Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-06-10

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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 Cypriot leader during a meeting with so-called mayors of the occupied areas.

[02] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister during a press conference with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

[03] Reference to Cyprus by the Turkish Foreign Minister in statements to ZAMAN newspaper.

[04] Statements by Gul and Eroglu in Ankara.

[05] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister after meeting General Ozkok.

[06] Eliophotou and Kayalp received the Golden Strawberry Peace Prize.

[07] Izzet Izcan: ^ÓDenktas^Ò intention is to sabotage the elections^Ô.

[08] 17 illegal Syrians entered the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[09] Angolemli accuses Denktas of trying to create a climate of pressure and threats in view of the forthcoming ^Óelections^Ô.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader during a meeting with so-called mayors of the occupied areas

In statements during the meeting, Mr Denktas said:

^ÓThis latest move has been made in the same direction. This is not an opening to the Turkish Cypriots, this is a clear indication of their [EU officials'] persistent stance that the Turkish Cypriots, no matter what they do or say, should come under the umbrella of and be patched upon the legal Cyprus Government. Faced with this, we must forge a deeper unity and revitalize ourselves. If there are differences between us, then we must put them aside. We are about to pass a serious test. In this trial, those people who support and defend the state and can forge a complete and wholehearted cooperation with the Motherland for the survival of this state should know how to muster their forces.

I am the elected president of this state. It is the essence of my oath to protect the state. After a long pose, in recent days they [the opposition] have been saying and doing everything they could to mislead the people. They found a way and got hold of private media outlets. They then mobilized all these against us so as to belittle the state in the eyes of the people. They did everything they could and we reached a stage where we had to tell the people the truth. And that is what I have been saying. What have I been saying? As the representative of the people supporting the state, I am standing up against those who favor just any agreement in disregard of the state and I am declaring openly that I will not accept this, will not recognize any opportunity for such an agreement.

When I say this, they accuse me of being a dictator, of being conceited. I repeat: Such attacks do not bother me, for I am talking with the awareness that what am saying is backed by a large popular mass, as is evident by your presence. I am convinced that I am reflecting their views. Only the group that deceives the people with the Annan plan and the EU object to what I have been saying. It is clear from this that I am reflecting the people's views. And what are my views? I repeat: We will stand up for our statehood, sovereignty, and Motherland. If we do not stand up for these, we are destined to become a minority, a patch on others, and disappear. This is what I am trying to explain to the people. A people that has established its state cannot surrender its signature to those who disregard the state. But that is what exactly they [the opposition] expect us to do. As if we already have no state, we are ostensibly given rights within the context of the jurisdictions recognized to the Greek Cypriot majority under a constitution. Even then, it is not clear what would become of these rights under the EU norms. That is the first.

Secondly, they want to settle 60,000, 70,000 or 80,000 people among us and return the most productive lands to the Greek Cypriots while taking no account of the groves and gardens abandoned by us. In addition to all that, Turkey's guarantorship has been rendered ineffective. Yet, we are asked to sign such an agreement! They [the opposition] consider it a great mistake and sin that we are not signing an agreement and joining the EU without Turkey, as if Turkey has not introduced a provision into the 1960 agreement on the Turkish-Greek balance, which constitutes the essence of its guarantorship. That is, we are expected to legalize the actions of the Greek Cypriots, who do not recognize and even violate Turkey's right, or through Greece and Britain encourage the EU to violate that right. If we do that Turkey will have no right whatsoever over Cyprus, it would be the end of it. But has Turkey ever told these people [the opposition leaders], I am renouncing this right and therefore you can join the EU without me? Has Turkey issued such a statement? No, I have not seen one. Rather, every time that a decision is adopted on this issue, Turkey puts its reservations, says it does not recognize such a decision, and declares Cyprus cannot be admitted into the EU without its own membership. But they [the EU officials] still insist they will. Well, they will only be able to admit half of Cyprus. Turkey says the other half cannot be admitted before its own membership. Still, these people are in a hurry and disregard Turkey by saying that we are becoming an impediment before Turkey. But, has Turkey ever said that we are an impediment before it? Has it ever said you are an impediment, move away, I am no more seeking my right over Cyprus, you sign the agreement and join the EU without me? Has it said such a thing? No. It has not said such a thing so far. Yet, they [the opposition] fool the people, by saying that they are talking with Turkey covertly and that Turkey supports them and does not follow Denktas. Thanks God, esteemed Erdogan came to Cyprus and before departing spoke about an agreement based on statehood. He said this is our red line, and left.

