand". Mr Eroglu also noted that their expectation is economic integration with Turkey.

Furthermore, according to KIBRIS (15.01.03), in his statements after the meeting Huseyin Angolemli, leader of the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), referred to the rally organized yesterday by the Turkish Cypriots asking for solution to the Cyprus problem, accession to the EU and the resignation of Rauf Denktas. Mr Angolemli said that the Turkish Cypriots want solution and accession to the EU and added that the government of Turkey should make its attitude clear. Mr Angolemli argued that the position of the Turkish side would weaken if a solution is not reached until 28 February and said that Rauf Denktas should either listen to the will of the participants in the rally yesterday or to resign.

On his behalf, the leader of the Reformist Progressive Party (RPP), Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that the Annan plan is a basis for negotiations and added that a solution should be reached until 28 February. Mr Hasipoglu argued that "freezing the solution" would be wrong and added that this would make the community more aggressive.

Meanwhile, Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) said that the Turkish Cypriots do not support Rauf Denktas any more and argued that Mr Denktas "was left alone". Referring to yesterday's rally, Mr Talat said: "The number of the people gathered here is much more than the votes which Mr Denktas takes. His duty now is one and simple. If he does not want to harm the people any more he has to resign immediately. This is a clear message".

[07]Denktas says reaching an agreement until 28 February is not possible and faults Kofi Anan for taking sides

"Question: After a break of three and a half months, the talks will resume today. What are you expecting? Are you pleased? You are frequently remarking that a conclusion cannot be reached by 28 February. Are you really pessimistic?

Answer: This is not a question of being pessimistic, but one of being practical. I am looking at what must be done. I have the document incorporating the changes Clerides wants to introduce. Clerides, in turn, partially has the document about the changes I want to make. Even if we work night and day, we cannot finish it. There is much to be done. The committees are working on the harmonization of the laws -- with one another and with the laws of the EU. There are 1,600 agreements signed by the Greek Cypriots. We must study these to see which could damage us and which ones we want to adopt. The committees are working round the clock, but it seems to me that it is impossible to finish this work. This is probably what we will discuss with Clerides today. As a start, we will discuss what we want to do, how we will work, what we want to cover, etc. We will then see things more clearly.

Question: You say that it is not the end of the world if you fail to reach an agreement by 28 February. What would actually happen?

Answer: In my view, the talks would continue, if the other side also wants. If the policy of the other side, however, consists of: We are now an EU member. We represent the whole of Cyprus. Join us if you want; then we the Turkish Cypriots would embrace our state, strengthen it, and show the Greek Cypriots and the world that we will not capitulate. In this way, the EU starts considering us as a factor because it wants to admit the whole of Cyprus, takes an interest in our status and equality, begins negotiating with us, and we would again embark on the course of uniting with the Greek Cypriots via the EU. Such a cause or struggle cannot be abandoned because one thing failed to materialize. We must continue to exert efforts.

Question: There is reaction against you on the streets. A demonstration was held yesterday. At every opportunity, you note that such demonstrations put you and the Turkish Cypriot side into a difficult position at the negotiation table. Will you actually be in difficulty when you meet with Clerides today?

Answer: Of course, if I were in Clerides' place, given that the person who is facing me has been declared an unwanted and ineffectual person by so many people, I would treat him in the same spirit and not take him seriously. If there was something I had intended to give, I would put it back in my pocket to see what will happen. As though this were not enough, now, Kofi Annan also became involved in this; he took sides. Without considering how many people said what, he called on us to heed this voice, saying that the Turkish Cypriots are on the right course. In other words, he is supporting this. He is taking sides. This cannot be reconciled with his goodwill mission. I cannot know how he did such a thing, or who made him do such a thing. Similar voices are also emanating from the United States. Therefore, the course we want to follow is one that is rejected by them. Are all these people supporting those who want us to sign the plan on 28 February without negotiations, just because they are concerned for the good of the Turkish Cypriots? Those who have carefully studied the plan realize that signing the plan is tantamount to the eradication of the Turkish Cypriots in a short time. There is much that must be changed in the plan. This is an unbelievable situation.

