Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-06-04

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister on the latest developments in Cyprus.

[02] Turkish Cypriots will be able to get Turkish citizenship as of today.

[03] The illegal settlers from Turkey have decided to struggle for a solution in Cyprus.

[04] Reaction by the so-called Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities to the EU aid to the Turkish Cypriots.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press reacted to the EU package for the Turkish Cypriots.

[06] Denktas comments on the EU financial aid for the Turkish Cypriots.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Editorial is SABAH newspaper compares the political future of Denktas to that of Arafat.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister on the latest developments in Cyprus

When asked to comment on the recent developments and movements in Cyprus, which could be branded as ^Ósurprise moves^Ô, Gul said:

^ÓYes, results which were not possible to reach on the negotiation table were realized in practice. I am sure there are more steps to be taken in Cyprus. The Turkish side has demonstrated its good will. Now it is time the other side should demonstrate its goodwill on certain issues. It has to remove the embargo imposed by the EU. If this happens Turkey and the Turkish side will definitely take other steps. These could lead to other reciprocal steps by both sides, and in the end we might see that not much remained and we could settle them through negotiations^Ô.

When asked what the source of this was and how these changes suddenly started to take place, Gul answered: ^ÓIf did not happen suddenly. These should have been done. We were saying that this problem should be solved and when we became government we have said `non-solution is not a solution´. We have said this time and again, and we have encouraged the Turkish side to this end^Ô.

When asked to comment on EU´s expectations from Turkey, such as the solution of the Cyprus problem and the Turkish Army´s role, Gul said: ^ÓWe will do everything possible to start negotiations with the EU. We are, proud of Turkey´s Armed Forces´ strength. We do want the army to become stronger and to this end we could do everything possible. However, we will firmly continue to realize the democratization process in Turkey^Ô.

[02] Turkish Cypriots will be able to get Turkish citizenship as of today

The amendment stipulates that the ^ÓTRNC^Ô citizens who apply for Turkish citizenship will receive it automatically.

Turkish Cypriots who want Turkish citizenship, if they live abroad could apply to Turkish missions, and if they live in Turkey, they could submit their application to the Mayor of the province they are living.

[03] The illegal settlers from Turkey have decided to struggle for a solution in Cyprus

Dr Cevikel, who represents the Turkish illegal settlers who were brought to the occupied area after the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation, has claimed that ^Ósince the problems of the ^ÓTRNC citizens^Ô of Turkish roots are not solved, they have decided to pave their path themselves and that they want a settlement in Cyprus in accordance with international norms^Ô.

In a statement to KIBRIS, Dr. Cevikel said that they had a meeting yesterday with the Turkish Envoy in the occupied area, Hayati Guven, and that they have conveyed to the envoy the decisions they have taken, and the envoy showed understanding.

Dr Cevikel added: ^ÓWe as well, will struggle for the definite settlement of the Cyprus problem, which will take into account the rights of the people having Turkish Republic roots.^Ô

Dr Cevikel stressed that their movement has no political character. He said that they complained to the authorities in Turkey that the Turkish envoy in the occupied area has certain responsibility regarding the problems facing them.

[04] Reaction by the so-called Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities to the EU aid to the Turkish Cypriots

The General Administrative Committee of the Union, in its statement, criticized the EU Commission^Òs decision to allocate 6 million Euro to only three municipalities whose Mayors come from the same political party.

The statement claimed that this action is aimed at dividing the Turkish Cypriots internally.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press reacted to the EU package for the Turkish Cypriots

KIBRIS: ^ÓOpening from the EU^Ô and subtitle, ^Ó12 million Euro financial assistance to ^ÑTRNC^Ò, of which the 9 million euro are for economic developments and the 3 millions for the civilian organizations^Ô.

AFRIKA: ^Ó12 million Euro^Ô. The EU Commission announced the financial assistance towards the North Cyprus^Å The 12 million Euro package consists of two different parts, the ^Ñfinancial assistance^Ò and the ^Ñtrade promotion^Ò.^Ô

ORTAM: ^ÓThe EU package is announced^Ô.

KIBRISLI: ^ÓInjustice!^Ô The EU signed one new injustice to the Turkish Cypriots recognizing to them the right to export through the Greek Cypriot sector. It is not possible to carry out exports without being under the Greek Cypriot sovereignty.

VATAN: ^ÓThe package was announced^Å The exports of the agricultural products will be under the authority of the Greek Cypriots.^Ô

YENIDUZEN: ^ÓThe EU financial assistance to North Cyprus^Ô.

YENI CIZGI: ^Ó12 million Euros. The EU Commission announced the financial assistance package to ^ÑTRNC^Ò^Ô.

HALKIN SESI: ^ÓEurope makes fun of us!^Ô The EU, in the package, didn^Òt lift the ^Óembargoes^Ô although it was known that the ^ÓTRNC^Ô would not accept to trade through the Greek Cypriot ports and makes fun of the Turkish Cypriot side with this document.

VOLKAN: ^ÓIt is a scandal, we refuse it!^Ô The EU Commission announced the so-called financial aid to the ^ÑTRNC^Ò.

BIRLIK newspaper does not have any report regarding the EU financial aid towards the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[06] Denktas comments on the EU financial aid for the Turkish Cypriots

Denktas said that the EU package is not an opening and added that with this package they try to put the Turkish Cypriots under the umbrella of the Cyprus Government.

Stressing that he would not accept any applications that have been done under the signature of the Government of Cyprus, Denktas said that it is wrong to evaluate this package as an opening. ^ÓThis package cannot be accepted as it is^Ô, Denktas concluded.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Editorial is SABAH newspaper compares the political future of Denktas to that of Arafat

The editorial then says that the summit is also important from the point that it would put an end to the role of the historic Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat.

It assesses that most probably Arafat will go to exile in Tunisia where the construction of the house he will be staying is gaining momentum.

The editorial then compares Arafat´s fate with that of Denktas and says that ^Óit seems Denktas will pay very dear the price of not signing the agreement in the Hague^Ô.

The editorial considers the EU package towards the Turkish Cypriots as the first step towards toppling Denktas.

It forecasts that in the forthcoming Turkish Cypriot so-called elections in December, the opposition, lead by the Republican Turkish Party, will win the elections.

It adds that in order for the opposition to win the elections every kind of political and diplomatic support would be extended to it.

^ÓNo one thinks that Denktas will stay in his post if the RTP wins the elections.

What do you say, should we too here prepare a house for Denktas?^Ô the editorial concludes.

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