Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-02-10

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides.

[02] Mr Alvaro de Soto held contacts in Ankara.

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister asked for the British Prime Minister's support so that the Turkish Cypriot demands are met. He exploits the Iraqi issue to solve the Cyprus problem in Turkey's favour.

[04] Letter by the Turkish Prime Minister to the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus problem.

[05] The Turkish Prime Minister is planning a visit to the US. He will ask for changes to the Annan plan in Turkey's favour.

[06] The speaker of the TGNA says a solution in Cyprus may come in March.

[07] Leader of a small Turkish party visited the occupied areas to lobby in favour of Denktas and against the Anna Plan.

[08] RTP and many civilian organizations to file charges against the distribution of the so-called "citizenship" of the illegal regime to persons from Turkey.

[09] A protest against the illegal BRTK was prepared by a group of Turkish Cypriot artists- two members of the group were questioned by the "police".

[10] Fires of peace continue to light in various villages of the occupied Cyprus - a big gathering took place in front of the fire lighted in occupied Dikomo village.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Column in CUMHURIYET brands Mr de Soto a poor liar.

[12] The Turks are trying to blackmail the US to recognize the puppet regime through opinion polls.

[13] Ozgur: "They are afraid that the militarist regime in Turkey will collapse if the Cyprus problem is solved".

[14] AFRIKA: Bayrak is controlled by the Turkish army.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

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

"Yes, we will resume our talks today. We will see what will happen," said Mr Denktas and replies to questions as follows:

Question: This will be the first meeting after the one you had two days ago.

Answer: Yes, that is right.

Question: The Greek Cypriot newspapers reported that you tried to stand up and walk out of the meeting two days ago.

Answer: That is a lie. Had I intended to stand up and walk out, I would have done so. What do they mean by saying that I tried to stand up and walk out?

Question: The reports said that you stood up to walk out but you were obstructed.

Answer: No, that is not true. Which newspaper reported that?

Reporter: The report was in the Greek Cypriot press.

Answer: Do not heed what they say. The Greek Cypriot newspapers publish unfounded reports. If I decide to stand up and walk out, then I will do so. No one ties me to my chair. Question: Will you take new proposals to the meeting today?

Answer: No, I will not. The question is to maintain the bizonal situation. We will discuss our sovereignty. There are many issues and traps related to territory. The question of leasing and other things are filled with traps. We have to carefully discuss all that. For example, some of the deputies who attended the "Republican Assembly" meeting yesterday brought up issues which we failed to consider until now. So, the document [Annan plan] needs to be very carefully studied.

Question: What are the new traps?

Answer:I have not said that new traps exist.

Question: Can you describe the atmosphere in the "Republican Assembly's" meeting yesterday?

Answer: It was a good atmosphere. Naturally, the opposition leaders reiterated their views. Well, they will continue to do so. However, their participation was useful.

Question: Turkey and Greece have been asked to focus on the question of security. Has that made you feel relieved to a certain extent?

Answer: Of course, that is what we have been calling for. The question of security and guarantees is a matter that concerns Turkey. We maintained ever since 1968 that the question of guarantees is a matter that concerns Turkey. No one has the right to say that Turkey has to do this or that. No one has the right to outline what the guarantees should be. If Turkey is to guarantee something, then it should be aware of what it is going to guarantee and it should decide how to guarantee it.

Question: The development was taken to mean that the authority given to the two Cypriot leaders to negotiate will be withdrawn.

Answer: That is not true. It is irrelevant. After the meeting, which lasted nearly 75 minutes, upon his return to the occupied areas, Mr Denktas replied to reporters' questions as follows:

We will hold another meeting at 09:30 local time on Monday. I briefed Clerides on the information and expectations conveyed to me by the `Republican Assembly'. We will exchange views on them on Monday. We will see where we can go from there.

Question: Reports said that you took new proposals to the meeting.

Answer: No, we have not taken new proposals to the meeting. Everything has been discussed several times. However, we will exchange more substantial views on what can and cannot be achieved.

