Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-01-23

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] Statements by President Clerides to HURRIYET newspaper.

[02] HURRIYET: "Denktas as well wants Glafcos to stay".

[03] The basic principles which determine the Cyprus policy of the new Turkish Government.

[04] Turkey's Constitutional Court: Erdogan not eligible to be JDP chairman.

[05] Statements by Rauf Denktas before and after meeting President Clerides.

[06] Tense discussion between Rauf Denktas and Ali Erel in front of the TV cameras regarding the Cyprus problem.

[07] Yasar Yakis to visit the occupied areas on Monday.

[08] Bahceli talks about "developments which are causing uneasiness" on the Cyprus problem.

[09] New opinion poll about the Annan Plan in occupied Cyprus.

[10] Which channels the Turkish Cypriots prefer to watch.

[11] A new rally for Cyprus solution and EU determination is going to take place on the 25th of January in occupied Nicosia.

[12] Mr Talat and Mr Angolemli accuse Denktas of not wanting a solution.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by President Clerides to HURRIYET newspaper

The interview is as follows:

Question: How do you evaluate the Annan plan?

Answer: Denktas wanted two sovereign states united under a single confederation with certain powers transferred to a central authority. Denktas in addition wanted this new state to replace the Republic of Cyprus. He said that unless and until "TRNC" sovereignty was recognized there could be no negotiating over land. Furthermore, there was a difference of opinion regarding the Guarantee Treaty and the multinational force that would serve on the island. The UN Secretary-General submitted his own proposals so as to bring both sides together at a common point. He wanted both sides to accept the plan as a basis for negotiations. Both sides have the right to ask for amendments to the plan. The Secretary-General asked that these amendments be kept to a minimum. In reality, when the time factor is taken into account if both sides ask for too many amendments then the gap between them would widen and everybody would insist on their position being correct.

Question: How many people are you expecting to migrate north?

Answer: I very much doubt whether anybody who had moved south to Limassol from a village in the north would want to move back again. Maybe they would, maybe they would not. Perhaps they would want to avail themselves of this right for religious festivals, Christmas, the New Year and for summer vacation. However, I do not think that there will be a flood of Greek Cypriots north or Turkish Cypriots south. Firstly, the people are going to want to see how the new order works out. For instance they will want to know how their children's schooling problems are going to be solved.

Question: What are the amendments that you want?

Answer: One of the most important topics for us is the return of settlers. For a start, we need to know how many people were brought over after 1974. Our information is that 120,000 Turks came over. However, Denktas first of all said 30,000 then admitted making a mistake and raised the figure to 60,000. We still have question marks such as how many got married here, how many children they had, how many are going to stay in the north and how many are going to move south. Another issue is that of how many Greek and Turkish soldiers are going to remain on the island. We debated the issue of sovereignty but failed to reach an agreement. There is a principle in the plan that both sides are going to use their rights in a sovereign manner. If Denktas does not accept this then we shall insist on the UN Security Council resolutions calling for single sovereignty on the island.

Question: Can a solution be reached by 28 February? What if one cannot be reached?

Answer: Effort must be exerted to this end. If we cannot sign up to it then we shall continue negotiating.

Question: If an agreement cannot be reached before 16 April when Cyprus signs the EU membership agreement, what then?

Answer: We will still continue to talk. However, we no longer need 20 years for an agreement. If we make any progress in the talks then this whole business can be over within a few months. If we fail to make any progress then we will miss the opportunity for a solution. That will be a shame. International interest will fall off as well.

Question: What happens if Denktas no longer wants to negotiate? Would you accept negotiating with somebody else?

Answer: It is not for certain whether Denktas will step down. Denktas is a very clever man. Denktas said: "My Parliament empowered me. If I cannot make the changes to the plan that we want then I shall return to Parliament. I shall ask Parliament to go to the people. If despite everything the people say yes then I shall go." This is why there are many loopholes in Denktas' statements that will save him from having to resign. Both sides can change their negotiators. However, after two people have taken things this far any change of negotiators will cause a good many problems. They might come back again. In which case it is impossible to predict how many years this would take. Changing negotiators midway during talks will not be good.

Question: How do evaluate the new Turkish government's approach towards Cyprus? Do you think there could be a major deviation from the traditional policy?

Answer: Erdogan has said that the policies pursued to date were wrong. However, he did not expound on this. He did not make it clear how the Cyprus problem was to be solved. He stressed that it would be in Turkey's best interests to see a solution on Cyprus. That he wants a solution is encouraging but we do not know the details. One of the greatest obstacles to a solution has been the coalitions in Turkey. Every party had a different opinion. Now that there is a single-party government in office we can breathe more easily.