Question: You dedicated your life to the Cyprus cause. You have been involved in the Cyprus cause for 50 years. You experienced some health problems. Especially since Copenhagen, people tried to blame you for the disappointment they felt in Copenhagen. Do you feel that an injustice has been done against you?

Answer: It is not important what I feel. I have been given a task, and I see that I must fulfil this duty. I see that the people are mistaken. Certain opposition fronts have been brought forward, claiming that the plan should be accepted without negotiation. They started enlightening the people, claiming that this is a good plan, it will save us, bring us prosperity, etc. All this may be true, but they told this to the people without looking at the poison within. In their talks with me, they say they have files about the changes that must be introduced and the measures that must be adopted. They tell me to sign the document even if I fail to attain these changes. Is this a responsible stand? As I said, the Greek Cypriots may be in a more advantageous position on 28 February, but if we capitulate just to prevent this, we will have no chance left to save ourselves. Therefore, if we want to continue to negotiate and if we have the power to negotiate, we must do so. These negotiations should be based on our state. Our negotiating power will increase as long as we fully embrace our state, not in any other way.

Question: In terms of the humanitarian aspect, how will the fire in the street be extinguished? Are you hurt by your people?

Answer: No I am not. Why should I be hurt? This is a democratic action. The people have been persuaded. As I said, 90 percent of the demonstrators are unaware of the contents of the document. They have believed, however, that if the plan is signed on 28 February, the sun will rise from the west.

Question: How will you convince them?

Answer: By continuing to tell the truth.

Question: Will you start touring the villages?

Answer: I do not have the time for that, but I may be able to enlighten them by using the televisions and the media and by informing the parliament and the party leaders.

Question: Will a referendum be held?

Answer: At the end of the talks held until the 28 or 20 February, I may go to the Republican Assembly and tell them: I tried to attain the following. I failed to attain it, or I succeeded in attaining so much. In conclusion, it has these good aspects and these bad aspects. Make a decision on whether you accept it. Ask the people, conduct a referendum.

Question: Will the Annan plan be eliminated if no agreement is signed by 28 February? If so, what would happen?

Answer: As far as I can tell, there is no question of eliminating this plan. There is one thing people are not aware of: The Greek Cypriots do not need to sign this agreement. They want us to sign this agreement, because our status would then be determined by the Republic of Cyprus, an institution recognized by the EU. This ties our hands. It displaces 60,000 Turkish Cypriots initially, and another 60,000 at a later stage. Our makeup cannot withstand such disruption. This would mean our dissolution, and this is the eventual aim.

Question: Finally, how is your health?

Answer: Very good. My health is improving. I have no complaints".

[08] Denktas on yesterday's protest rally

Alleging that after what had happened President Clerides would refuse to bargain with him, Denktas said that if nothing comes up from his negotiations that he would hold until 28 February then he would refer the issue to the so-called Assembly and the "Assembly" in its turn should go to the people and ask whether they want such an agreement or not.

Denktas further said that in case of a settlement a referendum would be held on 30 March ,so, he added, the "assembly "should start working to prepare the necessary laws for holding such a referendum .Commenting on Alvaro de Soto's statement the other day that only small changes would be allowed on the Annan plan , Denktas said that "either you take it or you leave it" approach by the UN Secretary-General does not augur well with the Good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General". With this stance the UN was turned into an arbitrator", Denktas declared.

Referring to Turkey's Cyprus policy, Denktas said that Turkey's Cyprus policy was charted by the Turkish government, President , Assembly and the Turkish National Security Council and that there is no difference of views between him and the Justice and Development Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan .

[09] A massive pro-peace rally was held yesterday in occupied Nicosia

NTV (14.01.03) broadcast that one of the biggest rallies in Turkish Cypriot history had seen tens of thousands take to the streets of the occupied capital Nicosia to call for peace and back a United Nations proposal to end the long running dispute on the island.

More than 50,000 Turkish Cypriots turned out on Tuesday to call on the illegal government of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and Rauf Denktas to negotiate a settlement under the UN plan to reunify the island.

