Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-12-17

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Oslo Group observers accuses Stevens and Dodds of not being objective because they own property in occupied Cyprus.

[02] The so-called Prime Minister handed his resignation to Rauf Denktas.

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister assessed the result of voting in occupied Cyprus.

[04] The leader of the opposition in Turkey assesses the result of voting in occupied Cyprus.

[05] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister from Tokyo.

[06] The Nationalist Action Party assesses the voting results in occupied Cyprus.

[07] Turkish diplomatic sources explain how Turkey will proceed regarding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[08] HURRIYET : Cyprus plan will be announced next week.

[09] The Turkish side´s new plan requires substantive changes to the Annan plan, reports Turkish Daily News.

[10] The plan of Ankara is linking Cyprus with Turkey^Òs EU accession.

[11] Talat: ^ÓA ^Ñnational government^Ò can be established in the framework of the vision for solution and the European Union^Ô.

[12] Lord David Hannay expressed the view that the plan being prepared by the Turkish side will not be of much help.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Oslo Group observers accuses Stevens and Dodds of not being objective because they own property in occupied Cyprus

Aanund Hylland, Gunnar M Karlsen and Elisabeth Rasmusson, the members of the Oslo group, issued a statement yesterday stressing that the illegal Bayrak (BRT) television had created a wrong impression regarding their views on the ^Óelections^Ô during a reportage broadcast on 15 December in the evening.

According to the observers, ^ÓBayrak^Ô broadcast pictures of them being together with other foreigners in the office of Mr Taner Erginel, chairman of the so-called Supreme Election Board. In the reportage ^ÓBayrak^Ô said that the observers stated that the ^Óelections^Ô were just and free implying that everybody who was in the room approved this idea.

Oslo Group noted that the person who had made this statement did not belong to their group and pointed out that they wanted to be clear that they do not approve such views. The members of the Oslo Group expressed their sorrow for the fact that in the reportage of ^ÓBayrak^Ô none of their views on important issues was mentioned.

Noting that Clement Dodds, Michael Steven, former Member of the British Parliament and lawyer and the British-Helsinki Human Rights Group, who said that the ^Óelections^Ô were well organized, have been on the island only for four days, Mrs Elisabeth Rasmusson noted that this period was not enough for someone who wanted to express a reliable opinion on the ^Óelection^Ô procedure.

Mrs Rasmusson reminded that Mr Michael Steven possesses (Greek Cypriot) property in occupied Cyprus. Referring to Mr Dodds, Mrs Rasmusson said that he had written a book about occupied Cyprus, but he is not an expert on observing elections. Therefore, these two persons could not express their assessments on the ^Óelections^Ô in occupied Cyprus, she added. Mrs Rasmusson said that in January (2004) they would prepare a report, which will be including reliable documents and a lot of information, they acquired in their research during their long stay in North Cyprus.

The written statement of the three members of the Oslo Group contains, inter alia, the following: ^ÓThere are some concerns about the elections in northern Cyprus. ^ÅIn this press release there are only some preliminary elements. BRT created a wrong impression regarding our views in his reportage on 15 December in the evening. ^ÅOur main concern is that BRT with its reportages supported the ruling parties and it was prejudiced. As a state institution BRT, under the principles of the constitution of the TRNC and the international law, bears the responsibility of serving the people without prejudice and without taking sides. The observation we made of the main news bulletins of BRT shows that these obligations were violated. ^Å^Ô

The statement referred to the arbitrarily granted ^Ócitizenship^Ô and then added: ^ÓThere were allegedly pressures on the voters so that they support some specific political parties. These could create an atmosphere, which is not consistent with independent elections. ^Å^Ô.

[02] The so-called Prime Minister handed his resignation to Rauf Denktas

Eroglu stated that the ^Ógovernment^Ô presented its resignation in order to give the opportunity for the formation of the new ^Ógovernment^Ô. On his part Mr Denktas thanked the coalition ^Ógovernment^Ô for the things they did for the people when in power and for its sincerity and harmony regarding cooperation with Turkey, and added.

''A government which is not in harmony with Turkey, can't bring prosperity to people. The motherland and the `TRNC´ would continue to walk on their path hand in hand. Certain circles reflected the `election´ results as if they were the result of a referendum on the Annan plan and claimed as if the plan was accepted.^Ô In case a referendum was held, the plan would be rejected.^Ô

Mr Denktas explained that in case of a referendum, the people would also think the issue from different aspects, adding that in that case, rightist parties would increase their votes.

