Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-01-27

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 the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides under UN auspices.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot side is getting clarifications from Alvaro de Soto on the Annan plan.

[03] Recep Tayyip Erdogan alleged that Clerides and Denktas sat on the negotiation table for 20 years in order not to solve the problem.

[04] The Turkish Cypriot leader describes Erdogan's statements unacceptable.

[05] Yasar Yakis clarifies Erdogan's statements.

[06] Gul on Denktas remarks criticizing Erdogan.

[07] The Turkish Foreign Minister is visiting the occupied areas illegally.

[08] Turkish Land Forces commander General Aytac Yalman strongly supports Denktas' intransigent position and the ethnic cleansing imposed by the illegal Turkish invasion.

[09] Serter Denktas: New Survey shows 62% of the Turkish Cypriots are against the Annan Plan.

[10] Mehmet Ali Talat says Rauf Denktas is manipulating Turkish domestic politics to avoid a solution in Cyprus.

[11] Efforts to mobilize the Turkish public in favour of Denktas.

[12] National Security Council will discuss Cyprus and Iraq.

[13] Various actions by the Turkish Cypriots for peace and solution in Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnist in RADIKAL comments on the simultaneous visits of Yakis and Turkish General to the occupied areas and Denktas' manoeuvres.

[15] Columnist supports that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas' advisor, Mumtaz Soysal does not believe in the solution of the Cyprus problem and the accession to the EU.

[16] AFRIKA assesses the clash between Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas and the government in Ankara.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides under UN auspices

Responding to a question prior to the meeting, on the words of President Clerides that United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan`s plan for Cyprus ``was taking under guarantee the continuation and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus`` Denktas said: ``This is all our difficulty. We cannot reach any result in talks so far due to this stance and obstinacy of the Greek Cypriots. They have brought onto the agenda the principle that the `Cyprus Republic exists and will continue to do so` again in a situation where they clearly feel confident. If they continue to assume this stance, it is naturally difficult to reach somewhere.``

Asked if the flag and national anthem of the common state would come onto the agenda, Denktas said that agreements were separated into parts such as constitution, politics, refugees, territory and property and there were empty pages. Certain laws would be written in empty pages, Denktas noted. Denktas stated that one of the empty pages was the flag and national anthem. Initiatives on flag and national anthem were a necessary exercise, Denktas pointed out. Referring to authorizing the U.N. about holding a competition for choosing flag and national anthem of the common state, Denktas said that it was wrong to consider that ``an agreement was being reached and everything was over.`` Denktas stated that the flag and national anthem issue was a part of their work.

Asked if they discussed the name of the new partnership state, Denktas said that it was taken up at Wednesday`s meeting and that they would take up the issue again in their meeting today. There were many formulas about the name of the common state, Denktas noted, adding that they did not prefer any of the formulas.

Following the meeting, Denktas said that they decided to give up the expression `component state` in the plan and find a new word to replace that expression. Denktas noted that they also worked on finding a new word to replace the ``common state`` expression in the plan.

Asked if a proposal like United Cyprus States was put forward, Denktas said: ``There are several alternatives and we are discussing them.``

Denktas stated that they could take up main issues on Monday and announced that he would meet with Clerides at 5.00 p.m. on Monday due to his busy schedule.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot side is getting clarifications from Alvaro de Soto on the Annan plan

Denktas met with U.N. Secretary-General`s Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro de Soto on Saturday and answered questions of reporters after the meeting.

When recalled of rumors that Annan`s plan would be revised for a second time and presented to the sides in the coming days, and when asked whether or not de Soto had presented him such a document in the meeting, Denktas said: ``We are working on the existing plan. When we want information, we get it from Mr de Soto.

We are getting information about several issues like what is the meaning of this, what do you mean with this and where does it lead to? We are trying to clarify these, actually we are trying to understand these. It was a very good working meeting.``

Meanwhile, when journalists asked Alvaro de Soto prior to the meeting whether or not a name had been found for a new joint state they had been negotiating about, de Soto said he could never comment on what they were discussing.