No matter, these colleagues will continue criticizing me every day with their articles and actions. On my part I will continue talking, for if people follow these groups the state will be endangered, and once the state vanishes we will become a minority and forced to join the EU without Turkey. We will then lament our fate but in vain. This is not a matter of joke. It would be the end of the Turkish Cypriots.

I heard that in taking leave, Lord Hannay has leveled accusations against me. Let him do so. He will of course condemn me for not agreeing to his masterpiece. They [the foreign interlocutors] will of course try to exert pressure by saying that Lord Hannay said this, Weston said that, de Soto said this, the rest of the world said that. They will say these because they did not work to solve the Cyprus problem for the interest of the Turkish Cypriots. They chose the path of upholding the interests of

the United States, Britain, and Europe and of solving it in disregard of Turkey's rights. And we are against any transaction that disregards Turkey's rights. When we do not oppose such a transaction and cave in that will be our end. I felt the need to say all these things. I thank you for your stance.^Ô

[02] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister during a press conference with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg

Expressing his pleasure with hosting Prime Minister Juncker and the accompanying delegation, Prime Minister Erdogan said: ``Such visits play an important role in improvement of positive relations between countries.``

``During our meetings, we exchanged views on the issues of Turkey-the European Union (EU) relations, NATO, Iraq and the Middle East peace process. Luxembourg is one of the founder countries of the EU,`` he said.

Noting that relations between Turkey and Luxembourg had been further improving day by day, Prime Minister Erdogan said: ``Agreements, which were signed between our countries, constitute an important step in the development of our bilateral cooperation.``

Responding a question about the EU Commission`s package for Cyprus, Prime Minister Erdogan said: ``This report fails to reflect adequately the positive approaches of Turkey and Northern Cyprus in this process. However, there is a package which has not been given a final shape. We aim to maintain this process. We don`t think of disregarding the Annan plan. Both sides should be supported by Turkey and Greece. In this direction, we aim to catch up with the peace process in a lasting and just way``.

Pointing out those passages between the two sides had been provided since April 23, Erdogan said Turkey opened its doors to Greek Cypriots after 40 years. Erdogan said: ``This positive approach will continue from now on toward the solution.``

When a journalist said, ``it had been stated that you would send a letter to U.S. President George Bush to adjust relations with the United States. Will Ugur Ziyal convey a message?`` Erdogan said: ``Mr Ziyal visits the United States because of his contacts in foreign relations. There is no need to send a message. If we need such kind of a message, we will call Mr Bush on the phone and talk to him.``

On his part Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg said that the recent performance of Turkey in fulfilling the EU criteria was brilliant.

Speaking in the joint news conference with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after the tete-a-tete and interdelegationary meetings, Juncker recalled that an appointment was given to Turkey in the 2002 Copenhagen summit for determination of date of starting negotiations. Juncker stated that the performance of Turkey in realizing transformation since Copenhagen summit was brilliant.

Juncker pointed out that they took up all international issues on the agenda in the meeting including bilateral issues and Cyprus, adding that they had common views about all problems. Juncker pointed out that the good relations would further improve.

Upon a question about Cyprus, Juncker said that they wanted to announce to Europe that two religions could co-exist and that they hoped to show the same evidence about the Cyprus issue. Juncker said they wished Turkey to join the EU if all conditions were fulfilled, stressing that the Cyprus issue had to be solved as soon as possible. Juncker stated that he believed the Annan plan could form a productive basis for solution of the Cyprus issue, adding that he was pleased about the resolution of Erdogan about solution of the problem. He said that all concerned sides had to show the same resolution.

[03] Reference to Cyprus by the Turkish Foreign Minister in statements to ZAMAN newspaper

Referring to the transformation process taking place in Cyprus, Mr Gul said: "We have brought a new approach. We have changed the international image of Turkey as a country saying ^Óno^Ô to everything and refusing to make any compromises. Everybody used to be afraid before the Green Line was opened that if free crossings were allowed, the Greek Cypriots would come to the north and occupy it and that many Turkish Cypriots would seek refuge in the south. Yet, everybody has seen that the sides have managed to build mutual confidence and the Turkish side will not shun compromise solutions."

