Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-05-19

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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 announced: Greek Cypriots can enter Turkey without visas as of 22 May.

[02] Denktas commented on Erdogan's announcement.

[03] Denktas continues his intransigent stance.

[04] AA Details Arrangement Waiving Visa Requirement From Greek Cypriots.

[05] Erdogan: Allowing Greek Cypriots' Entry Shows Turkey's Sense of Self-Sacrifice.

[06] Gul says steps being taken to lift so-called "embargoes" in Cyprus.

[07] Denktas on EU measures.

[08] Mehmet Ali Talat supported that a solution should be reached in Cyprus until May 2004; Turkish nationalists protested against Talat.

[09] Ultra nationalist cause havoc; attack Kurdish students.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan announced: Greek Cypriots can enter Turkey without visas as of 22 May

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, in his part, stated during the Justice and Development Party (JDP) camp in Antalya that work is under way to allow Greek Cypriot citizens to enter Turkey freely. Immediately after that, Erdogan, in his speech, announced that Greek Cypriots can enter Turkey without a visa as of 22 May.

Erdogan said: "Now, in this city of tourism, we are announcing something new. I am addressing myself not only to Turkey, but to Europe as well. I am addressing myself to the world. How does Turkey view the world? How does Turkey view world peace? This can be gleaned from the following good news I will now herald and underline in bold. I revealed this in north Cyprus about a week ago. We spoke to Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots at the Ledra Palace. Now, we are taking a step. Turkey has opened its doors to all the Greek Cypriots as well. After a break of 40 years, for the first time Turkey is opening its doors to the Greek Cypriots. As of 22 May, the Greek Cypriots can also come in through Turkey's borders, without having to obtain a visa. They can remain in Turkey for one month with that visa. They will enter Turkey with a mere visa stamp at the border. If they want, they can also obtain this visa from our `embassy' in Nicosia.

In the same way as we are taking this step, we now expect Greece to take reciprocal steps. Why? Because the world needs this peace. Quarrels no longer give us any advantages. Some time ago, Mr Gul proceeded to the Meis island of Greece from here. Later, they all [European ministers] arrived in Kas. We must implement these steps. Now, we are continuing with these steps -- through powerful strides. God willing, the details of this procedure will be announced to the public via our Foreign Ministry. This step has been taken. As of 22 May, Turkey opens its doors in this way. Furthermore, those who wish to proceed from `north Cyprus' to Turkey with their yachts or by using the airports can do so as well, as long as this is done from north Cyprus."

[02] Denktas commented on Erdogan's announcement

In reply to journalists' question at Adana's airport, Denktas described Erdogan's announcement as "An appropriate and timely decision; a well-intentioned decision; and I believe that it will be beneficial."

Denktas added: "I hope Greece will also reciprocate in kind. If you should ask why it will be beneficial, I say because at first we were portrayed to the Greek Cypriot side as a decrepit, barbaric, and ignorant community unequal to them. We opened the doors, they came, and they saw. Naturally, it will help to achieve a balance in a future agreement.

"They would also portray Turkey in the same way to their people, to their youths. They would say Turkey is a collapsed country, a country in economic difficulty, a country of savages, inhospitable people, and enemies. Now, mutual visits will show that this is not true at all. If they see Turkey's greatness, its hospitality, its humanitarian nature, and its beauty, they will naturally start thinking differently. Such contacts have benefits, they are not harmful."

[03] Denktas continues his intransigent stance

Denktas went on and said that they will not accept the removal of the embargo if it demands accepting the Greek Cypriot seal and documents.

[04] AA Details Arrangement Waiving Visa Requirement From Greek Cypriots

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Greek Cypriots who have Cyprus passports were to be given one-month entrance visa.

The new arrangements cover only tourist visits.

Current regime will continue similarly in visits apart from those which aim at tourism.

In case Greek Cypriots enter Turkey with their private cars, necessary documents will be needed for vehicle entrance.

Thus, facilities will be given for the first time to Greek Cypriots to enter Turkey after 40 years.

In case Greek Cypriots do not make applications and come to the border gates of Turkey without a visa, they may enter for tourism purposes and stay for one month, but the procedure will not be free of charge in this case. Greek Cypriots will have to pay 10 Euro at the border gate.