The UN has set February 28 as the final deadline for a negotiated settlement of the division on the island.

There was also support from the crowd for Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gül and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both of whom have called for an end to the dispute.

Istanbul CNN TURK's correspondent, Huseyin Alkan, in a live report (14/01/03) from occupied Nicosia reported as follows:

"We are now at Nicosia's Inonu Square. This is the third time a large rally is being staged in this square since 27 November. The Turkish Cypriots formed a very big crowd in the Inonu Square in order to express their expectations for a solution and for accession to the EU. Approximately 30,000 people had attended the previous demonstration on 26 December, and this time the nongovernmental organizations were aiming to gather double the amount of people. This did not materialize, but it is noteworthy that a bigger crowd than last time participated in this demonstration.

The unions staged a strike in work places, in state offices, and in schools in a bid to allow people to attend the rally. A university in Nicosia also interrupted classes for some time to enable the students and staff members to participate in the rally. A very large crowd is here today. Tomorrow, the negotiations will resume between Rauf Denktas and Glafcos Clerides on the green line. Today's rally is aimed at bringing communal pressure to bear on the leaders, especially on Denktas, on the eve of the negotiations.

The Turkish Cypriots are chanting the following slogans in the squares: 'Peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented,' 'We do not want to emigrate from Cyprus,' and 'Ankara, hear our voice.' The speeches delivered at the demonstration asked Denktas to exert efforts to reach a solution by 28 February. Denktas was accused of intransigence, and was asked to resign.

At every opportunity, Denktas is declaring that such demonstrations weaken the hand of the Turkish Cypriot side at the negotiation table. Denktas is saying that not one Turkish Cypriot will remain on the island within five to 10 years if the plan proposed by the United Nations is adopted in its present form. A different atmosphere is reigning in these demonstrations, however. In the squares, the people express the belief that the Annan plan meets to a great extent the Turkish Cypriots' expectations for a solution and for EU accession, and their demands for equality and sovereignty. They send messages to Denktas and to Ankara that this opportunity must not be missed.

The crowds here are spilling out of the square, extending along the side streets all the way to the garden of the President's Office. They are carrying EU flags, chanting the slogan 'Solution in Cyprus cannot be prevented,' and singing peace songs", concludes CNN Turk.

The estimated number of the participants in the rally varies depending on the newspaper. Following are the titles of today's (15/01/03) Turkish Cypriot newspapers on how they evaluated yesterday's rally.

KIBRIS: "Listen to this voice!" The paper reports that more than 60,000 Turkish Cypriots participated in the rally, where they shouted with one voice "Peace cannot be prevented in Cyprus".

YENIDUZEN: "We turned our faces and we saw peace and the EU road!" According to the paper the Committee of "Joint Vision" and the platform "This Country is Ours" held yesterday for a second time a massive rally. It is estimated that more than 60,000 Turkish Cypriots participated in the rally. Some of the slogans that were chanted are: "We came in peace; Do not play with our future; We do not want to be unemployed university graduates; We can't wait another 40 years; We no longer want to be prisoners!"

ORTAM: "The people's voice'" with the subtitle: "The people took its decision, sovereignty with no conditions, with no restrictions!" The paper reports that more than 65,000 Turkish Cypriots called on Denktas to resign and demanded a solution within the framework of the Annan plan.

AFRIKA: "Here are the people!" The 40,000 became 60,000, Afrika (15/01/03) reports. The participants in the rally demanded once more the resignation of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas. The people proved that it is more powerful and decisive than its leaders.

Moreover, the paper reports that for the first time since 1963 a group of protesters in the rally waved a flag of the Republic of Cyprus. But the police of the occupation regime interfered harshly against these youth.

The right-wing Turkish Cypriot newspapers played down the importance and the size of the rally.

VATAN: "Thousands of people participated in the rally". The paper reports that according the organizers of the rally the participants were a bit more than the ones in the rally which was held on 26 December 2002.

BIRLIK: "The rally for solution and EU was held."

