Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-12-19

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Important statements on Cyprus by the Turkish Prime Minister during a visit to Uzbekistan.

[02] Statements by Denktas and Weston after meeting in the occupied areas.

[03] Statements by Mr Talat after meeting with Mr Weston.

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry sources outline Turkey´s strategy on Cyprus.

[05] List of the new Turkish Cypriot so-called deputies elected on 14 Dec 2003.

[06] Akinci: ^ÓThe key-man for establishing a `government´ is in Ankara^Ô.

[07] Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association: ^ÓThe Cyprus Problem should be solved^Ô.

[08] Talat favourable to a coalition between RTP-DP- PDM.

[09] The new leader of the Motherland Party stated that Denktas must return to the Cyprus talks.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] ^ÓWas Callaghan right in 1974?^Ô.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Important statements on Cyprus by the Turkish Prime Minister during a visit to Uzbekistan

In reply to a question on whether there was any unease with regard to the British bases in Cyprus, Erdogan said: ^ÓAs far as I am concerned this is not a current problem. Neither is it an issue that is on the current agenda. The existence of the `TRNC´ on the island and that of two states is on the agenda. We accept both as states. If they do not accept it, we will view the situation according to their approach.^Ô

Moreover, Istanbul CNN TURK Television (18.12.03) broadcast the following live telephone report from Uzbekistan by Taha Akyol:

^ÓAfter concluding his contacts in Uzbekistan today, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a news conference. The journalists focused mainly on the Cyprus issue. The prime minister made some important statements eliminating the uncertainty that emerged in the past one week on this subject.

First and foremost, he denied the reports that the Annan plan has been removed from the agenda and that Ankara is preparing a plan totally separate from the Annan plan. He said: `From the onset, we have been pursuing a consistent line. We are saying that the Annan plan cannot be rejected outright, neither can it be accepted totally. However, the Annan plan is a subject for negotiation, and it must be negotiated. Turkey has significant reservations regarding this plan, which incorporates aspects that should not be accepted, but the Annan plan also has aspects in favor of Turkey. Elections were held in Cyprus. Unfortunately, hurtful remarks were uttered during the elections, and now the parties are facing certain difficulties in establishing a coalition. In Cyprus, Mr. Denktas and the other party leaders should come together and reach a compromise. They should establish a government, after which the negotiation process should start´.

When reminded about Denktas' remarks in reference to the Annan plan to the effect that the plan is wrong and full of traps, Erdogan said: `I do not approve of phrases such as traps or plots. We believe that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan worked in goodwill and proposed a well-intentioned plan. There are matters, nevertheless, that disturb Turkey and the `TRNC´ with regard to this plan´.

In this way, the prime minister stated that he does not hold the same views as Denktas, that he is not planning to eliminate the Annan plan, like Denktas, and that Ankara is engaged in efforts to introduce the necessary changes to the Annan plan. He called on the Cypriot leaders, Denktas in particular, to come together as soon as possible, establish a government, and start negotiations.

We asked the prime minister about the issues that most disturb Turkey and that must be changed in the Annan plan. In answering this question, in my opinion, the prime minister also outlined the principles of the work that is being conducted at the Foreign Ministry in this regard. Erdogan noted that one of the most dangerous subjects is the property issue. He expressed reservations about the settlement of the property issue through exchange and compensation, as proposed in the Annan plan. Pointing out that he does not find it right to displace thousands of people after a period of 29 years, Erdogan proposed an arrangement that is very different to that cited in the Annan plan saying that all the property to remain in the Turkish sector should belong to the Turks and all the property remaining in the Greek Cypriot sector should belong to the Greek Cypriots.

One of the other subjects the prime minister wants to change in favour of the Turkish side concerns the sovereignty issue. Erdogan stated that a state formula that consists of two sovereign states should be made clearer and the idea of bicommunality should be further strengthened in the Annan plan.

As for the subject of troop withdrawal, the prime minister said Turkey has reservations, but refrained from providing technical details.

He also noted the need to further synchronize Turkey's EU accession and the Cyprus process.

In summary, the prime minister gave two messages to the Cypriot leaders. First message: You used very harsh phrases before the elections. I wish you had not uttered these words. Now, you must get together and talk. Sit down together and establish a government. Second message: Let us start a negotiation process that is based on the changes we will introduce to the Annan plan. A solution must be attained by May at the end of these negotiations. However, failure to reach a solution by May is not the end of the world.