Question: Have the Greek Cypriots submitted a document on their indispensable demands?

Answer: We expect them to do so next week.

Question: You held a very short meeting today.

Answer: Well, there was nothing else to discuss.

[02] Mr Alvaro de Soto held contacts in Ankara

"As it is known, Annan wants Turkey and Greece to start negotiations as soon as possible on the deployment of Turkish and Greek units in the component states." The statement in this regard was made by Alvaro de Soto, who met with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

De Soto said the following after the meeting: "As soon as possible, Turkey and Greece should discuss the numbers of the Turkish and Greek units, where they will be deployed, and their responsibilities. Both countries are aware of the urgency of the matter."

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency Mr de Soto said that his meeting with Ziyal was very beneficial and noted that Ziyal and he had a very beneficial consultation on the issue before his visit to New York next week.

When reminded of the U.N. proposal that a security agreement should be signed between Turkey and Greece, De Soto said that this was not a new thing and noted that there was a part which foresaw that deployment of equal number of Turkish soldiers and Greek soldiers in the Turkish Cypriot side and in the Greek Cypriot side in the plan.

Mr Alvaro de Soto also said that he hoped that Turkey and Greece would be ready soon. He added that he hoped that the problem would be solved soon as all those issues should be completed together.

In reply to a question, Mr de Soto said that he had no doubt that Turkey and Greece would find a solution to the issue and stated that he thought that both sides were aware of the urgency of the issue.

Finally Mr de Soto said that he would go to New York next week and review the whole process with Annan, and that they would discuss how to support efforts for a solution to the issue in the remaining weeks.

Mr de Soto will leave for Cyprus after his contacts in Ankara.

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister asked for the British Prime Minister's support so that the Turkish Cypriot demands are met. He exploits the Iraqi issue to solve the Cyprus problem in Turkey's favour

A statement of the Prime Ministry Press Center said that the Blair called Gul and informed him about his meeting with U.S. President George Bush in Camp David on January 31, 2003 and on efforts being exerted for a solution to the Iraqi issue under the resolutions of U.N. Security Council.

The statement said that Gul informed Blair about the decision which was taken by the parliament on Thursday and Turkey's efforts for peace.

Gul said that it was vital to meet the demands of the Turkish Cypriot side for a solution of the Cyprus issue and asked for the support of Britain on the issue.

[04] Letter by the Turkish Prime Minister to the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus problem

In the letter, Gul says: "We are sincerely trying to reach a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem."

He also asserts that Denktas is conducting meaningful negotiations on the Annan plan. Nevertheless, Gul says, the goodwill of the Turkish side should not lead to any misunderstandings. He warned: "Our goodwill should not be interpreted to mean that we may accept conditions that could lead to the recurrence of the tragedies that occurred in the 1960's and 1970's." The prime minister stressed that it is a sine qua non for Turkey and the "TRNC" for the new partnership to be established in Cyprus to be viable, lasting, and secure.

[05] The Turkish Prime Minister is planning a visit to the US. He will ask for changes to the Annan plan in Turkey's favour

"Turkey and the United States have come close to finalizing an agreement on military, political, and economic cooperation in a military operation against Iraq. At a summit held in the Office of the Prime Minister, approval has been given for placing 6 bases and 2 ports at the disposal of the United States, and for the "transit passage" of approximately 38 thousand US troops into Northern Iraq in order to establish a northern front. A decision has also been reached for the agreement with the United States regarding military plans to be completed by the time that a second authorization motion is submitted to the TGNA [Turkish Grand National Assembly] on 18 February.

At the summit meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, the overall agreement that will determine the framework of the military, political, and economic cooperation with the United States both during and after an Iraq operation was laid on the table. Participating in the summit, at which the ongoing work on an agreement in these three areas was discussed, were General Staff Chief General Hilmi Ozkok, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis, State Ministers Ali Babacan and Kursat Tuzmen, General Staff Operations Chief General Koksal Karabay, and Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

According to the information obtained, the first-priority topic taken up at the summit was that of the draft agreements which were limited to modernization of the military bases within the framework of the authorization provided by the National Assembly. Thereafter, work on agreements covering more extensive military cooperation, as well as on economic and political matters, were evaluated as well.