Recalling that he was called ''intransigent'', Denktas said that if he had reached a consensus, he would have had to give up rights such as sovereignty, equality and guarantee of Turkey. ''If they call me intransigent because I say 'no' to these, this is an honor for me,'' he said.

Noting that he would start to meet with political parties as of tomorrow to designate a party leader to form a ^Ógovernment^Ô, Denktas said that he would meet with them according to his program, adding that there was not a special meaning in the turn of his meetings. ''Let's see who can form a government and how.''

When recalled the news that Turkey was preparing for a plan to find solution to the Cyprus issue, Denktas said that he had talked with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and added: ''They are about to complete their preparations as well. I think there will be a contact soon.''

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister assessed the result of voting in occupied Cyprus during an address of his Party Assembly group

In his speech the prime minister spoke as follows about the ^Óelections^Ô in the occupied areas.

^ÓThe Turkish Cypriots want a solution but they do not want a solution at all costs. The Turkish Cypriots have clearly indicated what kind of a solution they want. The election results have shown that the Turkish Cypriot people's cause for existence and their goal of membership in the EU are not incompatible, on the contrary they create a synergy. Contrary to what certain analysts are saying, the will of the electorate was not divided or polarized. The electorate has clearly displayed its will for the solution of the Cyprus problem while its sensitivities are protected.

The Turkish Cypriots showed that in politics there are options other than black and white. The Turkish Cypriot voters showed they want a brand new and clean page to be turned, and that they are forcing Turkish Cypriot politics toward new births and new politicians. The tableau that has emerged is not unclear, but a tableau that is democratically necessary. The people were united in a call for brand new politics, and they want an approach that unites the views of the two parties.^Ô

[04] The leader of the opposition in Turkey assesses the result of voting in occupied Cyprus

Mr Baykal said that ''the solution proposal by surrendering to the Annan plan'' had not been approved in the general ^Óelection^Ô in Northern Cyprus and added: ''Those who supported the Annan plan lost.''

Baykal alleged that the ^Óelection^Ô showed that ^ÓTRNC^Ô was not an artificial formation.

Mr Baykal also alleged that the ^Óelection^Ô showed that there was democracy in the occupied areas and this was more important than the result of the ^Óelection^Ô.

^ÓA democratic process was held in `TRNC´, not an artificial election which had been expected^Ô, he said and added:

''The result of the election is a call for compromise and cooperation. TRNC people are in search of a change and renewal. They showed their preference of solution. TRNC people want to take place in EU and to solve their problems,''

Baykal noted that the opposition parties proposed a solution taking the Annan plan as basis, however, the ruling parties wanted radical changes in the Annan plan.

''The solution proposal of opposition parties by surrendering to Annan plan has not been approved,'' Baykal said.

Mr Baykal assessed that the result that Rauf Denktas would maintain his position as a negotiator also came out of the ^Óelections^Ô and went on:

^ÓThe Turkish Cypriots did not approve a solution which excludes Denktas. The role of Denktas and Turkey in being a determinant has increased. An 'election´ was held in the `TRNC´ instead of a `referendum´. It was seen that more people would vote against the Annan plan when compared with those voting in favour of the plan in case of a referendum.^Ô

Baykal defended that the reason that opposition parties could not gain more votes was their unconditional support to the Annan plan, and added:

^ÓThe view that those who supported Annan plan won the elections was not right. Those who support the plan lost. Very important developments would occur in `TRNC´ from now on. The EU told the sides either to accept or reject the plan till May 30. The `elections´ showed that it was impossible to say ´yes´ to this proposal. It will be a miracle to reach a harmony with this political structure till May 30. Compromise in the `TRNC´ is indispensable.

The ''four parties should be hand-in-hand. A National Coalition should be formed. What should be done in a moment of destiny is to leave aside former disagreements and form a national government. Turkey's duty should be helping this process.

Nobody should be in search of artificial solutions like transfer of deputies^Ô.

[05] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister from Tokyo. Ankara to announce its plans on Cyprus next week

Responding to questions of A.A during his official visit to Japan, Gul said that the key word in the Cyprus issue was compromise, steps needed to be taken within mutual compromise and only Turkey and the Turkish side could not be expected to give concessions unilaterally. "Are the preparations carried out as an alternative to Annan plan, or are they built on it?" asked the A.A correspondent to Gul who said that "a study has been carried out in Ankara for a long time. It is also done in TRNC. These will be combined and we will show that the Turkish side launches sincere efforts for a solution to the problem."

