Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-05-12

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan concluded his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus. No mention of his country's occupation troops on the island

[02] Denktas's intransigence back to zenith after Erdogan's visit

[03] Denktas declares from Antalya that the partial lifting of the restrictions on movement will lead to the solution he wants

[04] Dervis Eroglu was re-elected National Unity Party leader

[05] The illegal settlers are asking Turkey to support them or to take them back to the mainland and admit that they constitute the half of the population in the occupied areas

[06] Izcan holds Ankara responsible for the ban against Sener Levent and his colleagues to cross over to the free areas

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Columnist in Afrika supports that as long as Denktas is on the helm there can be no solution in Cyprus.

[08] Sener Levent says no solution should be expected after the statements made by Erdogan during his visit to occupied Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan concluded his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus. No mention of his country's occupation troops on the island.

Following are the statements made by Mr. Denktas and Erdogan:

Denktas; "Esteemed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] at the head of a delegation. We are happy to say that an entente exists between us on all the issues we discussed during our comprehensive talks. Motherland Turkey has made every sacrifice it could for peace in Cyprus for many years. In fact, it continues to make sacrifices for that purpose. It has always supported the TRNC and its people in every way. It will continue to do so. We discussed all the aspects of the Cyprus problem in detail. We established that a reconciliation can be reached in Cyprus, if the sides respect each other's rights, accept each other's existence, equality, and sovereignty, and agree on various criteria. Reaching an agreement will not be difficult if they can do that.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit has encouraged us. It inspired hope in our people. We will cooperate with motherland Turkey to find a way for an agreement so that the hope of our people will not be wasted. We hope that the opposite side [Greek Cypriot side] will accept the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people and their equality and sovereignty after many years. We also hope that it will adopt a logical and considerate approach and take the necessary step to contribute towards the effort made to find a political settlement to problems, particularly the problem of property and ownership, which might create a confrontation between the two peoples once again. We hope that none of those who own property suffers a loss. We hope that they receive compensation and settle down. As such, the problems will be solved and they will no longer cause hostilities between the two peoples."

Erdogan: "We assessed the present stage of the Cyprus problem with President Rauf Denktas. The deputy prime minister, deputies, and diplomats who accompanied me and the esteemed TRNC representatives and diplomats participated in our talks. I want to emphasize that we support the positive steps taken by the Turkish Cypriot side. We will continue to support them. The disclosure made on Varosha on 2 May and the opening of the border between north and south Cyprus on 23 April were the most important steps taken by the TRNC administration headed by President Denktas in the direction of freedoms. All that was a serious message. Furthermore, the new measures disclosed by the TRNC Government will strengthen the positive atmosphere created on the island.

We expect the proposal [on Varosha] and the steps taken thus far to lead to positive developments. The sides must fulfill their obligations. A positive approach cannot be expected only from one side. The opposite side must reciprocate. That is my conviction.

Turkey and the TRNC will continue to take the necessary steps that will be in the two people's interest on the island. I want to outline a reality at this point: The embargo and the restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people are devoid of a legal basis. We want all sanctions imposed on the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people to be quickly lifted. We believe that Turkey and Greece must take the necessary steps to that effect. Turkey is prepared to do so. And, we expect Greece to encourage that. I urge the international community, particularly the United Nations and the EU, to contribute to the process. I urge them as follows: Come on, let us make a joint effort to lift the embargoes. Let us take a step towards a just and durable solution. Let us convert the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus into a region of peace and tranquillity. Turkey and the TRNC want a comprehensive agreement and solution based on the realities in Cyprus. They support such a solution. President Denktas has always disclosed that he supports a realistic solution.

Considering the positive atmosphere on the island, we believe that the two leaders [Denktas and Tassos Papadopoulos] can hold talks on a comprehensive solution. And, we agree on that. Acting with the same understanding, we continue to support the UN Security Council's goodwill mission. We want it to be successful.