Meanwhile illegal Bayrak Radio (26.01.03) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, held another meeting on Sunday with Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary-General's special envoy to Cyprus.

Denktas spoke to reporters following the meeting. He said: "We have finished our work with the United Nations. We will get organized and we will make our proposals to Clerides during our talks, in light of the clarifications we got from the United Nations."

A reporter asked Denktas what he meant when he said he finished working with the United Nations. Denktas replied: "What we told them is this: This is a very cleverly written document full of nuances. When we read it we may think we understand it but we may misunderstand it. As the party that wrote this document, please tell us what you meant exactly."

Denktas went on: "We made certain proposals on those parts that were unclear and that needed to be changed. It was therefore a useful exercise."

Professor Mumtaz Soysal, Denktas' legal adviser; Osman Ertug, so-called under secretary of foreign affairs and defense; and Alvaro de Soto's team were present at the meeting today.

[03] Recep Tayyip Erdogan alleged that Clerides and Denktas sat on the negotiation table for 20 years in order not to solve the problem

Erdogan said: "In the beginning we have said a partnership state based on two founding states. We have said a new Cyprus or a partnership state based on two founding peoples as regards the Annan plan.

As regards the map issue, there is no major problem there .There is a problem where will be the line. The UN came up with a map 'B'. Later on there were various negotiations on the map 'B' and we have told personally Mr Annan that this map was not suitable because they were proposing the Karpass region to the south. They came to Copenhagen with nine different maps. Later on de Soto came to Istanbul with 16 new maps. This means that if one negotiates, it is possible that alternatives might be found. The whole issue is to consider this (Tr note the Annan Plan) negotiable. Also, how do you sit at the negotiation table? This is important. Do we or do we not study our homework well? When we sit at the negotiation table we say: `Let us not to sit at the negotiation table with pre-conditions'. The Greek Cypriots as well should not sit at the negotiation table with pre-conditions. If the sides sit at the negotiation table for a solution then this issue could be settled. We have said that the plan could be negotiated. We again say the same thing" .

[04] The Turkish Cypriot leader describes Erdogan's statements unacceptable

In a statement during the meeting Denktas referred to remarks uttered yesterday by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, chairman of Turkey's Justice and Development Party, calling for immediate peace and solution in Cyprus and saying that one of 10-15 maps can surely be accepted. Denktas termed this as hearsay statements. Alleging that the Greek Cypriots are continuously questioning the extent of Turkey's support for the cause of the Turkish Cypriots, and the United Nations is seeking an answer to this, Denktas asked: "Would the negotiator have any bargaining power left under these circumstances? Until now, I conducted this business within the framework of the principles accepted by Turkey and formulated by Turkey together with us, and I never took a step back because Turkey was behind us like a wall. Now, if Turkey is ready to sign the document that has been presented to us in its present form, it must clearly tell us as much. In that case, a person can be found to accept and sign the document, and this business will be finished. The Turkish community would or would not be dispersed in Europe as members of the EU. The future will show what our fate will be.

If Turkey stands behind the principles it advocates vis-a-vis the Turkish Cypriots, such statements are unacceptable, because they eliminate the negotiator's position as negotiator. Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis will arrive in Cyprus tomorrow, and I will convey this situation to him. I will ask Yakis to clarify what exactly Turkey's principles are, which principles will be underlined, and which points will be defended. If Turkey concurs with what we have been advocating until now, these statements should not be made. The young entrepreneurs are speaking of the uncertainty in the country, and I, as the negotiator, find myself in an uncertain situation and cannot continue under these conditions."

Denktas went on: "This is not only the cause of 200,000 people, it is the cause of 65 million and 200,000. Once you separate the two, you disappear. It is necessary to be aware of this, and to acknowledge the principles. I was truly angry and upset when I read Erdogan's statements. It is one thing for Turkey to convey certain things to us discreetly during a negotiating period, and it is another for a person who represents Turkey to put me in a difficult situation by openly uttering words such as: I do not know whether Denktas is in favor of an agreement and a conciliation; I do not have hope. This is unacceptable."