When asked if Turkey hoped to get anything beyond the things given in the Annan plan, Gul said that "we will talk about the concrete things next week. Now, we are in a preparation to reach compromise, but compromise can't be one-sided. We expect also the other side to assume a compromising attitude. Only in that case, a result can be taken. If not, it means only one-sided concessions are given and nobody can expect that."

Gul remarked that the target of Turkey was to reach a solution before May 1, and added: "But this does not only depend on Turkey and the Turkish side."

When asked what would happen if no solution was found until May 1, Gul said that "if there is no solution, there is no solution. Once Turkey fulfills its mission, nobody can reproach Turkey if no solution is reached in the end."

Upon a question whether the conditions for Turkey would become more difficult in case of no solution until May 1 and in case of unilateral admission of Cyprus into EU, Gul said: "Then, will Turkey accept all the things imposed on it? Will it say 'give and get rid of Cyprus issue?' Turkey will never say so. Here, the key word is compromise. And compromise can only be bilateral and through the steps to be taken by the two sides. We have the intention to take those steps and we are getting ready for that. If the Greek Cypriot side has the same preparations, we hope the problem will be sorted out."

Gul said that the negotiations with Greece for a solution of Aegean problems continued in closed meetings and an announcement would be made at the right time.

[06] The Nationalist Action Party assesses the voting results in occupied Cyprus

Underlining that it is necessary to assess the ^Óelection^Ô results with common sense and that the Turkish Cypriot politicians should come together in line with the will of the society, the statement continued as follows:

"They should put forth a new plan, other than the Annan plan, that is based on a bizonal and bicommunal [solution] with two equal and sovereign states.

"Having failed to view the Cyprus issue as a national cause, the JDP [Justice and Development Party] government has confused the minds of the Turkish Cypriot people with inconsistent and submissive policies that lack an identity. It is not able to lead the national cause and therefore, it has failed to properly manage the process. Despite the fact that the United States, the EU, and Greece have intervened in the elections, the JDP government has failed to put forth Turkey's determined stand and view. The JDP, which is pursuing the dream of receiving a negotiation date from the EU, should stop adopting submissive and conciliating policies with regard to many national causes such as Cyprus. It is necessary to prevent the results of the elections that were held in Cyprus from creating chaos."

[07] Turkish diplomatic sources explain how Turkey will proceed regarding a solution to the Cyprus problem

^ÓA rather quiet atmosphere is dominant in Ankara, while the alternatives related to how a solution could be reached on the island are being discussed after the `TRNC elections´. The Turkish Foreign Ministry started to clarify the statement of the `TRNC President´ Rauf Denktas, "We have a joint plan with Turkey for a solution".

The diplomatic sources made the evaluation, "The roof of the plan is ready. We will advance towards a solution with the joint actions of the sides with President Denktas acting as the negotiator and the upcoming year is really very critical".

Ankara evaluated the results of the elections in the `TRNC´ by starting from the realities that the Greek Cypriot Section will officially become an EU member on 1 May 2004 and that the EU summit in 2004 will be considered to be a "turning point" for Turkey and adopted the principle of "accelerating the activities" for a solution on Cyprus.

The diplomatic sources only gave the following clues related to how they would carry out the activities in this direction:

Subtitle: There cannot be a velvet revolution

- The world saw that the concerns in the direction that doubts would be cast on the elections were unnecessary. From now on, everyone knows that a soft revolution, similar to that in Georgia, cannot be experienced, because there is a functioning democracy in the `TRNC´. It will also continue to function from now on. Everyone will see the joint efforts of the sides.

- The initiatives of Turkey with the United States for a solution will be made together. There will be a chance for a consensus of opinion on the subject of concrete activities with Thomas Weston, the US Special Representative to Cyprus, who is expected to come to Ankara.

- It should not be thought that these activities, in which the `TRNC´ will also participate, would be independent from the Annan Plan. There is a fact that the Annan Plan will be sorted out. Perhaps some additions will be made to the plan. We can reach a joint text in this manner. The United States also wants this. The talks will be intensified during the coming year.

- The `TRNC President´ Denktas will still be the "negotiator" in this process, to which we have tied our hopes for a solution, because he has a good experience on this subject and everyone should see that `President´ Denktas is also in favor of a solution on the island. Ankara will continue to wait for the Greek Cypriot side to take a counter step in this process.