In my opinion, the prime minister is uttering for the first time the words: It is not the end of the world if we do not reach a solution by May. This remark is close to the Denktas line. The prime minister also declared that both the ^ÓTRNC^Ô and Turkey should demonstrate that they have goodwill with regard to reaching a solution. He said: It is more important than the solution itself that Mr Denktas and Turkey sincerely persuade the world and the EU that they have very good intentions with regard to reaching a solution. The side that evades the negotiating table should not be the ^ÓTRNC or Denktas^Ô, concludes Taha Akyol.

Moreover, local daily KIBRIS newspaper (19.12.03) reports that during the same press conference the Turkish Prime Minister referred to the Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas^Ò advisors around him and suggested that he should change them. Answering questions put to him by journalists, Erdogan said that most of the advisors around Denktas are Turks from Turkey, and for years with the same team of advisors the Cyprus problem reached to its present position : ^ÓThese people could not introduce a different point of view^Ô, he said.

[02] Statements by Denktas and Weston after meeting in the occupied areas

In a statement after the talks, Mr Denktas said that they held a very beneficial meeting with Weston, adding that on certain issues they could not convince each other though.

Mr Denktas also said that he briefed Weston on the post-election situation. Expressing the conviction that a national unity ^Ógovernment^Ô to be established by all the parties would facilitate the progress of the Cyprus process, he said that the parties are working on this issue. Noting that it will soon be known if a coalition ^Ógovernment^Ô could be formed, Mr Rauf Denktas said that holding new ^Óelections^Ô would be considered if no ^Ógovernment^Ô is established in the next two months. Indicating that a new election process would be a considerable waste of time, Mr Denktas expressed the hope that no time would be wasted in that manner, and added.

^ÓAnd if by then there is no `government´ we shall have to decide on an `election´, which will have to take place within two months thereafter. We hope that we will not lose all that time. But, we had a very good discussion with Mr Weston as usual, and I do not think we have convinced each other to change course, but it has been very useful and I thank him for it.^Ô

On his part Thomas Weston said that it was a very constructive meeting and that they were unanimous on the need to resolve the Cyprus problem as soon as possible. Noting that they could not convince each other much, Weston said: ^ÓBut a common view emerged at the end to the effect that there is now a need for a solution in Cyprus. This conclusion is important. So, I want to thank you for seeing me again. It's been far too long as I said there, and thank you for having had such a thorough and good discussion.^Ô

Moreover, the local Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (19.12.03) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader yesterday held a press conference during which he assessed the US State Department Special Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston^Òs statement at the latter^Òs press conference prior to his departure from Cyprus yesterday. In reply to a question regarding the illegal settlers from Turkey taking part in the future referendum, Denktas replied : ^ÓThe Greek Cypriots again want to create turmoil here, and again the Americans, in order to satisfy the Greeks, say it is ^Ñpossible^Ò. A normal number of voters has been added to the Election lists of the last local elections, the elections were held on these lists, and the opposition did not object to it. No one could give orders to the ^ÓTRNC^Ô whom to include and whom not to include in the election. On this issue the ^ÓSupreme Court and the Supreme Election Council^Ô, have the right to speak.

[03] Statements by Mr Talat after meeting with Mr Weston

The meeting, held in the occupied areas of Cyprus, lasted for about two and half hours.

After the meeting, Talat said that they discussed with Weston the Cyprus problem and the US-Cyprus relations, and added:

^ÓFrom here he is going to Ankara. The objective is clear. That is, `elections´ have ended in Cyprus and everyone was expecting this visit. The international community was already saying repeatedly that the negotiation process would resume after the elections. During the meeting with us, Weston wanted to know if there is anything he could do on this issue. Of course, he also held contacts in the south and met Papadopoulos. Tomorrow [18 December] he is going to meet Mr Denktas. He will next hold contacts in Ankara.

What we want from the Americans is known. First of all, elections have been held in the north. There is no complete clarity as yet regarding the formation of a `government´, but we want to form the `government´. We have already announced that if we form a `government´ it would work for a solution, exert effort so as to ensure the entry of Cyprus as a whole into the EU, and take May 2004 as its objective. After the formation of the `government´ and consultations with Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot side, as well as Turkey, will announce their readiness for the commencement of the negotiation process and their adherence to the UN Secretary-General's goal of achieving a solution. That is, a call will be made for the commencement of the talks. This is what we are preparing for as the Turkish side. And our request from Weston is to discuss and assess during his contacts in Turkey the way the international community can bolster Turkey's EU membership process, and to advise the Greek Cypriot side not to turn their backs on the interests of the Turkish Cypriots impelled by the comfort derived from the EU membership. This was our request from the United States, and we voiced this request.