Noting that he bears the responsibility of the people during the negotiations, Denktas said: "Asking me not to bear this responsibility and to retire is an option, but I am being asked to continue with assurances of the confidence in me, on one hand, and I am being told that there is no confidence in me, on the other. I will either pursue the task given to me, or I will surrender."

In reply to a question on the discrepancies between the statements of Erdogan and Yakis, Denktas says: "This is the ambiguity. This is the unacceptable aspect. The Cyprus issue is a national cause. Such uncoordinated and contradictory statements should not emanate from the components of the same government." Denktas adds that he will request written and oral clarification regarding the Cyprus issue from Yakis during their meeting. He notes that "such statements are harmful, and merely serve to put us in a difficult spot vis-a-vis the Greek Cypriots and our own people. I cannot accept this. We cannot move forward, we cannot conduct this business in this manner."

[05] Yasar Yakis clarifies Erdogan's statements

Yakis, who will leave for the occupied areas tonight, replied to journalists' questions in Duzce. Asked to comment on JDP [Justice and Development Party] leader Erdogan's remarks on the Cyprus talks and on Denktas, Yakis said: "Mr Erdogan is a person who would not adopt an attitude that would weaken Denktas' negotiating power."

Yakis claimed that Erdogan's remarks were distorted, asking that the statements on this subject not be subjected to various interpretations. Stressing that Denktas is fulfilling his task successfully, Minister Yakis declared: "The state of the Turkish Republic stands behind Denktas, and it is Denktas' right to defend the interests of his people."

[06] Gul on Denktas remarks criticizing Erdogan

Yurteri starts off by asking Gul about his meeting in Davos with US Secretary of State Powell. She asks Gul about the atmosphere at the meeting and whether the United States is pleased with the level of cooperation being conducted with Turkey in connection with Iraq.

Gul first notes the importance Turkey has gained by organizing the Istanbul conference for the regional foreign ministers in order to thwart a war in Iraq, and then discusses his meeting with Powell. He stresses that it was a very comprehensive, "very beneficial, but above all else, very open and sincere" meeting that lasted about 90 minutes. He adds: "I believe that we understood each other very well." Gul points out that the United States greatly appreciates the Istanbul summit and declaration, and he affirms that if Iraq abides by the declaration, there is not going to be a war.

The prime minister says that both the West and the Arab world trust the UN arms inspectors, and that everybody is waiting to see their report.

Asked when Turkey will decide on whether or not to allow the United States to use its bases in the Iraq operation, Gul replies that the next two weeks are critical. He explains that Turkey will set its course in line with the arms inspectors' reports and the UN resolution. I would like to reiterate, he adds, that "in line with Article 92 of our Constitution, the Turkish Grand National Assembly [TGNA] will decide on such issues. Three issues are very important for us: one is international, global, world peace; the second is regional peace and stability; and the third is Turkey's interests. The TGNA will approach the matter from this angle."

Yurteri points out that almost the entire nation is opposed to a war in Iraq and asks if it is possible that the TGNA will vote against supporting the United States. Gul says that is up to the TGNA to decide on that.

Asked to comment on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas' remarks criticizing Turkey's stand on Cyprus and his implicit threat to resign, Gul replies: "We are at a very important crossroads. Frankly, I do not think it is right to make such public statements at such an important crossroads. Nobody in Turkey has given up on the national cause. Not our party chairman and not us. Our government may be different from previous governments in one respect: we really insist on a solution, but not a solution to deceive ourselves. Our party chairman, Mr Erdogan, is also saying that. Mr Erdogan is not saying let us give Cyprus away and be finished with it. Our interlocutors raise the Cyprus issue at every meeting we hold here in Davos. Our interlocutors know very well what we say about Cyprus. We will not do something in Cyprus that will deceive us and the people, that we will declare to the people as a victory, but that will not be satisfactory for us. On the other hand, the talks go on so that we can sincerely achieve results. We support the talks. Mr Denktas is conducting the talks in the best way. I do not think this is the right time to make such public statements."

