Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-09-04

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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 on Cyprus by the Turkish Prime Minister in Germany. He alleges that Mr Simitis told him that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved.

[02] Serdar Denktas supports a solution applied step by step within the framework of a revised Annan Plan.

[03] The Lebanese ambassador visits Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[04] Columnist in HALKIN SESI foresees surprising developments in September.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements on Cyprus by the Turkish Prime Minister in Germany. He alleges that Mr Simitis told him that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved

On the Cyprus issue, Erdogan said: ``Non-solution is not a solution. We can solve the problems if the other side sits at the negotiation table by showing the same approach. But Mr Simitis told me that he would not sit at the negotiation table for an issue which he didn`t think would be sorted out. Now the Annan plan is on agenda, but it is not a plan which was prepared by taking the view of the Turkish side. Despite everything, we don`t reject the plan, we say that it could be discussed. But the plan has its deficiencies and mistakes, this can`t be denied.``

Mr Erodgan also referred to the partial lifting of restrictions on movement by Rauf Denktas and added: ``In spite of that, the olive bought in the north of the island is confiscated in the south of the island. The Greek Cypriot side even brought onto the agenda giving two-years imprisonment to Greek Cypriots who spent a night in the Turkish side. The problem can`t be solved if the Greek Cypriot side assumes such a negative stance towards the positive steps taken.`` Mr Erdogan alleged that there are two separate religions and nations in Cyprus, adding: `` The EU admits such a problematic country rather than admitting a country which does not have problems.``

Ankara Anatolia (02.09.03) also reported from Berlin that statements were made after a meeting between the German Foreign Minister, Mr Joschka Fisher, and the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On his part Mr Fischer said regarding Cyprus that the EU process would be an important opportunity for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr Erdogan, on his part, alleged that Turkey took concrete steps for the solution of this issue, but the other side did not take a concrete step and did not give a response.

[02] Serdar Denktas supports a solution applied step by step within the framework of a revised Annan Plan

Mr Denktas said that saying that the wishes of the Turkish Cypriots could be fulfilled with a revised Annan Plan was a "baseless allegation". According to Mr Denktas, at this stage no one knows what kind of problems could be created in case this "complicated plan, which is a Social Engineering project", is applied as a whole.

"As we could not foresee the history, it is not possible for us to define scientifically what will happen in the future", said Mr Denktas and concluded: "However, we could build the near future in a controlled manner. We call this 'Piecemeal Engineering'. We support an agreement on the Cyprus issue, which will be applied step-by-step after we agree with the Greek Cypriots within the framework of a revised Annan Plan".

[03] The Lebanese ambassador visits Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas

Talking during the meeting, Mrs El Daher said that Mr Denktas "devoted a big part of his life to his people and the national cause of Cyprus". Mrs El Daher noted that she knew very well the problems of the Turkish Cypriots regarding the Cyprus issue and understood their reservations. The Lebanese ambassador added: "I understand very well your problems. I wish an agreement which will make your people happy is reached in the near future".

Mr Denktas thanked the ambassador for her services and wished her success in her new duties. Mr Denktas said that he was exerting efforts towards reaching an "agreement in Cyprus based on two equal and sovereign people on the island".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[04] Columnist in HALKIN SESI foresees surprising developments in September

"At a time when all eyes are focused on the December elections, the days and months preceding the December elections appear to signal surprising developments.

In September in particular we might witness unexpected events as a result of US initiatives and moves by Turkey and Greece.

The lack of movement on the part of the `Greek Cypriot administration' in south Cyprus indicates that certain behind-the-scenes activities are taking place.

`President' Rauf Denktas is busy making statements aimed at every direction. During his latest visit to Turkey, he did not neglect to inform our people even about the weather.

The statements that Mr Denktas makes at random should not deceive anyone. The fact remains that nowadays Mr Denktas keeps his mind busy with important events. He will possibly emerge as a man with surprising decisions. It seems that we shall witness interesting developments in the days ahead.

As a matter of fact, the report in yesterday's edition of newspaper HURRIYET about [Turkish Cypriot businessman] Asil Nadir's decision to go to London is viewed as one of the unexpected events. The report that HURRIYET's correspondent in London, Faruk Zabci, published after allegedly meeting with Asil Nadir has occupied the agenda with bombshell impact.

No denial came from Asil Nadir at the time of going to press. Probably no denial will be forthcoming. What Asil Nadir has in mind is something about which the Turkish Cypriot political figures and Turkey are curious.

It appears, though, that Asil Nadir is angry at Rauf Denktas and the `government'. Acting with the belief that he has not been shown any understanding, he tells those close to him that he will make important revelations any moment.

The current days and the days and months ahead are fraught with important events. Developments are expected on the Cyprus issue, in internal politics, and in relations between Turkey and the `TRNC'.

The Greek Cypriot press relates the silence observed by the `Greek Cypriot administration' to the lack of policy. The Greek Cypriot newspapers have even described [President] Tassos Papadopoulos as "a man who sleeps on the pillow of reluctance." A policy geared to the mistakes of the Turkish side is still valid.

It is for this reason that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou's forthcoming visit to Cyprus has created unease in the Greek Cypriot side. Reports suggest that certain measures that would put the `Greek Cypriot administration' into a difficult position will be forthcoming.

I am of the opinion that Greece aims at reviewing and further strengthening the strategy it set with the `Greek Cypriot administration' in the past. One cannot also underestimate the view that Papandreou's visit will take place to satisfy the United States.

The expectations in the Greek Cypriot side regarding the December `elections' are more in favour of the opposition. There is, however, an apparent uncertainty as to how they will treat the opposition. They make no secret of the fact that they feel uncomfortable because of the statements that the [Turkish Cypriot] opposition leaders make on crucial issues."

/SK

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