[02] HURRIYET: "Denktas as well wants Glafcos to stay"

Denktas said: "The main opponent of Clerides is the leader of the Democratic Party, Tassos Papadopoulos. He is an extremist EOKAist. He is the lawyer who in South Cyprus laundered Slobodan Milosevic's money. Americans are mobilized to preclude his election. In my opinion if Papadopulos is elected the solution avenues will be closed altogether"

When asked whether Turkey's Cyprus policy has changed or not Denktas said: "Turkey's Cyprus policy did not change gradually, Erdogan has changed"

When asked to mention the points he objects to in the Annan Plan Denktas said: "Political equality, bizonality, Turkey's guarantorship rights are being watered down. When the maps were put on the agenda the economic life in the north came to a standstill. Since then not a single nail was used. We have to discuss the maps with the Greek Cypriots. Clerides wants to combine the two maps and create six cantons among us .The plan says that as a result of territorial arrangement 50 thousand people will be displaced and these people will be compensated, but it does not mention the funds that these people will be compensated with".

When asked whether he is firm on holding referendum Denktas said: "There is a referendum law passed in 1990. It stipulates that for agreements that bring limitations to the sovereignty as well as to the international borders of the TRNC, then holding a referendum is a must."

Denktas further said that Turkish Cypriot fugitive Businessman Asil Nadir who jumped British bail order, told him that if the Turkish side signs the Annan plan investments will start in the occupied area, hotels will be full and people will start to live in prosperity. "That is, he is in favour of signing the Annan plan. In fact his paper (Tr note: KIBRIS) already took that line", Denktas declared. He also criticized his son's party's taking part in the protest rally organized against him: "It was a stupid action", Denktas said to his son Serdar Denktas.

[03] The basic principles which determine the Cyprus policy of the new Turkish Government

Citing the three principles that constitute the basis of Turkey`s Cyprus as ``the island's strategic importance``, ``the prosperity and security of Turkish Cypriots`` and ``the protection of balance in Turkish-Greek relations in the Mediterranean``, Yalcinbayir said that those principles have not changed throughout history. He added that new policies can be prepared according to changing conditions but Turkey never deviated and will not deviate from those principles.

Recalling that the Turkish Cypriot side defends the idea of establishing the new partnership state by two sovereign and equal states, Yalcinbayir said that this idea is the updated form of Turkey`s principles.

Yalcinbayir said that United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan`s plan is being discussed intensively both in Cyprus and Turkey, and he emphasized the importance of Cyprus from strategic and security aspects. He added that this importance increases when Southeast Anatolian Project (GAP) and pipelines are taken into consideration.

Noting that the Annan Plan adopts multi-cultural structure instead of bizonal structure in Cyprus, Yalcinbayir said that the current situation in the island is not appropriate for the implementation of this idea. Yalcinbayir said that the Annan Plan is formed on the European Union (EU) system instead of the 1960 system and if Turkish-Greek balances are considered, EU system can be implemented only if Turkey joins the EU.

[04] Turkey's Constitutional Court: Erdogan not eligible to be JDP chairman

The court, hearing an application lodged by senior prosecutor Sabih Kanadoglu to remove Erdogan as leader of the JDP on the grounds that he was banned from political activity, did not rule on the prosecutor's request. Instead, the court said that as Erdogan had resigned from the founding council of the party, a move taken to prevent a court case being brought to shut the JDP, he was not eligible to be the party's chairman.

The decision of the Constitutional Court was announced by Hasim Kilic, the Deputy Chairman of the court.

"The majority view of the court is that Erdogan is not party leader," Kilic said:

"He should have resigned the chairmanship along with the founder membership," the judge said. "The fact that he has not resigned does not mean that he is chairman."

Earlier on Wednesday, Erdogan was cleared of charges that he abused his office and was involved in corruption in awarding tenders while the mayor of Istanbul between 1994 and 1998.

[05] Statements by Rauf Denktas before and after meeting President Clerides

Talking yesterday before going to meet President Clerides within the framework of the Cyprus talks, Mr Denktas said that they had given the special advisor of the UN Secretary-General, Mr Alvaro de Soto, a document on which they were going to continue talking and reiterated that there should be a referendum in the occupied areas even if the Turkish side will sign the result of the talks, because the so-called "laws" of the puppet regime provide for this.

Asked after meeting President Clerides whether or not there is a give and take procedure at the talks, the Turkish Cypriot leader argued: "We have not yet started. After the meeting on Friday we shall see whether or not there is such a situation. Give and take means exchanging things, which have equal value. Otherwise, of course no good will is shown, if you say let us demand more territory as equivalent to a change on an administrative matter".

[06] Tense discussion between Rauf Denktas and Ali Erel in front of the TV cameras regarding the Cyprus problem

The issue of the "duel", as KIBRIS describes the discussion, was the Annan plan and the money allegedly given to the TCCC by the EU during the last five years.

During the discussion, which took place in front of the representatives of the Media, Mr Erel said, inter alia, that for the first time in many years the Turkish Cypriots are so united on the issue of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. He also argued that a lot of time has been lost until today at the discussions after the Annan plan was submitted and added that the Turkish Cypriots have suffered a "psychological trauma" because of the result of the Copenhagen Summit. "We have lost a great chance. Not only we, but the Turkish people as well", continued Mr Erel, who also wondered until when Turkey will provide financial aid to the puppet regime in occupied northern Cyprus, which will not be turned into investments. This is a wrong policy and unjust for the Turkish people, he added.