We discussed economic problems in our talks today. We believe that economic growth can be achieved through production in the TRNC. As a result of the work we carried out with the TRNC Government, we are putting into effect projects and programs to encourage investments. We will support the realization of substantial trade and economic projects with the private sector's support. We will maintain the effort made to realize important infrastructure projects. I want to underline that we maintain a sensitive approach on the economic problems in the TRNC. The Turkish Cypriot people will always find Turkey on its side.

I believe that outlining a reality at this point will be useful. Today is 9 May. That makes our visit more meaningful. Becoming a full EU member is our main objective. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots share Europe's ideals and values. In view of that, we are convinced that the EU acting with a new perspective and adopting a realistic approach on Cyprus should be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. We particularly want the EU to make a constructive contribution towards the process in Cyprus. We particularly want it to consider that the Turkish Cypriot side will be an equal founding party in the partnership that will be established in Cyprus. With these views in mind, I want to convey Turkey's and our nation's affection to all the people in Cyprus. I convey my respects and wish you a peaceful and bright future".

Question: Can you comment on the Annan plan?

Erdogan: The sides can benefit from the Annan plan if they reach an agreement.

Denktas: I believe the reply was very clear. In fact, UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan's statement was also very clear. He asserted that the plan will be on the table if the two sides reach an agreement. But, the two sides have not reached an agreement. Such a situation does not exist. A question was asked about Montenegro a short while ago. It is a good model. It can be applied there. A different model can be adopted here. That means there are two standards. We are considering all that. What was the mistake made by the TRNC that an effort has been made to impose an unlawful government on it during the past 40 years? Although it has been established that such an effort will not yield a result, no one has come out with a new vision to look at Cyprus and ask where the mistake was made. If they [UN and EU officials] asked such a question, they would find an answer. They have made a mistake. They supported an unlawful administration as the legitimate government. As such, they obstructed the solution of the Cyprus problem during the past 40 years.

Question: Will you recognize the Republic of Cyprus if the embargoes are lifted, as Mr. Gul said?

Erdogan: I think your information is wrong. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has not said that the Greek Cypriot administration will be recognized if the economic embargo is lifted. That is a conflicting viewpoint. Mr. Gul has not said that. I would have been informed if he made such a statement.

Question: Have you discussed the number of troops on the island?

Erdogan: That concerns security. We did not have such an issue on our agenda.

Denktas: I want to add the following: The Greek Cypriot administration has occupied the partnership system with arms during the past 40 years. It continues to buy arms. It continues to claim that it will liberate the north from the enemy. It continues to claim that the Greek Cypriots have achieved ENOSIS [union of Cyprus with Greece]. So, the threat to the Turkish Cypriots will continue to exist as long as the Greek Cypriots claim every day that they represent the legitimate government. It is because of this threat that Turkey used its right as a guarantor power and intervened when the Greek Cypriot side tried to drive us into the sea. Turkey saved us from an act of genocide. So, the threat continues to exist. Naturally, we will continue to defend ourselves.

Question: You said that Turkey is prepared to do everything it can to have the embargoes lifted. Can you clarify what you mean? Meanwhile, can you comment on the Greek Cypriot demands from Turkey, particularly those related to the opening of Turkey's air corridor and ports?

Erdogan: We have a positive approach. The embargoes must be lifted. On economic issues, we are prepared to support and encourage the TRNC administration in every way. Likewise, we believe that the embargoes will be lifted if Greece supports and encourages south Cyprus. So, the problem of airports and seaports will be automatically solved.

Question: A report said a few days ago that an agreement was reached in the talks with the ECHR. Can you comment on the latest situation? Have you discussed the matter during your talks today? Reports said that the ECHR wanted a court to be established in the TRNC. Have you discussed that? Has Turkey adopted a decision?

Erdogan: The matter was not on our agenda.

Question: Today is marked as Europe Day. You are now visiting the island. You have conveyed messages to Europe. However, do you believe that they will be considered?

Erdogan: I have conveyed messages believing that they will be considered. Our statements are aimed at various targets".

