Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-07-21

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas raps supporters of Annan Plan and continues his intransigent stance.

[02] Akinci says Peace and Democracy Movement's objective is the solution of the Cyprus problem and the accession to the EU.

[03] Turkish general calls for recognition of 'two states' in Cyprus.

[04] New irregularities uncovered in ^ÓTurkish Cypriot Airlines^Ô.

[05] Weston, Italy's Frattini criticized for insisting on Annan Plan.

[06] A delegation of Azerbaijani MPs, who visited occupied Cyprus for the ^Ócelebrations^Ô of the 20th of July, met with Denktas.

[07] Talat says that his party^Òs policy on the Cyprus problem is in full harmony with Turkey^Òs policy.

[08] Turkish columnist says Turkey interferes in the December ^Óelections^Ô in favour of Denktas.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] HURRIYET columnist: Turkish National Council^Òs Terms of Reference should be changed.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas raps supporters of Annan Plan and continues his intransigent stance

Criticizing the Annan plan yet again, Denktas said: "The Annan plan, with which you were preoccupied for months, was prepared to fasten Cyprus as whole to the EU even before Turkey's EU membership, in disregard of the rights granted to Turkey under the 1960 agreements, and by considering us a minority in a Cyprus represented only by the Greek Cypriot people. With the EU norms forming the foundation, the model placed before us envisages the creation of a confusing institution, even less functional than the 1960 institution, which would very soon relegate us into a really minority status. My dear compatriots, had I signed the Annan plan, every second person present here would have been left homeless. I repeat, had I signed the Annan plan every second person here would have been left homeless. You would have suffered again for years to resettle and put new roots. Instead of resolving the refugee problem in Cyprus, de Soto sought only the solution of the Greek Cypriot refugee problem by trying to create 100,000 Turkish Cypriot refugees. This was an inhumane and illogical choice. We are being denounced for rejecting it. Whatever. Had I signed the Annan plan, not only I would have defiled the signature of Dr. Kucuk upholding Turkey's principle rights under the 1960 agreements, I would also have tilted in favour of Greece the Turkish-Greek balance in Cyprus emanating from these agreements which the Greek Cypriots want to eradicate by their EU membership. My dear brothers, neither you nor our motherland Turkey has given me such a right and authority. I acted within the powers vested to me by you through the `Republican Assembly´ and by the Turkish nation through the Turkish Grand National Assembly. I remained true to my pledge and oath. I did not put your state up for auction. I stood up for your equal sovereignty.^Ô

Denktas then went on to criticize those states that support the Annan plan, like Greece, United States, and Britain. He first accused Greece of wanting to seize Cyprus by peaceful means and then berated, the Turkish Cypriot opposition for ^Ódeceiving^Ô the people and violating its ^Óparliamentary oath^Ô by its praise of the Annan plan during meetings and concerts with the Greek Cypriots and for targeting him in cahoots with the Greek Cypriots, Americans, and the British. He called on the Turkish Cypriots to give a fitting reply to those who advise them to forgot their ^Óstate^Ô and Turkey for a few piasters. Denktas added: "The pressures on us to accept the Annan plan, which does not recognize the existence of this state, also comes from the United States. It is not because they love us. They already say openly that the acceptance of the Annan plan is in line with the interests of the United States. Why? Serious diplomats also have an answer to this: We cannot offend the Greek lobby. Britain has played the leading role in the drafting of the Annan plan. And it is the British who are most livid with us for not accepting this plan. And their approach was to put forward a plan acceptable to the Greek Cypriots to safeguard their bases. It was already the British who encouraged the Greek Cypriots to take the EU path, despite the 1960 agreements. All of them pretend not to know that the Greek Cypriots are sitting at the negotiating table for tactical reasons alone. Every time that the Greek Cypriots sit at the table to protect the title of the legitimate Cyprus government they appear to be accepting many things but when the crucial moment of signature arrives they withdraw and lose nothing in the process and go on being the legal government. We cannot play this game of the Greek Cypriots. Anything we say for the sake of the agreement sticks to us, any promise we make is considered as divinely sanctioned, even if the talks remain inconclusive."