Mr Erel asked from Denktas to immediately make a referendum regarding the Annan plan, because there is not much time left for the Turkish Cypriots, as he said. Mr Erel asked Mr Denktas to accept the Annan plan because thus the Greek Cypriots, even unwillingly, will be forced to give the Turkish Cypriots the rights acknowledged for them in the plan. Mr Erel invited also Mr Denktas to an open discussion on a TV channel regarding the Annan plan and refused the accusations of Mr Denktas that the TCCC have taken 750 thousand Euro from the EU. Mr Erel said that the EU through UNOPS has given 1.5 million Euros within the framework of strengthening the infrastructure of the business enterprises in the occupied areas.

On his part Mr Denktas said that he could not sign the Annan plan as it is because in such a situation "no Turkish Cypriots will remain on the island within 5 - 10 years". Mr Denktas said also that his duty is to try to change the Annan plan and afterwards to go to his people and ask for their opinion.

[07] Yasar Yakis to visit the occupied areas on Monday

Responding to a question during his meeting with a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Mr Denktas said also that during the coming days Turkish Land Forces Commander, General Aytac Yalman would also be visiting the occupied part of Cyprus.

[08] Bahceli talks about "developments which are causing uneasiness" on the Cyprus problem

Talking yesterday after arriving in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Bahceli referred to the demonstrations in occupied Nicosia demanding solution of the Cyprus problem and accession of Cyprus to the EU and said: "We see with grief that ugly and unjust campaign is being organized against the unique statesman and national hero Rauf Denktas".

[09] New opinion poll about the Annan Plan in occupied Cyprus

According to the poll, in the question "Will you approve the UN plan", 62% answered "No" and 32% answered "yes".

However, in the question "Do you believe that there is going to be a solution in the Cyprus problem in 2003", 54% answered "Yes" and 44% answered "No".

Asked if they trust Rauf Denktas, 35,5% answered "Not at all", 39% "fully", 9,1% answered, "not trusted a little", and 13,2% "trusted a little". To the question "Which organization do you trust", 45% answered that they trust the Platform "This country is ours", while 25% answered the "National People's Movement" and 30 % "other organizations".

To the question "Do you support the maps that were presented by the UN", 42% answered "Yes" and 48% said "No".

Moreover 41% doesn't support the maps at all.

Asked if they support the migration of their fellow citizens, which is provided by the plan, 42% said "Yes", 53% said "No".

Regarding the return of the Greek Cypriots to the place they used to live before, 34,4% said "yes", 60% said "No".

Asked if they support the right of the Greek Cypriots to choose whether they will live in the Northern part, 31% said "yes" while 64% said "No".

The Turkish Cypriot newspapers cover the results of the poll as follows:

YENI DUZEN: "No trust for Denktas".

VATAN: "The results of the Strategic GFK about the UN Plan: 62% says "no", 32% says yes.

VOLKAN: "Here is your referendum: 62% says "no", 32% says "yes".

HALKIN SESI: 62% of the people is against the UN Plan.

KIBRISLI: "The results of the Strategic GFK poll: 62% against the UN plan, 32% support it.

BILRIK: "Results of the opinion poll by Strategic GFK announced".

AFRIKA: "Look at the poll, get into line": 32% "yes", 62% "no" to Annan's Plan.

[10] Which channels the Turkish Cypriots prefer to watch

According to the findings of the research, Genc TV is the television station that is preferred by people in Nicosia, Morphou and Kyrenia, while BRT is preferred in Famagusta and Trikomo. Regarding the Turkish channels which broadcast in occupied Cyprus, ATV is first in people's preferences with 24%, second is Show TV with 15,4%, followed by Kanal D 13%, Star 11,5%, NTV 10,9% and TRT1 8,6%. The most popular station for the news is ATV with 20,5%, followed by TRT 9,2%, Show TV 9% and BRT1 9%. The most popular station for news among local Turkish Cypriot channels are: BRT1, Genc TV and Kibris TV.

[11] A new rally for Cyprus solution and EU determination is going to take place on the 25th of January in occupied Nicosia

[12] Mr Talat and Mr Angolemli accuse Denktas of not wanting a solution

Mr Talat, who had a meeting with the Association of Families of Martyrs and Disabled Victorious Fighters, said: "I do not expect that Mr Denktas will discuss the UN plan. He will not discuss it because he does not want a solution. He does not want to secure the rights of our people". Mr Talat also said that while Mr Denktas does not want to negotiate the UN plan, at the same time he accepts this plan to go to a referendum.

Furthermore, the leader of the Communal Liberation Party, Huseyin Angolemli, criticized Rauf Denktas and Dervis Eroglu because with their statements they torpedo the solution. He also stressed that on the issue of the referendum, Denktas is resorting to the so-called law to exploit every difficulty so as to block the solution and he sets as a precondition the recognition of the "TRNC".

/SK

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