[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan supports Denktas´ proposal but wants solution in Cyprus based on ^Órealities^Ô

^ÓA viable and just agreement in Cyprus must be based on the realities in the island. It must accept the two sides' equal sovereignty and political equality. It must maintain bizonality and I underline that. The solution must protect the Turkish Cypriots' personal safety and property, and must make sure that the Turkish Cypriots continue to live in peace and tranquillity.

We strongly support the Turkish Cypriot side's efforts for peace and an agreement. We support the decision to open the closed Varosha region to the Greek Cypriots, the 21 April decision to open the Ledra Palace border gate as of 23 April, and the permission given to free trade. Unfortunately, however, the Greek Cypriot side seems to find it difficult to give a positive response to these steps. The Turkish Cypriots are doing their share in the best possible way. We support that. In fact, as you know, after the Turkish Cypriot decisions, Turkey lifted the 40-year old visa requirement from the Greek Cypriots. We expect the same from Greece now. Greece must waive the visa it requires from the Turkish Cypriots.^Ô

[02] The chairman of TUSIAD believes the revised Annan Plan was near the Turkish positions

Addressing the conference on ``Annan Plan: Dreams and Facts`` organized by Bogazici University and TUSIAD Foreign Policy Forum, Ozilhan said that the Cyprus issue was an important issue concerning Turkey for almost 50 years.

Noting that the conditions that caused the problem had changed and some of the actors left the scene, Ozilhan said that the world had entered a new period but the Cyprus issue continued to exist.

Ozilhan stated that they favored a solution in line with the demands of the Turkish Cypriots and said: ``We have never been in an attitude to `give and get rid of` as claimed by some circles.`` They believed that the Cyprus issue should be considered by imbibing the realities of the world after the Cold War and September 11 within the scope of Turkey's global interest, Ozilhan emphasized.

The Chairman of TUSIAD said that they believed that the last shape of the Annan plan, which had been changed two times, approached the thesis defended by Turkey in the international arena so far.

``We believe that the uneasiness of the Greek Cypriot administration about the plan is an important indicator. We see that many concerns over the future of Turkish Cypriot society become invalid thanks to sensitive balances established by the plan. More importantly, the majority of Turkish Cypriots believe this and wish for a solution within the framework of the plan,`` Ozilhan stated.

He further expressed his belief that the settlement of the Cyprus problem before Cyprus became European Union (EU) full member on May 1, 2004, was for the benefit and interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

``It is clear that a solution can be reached only within the framework of the Annan Plan in today`s conjuncture,`` Ozilhan said.

Ozilhan pointed out that giving accurate information to the public opinion about the Cyprus issue could only be possible by open, comprehensive and honest discussion.

``Therefore, we want to open the discussion by purifying it from partisan attitudes. The Cyprus issue should be settled because this is the requirement of common interests. But, we know that a link has been established between the solution of the Cyprus issue and Turkey's EU membership. There is no doubt that an EU, of which the Greek Cypriot side is a member, will make Turkey's membership process more difficult,`` Ozilhan said.

Ozilhan noted that Turkey had fulfilled its responsibilities to meet Copenhagen and Maastricht criteria and would continue to do so.

He went on: ``But it should be known that the next stage after completion of the reform initiatives, also made for Turkey's sake, is the EU membership. Any special status proposal to be made to Turkey for EU membership is not acceptable for the Turkish society. We will continue to support the government unless it deviates from the path of reforms. We want the government to re-assume its constructive approach and energy towards the Cyprus issue and re-adopt a style of politics searching for a solution. As we wait for steps for a solution and peace from our government as soon as possible, of course, we expect similar steps from the Greek Cypriot side and the other guarantor state Greece.``

``There is no doubt that there is the Annan Plan which reflects the experience of a long peace process at the starting point of these efforts,`` Ozilhan concluded.

[03] Denktas´ adviser is not satisfied with the current process for a solution in Cyprus

Addressing the conference on ``Annan Plan: Dreams and Facts`` organized by Bogazici University and Turkish Industrialists` and Businessmen`s Association (TUSIAD) Foreign Policy Forum, Olgun said that Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus were working for defending their interest and settlement of peace on the island. Olgun said: `` The Turkish Cypriot `government`s´ aim is a solution which will be formed by the two sides on the island. It foresees a bi-zonal and bi-communal system.

If we want to reach a result in negotiation process, there should be something. Both sides should have mutual interest to reach agreement and partnership. If one side loses and the other side wins, an agreement can never be reached,`` he stated.

Mr Olgun alleged: ``The current process does not give any hope and confidence to the Turkish Cypriots.``

[04] Thomas Weston repeated that the US supports the Annan Plan

The Annan plan partially came out by the Gali`s set of ideas, he said, adding that the plan was prepared by significant effort of the U.N. Secretary-General. The plan aimed to set up a bridge among the differences between the two sides and to unite them, said Weston, adding that the Cyprus problem was a complicated issue. Weston commented that the Annan plan was balanced and fair regarding the problem, adding that the plan was also to the interest of Turkey and Greece.