Subtitle: 270 aircraft will be deployed

Prior to the summit meeting, discussions had been held by the Foreign Ministry and the General Staff regarding the likely support to be given to the United States. Detailed plans containing various alternatives prepared in these meetings were discussed in detail at the summit in the Prime Minister's Office. According to the information obtained, if the authorization motion is approved in the TGNA on 18 February, Turkey will allow the United States to utilize 6 of the 8 bases that it had requested, as well as the Mersin and Iskenderun seaports. In addition to Incirlik [Adana], the Diyarbakir and Batman airports will be used for operational purposes, while the Afyon, Corlu, and Sabiha Gokcen [Istanbul] airports will be used for purposes of logistic support. Some 270 aircraft belonging to 9 US air squadrons will be deployed to the airports. Permission will also be given for approximately 38 thousand troops to make "transit passage" into the northern part of Iraq. Units to provide logistic support to these will also be deployed to Silopi. The joint command center will be at Diyarbakir. It has also been learned that Turkey has given a positive response to a US request for U-2 spy planes to use Turkish airspace.

In evaluations conducted at the summit in the Prime Minister's Office, it was stressed that the agreement with the United States on stationing troops must be completed prior to the TGNA vote on the motion dealing with this topic. It has been learned that a decision has been made for the memorandum of understanding on this issue to be signed as soon as the motion has passed the TGNA and the government has been received the authorization to do so.

Subtitle: Gul may travel to United States

At the summit in the Office of the Prime Minister, the visit that Abdullah Gul will likely pay to the United States prior to 18 February, and the strengthening of the main agreement to be drawn up, were also discussed. It is intended that, during Gul's visit, and in exchange for the support that Turkey will provide to the United States, Turkey will be provided the guarantees that it has been seeking, particularly in the political areas and regarding the future of Iraq. Turkey has to date been unable to get a clear guarantee from the United States in terms of Iraq's unitary structure and territorial integrity. The Cyprus issue is also expected to come up during the Prime Minister's planned visit, and he is expected to ask for support for the changes that the Turkish side is seeking in the Annan plan in order to reach a solution.

Subtitle: Dialogue with Arab countries

In addition to Gul's planned trip to the United States, the top-level contacts underway with Baghdad and the countries neighboring Iraq also came up at the summit. It was decided at the meeting to maintain a close dialogue with the countries of the region.

A statement made following the meeting was very general rather than providing any detailed specifics. The statement by the Office of the Prime Minister was as follows: "As is known, developments involving the Iraq issue are being followed on an ongoing basis by working groups that have been formed among our officials dealing with political, military, and economic matters... At the meeting, our continuing efforts at a peaceful resolution of the matter were discussed, and additional steps that might be taken along these lines were considered."

[06] The speaker of the TGNA says a solution in Cyprus may come in March

Interviewed on NTV, Arinc affirmed that the closed session on 6 February was held in line with the TGNA's Internal Statute. He pointed out that the deputies were uncomfortable when making their decision. He said: "It would have been politically correct to hold a general debate before the session."

Arinc stated that the petitions to be submitted to the TGNA after the Bayram holiday in connection with allowing foreign troops into Turkey and dispatching Turkish troops to another country may be handled in a closed session too.

Mr Arinc stressed that the deputies are acting with a sense of responsibility and asserted that there will not be any resignations from the JDP. He said: "Politicians are tested at such times."

He also noted that it would not be right for the deputies to disclose their vote at the end of a closed session.

In connection with Cyprus, Arinc said a solution seems difficult to reach by 28 February. The Greek side must be pressured as much as the Turkish side, he said, adding that the two sides may reach an agreement all of a sudden. Arinc stressed that 28 February is not a final date and that the solution may come in March.