Pointing out that the pressure on the Turkish side is likely to increase and the "paid and unpaid mercenaries" will step up their attacks to bring the Turkish Cypriots under the "Greek Cypriot hegemony," Denktas said he would resist such pressures and attacks with power derived from the people, and added: "A lasting and just solution of the Cyprus problem would be possible only when the world and the Greek Cypriots realize that the Turkish Cypriots will not renounce their adherence to their state and to the de facto and effective guarantorship of motherland Turkey. It is essential that the Greek Cypriots put an end to their claim of being our government as well."

[02] Akinci says Peace and Democracy Movement's objective is the solution of the Cyprus problem and the accession to the EU

The Council of Founding Members, made up of 47 members, elected Mustafa Akinci as the PDM chairman. Among the 47 founding members are ^Óparliamentarians^Ô, labour leaders, doctors, academicians, journalists, engineers, artists, lawyers and businessmen. It also elected the following to the 15-member Central Decisions and Steering Committee:

Mustafa Akinci, Chairman; Ozal Ziya, Coordinator; Izzet Izcan, Coordinator; Mehmet Suleymanoglu, Coordinator; Onder Konuloglu, official in charge of the relations with the NGOs; Tahir Hoca, official in charge of the relations with the NGOs; Ozcan Barkut, official in charge of the relations with the NGOs; Ozker Ozgur, foreign relations official; Mehmet Cakici, official in charge of organization; Ayla Gurel, women's affairs official; Derya Beyatli, official in charge of the youth committee; Ali Bizden, press and propaganda official; Hasan Kahvecioglu, press and propaganda official; Taner Sami Selcuk, financial affairs official; and Halil Sadrazam, social affair official.

PDM Chairman Akinci held a press conference at the Saray Hotel on Friday together with the founding members and the Decisions and Steering Committee members.

Sitting next to Akinci during the press conference, CLP Chairman Huseyin Angolemli expressed his support for the movement. Akinci gave information about the movement's work, vision and objectives.

Reading the movement's program, Akinci said the PDM came to enjoy ^Ólegal^Ô status since yesterday morning and noted that the movement's name would not be changed. He stressed that the PDM was set up with the aim of bringing about and solidifying lasting peace and true democracy in occupied Cyprus in line with the desire of the Turkish Cypriots.

The PDM's program may be summed up as follows:

"The PDM's short-term objective is to ensure the collective action of the solution and EU supporters in the broadest possible framework, to achieve success in the December 2003 elections, to achieve a solution through negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan through a new pro-peace team of negotiators after the `elections´, and to realize the EU membership of a united Cyprus on 1 May 2004.

The PDM has adopted as its objective the economic, political, social and cultural development of the Turkish Cypriot community within the framework of the EU norms, which will serve as guidance in every step to be taken.

The PDM aims at using the election platform as a means to implement the peace and democracy project. Within this context, the Annan plan and the EU norms will be debated most widely. Also to be debated among the broadest possible sectors, within the framework of the concept of peace education and understanding, are the importance and the awareness of conciliation within the community and between the communities. Our community will, thus, be helped to act in awareness of what they vote for."

Noting that CLP Chairman Huseyin Angolemli fully supported the movement, Mustafa Akinci said it would not be right for the chairman of a main opposition party to take part in the PDM as a juridical person. "Mr Angolemli will join the juridical personality of the PDM in another stage," Akinci said.

Without mentioning their names, Akinci said three parties, which joined the PDM, have suspended their activities as of today, when the movement came to enjoy juridical personality.

Akinci stressed that the establishment of the PDM between 15 July and 20 July was just a coincidence, and expressed his desire that the suffering experienced in the past would not be repeated. He wished that Cyprus would become an island of peace, order and welfare.

Responding to a question, Akinci said that the Annan plan was the most balanced plan for an agreement in Cyprus. Pointing out that he did not expect any radical changes in the Annan plan, Akinci said that the acceptance of the plan in its present form and its implementation without radical changes, but after filling in the gaps, would be the best course.