Mr Weston noted that the Annan plan was an historic opportunity, pointing out to the importance of the fact that no ethnic acts of violence took place during more than 700,000 passages after the opening of the Green Line since April.

Weston stated that there could be persons who could object to certain dimensions of the Annan plan, and there could be persons who wanted these to be changed. ``Then, what we tell you is that reciprocal amendments could take place on the plan,`` said Weston. Mr Weston asserted that many things had to be sorted out until May, 2004 when Cyprus would officially join the EU.

A united Cyprus will ease the accession of Turkey to the EU, said Weston, adding that the U.S. also supported the demands of Turkey about the EU.

Weston noted that finding a solution in Cyprus, enlargement of EU and its reaching East Mediterranean was important, adding that finding a solution until May, 2004 would bring in the result of all Cypriots to benefit from EU membership. ``We`ll continue to support the Annan plan till that time,`` he said, stressing that the Turkish Cypriots should benefit from that opportunity.

Mr Thomas Weston noted that the U.S. wanted all sides, Turkey, Greece, Turkish and Greek Cypriots to take part in the peace and stability atmosphere in the East Mediterranean. ^ÓThey have to do it within the scope of the EU membership^Ô, he added.

After addressing the conference on ``Annan Plan: Dreams and Facts`` organized by Bogazici University and Turkish Industrialists` and Businessmen`s Association (TUSIAD) Foreign Policy Forum, Weston replied to questions of TUSIAD members.

When a member said that there were some different views concerning Turkey`s membership like EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen`s statements on the issue, Weston said that he was personally exerting efforts for Turkey to join the Union.

^ÓEven if there was no legal condition, a point where conditions put in front of Turkey like reaching a solution in Cyprus were accepted collectively by foreign ministers in the EU^Ô, he said.

When asked about the priority of the Cyprus problem for the U.S. today and before the September 11 incidents, Weston said that the priority was always on top during both the Clinton and Bush administrations.

Weston commented that no solution was found to date, but there was no decrease in the priority of Cyprus for the U.S. administration.

Upon another question, Weston recalled that Cyprus would be admitted to the EU on May 1, 2004, adding that even if no solution was found to the Cyprus problem, the U.S. would continue to pursue its policy to this end after 2004.

If a solution is found and it is approved by a referendum before May 1, this will be included to the EU accession agreement, he said.

If the efforts in finding a solution do not yield positive results, a hierarchical problem in respect of law can come out, because the conflicts of both societies will be sorted out in EU courts; so it will be better for the two sides to reach a compromise before May 1, he commented.

Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General`s Special Envoy to Alvaro De Soto`s assistant Robert Dann said on Thursday that Annan`s plan enlarged Turkey`s rights and responsibilities on Cyprus.

Addressing the conference on ``Annan Plan: Dreams and Facts`` Dann said that significant opportunities have emerged to solve the Cyprus issue in the last three years.

Dann said that if an agreement was reached, a united Cyprus`s accession agreement to the European Union (EU) could be signed.

Noting that Annan`s plan should be better, Dann said that the plan gave the opportunity to both sides to found a bi-zonal state on a definite point. ``A new name, a new flag...``, Dann said, adding that rights could be improved by both sides` reaching consensus at the table.

Stating that Annan`s plan enlarged Turkey`s rights and responsibilities on Cyprus, Dann said that its territorial integrity, security and constitutional order were taken under guarantee according to this plan. Dann said that the Greek Cypriots approached the plan in a more positive way, but this was not so easy for Turkish Cypriot people and leaders.

[05] The general secretary of Turkey^Òs National Security Council expresses support to the parties of Eroglu and Serdar Denktas for the December ^Óelections^Ô

Talking yesterday in Ankara during a meeting with a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot ^Ófighters^Ò^Ô association, general Kilinc said that they wished ^Ópeople with common sense^Ô would win the December ^Óelections^Ô and after December to have in power people ^Ówho will preserve the national consciousness^Ô.

Kilinc added: ^ÓI wish future will bring good things for Cyprus and distorted-minded people will come to their senses and behave in a way that protects our national interests^Ô. General Kilinc alleged that the unity of the Turkish Cypriots has been harmed because some people have been misled.

Commenting on general Kilinc^Òs statements, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (18.07.03) writes that ^Óthe general spoke like Denktas^Ô.

[06] Denktas says the opposition has no chance of winning the December ^Óelections^Ô

Talking to Reuters news agency, Mr Denktas reiterated that the UN Plan for Cyprus is not valid any more and added that the Turkish Cypriot opposition had no chance to remove him from his post after the December ^Óelections^Ô and conduct negotiations on the basis of the Annan Plan.