Subtitle: A solution is a joint target

It was emphasized in a written statement made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry that we are passing through a period in which it is necessary "to preserve unity and solidarity" on the subject of Cyprus. It was expressed that the election results reflect the "free will" of the people and that democracy is functioning. In the written statement, it was said, "It is the joint wish and target of Turkey and the `TRNC´ to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. Within this framework, it is natural for `President´ Denktas to be in consultation with the government and the political parties".

[08] HURRIYET : Cyprus plan will be announced next week

HURRIYET then publishes the outline of the ^Óplan^Ô under the title ^ÓWhat is there in the Plan?^Ô

^ÓAnkara is in favour of the new plan taking the Annan Plan as basis for negotiations. On the other hand the TRNC side is not happy with this and thinks that it would be a better method if it is submitted to the UN as ^ÓDenktas Plan^Ô.

Following are the points included in the plan:

* The plan provides for Greek Cypriots to settle and own property in the northern part of the island according to the TRNC laws. However, the number of the Greek Cypriots to be allowed to settle in the north will be limited to five thousand and not 60 thousand as envisaged in the Annan plan.

* The plan envisages two separate sovereign states.

* The Greek and Turkish states will organize themselves the affairs concerning their state as well as the EU relations.

* Abroad Cyprus shall be represented by a ^Óroof state^Ô which will be jointly established. Turkey^Òs Guarantorship shall be continued.^Ô

[09] The Turkish side´s new plan requires substantive changes to the Annan plan, reports Turkish Daily News

^ÓAfter the cliffhanger parliamentary elections in northern Cyprus, both Turkey and the `TRNC´ have started putting last touches to their separate studies for a settlement on the eastern Mediterranean island. Next week a Turkish Foreign Ministry team will visit northern Cyprus for talks with `President´ Rauf Denktas over the studies and after the two separate works were merged into one, the new initiative by the Turkish-Turkish Cypriot side, will be unveiled.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are anticipated to call for a four-party summit with the Greece and Greek Cypriot parties, but leave the door open to participation by Britain, the third guarantor power for Cyprus along with Turkey and Greece under the 1960 arrangements, "if it wished so." The four-party conference proposal of Turkey was first raised by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an encounter with his Greek counterpart Costas Simitis last April on the sidelines of a Balkan summit at Belgrade, but was given a cold shoulder at the time by the Greek premier.

On the table at such a meeting will be the so-called "Annan plan", the United Nations Cyprus blueprint for a comprehensive settlement which was presented on November 11, 2002, revised twice since then, but landed in an impasse at a March meeting at The Hague.

In remarks from Japan, where he has been making an official visit, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has made it clear that Ankara wanted a deal on the island by May 1 so that Cyprus could join in the European Union reunited, but stressed that success of the efforts of Turkey and the `TRNC´ would depend on a similar reconciliatory attitude from the Greek-Greek Cypriot side.

"We will bring out concrete measures next week. Right now we are in preparations for a compromise (with the Greek Cypriots)," Gul said, adding "But compromise cannot be one-sided. We expect the other side to be in a mood to compromise. Only then can we get a result."

Similarly, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told deputies of his ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP) yesterday that the elections in northern Cyprus demonstrated the strong wish by the Turkish Cypriot people for a settlement on the island and EU accession of Cyprus reunited, but warned that this should not be taken that Turkish Cypriots wanted a settlement at any cost as Turkish Cypriots also expressed their committment to their state and sovereignty.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas as well interpreted Sunday's cliffhanger vote between supporters of `TRNC´ and settlement and EU accession, saying the poll demonstrated that all the Turkish Cypriot population wanted a settlement on the island, but differred on how to join the EU.

According to "informed" sources, the cornerstone of the new Turkish-Turkish Cypriot initiative would be creation of a new Cyprus state the independence of which would be derived from the recognition of the two-state situation on the island.

"The new Cyprus state will be established on the basis of two states, two democracies. Neither of the two sides would have sovereignty over the other but in the international arena there will only be one Cyprus state, and that will be the central government, and one Cypriot identity," a source explained.

This explanation of the new "United States of Cyprus" -- that is a confederation of two Cypriot states -- would require substantive changes in the Annan plan which calls for the creation of a federation.^Ô

[10] The plan of Ankara is linking the solution in Cyprus with Turkey^Òs EU accession

According to NTV, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs got into action after the ^Óelections^Ô in occupied Cyprus and within the framework of its work on the Annan Plan during the last months it has already defined the points, which could not be accepted by the Turkish side.