[04] Statements by Gul and Eroglu in Ankara

He met with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Gul said: ``Recently, important developments have been occurring in Cyprus. The world appreciated the steps taken by `TRNC´. Turkey has also opened its borders to Greek Cypriot people after 40 years. Both Turkey and `TRNC´ are determined to take positive steps to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus question. Turkey will do its utmost to this end. We believe that these steps should not be unilateral. ``

``The European Union (EU) should put an end to imposing embargo on TRNC. I am quite sure that developments about the issue are in question, `` he added.

On his part Mr Eroglu said: ``I came to Turkey to inform the Turkish government on our views and expectations of our people. Steps taken by `TRNC´ have created a new atmosphere in the island and led to important developments. ``

[05] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister after meeting General Ozkok

^ÓThere is a civilian government in Turkey. We are saying that Turkey is ready to be an EU member. We will, therefore, do nothing to undermine this.^Ô

Recounting that the Office of the Chief of the General Staff submitted its views on the EU in a written form, Gul added: ^ÓThere were no reactions to the transfer of the 6th adaptation package to the TGNA before it is discussed in the NSC [National Security Council].^Ô

The developments on the Cyprus issue and the recent tension between Turkey and Greece on claims of violation of airspace were also discussed at the meeting. Noting that there was no significant increase in the flights of Turkish planes in the Aegean in comparison to the previous year, Gul said that he did not have information on claims that Turkish war planes harassed an Olympic Airways plane flying from Athens to Istanbul.

^ÓWe are doing everything possible to improve the confidence between Turkey and Greece and we will continue to do so,^Ô he concluded.

[06] Eliophotou and Kayalp received the Golden Strawberry Peace Prize

The Prize was awarded to Strovolos Mayor Savvas Eliophotou and to the so-called Famagusta Mayor Oktay Kayalp, by Murat Karayalcin, chairman of the Social Democratic People^Òs Party, (SHP).

Speaking at the prize awarding ceremony the Mayor of Eregli Halil Posbiyik said that it is an honor for them to present the prize to two mayors in Cyprus.

KIBRIS further reports that the Mayor of Strovolos Mr Savvas Eliophotou was unable to attend the ceremony because of the flood caused by heavy rains that rendered extensive damage in his municipality.

Mr Eliophotou has send a message and said. ^ÓI would like to thank you for awarding me the Peace prize. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the ceremony because of the floods that caused extensive damage two days ago. We have huge material damage. I am sure you will appreciate that at this moment I cannot leave my citizens who are in a very difficult situation^Ô.

[07] Izzet Izcan: ^ÓDenktas^Ò intention is to sabotage the elections^Ô

The full statement of Izzet Izcan is as follows:

^ÓDenktas, at this stage has completely lost the support of the Turkish Cypriots; because of this he is in rage and bad temper. He is usurping by force the right of the Turkish Cypriots to decide about their own future by preventing the Annan plan to be submitted for a referendum. Denktas has started now to undermine the elections that will be held in December. Denktas has been cut off the people; he behaves like a dictator, who serves the interests of the foreign powers and not his own community. He also said that there could be a coup in case the opposition wins the elections and those who want a solution on the basis of the Annan plan. He exerts from now pressure on the Turkish Cypriots.^Ô

[08] 17 illegal Syrians entered the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to the paper the Syrians said that they were planning to go to Limassol. They were brought before the illegal court of Kyrenia, where eight days imprisonment was imposed on them.

[09] Angolemli accuses Denktas of trying to create a climate of pressure and threats in view of the forthcoming ^Óelections^Ô

In a written statement published by ORTAM Mr Angolemli stressed that Mr Rauf Denktas has been trying to split the Turkish Cypriots throughout his political life and added that the Turkish Cypriot leader is trying lately to create a climate of pressure and threats against the Turkish Cypriots who struggle for peace and the accession of Cyprus to the EU.

He also added that the Turkish Cypriot leader considers everyone who does not share his views, as a servant of the Greek Cypriots and as enemy of Turkey and stated that Rauf Denktas has increased even more his attacks before the forthcoming ^Óelections^Ô of next December. He also said that Mr Denktas has lost his control and he cannot restrain himself from attacking Trade Unions´ rights and threatening their existence, which are guaranteed by international laws and agreements.

Mr Angolemli also accuses Mr Denktas of trying to divide the forces that are in favour of peace and secure his own political future and impose his policy.

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