^ÓThe UN Plan cannot be accepted. I have said before all I had to say regarding this plan. There is nothing new to say on the plan^Ô, said Mr Denktas and claimed that he would negotiate on the basis of confidence building measures.

Mr Denktas alleged also that no one but him had the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots and added: ^ÓThe 30 % of the people support the opposition. Now they have the same chance or even their votes being reduced. ^ÅDo they serve the Turkish Cypriots or are they preparing something in cooperation with the Greek Cypriots?^Ô

[07] Hasipoglu asks for the return of Greek Cypriots to Varosha and the buffer zone

In a statement issued yesterday Mr Hasipoglu commented on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas^Ò recent proposals on the issue. He argued that approximately 60 thousand Greek Cypriots could settle into the above-mentioned areas and suggested the creation of a third buffer zone, which will be administrated by the ^Ócommon state^Ô.

^ÓThus no Greek Cypriots could come to the north and the problems deriving from bizonality will be eliminated^Ô, he claimed.

Mr Hasipoglu argued also that in case his suggestions are realized without the Turkish side demanding anything in return, great pressure will be exerted onto the Greek Cypriot side and the Turkish side will gain an advantage in the negotiations, which are expected to begin either on the basis of the Annan Plan or on any other basis.

[08] Talat accused Denktas of trying to create provocations

Talat stressed that Denktas^Ò aim is to undermine the basis of the negotiations for the Cyprus problem, to create a crisis, and thus, to torpedo the EU process of Turkey and to continue the non-solution situation.

Criticizing Denktas^Ò statement on the Varosha issue, Talat said that Denktas stated that he would open to settlement the closed-sector of Varosha, although he knows that it is the decision of the UN Security Council to keep Varosha area closed and Turkey is responsible for it. ^ÓThese thoughts are the expression of provocative intentions that aim at bringing Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots face to face with the world, including the UN^Ô, Talat concluded.

[09] The Peace and Democracy Movement is becoming a political party

[10] YENI DUZEN accuses the occupation regime of putting embargo on Turkish Cypriot athletes

The paper writes that before the football game between a bi-communal mixed team and a mixed team of the UN and the EU, organized in the buffer zone by the Italian Embassy in Nicosia, Mr Adal had sent a letter threatening to punish the young Turkish Cypriot football players who would participate in the game.

After the game he is preparing to realize his threats, continues the paper, adding that Mr Adal has already sent a letter to two players Emre Percinci, of Turkish Cypriot Yenicami team, and Ertug, of Binatli team, demanding their punishment accusing them of having violated the 28th ^Óarticle^Ô of the ^Ódiscipline directions^Ô of the ^Ófederation^Ô.

The two players have been led to the ^Ófederation^Òs disciplinary committee^Ô and were asked by Mr Adal to give the names of the other Turkish Cypriot players who had participated in that game, noted YENI DUZEN adding that the young players refused to do so. According to the 28th ^Óarticle^Ô of the ^Ódiscipline directions^Ô of the ^Ófederation^Ô the two players could be deprived of their right to play football for a period of three to six months.

[11] The pseudostate distributed property in the occupied village of Limnia

As the paper reports, the 39 young persons were handed so-called title deeds of 39 building plots at Limnia village.

Speaking at the ceremony Mr Mehmet Albayrak, the so-called Minister of Internal, Village Affairs and Housing, said that 35-40 more building plots are available at the village for young persons that fulfill the criteria. Commenting on a criticism regarding the motives behind the distribution of property by the pseudogovernment, Mr Albayrak denied that it is related to the forthcoming December ^Óelections^Ô of the pseudostate.

[12] ^ÓQuests^Ô from eighteen countries will participate in the ^Ócelebration^Ô for the Turkish invasion

The names of the countries of the ^Óquests^Ô, as published by the paper, are the following: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, England, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Italy, India, Holland, Iran, Egypt, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Germany, Pakistan and Spain.

As the paper reports, the ^Óquests^Ô, who are politicians, academicians and members of the press will have various meetings in the pseudostate.

[13] Excavations at the Ancient Salamis Ruins in the occupied area continue

The excavations at the ancient site are being carried out by the cooperation of Turkey^Òs Ankara University, the so-called East Mediterranean University in the occupied area as well as experts from the so-called Antiquities Department of the pseudo-state.

The paper reports that during the excavations, which started in 1998 and are being carried out until today, very important artifacts and buildings were brought into light that are part of Cyprus^Ò and World cultural heritage.

The paper further reports that during the excavations, which resumed this year on 17 June, the ruins of an ancient chapel built in the 6th Century A.D, as well as the hot and cold sections of a Roman Bath were discovered. 14.The minimum wage in the occupied areas was set at 500 million TL According to KIBRISLI (18.07.03), the minimum wage in the occupied areas was set yesterday at 500 million TL. The new wage will be valid from the first of August 2003.

/SK

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