Aside from that, we, of course, also talked about the latest developments, about how the `elections´ were held, why such a result emerged, what impact the results produced, and what its possible repercussions might be. As you know, the US State Department had issued a statement regarding our `elections´. We discussed that too. In short, we found the opportunity to briefly evaluate all the issues relating to the Cyprus problem and the Cyprus-US relations.^Ô

Question: Sir, does Mr Weston know anything about the newly retouched plan?

Answer: There is no retouched plan. We still have the Annan plan. According to reports -- and we do not have any definite information on this issue yet --, Turkey is working on a linkage of its own EU process to the application of the solution [in Cyprus]. This is what we have gathered from press reports. I did not notice that Weston has any knowledge about this issue. He has no idea about it. There were only press reports about it [about a Turkish plan for Cyprus]. If in case such a thing [Turkish plan] exists, then he will himself assess how he can be helpful. It is also our wish that he contributes towards keeping Turkey's EU prospect firmly open.^Ô

[04w] Turkish Foreign Ministry sources outline Turkey´s strategy on Cyprus

Istanbul RADIKAL newspaper (18.12.03) publishes the following report by Hilal Koylu under the title: "Ankara: Annan's Plan will be the reference document":

^ÓThe common message that Turkey has inferred from the outcome of the general `election´ in the `TRNC´ and the steps it will take based on that message are being brought to light gradually. Foreign Ministry sources argue that an early election would be a loss of time, noting that the political parties, which won seats in `Parliament´, and `President´ Rauf Denktas, are now expected to reach a compromise in order to form a new `government´ as soon as possible.

Formation of a new `government´ is expected to be followed by a series of steps aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus question. Foreign Ministry officials outlined the conclusions they have drawn and the course of action to be pursued as follows:

Subtitle: "We are not fixated on 1 May 2004"

"We cannot make assumptions and open our cards based on the possible composition of the new government in the `TRNC´ before it is formed. The democratic process in the `TRNC´ is moving forward. Meanwhile, work on a draft plan aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus question is under way. Those efforts will make further progress only after formation of a new government in the `TRNC´.

"We have no reference document other than the Annan plan which we could use as a framework to reach a settlement in Cyprus. Nobody should assume that we are fixated on 1 May 2004, when the Greek Cypriot side will join the EU, and therefore we are in a hurry.

"We want the two sides to work out a compromise based on the Annan plan. It is obvious that the plan includes some points which bother all the parties concerned. What we should try to do is to dispel those anxieties. The existing disagreements mainly revolve around sovereignty, distribution of land, guarantees, establishment of an administration within the framework of agreements related to creation of a federal system and discontinuation of the Turkish military presence on the island, which means that we should concentrate our technical efforts on those points."

Subtitle: December 2004 will be crucial

"Efforts will be made to complete technical work on the plan, which is presently continuing at the Foreign Ministry, before Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's return from Uzbekistan on 20 December. After that date, high-level consultations will be made in Ankara, which will be joined by the `TRNC´ President and the prospective `Prime Minister´.

"December 2004, when Turkey will receive a final response concerning commencement of accession negotiations with the EU, will, from our viewpoint, be the most crucial phase during the process of negotiating a settlement in Cyprus. It will also be of vital importance to the EU as much as it is to us.

"We have no intention of making any suggestion to the party leaders and other officials who are involved in the process of formation of a new government in the `TRNC´. Nevertheless, Turkey's expectation is that there will be close cooperation between parties in the `TRNC´ rather than meetings held just for show. An early election would not be the right step to take. They may form a coalition or a government of national reconciliation. It us up to them."

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz has said that consultations between the `TRNC´ and Ankara would resume after the formation of the new `government´. He said: "There will be no visit from either side."