[02] Denktas's intransigence back to zenith after Erdogan's visit

Denktas: "The more the Greek Cypriots will give up their claims on our houses, the more steps we will take to improve the ties. For example, from now on, if they will have any claims, they will be able to come and file a suit in our courts. We would also like to have the right to file suits in their courts."

Question: You mean that you will grant the Greek Cypriot citizens the right to file suits in Turkish Cypriot courts.

Denktas: Yes. In that way, they will not be able to lie to the European Court of Human Rights [ECHR] by saying they cannot come to the Turkish Cypriot side, and they will stop bypassing us and suing Turkey. Turkey protects our borders. Crossing our borders is under our control, under the control of our police force and our customs authority. In other words, we are responsible. It was we who passed the law on property exchange and so on. Therefore, the Greek Cypriots must come and talk to our authorities, and then if they wish to, they can go to court. That is what we intend to.

Question: You are acting on the premise that they should apply to the ECHR only after they exhaust internal legal means.

Answer: Yes, of course.

Question: When will you announce that?

Answer: Soon. It is a bill, the Assembly must pass it. We are working on the bill. We are almost at the end."

Then Mr Denktas made a short statement and replied to Mr Murat Yetkin's questions:

Denktas: Prime Minister Erdogan's visit was a good one. It was timely. It boosted our people's morale. He was able to breathe the atmosphere of Cyprus. He was able to confer with the opposition, with other officials, and with the people. We are very pleased with this visit.

What good will it do to discuss the Annan plan? Is our state included in that plan? Is bizonality or Turkey's continued guarantees part of the plan?"

Question: So you are saying that you will not discuss the plan, is that right?

Answer: I am saying that there is nothing to discuss about that plan.

Question: Can it come to a state where it can be negotiated?

Answer: It will not.

Question: Even if it does, you are saying that it will not work with de Soto.

Answer: It cannot work with de Soto. De Soto has lost his credibility."

[03] Denktas declares from Antalya that the partial lifting of the restrictions on movement will lead to the solution he wants

Mr. Rauf Denktas noted that the Annan plan cannot be negotiated anymore and as such there is a need for a new solution. Denktas also said that UN Secretary-General's Special Cyprus Representative Alvaro de Soto has lost his credibility and, therefore, the path to an agreement cannot be traversed together with de Soto.

Expressing the conviction that with the start of the partial lifting of restrictions on crossings and the relevant decisions adopted a new solution would be attained, Denktas said that the new initiatives launched with the crossings would continue. Denktas also stated that the issue of allocation of scholarships to the Greek Cypriots wanting to study in the universities of the occupied areas of Cyprus is under consideration and that a progress toward a new solution could be achieved through additional measures.

Indicating that they have always wanted freedom of movement provided that this does not amount to property ownership or recognition to the Greek Cypriots the right to settle intermingled with the Turkish Cypriots, Rauf Denktas alleged that the United States and the EU on the other hand want to solve the refugee problem by creating a new refugee problem. Mr. Rauf Denktas added that the world should cease telling the Greek Cypriots that they are the owners of the whole of Cyprus so as to prompt this old equal partner into establishing a new equal partnership.

Also touching on Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's visit to occupied Cyprus, Denktas said that the visit raised the Turkish Cypriots morale, adding that a genuine reconciliation was achieved during the formal talks with Prime Minister Erdogan.

In reply to a question, Rauf Denktas also noted that the Serbia-Montenegro model mentioned recently for Cyprus could be given consideration.

[04] Dervis Eroglu was re-elected National Unity Party leader

[05] The illegal settlers are asking Turkey to support them or to take them back to the mainland and admit that they constitute the half of the population in the occupied areas

In his speech, Dr. Nuri Cevikel, the chairman of the association, said that they organized the gathering in order "to express to the whole world the inconvenience" they are feeling because of the" inhuman behaviour" against them during this period. "You have come here to warn those who are responsible for this (behaviour)", noted Mr Cevikel addressing the participants in the gathering.