[07] Leader of a small Turkish party visited the occupied areas to lobby in favour of Denktas and against the Anna Plan

Perincek pointed to the importance of national states and asserted that what is most important for Turkey and the puppet regime is to have a state when the world is moving towards a war in the 21st Century. Arguing that talks are held on maps, immigration, and territory in Cyprus and on the Aegean problems in Turkey because neither Turkey nor the "TRNC" will be allowed to join the EU, Perincek said that a border will be established between the EU and Turkey and talks are now being held on where it will be established in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. Warning that no one should run after illusions, Perincek asserted that both Turkey and the "TRNC" should have a national state.

Recalling the approach maintained by Russia and the Arab countries, Perincek said that we are now in a new era in which the "TRNC" might be recognized. He asserted that it might be recognized if Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots adopt the right policies. However, he accused the government officials in Turkey of failing to make an effort in that direction and said that the establishment of a national government in Ankara is essential for Turkey and vital for the freedom and future of the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Dogu Perincek concluded his talks in the occupied areas of Cyprus and left for Turkey today.

[08] RTP and many civilian organizations to file charges against the distribution of the so-called "citizenship" of the illegal regime to persons from Turkey

The issue came up again after the recent statement of Sinan Aygun, chairman of Ankara's Chamber of Commerce, who during his last visit to the occupied areas said that he had become a "citizen" of the pseudostate within half an hour.

According to the paper, six hundred and fifty (650) new "citizens" were made in occupied Kyrenia area only within the last two months.

YENIDUZEN adds that Ferdi Sabit Soyer, General Secretary of RTP, has said on a television programme that his party had established that many persons who do not live in occupied Cyprus have been granted the so-called "citizenship" of the puppet regime.

[09] A protest against the illegal BRTK was prepared by a group of Turkish

According to the paper, the group which operates under the name "Peace is an art Initiative", gathered in front of the BRTK buildings in occupied Nicosia and protested against the station "because of BRTK's broadcasting against the peace and its one-sided programs". The artists also accused the illegal station of not giving the opportunity to different voices and opinions to be expressed and called on it to listen to the people's voice. The artists read an announcement, which expressed the will of the group to boycott BRTK, and placed black wreaths in front of the station' doors.

However, as KIBRIS (09.02.03) reports, the next day two persons of the artists' group were arrested and were questioned by the so-called policy of the pseudostate. Poet Cumhur Deliceirmak was taken under custody at the Kyrenia Police Station and Poet Mehmet Kansu was also called to the same station for questioning. According to the paper, the same procedure will be applied to all the artists at the demonstration. The paper also stresses that the arrests were made after accusations made by the director of the BRTK, Huseyin Cobanoglu, who was not pleased for the artists' actions and expressed his displeasure regarding a banner in which it was written "BRTK is Rauf Denktas' television".

Moreover, according to the same paper's edition on Monday (10/02/03), Huseyin Cakmak, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Cartoonists' Association, condemned the arrests of the two artists. "This is the proof that the Turkish Cypriot region is a fascist regime", he stressed.

[10] Fires of peace continue to light in various villages of the occupied Cyprus - a big gathering took place in front of the fire lighted in occupied Dikomo village

According to the paper, a big fire was lit on Saturday evening in the occupied village of Dikomo where a big gathering took place. The Association of the Folklore Arts of Kyrenia presented folklore show in the gathering and the persons who were in the meeting shouted various slogans like: "After 1974, 54 thousands were unemployed. Isn't this enough?", "Our future is peace and solution", "Denktas resign", "Do not obstruct the peace in Cyprus". Members of the leftist Turkish Cypriot parties participated in this gathering.

As the paper writes, a similar gathering took place in the occupied village of Kazafani the same evening. Huseyin Angolemli, the chairman of the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), Izzet Izcan, the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (UCP) and the General Secretary of Republican Turkish Party(RTP), participated in this meeting.

The paper also reports that fires will be start in many other occupied villages, like the village of Exometochi, Trikomo, Epicho and Vouno in the following days.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Column in CUMHURIYET brands Mr de Soto a poor liar

"Prime Minister Gul, when giving information to the reporters, summarised the talks, which are continuing with the United States, under three main headings: Military, Economic and Political.