NTV broadcasts, inter alia, the following: ^ÓAccording to this, Ankara will ask for guarantees that its negotiations with the EU will start before making any steps on critical issues such as the security, the guarantees of Turkey and the refugees. Furthermore, it will put the condition that some applications such as the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island should be realized after the beginning of the accession negotiations with the EU.

Turkey is preparing to get into action for a solution in Cyprus after the elections in the TRNC. As a result of the work being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for some time now, the points which Ankara could not accept have been defined.

Taking into consideration Turkey^Òs EU accession course, a serious decision has been taken. Turkey is planning to link the solution in Cyprus with its full membership to the EU.

Ankara favours the immediate enforcement of some elements of the Annan Plan, which it thinks could be a basis for the negotiations. However, before taking steps on some critical issues such as the security, Turkey^Òs guarantees and the refugees, Ankara wants some guarantees for a date for the commencement of its accession negotiations with the EU.

Turkey will also put the condition that some provisions, such as the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island, should be realized after the start of the accession negotiations with the EU.

Ankara is waiting for the creation of the new government in the TRNC before it gets into action. Afterwards, the preparations made in Turkey will be harmonized with the preparation in the TRNC.

Diplomatic sources say that until the government is formed we could not talk about sending a delegation of the Foreign Ministry to the island or about inviting the leaders of the TRNC parties to Ankara. ^Å^Ô.

[11] Talat: ^ÓA ^Ñnational government^Ò can be established in the framework of the vision for solution and the European Union^Ô

Mr Talat said that in the framework of the vision of solution and the European Union his party is able to take into consideration any kind of cooperation. However, as he stressed, the party^Òs committee is the organ which is authorized to take such a decision. Mr Talat stated that according to him the National Unity Party and the Democratic Party do not appear to welcome the establishment of a ^Ónational government^Ô. ^ÓBut if it is possible it will be established^Ô he said. Mr Talat also said that Turkey^Òs goal regarding Cyprus is to find a solution to the Cyprus problem before May 2004 and stressed that this is his party^Òs goal as well. He said that talks on the basis of the Annan Plan must start immediately, so as to reach a solution before May 2004 and Cyprus, as a whole, to become member of the EU. ^ÓSuch formations may be considered in this framework^Ô, stressed Mr Talat.

Mr Talat, who will have a meeting today with Mr Rauf Denktas, also stated that he will not present any ^Ógovernment model^Ô to the Turkish Cypriot leader. He said that such a suggestion did not come from Turkey and denied that he had a conversation with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following the Sunday ^Óelections^Ô.

[12] Lord David Hannay expressed the view that the plan being prepared by the Turkish side will not be of much help

When asked to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas^Ò statement that he favours confederation, Lord Hannay said: ^ÓEsteemed Denktas said this in 1998. This approach did not help to carry on the negotiations and it will not help this time as well. The Security Council in its reports has repeated time and again that it favors and supports a federal solution. The Security Council is supporting the Annan Plan which envisages a loose federation.

Denktas^Ò views are well known. However, these could not be a basis for negotiations^Ô.

When asked whether the ^Óelection^Ô results convey the message that a solution will be reached until 1 May 2004, Lord Hannay replied:

^ÓI do not clearly know, I am not very optimistic on this issue. As far as I am concerned it is better to wait and see how the parties will form a `government´ and what kind of program they will put forward for the negotiations. I hope they get ready for sitting around the negotiation table. I hope negotiations start on the basis of the Annan Plan^Ô

When asked whether a new plan said to be under preparation in Turkey and by Denktas could be negotiated in place of the Annan Plan, Lord Hannay replied: ^ÓI do not think that changing the music will be of much help. The Security Council believes that the Annan Plan is the only basis for a settlement. For this reason I do not believe that bringing on the negotiation table a new plan will help to score progress toward a solution. The Annan Plan is the outcome of 20 years of negotiations. Of course Mr Denktas has the right to introduce a new plan on the negotiation table .I am quite pessimistic whether such a situation will help to have progress.^Ô

When asked whether the British government wants to appoint a new special representative for Cyprus, Lord Hannay said that if the right conditions to justify the appointment of a new representative is not created the British government does not want to appoint a new representative.

/SK

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