HALKIN SESI, in its inside pages, reports that ten thousands of Turkish Cypriots participated in the rally.

VOLKAN, "It was a rally for students and civil servants". The paper reports that according to information of a so-called officer of the occupation police, only 15-18,000 participated in the rally. The paper also criticized the fact that the participants did not carry a Turkish flag and they spent their money buying the flag of EU.

According to KIBRIS, the speakers in the rally, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade Ali Erel, the Chairman of KTAMS (Turkish Cypriot Public Servants´ Trade Union) Ali Seylani, the Chairman of Turk-Sen Onder Konuloglu, the General Secretary of KTOS Senel Elcil, the Chairman of KTOEOS Ahmet Barcin, demanded the Cyprus settlement until the 28 of February and to join the EU. They also called on Denktas to resign and criticized the so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu. They also took some of their criticisms from columnists from the Turkish press.

They also criticized the leader of the Republican People's Party (RPP) Deniz Baykal, the leader of Democratic Left Party Bulent Ecevit, the RPP MP Onur Oymen, Sukru Sina Gurel, Ertugrul Apakan, Mumtaz Soysal, and HURRIYET´s columnist Oktay Eksi.

During the rally supporting messages from the European Parliament, and Germany were read. The messages were sent by the MP of the Social Democratic Party of the European Parliament Feleknas Uca, the former Chairman of German-Cyprus Forum and former German MP Eckart Kuhlwein and the MP´s of the German Federal Parliament Dr. Lale Akgun, Angelika Schwall-Duren, and Gunter Gloser.

Meanwhile a signature book for the MP´s from the so-called "TRNC Assembly" was opened during the rally. According the signature book, all the personnel from the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), the Communal Liberation Party (CLP) and the Progressive Party participated in the rally. Some "MP´s" of the right-wing parties such as National Union Party and Democratic Party also participated.

Mainland newspapers (15.01.03) report under banner headlines the protest rally held in the occupied area yesterday where around 60-70 thousand people chanted in favour of peace and EU membership. The protestors called on the Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas to sign the peace agreement or to tender his resignation. Following are the banner headlines of some papers:

MILLIYET under banner Headlines "For the EU membership Cyprus was on the streets" "Critical Six Weeks"-One in Every Four Turkish Cypriot At The Rally".

HURRIYET: "Either Sign or Tender Your Resignation"-"Now At This Moment We Want Peace".

RADIKAL: "Tens of Thousands on the Streets "we Do Not Want an Open Air Prison".

SABAH: "Tens of Thousands Cypriots Rallied for the Settlement"

AKSAM: "The TRNC Was on the Streets"-Denktas". It is Difficult to Reach a Settlement By 28 February"-"Last Warning".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Turkish Daily News doubts the strategic importance of Cyprus for Turkey

"Today, there is another demonstration in Cyprus. Those who are demanding that the so-called "Annan Plan" should be negotiated and peace be brought to Cyprus at last are coming together in Nicosia.

The last "peace meeting" brought some 30,000 people together out of a population of 150,000 and was labelled as "betrayers" by Rauf Denktas.

The organizers claim that they will put up some 80-90,000 "Denktas protestors" together today.

In fact, the sole serious public opinion poll in Cyprus, made by the firm KADEM, measuring the outlook of Cyprus-Turks to the Annan Plan show that those who support the Plan are 65.4 percent and those who reject the Plan totally are only 28.2 percent.

Interestingly enough, 75.3 percent of those who live in the critical town of Morphou, the town that will be given to Greeks according to the Annan Plan also support the plan.

Another astonishing result is with respect to the "professions" of the questioned subjects a total of 194 persons in 57 locations.

Those who approved the Plan mostly are among soldiers and policemen by 83.3 percent, 78 percent teachers, 77,5 percent bureaucrats!

Among the age groups, it is 35-44 years olds that back the Plan by 74 percent, 25-34 by 68.6 percent 18-24 by 59.8 percent and 55 plus 54.3 percent!

More than 50 percent among the most conservative age group - 55 plus - also back the Plan!