Greek Cypriot citizens who reside in the free areas of Cyprus will be able to get their visas from Athens-Piraeus Chief Consulate free of charge. Greek Cypriots living outside the island will be given visa from the Turkish representations in that country.

Private yachts belonging to Greek Cypriots of Republic of Cyprus citizens will be able to visit Turkish ports together with their crew members and passengers, on condition that they depart from the occupied ports of Cyprus. The yachts should not have commercial aims.

[05] Erdogan: Allowing Greek Cypriots' Entry Shows Turkey's Sense of Self-Sacrifice

Replying to reporters' questions on the measure to allow Greek Cypriots to enter Turkey without a visa, Erdogan reacted against the attempts to portray the decision, which will go into effect on 22 May, as a maneuver to bring about the recognition of the pseudostate in the international arena.

Pointing out that Turkey's doors are open to Greek Cypriots Erdogan stated that they will not try to obstruct anyone's freedom of travel unless there is an extraordinary situation in the world. This is a step taken in this direction. At the same time, it is a manifestation of Turkey's sense of self-sacrifice vis-a-vis the Government of Republic of Cyprus.

[06] Gul says steps being taken to lift so-called "embargoes" in Cyprus

Gul said: "You can see that important steps are being taken in Cyprus. These steps should continue. We have begun to achieve through steps taken in the field, on the terrain, what could not be achieved for years through talks at the negotiating table. Confidence is being built. Some 250,000 Greek Cypriots visited the Turkish Cypriot side within a short period. Some 80,000 Turkish Cypriots visited the Greek Cypriot side. Now, as you know, people have begun to stay overnight. All this shows that we can actually be hopeful about the future of the island. Now the so-called economic embargo imposed on the `TRNC' should be lifted. In the same manner, the embargo we imposed on the Greek Cypriot side should be lifted. I would like to tell you that significant steps are about to be taken on this issue as well. The scope of these steps and the way they will be implemented will be announced in the near future.

Turkish-EU relations have reached a level unprecedented in history. This is quite natural because we have reached the most important turning point in our 40-year-old EU activities. This turning point is related to the commencement of Turkey's membership negotiations. From that point of view, I would like to repeat the following: We have a few months ahead of us. Turkey will take the steps it has to in a most determined manner within this period. We will enact many reform packages before the Turkish Grand National Assembly goes into recess. We will prepare Turkey for full EU membership.

[07] Denktas on EU measures

Hoping that the Turkish government had exerted great efforts and that they would reach success, Denktas said, ``it is a shame for both the EU and humanity that they have not lifted the `embargo'.

Replying a question about the opening of the doors of the occupied areas of Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots, Denktas said, ``it continues. As long as new situations are accepted, naturally people will make new openings.``

Denktas delivered a speech on recent developments in Cyprus in a conference at the Cukurova University.

[08] Mehmet Ali Talat supported that a solution should be reached in Cyprus until May 2004; Turkish nationalists protested against Talat

Addressing a panel in the city of Trabzon, northern Turkey, under the title "Thoughts about Cyprus, the EU, and the Annan plan", Mr Talat argued that a solution which guarantees the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and at the same time does not put in danger Turkey's position in Cyprus, should be reached until May 2004. Mr Talat said that the Cyprus problem must be solved if Turkey wants to become a EU member.

Referring to the Annan plan, Mr Talat said that it was a very balanced plan and responded to all the positions supported by the Turkish side for so many years. "It gave the Turkish Cypriots full equality in all fields. The Annan plan responded to all the principles we have been defending until today", he noted.

Meanwhile, when Mr Talat participated in a discussion in Trabzon under the title "The Cyprus problem and the EU", a group of ultra nationalist Grey Wolves protested against him and shouted slogans such as "Cyprus is and will remain Turkish".

[09] Ultra nationalist cause havoc; attack Kurdish students

After they cause damages to the building, the Grey Wolves stood at the entrance, beat some students form Turkey of Kurdish origin and prevented a concert, which was planed within the framework of the Festival, from taking place.

The papers write that the number of the "terrorists", as it describes those who caused the incident, is estimated to be about 200 and adds that during the incident the members of the nationalist group shouted religious slogans such as "Allahuekber" ("God is Great").

/SK

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