Referring to the limited freedom of movement, which began on 23 April, Mr Cevikel said: ".As the administration of the 'TRNC' Refugees' Association, the members of which are TRNC citizens from Turkey, we are following with caution, sensitivity and to an extend disquiet these developments and practices, the future of which is unknown and which can absolutely not substitute the solution. Because these steps, to which in principle we do not oppose, will pave the way for a procedure with unacceptable results for us, in case a solution is not reached and the non-solution continues. . As citizens of the 'TRNC' from Turkey who have been living here for 28 years, became rooted on this land and today we are the half of the population of the 'TRNC', we are totally excluded from the recent decisions taken by the administrations of the two sides and from the applied procedure. ."

Mr Cevikel asks the Turkish leadership why they have rejected the Annan plan, putting forward the allegation that the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots could not live together. He also wonders why they tried to persuade the Turkish Cypriots and especially the settlers to reject the plan, which would recognize the great majority of the settlers the right of free movement, the citizenship and other rights.

Mr Cevikel accused also the authorities of the occupation regime that they use the settlers as lifeless "things" and they remember them only when the time for the so-called "elections" comes.

Addressing to the government of Turkey Mr Cevikel said: ".As TRNC citizens from Turkey who have something to say to the officials of Motherland Turkey: You have brought us here since 1975. We hold the passport and identity card you gave to us. Until today, the Turkish governments have not supported their own people, whom they brought and settled into the island, having very low educational and living standards. .It is obvious that we can reach nowhere with this situation. We are expecting two things from the officials of the government of the Motherland: Please, compensate our 28 year-accumulation and our social status and take us back or make us first class citizens by reaching an agreement and a solution. .".

[06] Izcan holds Ankara responsible for the ban against Sener Levent and his colleagues to cross over to the free areas

In a written statement issued on Saturday, Mr Izcan notes, inter alia, the following: ".The UCP strongly criticizes the biased treatment against the writers of AFRIKA newspaper and against the Turkish Cypriots living in the south and firmly demands the freedom of movement to be applied for all the inhabitants of Cyprus.

Furthermore, UCP declares to the public opinion that for this unequal treatment it holds responsible the military and the civilian bureaucracy of Ankara in Cyprus".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Columnist in AFRIKA supports that as long as Denktas is on the helm there can be no solution in Cyprus.

Denktas argued that the opening of the border between north and south Cyprus was a very serious mistake.

Erdogan claimed that they had no other alternative because of the Louizidou court case.

Denktas asserted that the talks on the Cyprus problem cannot be resumed on the basis of the Annan plan and noted that Ataturk would have rejected the plan if he was alive.

Erdogan said that the sides might benefit from the plan if they agreed to do so.

Denktas warned that the Turkish side must not rush to resume the talks.

Erdogan claimed that the pressure on Turkey would be reduced if the talks were quickly resumed.

Denktas argued that Cyprus should be held as a trump card until Turkey joins the EU.

Erdogan asserted that Cyprus was no longer a trump card because it has become an obstacle against Turkey's accession to the EU. He then noted: Cyprus is brought up in all our contacts with the EU. We are told that Turkey's accession to the organization before the Cyprus problem is solved is impossible.

That upset Denktas. He decided to use his last trump card:

Denktas said: No matter what Turkey might do, the EU will not admit it into the organization. If you agree to give Cyprus away, they will bring up the Aegean, the Kurdish problem, and the Armenian issue. In view of that, a solution cannot be found in Cyprus until Turkey joins the EU. Meanwhile, I must say that the military forces agree with me.

Denktas' remarks forced Erdogan to restrain himself. He said: Well Mr. Denktas, we will wait and see.

The talks between Erdogan and Denktas looked like a dialogue between two deaf people. That had a bearing on their press conference. While Denktas said that a solution can be found to the problem if the Turkish Cypriot side's conditions are met, Erdogan discussed the mutual lifting of embargoes and the improvement of the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] economy. In other words, each side scored a goal against itself and the game ended in a draw. Meanwhile, they displayed unity when they emerged from their meeting.