Gul goes on to say: "A solution must satisfy us all, must guarantee the future of the Turkish Cypriots, must turn the island into an island of peace, must prevent the recurrence the incidents in the 1970's, and must include guarantees. We must surely say yes to such a solution. That is what we are trying to achieve. Have we reached that point? We do not know yet. The talks are going on and we will know from the talks. We tell all the politicians and leaders who talk to us about Cyprus here in Davos to say the same things to the other side."

Yurteri asks about the purpose of the illegal visit Foreign Minister Yakis will pay to occupied Cyprus on 26 January. The prime minister replies that the minister will be going "to show the importance the Turkish Government attaches to Cyprus, the support we extend to the negotiations, our determination to protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriot side, the importance we attach to the future of the Turkish Cypriots, and to call on all the Turkish Cypriots to unity and solidarity." Asked if there can be a provocation during the rallies in Cyprus, Gul says it is possible and reiterates his call for unity.

Meanwhile Ankara Anatolia (25.01.03) reported from Davos that Prime Minister Gul who is currently in Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum, held a press conference on ``Turkey`s Economic Recovery``, on Saturday.

Replying a question regarding developments in the Cyprus problem, Gul said that they were following a different policy about Cyprus issue.

``It may be wrong or appropriate but there is such a perception that `Turks do not want solution`. This is the thing that the world perceives. However, my government`s policy is that `yes, we accept that we need a solution and we are seriously working to this end. But if you put a unilateral pressure, there can`t be a peaceful solution`. We do want an island where people live in peace. We at the same time want to join the European Union. If we join the EU, then it happens under a single frame and any dispute does not happen. We are exerting efforts to this end, of course,`` he said.

When asked whether or not a compromise would be reached until the end of February, Gul said: ``To my government, non-solution is not a solution. Because, we know that this costs a lot. However, the solution should be satisfactory not only for us but also for both sides. We think that both sides should take action.``

[07] The Turkish Foreign Minister is visiting the occupied areas illegally

We do not converse with the "TRNC" authorities via the media organs. We pass on our mutual messages directly. This is why I am going to Cyprus. I will convey our message to the "TRNC" directly. In actual fact, it is not right to use the media as a mediator.

Question: Mr Denktas has a concern. We are asking you because Denktas personally expressed his concern via the media over whether Turkey has renounced its principles pertaining to the national cause. What is Turkey's view? Not in terms of a message to Mr Denktas, but in terms of the view of the government with regard to Cyprus.

Answer: We can fill 1,500 pages with Turkey's views. Turkey has specific views on different aspects. These views are on the negotiating table at present. Our views will be formulated at a point where we can meet with the other side as a result of the negotiations. Question: Is Cyprus still a national cause for Turkey?

Answer: Yes, definitely.

On the same issue Ankara TRT 2 Television (26.01.03) broadcast that Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis will go to Cyprus today to conduct talks on the Cyprus issue. In a statement he issued prior to the visit, Yakis said that the changes introduced to the Annan plan are not adequate, and the question about the kind of additional changes that must be effected is now under negotiation. Yakis also declared that Turkey demonstrated that the peaceful means for the solution of the Iraqi problem have not yet been exhausted.

Yakis, who went to Duzce's Akcakoca District prior to his Cyprus visit, made a statement to TRT regarding the issues on the agenda. Turkey is showing that the peaceful ways on the Iraqi issue have not yet been exhausted, Yakis remarked, adding that if the United Nations announces that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, Turkey will act in accordance with its interests. He said: Wherever the interests meet, we will act together. The decision to the effect that giving support will correspond with our interests will be made by the National Assembly.

The foreign minister stated that in a possible war, the aim will be to stop the possible refugee wave from Iraq to Turkey, and the Turkish troops will not be occupiers.