Akinci added: "If anyone demands any radical change in any section of the plan, he would have to compensate for it in another section. It is very difficult, therefore, to make radical changes on the major points of the plan."

A Greek Cypriot journalist asked Akinci to comment on President Tassos Papadopoulos' statement that, "the acceptance of the Annan plan in its present form would imply the acceptance of the faits accomplis of the occupation." Akinci said he did not share this view, and added: "If Papadopoulos has said so, it is impossible for me to share his view. However, whenever we ask the politicians close to the Cypriot President, they point out that Mr Papadopoulos, acting as the leader of the Greek Cypriots, has told UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that he accepts the Annan plan as a basis for negotiations."

[03] Turkish general calls for recognition of 'two states' in Cyprus

Speaking at the illegal Lefkoniko airport General Basbug claimed that the international community had to agree that ^Ótwo equal and sovereign states^Ô exist on the island and that the solution of the problem had to be based on a ^Ónew partnership between them^Ô. That, he said, is essential for the establishment of durable peace and security in Cyprus.

[04] New irregularities uncovered in ^ÓTurkish Cypriot Airlines^Ô

The members who were appointed to the Board by the Privatization Administration following Akbulut's resignation have determined that the ^ÓTCA^Ô had distributed 40 thousand free tickets in the occupied area which has a population of 200 thousand.

It has also come to light that, according to a decision taken by the ^ÓTCA^Ô Management Board, individuals who have been members of the Management Board for only one day, as well as the members of their families, have a lifelong privilege of flying on the airline without charge. Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is also included among those who, along with their families, are entitled to travel on the airline for life at no charge.

The new Management Board has ascertained that, despite the fact that ^ÓTCA^Ô has officially portrayed itself as having losses of 3 trillion liras, it has 32 million dollars in various banks. The concealment of this amount of money, which is close to the amount of the aid that Turkey provides to the occupied area, and the existence of so much money in banks in the name of the company despite 40 thousand people having been transported at no charge, has given rise to suspicions in the Ministry of Transportation, in Turkey.

[05] Weston, Italy's Frattini criticized for insisting on Annan Plan

[06] A delegation of Azerbaijani MPs, who visited occupied Cyprus for the

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Denktas said that Azerbaijan and Pakistan show real support to the pseudostate. He also stated that Azerbaijan and the pseudostate share the same allies and that the Turkish Cypriots and the Azerbaijani people have bonds of blood.

On his part, Mr Ikbal Agazade, the leader of Hope Party, accused the European Union of trying to take away the ^Óindependence^Ô of the pseudostate, which as he alleged, is a part of Turkey. Mr Agazade also stated that all the nations and countries that want freedom and democracy support the pseudostate.

[07] Talat says that his party^Òs policy on the Cyprus problem is in full harmony with Turkey^Òs policy

Mr Talat visited the occupied villages of Paleosofos, Motides, Livera and Orga, met with settlers from Turkey who are living there and answered their questions.

Mr Talat alleged that Ankara has decided to join the EU and solve the Cyprus problem, because the later has become ^Óan unbearable burden^Ô in the international relations of Turkey.

Supporting that in case of a solution on the basis of the Annan Plan is reached all the cases opened by the Greek Cypriots against Turkey in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will be closed, Mr Talat argued that the issue of the properties could be solved only by the acceptance of the Annan Plan.

Mr Talat supported that the Turkish Army wants a solution in Cyprus and added that in case a solution is not found the only alternative is the return to the 1960 agreements. Mr Talat noted that Turkey and the RTP are in full harmony regarding the Cyprus problem and added that there are some people among the Turkish settlers who believe that a solution must definitely be found.

Mr Talat supported that the rights of the illegal Turkish settlers in Cyprus are included in the Annan Plan. Referring to the issue of the properties in relation to the Turkish settlers, Mr Talat said that RTP approaches the issue ^Óon the basis of the human rights^Ô and supports the rights of the people who live in Cyprus for 25 ^Ö 30 years and of the young people who have been born here.