The developments show that a comprehensive "agreement" has not been reached between the United States and Turkey.

The war has come and knocked at our door. But Ankara instead of receiving concessions immediately, which are its right, is still "negotiating" on three subjects that have not been concluded.

We will send more Turkish soldiers to northern Iraq than the US soldiers. There are so many states in the world and none of them have passed a decision from their parliaments approving the war. None of them declared to be the third partner after the United States and England. We are blindly following the United States.

As though this shame was insufficient, now the United States is insisting that an American general should command the Turkish soldiers, who will be deployed in northern Iraq.

The economy? For example, naturally as a requirement of military measures, the Habur Border Gate has been closed. Millions of people in Southeastern Turkey, who earn their livelihood with the border trade, have already reached the situation of not being able to meet their vital needs. What is it to the Americans?

The main objective of the Chief of the American soldiers (President Bush) in Washington, D.C. is to reduce the war aid as much as possible. The war aid talks with the United States, which did not fulfill any of its verbal promises in the Gulf War, are suspended.

The United States, which continuously wants us to hurry up and make a decision, is continuously at our throats. When, however, it is time to discuss certain basic subjects, which will determine the future, it takes its time.

The war aid figure still remains uncertain. Is it going to be US$4 billion or US$14 billion? Prime Minister Gul frequently mentions that the aid will be connected to "flexible rules". Is it possible to guess now how the Americans will use the concept of flexibility after the war or how they will make their promises flexible? As for the post-Saddam period, now the United States is hiding from its comrade-in-arms, Turkey, some of the scenarios for the post-Saddam period. Even if you ask, it is not answering.

Whereas, the Ankara government is marching with determination on the course of giving the United States what it wants.

During this period, Rauf Denktas on Cyprus, which is very close to us, is making almost every day a difficult struggle against the Greek Cypriots, who cannot restrain their sentiments and objectives under the EU flag, and even with the Turkish Cypriots, who became like the Greek Cypriots within the "TRNC" [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] "on the subjects of separate sovereignty, political equality, territorial adjustments and migration".

The Turkish Cypriot side gave Clerides its "absolute conditions" in writing about the Annan Plan. The Greek Cypriot side does not give its absolute conditions. On the contrary, it expresses its view against the absolute conditions of the "TRNC".

Is Ankara taking initiatives to strengthen the Turkish position with Athens, against the EU and against the pressure groups, which are telling lies from outside, in response to the irreconcilable attitude of the Greek Cypriot side? It is doubtful!

The United States is "at the stage of pulling the wool over Turkey's eyes". The US Ambassador Robert Pearson, who has become a part of our lives, is saying, "We will do whatever we can" for a permanent solution.

The Foreign Ministry is watching the developments on Cyprus as a spectator in response to the media or it is giving such an impression.

The Greek Cypriot section, which does not want to recognize the existence of the "TRNC" on any subject and which displays attitudes, including not being willing to come to an agreement on any subject, does not say or announce what its views are towards Ankara.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, through his loyal men, is playing some games with the UN representative de Soto. De Soto comes from Cyprus to Ankara and at the airport he talks with Cuneyd Zapsu, who previously talked with the Foreign Ministry and who has an unauthorized identity and is the consultant of Recep Tayyip Erdogan on US issues. Furthermore, Annan's representative is a poor liar. He connects the reason for the talk to fatherly affection, to the fact that Zapsu's daughter and de Soto's son are attending the same school.

In their telephone conversation, Prime Minister Gul's saying to Vice President Dick Cheney, "We cannot have this country accept at the same time both opening a front to Iraq and taking steps on the subject of Cyprus", was reflected in the press. This statement was not denied.

The JDP [Justice and Development Party] government is entering into war together with the United States despite the people. Next:

"I wonder if the time has come for steps including a submissive policy to the United States, the EU and Athens and that will make the Greek Cypriots on Cyprus happy", against the Turkish public and Turkey's national interests?