Yakis pointed out that his Cyprus visit comes at a considerably active period. Noting that his visit will add a new dimension to the ongoing talks, Yakis said that views will be exchanged with the Turkish Cypriots. Explaining that the changes introduced to the document so far are not sufficient for it to be accepted by the Turkish side, Yakis said that negotiations are continuing on the kind of additional changes that must be made. Yakis listed the issues that they want amended broadly as sovereignty, migration, the maps, and Turkey's guarantor status.

[08] Turkish Land Forces commander General Aytac Yalman strongly supports Denktas' intransigent position and the ethnic cleansing imposed by the illegal Turkish invasion

The interested parties should stay away from demanding the acceptance of artificial settlement plans that would endanger the security in the East Mediterranean and in Cyprus by putting forward some dates. They should contribute to the settlement process by taking into account the existing de facto situation in Cyprus that maintained and continues to maintain peace and stability in Cyprus and in the East Mediterranean. Only this way a lasting and just solution could be established. Our evaluation is that unless this approach is exhibited the East Mediterranean will be dragged into a continuous crisis situation.

Despite Mr Denktas' continuing of the negotiations with goodwill, we see that the South Cyprus Greek Administration continues to arm itself with increasing rate.

However, the Turkish Armed Forces, as in the past today as well, will not allow disruption of the peace and stability in Cyprus and in the East Mediterranean. Turkey will protect its vested interests and its historical responsibilities and rights and it will fulfill its responsibilities stipulated by agreements.

Lastly, the Turkish Cypriot people will never return to the dark days of the past."

[09] Serter Denktas: New Survey shows 62% of the Turkish Cypriots are against the Annan Plan

``Those who support the views of Rauf Denktas since 1974 are 65-70 percent, while those who don`t support Denktas are 30-35 percent. This balance has not changed. Yet 80 percent of the people demand opening of a new page to save themselves from the existing uncertainty and to continue having better relations with Turkey,`` he said.

Serdar Denktas alleged that the acceptance of the Annan plan in its existing form will cause big problems between the two communities, adding that the issue of sharing of property is very sensitive. ``Our citizen who left his property in the south now stays in houses of Greek origin for 28 years. His/her children and grand children were born in these houses. Now it is said that `the title deeds given by the Turkish Cypriot government are not valid, they are properties of Greek Cypriots.` These properties will change their owners one by one by barter...Besides the territory is very important for us...`` he said.

When asked if Rauf Denktas` saying he would not sign the plan if Turkish Cypriots say `yes` to the Annan plan in its existing form in a referendum, as a sign of resignation, Serdar Denktas said: ``People will not say `yes` to it with its existing form. Our `President' will continue his attitude as a negotiator. This is not a sign of resignation.``

The following day (25.01.03) Ankara Anatolia reported from Manisa that Serdar Denktas, who delivered a speech in a conference titled ``Annan Plan and Turkish Cypriots`` in Manisa Celal Bayar University Suleyman Demirel Culture Center, said that the Annan Plan was brought into the agenda in a date when Rauf Denktas had health problems and the Turkish government had not received a vote of confidence yet. He added that they could not give the demanded response in such a period.

Emphasizing that two opposite sides, one of which evaluated the Annan Plan as a ``good opportunity for TRNC and Turkey`` and the other as an ``execution order``, were created, Denktas said: ``Discussions were made before the plan was read. Gradually, things were revealed. At a time when the plan should be discussed and studied, we found ourselves in a very different and interesting discussion. Very small groups that we call provocateurs opened banners and carried flags. All these were broadcast to the world by the media. Television programs were made and things went out of control.``

Alleging that Annan`s plan was presented to the Turkish Cypriots like a gleaming package, he said: ``Turkish Cypriots do not know what is inside the ornamented package which was presented to them. This plan was explained as if everything would be different in one single day.