The problem will not be solved through such an approach. A comprehensive solution will not be found to the Cyprus problem as long as Denktas remains at the helm. Erdogan fears the military forces. In view of that, he is unable to put pressure on Denktas. That is impossible. Denktas is aware of that. That is why he puts pressure on Erdogan on matters that make the military forces sensitive.

Erdogan did not do much for the opening of the border because an agreement was reached with the ECHR, which was approved by the military forces.

However, the resumption of the talks is a different issue. Influential circles continue to support their policies on the resumption of the negotiations.

The right thing to be done is as follows: The opposition parties must make serious changes in their policies. They must freeze the solution of the problem for some time and attach importance to the strategy that is required for our accession to the EU.

What is wrong with the Cyprus Republic. The Greek Cypriots held on to it to join the EU. They deferred the solution of the problem until after they become a part of the organization. We can act in a similar way. What the Greek Cypriot politicians fear most at the present time is a move by the Turkish Cypriots to claim their rights in the Cyprus Republic. What would they do if we campaign for our rights?

Will the Greek Cypriots be able to tell their Turkish compatriots that they cannot return to their homes and lands? No, they will not be able to do so. Will they be able to tell the Turkish Cypriots that they cannot elect their vice president and the Turkish Cypriot members of the House of Representatives? No, they will not be able to do so.

The opening of the border was useful. The developments are leading the sides to the Cyprus Republic, regardless of Denktas' objection and the opposition parties' failure to support the trend. A solution will be found later. The two peoples will find it."

[08] Sener Levent says no solution should be expected after the statements made by Erdogan during his visit to occupied Cyprus

What is the final word?

Two separate states exist in Cyprus.

Erdogan said: "This is our red line. We have been saying this all along. There are two separate states in Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriot state in the north and the Greek Cypriot state in the south. First of all, these should not be mixed."

No one should waste his time expecting a solution to the Cyprus problem in the near future if everything is as Erdogan has told us and if there are no more reasonable things behind the scenes.

Erdogan's remarks show that there is no change in Turkey's policy on Cyprus. Its stand now is the same as it was before 16 April.

This course does not lead us to a solution. Where does it lead us? It leads us to suffering for many more years. We shall be living on EU territory, but under Turkey's command. We shall be EU citizens, but the EU acquis communautaire will not be applied here. Turkey's acquis communautaire will be valid. We shall have the Cyprus Republic passport in our pocket, but we shall be viewed as TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] citizens. We shall have the TRNC and Republic of Turkey passports as well to document the status quo. These passports will remain in our pockets just like the seals applied by the Nazis for the Jews in the concentration camps.

We shall display the Cyprus Republic passports to those inquiring when we travel abroad. We shall be Cyprus Republic citizens abroad, and TRNC citizens in our country.

This is the life promised to us. Isolated from the world, introvert, solitary, devoid of any status, and captive, as before.

At times murmuring, at times dreaming, and at times feeling amazed because of our position, we shall tell those inquiring, "Here we are, we travel to and from London."

We shall dream about serving as government in the TRNC with the valid votes we shall get from our Turkish brothers.

Having fallen to minority status, can we do anything else other than lure the Turkish mainlanders to vote for us? Having failed to get our native land back, we should at least benefit from the blessings of this occupation.

You say this is your red line, Mr. Erdogan. It means that you will not retreat from this position even one step.

We indeed had our green line. The grass turned green in the barrels on our green line. Did you not see this?

Having walked to the Ledra Palace (check-point), did you not see the bullet holes on the walls?

Imagine how many generations spent their time here. The hair of the former fighters has turned gray by now. Their children now long for peace. Shall we now waste yet another generation? Why do you, rather than we, make this decision although you are not from here? Why does even our opposition take into regard what you say?

Who is it that prevents me from moving freely in my own country? Where are your generals who fearlessly threatened us by declaring, "They will drown in blood?" What are you promising to us except an unlawful regime at the command of the military authority, silent death, and silent emigration?

You may draw as much as you can of your red line. What is the difference between having a green line or a red line as long as we do not ride our horses to the blue [the EU]?"

/MP

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