The Prime Minister is obliged to explain this.

Or else is Prime Minister Gul waiting to make an explanation, the result of which would be reached by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is conducting a policy of "Give whatever they want and live as long as they let you" with people like Zapsu and the like?"

[12] The Turks are trying to blackmail the US to recognize the puppet regime through opinion polls

"The operation plan of the United States against Iraq is being discussed on every platform. This war will affect us to a great extent. When the time comes, the United States will leave the region and we will once again be together with our border neighbor Iraq.

Evidently, the speech made by Abdullah Gul on behalf of his party group in the TGNA [Turkish Grand National Assembly], when Turkey was debating about sending soldiers to Afghanistan has already been erased from the minds of the people. I think that his party grassroots is having difficulty in understanding the same Abdullah Gul, who wants to have secret sessions in the TGNA.

A survey company briefly called SESAR made a public opinion poll on 2,138 persons in Diyarbakir, Sanliurfa, Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman, Kayseri, Malatya, Erzurum, Sivas, Trabzon, Samsun, Ankara, Izmir, Istanbul, Bursa, Antalya, Adana, Mersin, Denizli, Aydin, Kocaeli and Manisa, for the "determination of Turkey's opinions about the current political problems".

Subtitle: The Messages That Came Out of the Polls When the survey made was evaluated, the following messages came out:

1. 88.35 percent of the Turkish people do not want war. The percentage of those who say "yes" to war is 7.53 percent.

2. In case Turkey enters the war on the side of the United States, then the Turkish people want the following from the United States in order of priority: "It should not allow the establishment of a Kurdish state and it should not allow separatism; it should erase Turkey's debts; it should recognize the `TRNC' (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus); it should remove obstacles in front of Turkey's exports to the United States".

3. 64.83 percent of the Turkish people think, "if Turkey were to remain neutral in the Iraqi dispute, then Turkey will not be able to preserve its interests"; 23.17 percent of the people think, "Turkey can preserve its interests if it were to remain neutral".

4. The Turkish people do not consider the Iraqi policy of the United States to be right. Those who say, "the Iraqi policy of the United States is wrong", reaches 69.94 percent.

5. The Turkish people consider both sides to be wrong in the dispute between Iraq and the United States.

6. The percentage of those who do not see Saddam as a "threat" to Turkey is 71.80 percent.

7. 67.25 percent of the people believe that Turkey will come out with a loss from acting together with the United States.

8. The percentage of those who think, "the United States would not keep its promises to Turkey" reaches 86 percent.

9. It seems that the people have not been able to understand the Iraqi policy of the Turkish government. When the answers given to the question, "Do you support the government's Iraqi policy?" is considered, then it appears that 45.22 percent do not state an opinion. Nevertheless, 33.17 percent of the people do not approve the Iraqi policy of the government.

10. The Turkish people are afraid of the United States, not afraid of Saddam. 34.17 percent of the people consider the United States to be dangerous and only 11.34 percent consider Saddam to be dangerous. 42.27 percent of the people consider both of them to be dangerous.

11. The Turkish people support neither the United States nor Saddam. Only 6.84 percent of the Turkish people support the United States and only 10.26 percent of them support Saddam. 76.24 percent do not give support to either of them.

12. It is thought that neither the US nor the EU takes Turkey's interests into account. 22.42 percent of the people say "We should take our place on the side of the United States" and 15.05 percent say, "We should take our place on the side of the EU". But 52.48 percent say, "We should not be on the side of either of them".

13. Would we be able to receive compensation for the support we will give to the United States? Those who say, "we can hope" are 18.30 percent and those who say "No we will not be able to" are 57.32 percent. A total of 24.38 percent say, "I have not thought about it".

14. 52.23 percent of the people are in favor of supporting the United States, "provided that the United States keeps its promises". But 34.15 percent of the people are uneasy about being seen together with the United States, even if there is the support of the United States.

15. To the question, "If you were the United States, what would you do for Turkey?", those who said "I would save Turkey from the economic crisis" constituted 25.26 percent.