As if job opportunities would increase and people would benefit from all possibilities of the EU without passing through the adjustment process to the Union that all countries that wanted to be an EU member experienced for years. When we lift bureaucratic obstacles which we created, the path of `TRNC' will be cleared.``

Stating that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots needed to understand facts, Serdar Denktas said: ``We did not make any preliminary studies for the EU. We have to experience adjustment process to the EU. There will be difficulties till this adjustment process ends.

The Turkish Cypriots are not ready for this process now. ``Denktas said that tension in the occupied areas should be decreased and added: ``A possible clash will be a clash of brother to brother. The rights of Turkey will also be taken into consideration.``

[10] Mehmet Ali Talat says Rauf Denktas is manipulating Turkish domestic politics to avoid a solution in Cyprus

Suggesting that Denktas is trying to create instability by stirring matters in Turkey and thus evade a solution, Talat described Denktas' criticism of Erdogan's latest remarks on Cyprus as an action aimed at attaining this goal. Noting that Denktas is inviting to Cyprus former Turkish leaders who are no longer popular to receive their support, Talat claimed that in this way Denktas is trying to stir domestic matters in Turkey.

Also warning that if Denktas brings Turkey to the point of confrontation with the EU on Cyprus, he will not be remembered favorably by next generations, Talat reiterated his call on Denktas to resign.

[11] Efforts to mobilize the Turkish public in favour of Denktas

A written statement, issued in the name of the Executive Board for the Initiative to Support the puppet regime and Rauf Denktas, states that leaders of the democratic mass organizations and professional groups met on 22 January and formed the Executive Board.

The statement notes that the Executive Board is made up of representatives of the Ataturkist Thought Association [ADD], Turk-Is [Turkish Confederation of Labour], the Generation of '68 Union Foundation, the National Industrialists and Businessmen's Association [USIAD], the Cyprus Turkish Culture Association, the Istanbul Contemporary Pharmacists' Association, and the National People's Movement (NPM).

The statement asserts that the Executive Board has decided to conduct a wide-ranging campaign to resist the unjustified attacks against the puppet regime and Rauf Denktas and to defend the national interests, and that it has decided to hold its first public rally in Istanbul on 2 February 2003.

It also notes a decision that former Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and USIAD Chairman Kemal Ozden will be the spokesmen of the Initiative to Support the "TRNC" and Rauf Denktas.

[12] National Security Council will discuss Cyprus and Iraq

[13] Various actions by the Turkish Cypriots for peace and solution in Cyprus

Under the title "The countdown has started", KIBRIS (27/01/03) reports that a digital clock has been placed in front of the crossroads of the so-called Presidency of the pseudostate, to count the time left till the 28th of February. This action took place on the 25th of January in a new rally for Cyprus solution and EU determination, organized by several Turkish Cypriot civil organizations, the Common Vision Action Committee, and the Association of Culture and Art. According to the paper, the clock started to count on 34 days, 10 hours and 37 minutes.

In addition, as KIBRIS (27.01.03) reports, the "Initiative of Women for Peace and EU" started a tour with the "bus of peace". The movement is constituted by various women's organizations like the "Union of Women who love their country", "Women of Universities of Turkish Cypriots", the women branch of "The Turkish Cypriots Secondary Teachers' Association" etc. According to the paper, the "bus of peace" started its tour from the Morphou region and its first stop was the village of Filia. The women in the bus will give information during the tour about the UN plan and they will also have conversations with the people of the villages. The bus carries many banners where it is written, among other slogans the following: "There is no another 28th of February", "the clever road is the EU road", " a good future for our children".

Moreover, under the title "the fire of peace continues to light", ORTAM (27.01.03) reports that the fire that was set up in the village of Elia in occupied Cyprus continues to light and various people go to the village to see it. According to the paper a lot of people and politicians gathered in front of the fire on Saturday evening and talked about the solution of the Cyprus problem and the EU. Among many other people Mustafa Akinci and Mehmet Ali Talat participated in this gathering. As the paper reports, the fire will continue to light till the 28th of February.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnist in RADIKAL comments on the simultaneous visits of Yakis and Turkish General to the occupied areas and Denktas' maneuvers Istanbul RADIKAL newspaper (26.01.03) publishes the following commentary by Mural Yet kin under the title: "What does Denktas want?":

That is, Denktas is effectively saying, "Either the Annan Plan or me", as though there was someone in Ankara who said, "Let us accept the Annan Plan as it is".