[08] Turkish columnist says Turkey interferes in the December ^Óelections^Ô in favour of Denktas

Mr Guven refers to the attack of the Turkish Cypriot leader against some Turkish Cypriot newspapers, which he accused of treason, and to the statement of General Kilinc, General Secretary of Turkey^Òs National Security Council (NSC) who wished those who are in favour of Turkey^Òs ^Ónational case^Ô in Cyprus to win the December ^Óelections^Ô. (See: Turkish Mass Media Bulletin No: 134/03, item 5)

Mr Guven writes, inter alia, the following:

^Ó^ÅDenktas activated Turkey^Òs ambassador, the commander of the Security Forces and the colonel who is in the command of the Civilian Affairs Department. The chairman of the Refugees Association, Nuri Cevikel has been invited and warned. (translator^Òs note: the Turkish press uses the word ^Ñrefugee^Ò for the settlers that Turkey has illegally brought and settled to occupied Cyprus from Anatolia after the 1974 invasion). The pressures were increased after the 9th July joint statement of Cevikel with Sadan Turkkan, chairman of the Fighters^Ò Association. Denktas accused them using a very hard language. He threatened them. ^ÅA major from the Civilian Affairs (military intelligence) had a four-hour meeting with the administrative council of the fighters. Afterwards he met once more with Turkkan. ^Å^Ô.

Mr Guven publishes also a statement by Mr Cevikel who says, inter alia, the following:

^ÓWe are really under a great pressure and threats. Denktas^Ò musketeers and unfortunately the ambassador and the army, which has the duty of protecting our rights here, are the biggest threat for us. The Turkish government should be informed about the situation, the Turkish and other officials concerned should be warned and the necessary measures should be taken. This is our biggest request. ^ÅFurthermore, people are taken to work in all the state departments, without any control. They are like an investment for the elections. The fact that their salaries will be paid after the elections will be a big problem for Turkey, which has already great debts. ^Å^Ô.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] HURRIYET columnist: Turkish National Council^Òs Terms of Reference should be changed

Ulsever says that: ^Óamong the articles objected by the Office of the Chief of the General Staff is:^Ò not to change the Terms of Reference of the Turkish National Security Council's Secretariat and of its executive nature^'.

The Office of the Chief of the General Staff^Òs view on this is wrong. And the claim that ^ÑSoldiers interfere in the politics^Ò is based on this Article that changing of it is indispensable.

God bless him! General Tuncer Kilinc , The General Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) based on this Article conducts ^Ñexecutive^Ò powers.

Here is a new example of his actions^Ô, Ulsever says and refers to General Kilinc statement made to a group of Turkish Cypriots from ^ÑFighters Association^Ò, who visited him in Ankara regarding the forthcoming ^Óelections^Ô in the occupied area where the General openly sided with pro Denktas forces in the occupied area (For full story see Turkish Mass Media Bulletin No: 134/03. Dated 18.07.03, news item No: 5)

Ulsever goes on and says: ^ÓNow I would like to ask to General Kilinc^Å

1. Since he is the General Secretary of the NSC, are those people the NSC members, who want to see in power in Cyprus (after elections) people who will keep alive the national conscience? If this is so when the NSC took the decision to interfere and to be a side in the TRNC elections?

2. Is General Kilinc commander of the TRNC or the Republic of Turkey?

3. Which authority is deciding which is good and which is not good for Cyprus? And as though it is not enough to interfere in Turkey, he is declaring, with what right, to the whole world that they will interfere in the domestic affairs - to the elections- of the TRNC?

4. After these statements by General Kilinc, who in the world would be convince that the TRNC is an independent state?

5. Even if the ruling power in the TRNC wins the elections in a fair manner in December, who in the world, after this statement would believe that the ^Ñelections were fair in the TRNC^Ò?

Is General Kilinc helping the TRNC or is he disgracing the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC?

There should not be such a NSC structure!^Ô Ulsever concludes.

/SK

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