16. The percentage of those who think that we would be in a difficult position in response to the Arab countries, if we act together with the United States against Iraq is 67.18 percent.

17. At present, 19.34 percent of the Turkish people feel themselves to be closer to the Arabs and 24.71 percent to the Americans. 41.73 percent remain distant from both of them. 13.22 percent of the people say that they have never thought about this.

18. To the question, "What would you do if you were in the position of Saddam or George Bush?", the answer, "I would recognize the `TRNC'" was in first place.

19. To the question, "What would you do if you were in the position of Prime Minister Gul?", the following answers were given:

27.72 percent of the people said, "We do not have any problem with the Iraqi people, or the Iraqi State. But we are in Iraq because we cannot allow a Kurdish state to be formed in northern Iraq". Those who said, "I would act realistically" was 20.51 percent."

[13] Ozgur: "They are afraid that the militarist regime in Turkey will collapse if the Cyprus problem is solved"

"Firstly they began with the belief that a successful and lasting comprehensive solution in Cyprus is widely related with Turkey's as soon as possible being accepted as a full member in the EU", writes Mr Ozgur and adds:

".The first aim of these gentlemen is not finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. They do not feel the need to hide what was the aim of their gathering. Before starting to produce concrete proposals for a solution to the Cyprus problem they are saying: 'If you do not accept Turkey as a full member of the EU, forget the solution of the Cyprus problem. Who says this? Persons like Ilter Turkmen and Yalim Eralp, Turkey's glorious professors, former foreign affairs ministers and ambassadors who are being presented as if they want a solution in Cyprus".

Afterwards Mr Ozgur refers to the "concrete" proposals of the participants in the above-mentioned meeting regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem. Among those proposals are: a) the right of separation of one of the component states from the common state. In that case it should continue to be a member of the EU as a separate state, b) the solution of the properties issue preferably by global exchange of properties and in case this is not possible the component states should give global compensations etc.

Mr Ozgur continues:

".Could we say that these gentlemen want a solution in Cyprus by making these proposals? Everything could be expected by them, given that they prepared and submitted to the public opinion such proposals ignoring the fact that Turkey is a guarantor state of the independence, the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus. It is very obvious that they do not want a solution in Cyprus. They are resorting to every method in order for the status quo in Cyprus and in Turkey to be preserved. They are the military and the civilian bureaucracy itself.

Let us know that there is a struggle against the military and the civilian bureaucracy, which are resisting to the change of the militarist regime in Turkey and in Cyprus, to the democratization and the implementation of the human rights. They are afraid that the militarist regime in Turkey will collapse in case the Cyprus problem is solved. Having this fear, they are using every opportunity and resorting to every method so that the Cyprus problem is not solved. .".

[14] AFRIKA: Bayrak is controlled by the Turkish army

"BRT is not controlled by civilians, it is controlled by the army. In the head of BRT's administrative council there is a former army colonel. Furthermore, every day BRT is controlled by an army officer, in addition to the control conducted by the Civilian Affairs. As everywhere in our country, in BRT too whatever the army says is done. Those who do not like BRT, and began now to protest against it, until now have been ignoring this fact. They acted as if there is a democratic order in our country. They protested a lot against the director of BRT. They did not say anything about the military authorities, which are the real administrator of BRT. .They opposed to those who said something against the army.

Has BRT become so 'disgusting' only after the Annan plan appeared? .BRT reads all the newspapers every day, except the one you are holding now in your hands. BRT lets all the journalists speak on its programmes, except the journalists of this newspaper. Was it not BRT the television, which attacked us during the espionage conspiracy, which was plotted by the generals and Denktas? .

Don't you know that the military authorities control BRT? Don't you know that the army gives the permissions for crossing over to the south? Don't you know that the army controls the parliament, the migration, the police, the finance and every thing else that could come into your mind? Don't you know whom the prime minister, the ministers, the permanent undersecretaries and the directors in this country obey blindly? If you know, why then don't you protest towards the right direction? .".

/SK

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