Denktas made this announcement less than two hours after Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said at his press conference at Davos, "You can find it right or wrong. But our government has a new Cyprus policy".

Perhaps Denktas learned through his sources in Ankara that he might hear things that he does not want to hear on 27 January from Minister Yakis, perhaps he guessed and was taking measures in his own way. As of yesterday afternoon, however, the message Minister Yakis would carry to Denktas was not different from that of Prime Minister Gul. It can be summarized as follows:

1. Turkey is continuing to support Denktas, but it also wants the Cyprus problem to be solved by correcting the Annan Plan through discussions in the direction of the Turkish interests on the Island. These two do not conflict with each other. Denktas had found the plan to be negotiable in New York. Subsequently, support was given to Denktas' stand at the November NSC [National Security Council] meeting. This situation explains the framework.

2. Ankara's changing its Cyprus policy does not mean that it has changed its basic principles and strategy on the subject of Cyprus. Ankara is still at the point where Cyprus is of primary importance for Turkey's security and the security of the Turkish Cypriots is dependent on Turkey's guarantee. What has been changed is not the strategy. What has been changed is the policy for materializing this strategy with a status quo perception. Instead, it is passing to a policy, which gives priority to reconciliation.

Other elements are also playing a role in why these points will be explained to Denktas.

For example, the intelligence reports coming to Ankara through military, civilian and diplomatic channels in the past few months point to a dangerous division in the North.

As the meetings organized by opposing groups indicate, at one end of the polarization there is the fighter generation, which knows what the Greek Cypriot threat and pressure means on Cyprus and who fought against them and the immigrants from Turkey, and at the other end, the youth and those who believe that the existing policies will not bring results. Among these, there are people like Huseyin Angolemli, the leader of the Communal Liberation Party [CLP], who said, "We will obtain the EU passport and immigrate" if an agreement is not obtained and there are those who go as far as to say, "The plan can be accepted as it is" in reaction to Denktas (HURRIYET, 24 January 2003).

It can be seen that Denktas cannot find support in his country as he does in Turkey and if the present situation continues, then he will not win the elections in November [2003].

Denktas, with his statement "Ankara's policy has not changed" in the 23 January issue of the "Hurried" Newspaper, is seeking a foundation for not changing his line. The fact that Turkey was changing its Cyprus policy was published for first time on 8 January 2003 in the RADIKAL newspaper, by Yasar Yakis, the most transparent Foreign Minister of all times.

The same evening, the Turkish Chief of General Staff, Gen. Hilmar Osco at the New Year reception he gave at the Gaza Officer's Club, even when he made the warning that the establishment of a hostile administration in the north of Cyprus would be the final stage of the plan for restricting the Turks to Anatolia, he was saying that he was supporting the negotiations that would be carried out by Denktas on the foundation of the UN Plan.

There is a strange situation at the point we have reached.

Turkey's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are saying that from now on a new Cyprus policy is valid in Ankara. The `TRNC President', however, is announcing, "Ankara's policy has not changed".

Is the policy of Ankara determined by the Turkish government and parliament or by the `TRNC President'? Or does Denktas want to hear from the political government that the method has changed as well as from the military, which was his counterpart when he started the national resistance movement of the Turkish Cypriots 45 years ago?

Denktas is right about the following point: He would like to be sure of what is going on in an environment where every official, from the President to the Speaker of the parliament, from the Prime Minister to the Chief of General Staff, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, speak in a different tone.

Ankara should clarify this matter. If a solution is wanted on Cyprus, then Ankara should arrive as soon as possible at its own consensus and announce a policy that will not be misunderstood by Denktas and the world.