Thus, for instance, the claim that is voiced by the former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, "The conqueror of Cyprus", this weekend that the Turkish army is there to protect the Turkish Cypriots and keep peace, loses ground with the poll.

His claim, as the voice of statuesque, that "the Annan Plan will bring horrible results for Turkish Cypriots" is refuted by Turkish Cypriots themselves!

"If we loose Cyprus, we will be surrendered not only in the north but also in the south. Turkey will lose all her access to the open seas".

In this meeting, Ecevit also quotes Shakespeare, who said, "Cyprus is important for Turks!" in his famous play "Othello" and Ecevit warned that what Shakespeare had seen centuries ago is refuted by those betrayers that say, "We should negotiate the Annan Plan"!

Bulent Ecevit's last argument, which claims that Cyprus is also important for Turkey's strategic defence, is totally refuted by a former Minister of foreign Affairs, certainly an indisputable expert in Foreign Affairs Mr Ilter Turkmen.

Mr Turkmen in his interview with Nese Duzel in the daily RADIKAL (13.01.03. pp:6) said that:

"Cyprus has no strategic importance if both Turkey and Greece pull out their soldiers mutually' Cyprus has no other strategic importance for Turkey' If we want to use Cyprus as a strategic platform, we should totally invade the island' If the island is demilitarized mutually, neither Turkey nor Greece will be able to use the island against each other' If Greece does not abide by the "demilitarization agreement", then we can go there once again militarily. After all we are close to the island' Cyprus also cannot block our way to the Mediterranean Sea. This island cannot prevent our Navy. The island cannot also do anything to block our Air Force. If the island is demilitarized, I cannot understand how the island will help to protect or damage the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline".

It is sad that the old man, the conqueror of Cyprus, the peace bringer to the island Ecevit cannot understand what is going on in Cyprus and is easily manipulated by the neo-fascist falcons who also do not want Turkey be a member of the EU.

Voters saved Turkey in the November 3 elections from the Prime Ministry of Turkey by giving Ecevit only a 1.5 percent vote!."

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes the effort of preventing a group of Turkish Cypriots to carry the flag of the Cyprus Republic in the rally

"Another demonstration took place. The participation in the rally, which gradually increased according to the previous demonstrations, repeated the same slogans. ´Peace in Cyprus cannot be stopped ´, ´Unity, struggle, solidarity´, ´Peace, immediately, now´, and ´Denktas resign´.

The speakers, the organizers were behind the people (beyond their expectations). There was fear in the slogans, which were determined. The slogans had in them the fear of loosing something by some ones. They were shouting with the aim of causing no trouble. Those who called on Denktas to resign. The crowd which supported that Denktas is an obstacle to the peace and solution, should not stop its job here'They must ask Talat for explanation who participated in Denktas´ palace. Since Denktas is an obstacle for all these, why Talat cooperates with Denktas? The statements are there.

In the demonstration there were flags of the "TRNC" and Turkey. There were also EU flags. Those who defined the slogan considered this allowed. It was attempted to stop a group of young people, which carried the flag of the Cyprus Republic. And those who tried to do this were some members of the RTP headed by Ferdi Sabit who describes himself as progressive. When they could not stop the young persons they wanted to hand them to the police. Ferdi and his partners could support the "TRNC". They wanted to offer Turkey a service. But it should not be forgotten that we are citizens of the Cyprus Republic. It is not possible to understand what is the logic behind forbidding the flag of my own country, which is under occupation, while in the same rally there is the flag of the country that occupied my country.

Ferdi, Talat and those who support them, can make Denktas to take courage. They can take all the votes in the elections. They can all be elected as "members" of the "parliament"'We do not have this kind of worry. We just want our freedom. We want to live under the flag of our own country. We know that their fear for the word "occupation" is equal to their fear of the devil.

We are opposing occupation. And it is our bigger right to wave the flag of our country near the flag of the occupiers in our rally. Those who try to prevent this, tomorrow, standing near Denktas, they will make the chauvinism of this country to climb. We will see. There are not many days left till the 28th of February," concludes Ali Osman.

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