The fact the Foreign Minister Yakis and the Land Forces Commander Yalman will be in Nicosia during the same days, will be an opportunity to understand whether or not there is a conflict between the government and the military, not only how much the Cyprus policy has changed."

[15] Columnist supports that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas' advisor, Mumtaz Soysal does not believe in the solution of the Cyprus problem and the accession to the EU

"This article is my warning for a crime attempt. It is my warning to those who have sworn to murder a child who will be born after 33 days and has not a name yet. .

They have gotten ready to force the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the peoples of Turkey and Greece to live their past once more. Those, who let the baby be born in 1960 to live only three years, are doing everything they can for the baby to be born on 28 February. It is sad that in order to please their procreators they began searching for a name for the baby who has not yet been born. They have given their permission for the organization of contests, but they are being prepared for the crime with pleasure and making fun of (the situation).

In his column 'Angle' in CUMURIYET newspaper and under the title 'Split for us in two an entertainment', Mumtaz Soysal, one of the sworn opponents of the EU and one of the advisors of president Denktas who does not leave his side even when he meets with village mukhtars, is making fun of the contest for the flag and the national anthem announced by the United Nations with the approval of president Denktas and the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration Clerides.

In his article, Mumtaz Soysal writes that he finds the contest for a flag and a national anthem as comic as the Turkish shadow shows. He also criticizes strongly both the UN and the EU. Mumtaz Soysal is in the team of president Denktas in the talks. That is, he has a responsibility in the team which, taking in to consideration Turkey's interests as well, is exerting efforts for the implementation of the Annan Plan, which could be summarized as reaching an agreement until 28 February, establishing a new common state in Cyprus and both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots to join together the EU. However, as it will be understood from his articles, he does not believe in a solution in Cyprus and the accession to the EU. .

Is it possible for those who do not believe in peace, solution and the EU to achieve all these things at the negotiating table? It is very ingenious to expect those, who support the philosophy that the non-solution is the solution, to direct towards a solution in Cyprus. Those who sit at the negotiating table representing both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, are anxiously expecting to murder the child planned to be born on 28 February with an accident during the birth, to watch with pleasure the Greek Cypriot side to become a full member of the EU on 16 April and to see the beginning of a possible fight between Turkey and Greece afterwards. .

This article is a warning. It is my warning to those who want to darken the future of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey".

[16] AFRIKA assesses the clash between Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas and the government in Ankara

".We do not know (these things). We know what Denktas wants and does not want, but we do not know what Ankara wants and does not want. Denktas is clashing with the JDP government in Ankara. There is nothing secret anymore. They say one thing and Denktas says another. Here is what we see when we look at this situation superficially: Ankara wants a solution and Denktas does not want a solution.

However, as we have just said this is a superficial glance. It is not realistic. For example, if Denktas accepted to sign this document without a change, would Ankara accept it? Would Gul, or Erdogan accept it? If Denktas signed the return of at least 70 - 80 thousands out of the 120 thousand Turkish refugees in the island, as the Greek Cypriot side suggests, if he accepted only 3.500 Turkish soldiers to remain on the island and afterwards they too should go, would Ankara consent to these?

Is it possible to understand the difference between Ankara and Denktas before all these are clarified?

Denktas says: 'If Ankara has changed its Cyprus policy let it say it'. Right after that Abdullah Gul says: 'I do not find right the fact that Denktas is speaking like this'. However, again the meaning of Gul's words is not understood. Yasar Yakis says: 'I do not think that the last statements of Tayyip Erdogan are weakening the position of Rauf Denktas at the negotiating table'. Very well, what do you understand from this?

What is the meaning of all these? According to our opinion, Ankara is using Denktas in Cyprus, playing very successfully. Those who thought this scenario have done a very good job. With this behaviour, Ankara is eliminating the reactions of the Turkish Cypriots against itself and is gaining their sympathy again. The Turkish Cypriots, who earlier wanted to be saved from their saviour, now are again embracing Ankara as their saviour. Denktas is loosing. Ankara is winning"!

/SK

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