[05] List of the new Turkish Cypriot so-called deputies elected on 14 Dec 2003

The list, by party, is as follows:

REPUBLICAN TURKISH PARTY UNITED FORCES (RTP-UF)
Mehmet Ali Talat, Chairman - Nicosia
Dr. Ahmet Gulle - Nicosia
Kadri Fellahoglu - Nicosia
Ahmet Barcin - Nicosia
Ali Seylani - Nicosia
Ozdil Nami - Nicosia
Ferdi Sabit Soyer - Famagusta
Sonay Adem Masarogullari - Famagusta
Dr. Okan Dagli - Famagusta
Dr. Arif Albayrak - Famagusta
Dr. Nuri Cevikel - Famagusta
Dr. Salih Izbul - Kyrenia
Omer Soyer Kalyoncu - Kyrenia
Dr. Gulboy Beydagli - Kyrenia
Bayram Karaman - Kyrenia
Dr. (Mrs) Fatma Ekenoglu - Morphou
Dr. Mehmet Caglar - Morphou
Dogan Sahali - Morphou
Mehmet Ceylanli - Trikomo
NATIONAL UNITY PARTY (NUP)
Tahsin Ertugruloglu - Nicosia
Huseyin Ozgurgun - Nicosia
Irsen Kucuk - Nicosia
Hasan Tacoy - Nicosia
Dt. (Mrs) Serife Unverdi - Nicosia
Dr. Dervis Eroglu, Chairman - Famagusta
Mehmet Bayram - Famagusta
Erden Ozaskin - Famagusta
Dr. Turgay Avci - Famagusta
Ismail Arter - Famagusta
Dr. Salih Miroglu - Kyrenia
Dr. Esat Ergun Serdaroglu - Kyrenia
Dr. Hasan Bozer - Kyrenia
Erdogan Sanlidag - Morphou
Turkay Tokel - Morphou
Huseyin Avkiran Alanli - Trikomo
Nazim Cavusoglu - Trikomo
Kemal Yilmaz - Trikomo
DEMOCRATIC PARTY (DP)
Dr. Mustafa Arabacioglu - Nicosia
Serdar Denktas, Chairman - Nicosia
Dr. Ahmet Kasif - Famagusta
Dr. (Mrs) Hatice Faydali - Famagusta
Dt. Unal Ustel - Kyrenia
Huseyin Yalcin Oztoprak - Morphou
Mustafa Gokmen - Trikomo
PEACE AND DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT (PDM)
Mustafa Akinci, Chairman - Nicosia
Izzet Izcan - Nicosia
Dr. Mehmet Cakici - Nicosia
Huseyin Angolemli - Famagusta
Halil Sadrazam - Kyrenia
Tahsin Mertekci - Morphou

[06] Akinci: ^ÓThe key-man for establishing a `government´ is in Ankara^Ô

Asked if he is against the establishment of a coalition ^Ógovernment^Ô in which Mr Serdar Denktas will participate, Mr Akinci stressed: ^ÓThe key-man is not Serdar Denktas, the key-man is in Ankara.^Ô The chairman of PDM said that the parties which support peace signed a protocol according to which they would have formed a ^Ógovernment^Ô only between them after the so-called elections. However, after Ali Erel^Òs Party did not succeed in entering the ^Óparliament^Ô and the parties got only 25 seats, the parties realized that in order to establish a ^Ógovernment^Ô there is a need to cooperate with another party, which, as a result, is going to be one of the parties of the status quo.

^ÓWe know that the ^Ñpresident^Ò will not change his mind in 24 hours. We also know that Serdar will not change as well. However, what is Ankara^Òs message? We know that Ankara made some preparations. Everybody must understand that if an agreement is demanded to be reached, this is going to be in the framework of the Annan Plan. There should be no deviation from this framework^Ô, he said. Mr Akinci also said that in order for a solution to the Cyprus problem to be found, not only the cooperation of Turkey but also the cooperation of President Papadopoulos is needed.

[07] Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen´s Association: ^ÓThe Cyprus Problem should be solved^Ô

In his letter Ozilhan wrote that if this ^Óhistoric opportunity is grasped^Ô Turkey^Òs EU full membership process will be facilitated and put Turkey in the international relations in a more respected position as well as will increase its maneuvering position.

[08] Talat favourable to a coalition between RTP-DP- PDM

Speaking to reporters after meeting the PDM leader Mustafa Akinci, the RTP-UF leader Talat said that there is very little possibility of forming a coalition ^Ógovernment^Ô with National Unity Party (NUP) since it is very cool towards the Annan plan. However, he said, although the DP maintains the status quo it did not refuse to negotiate the Annan Plan, so forming a coalition with the DP is more likely rather than with the NUP.

[09] The new leader of the Motherland Party stated that Denktas must return to the Cyprus talks

Mrs Nas said that all the foreign policy issues of Turkey will be solved at the negotiation table, therefore, Denktas must return to the negotiation table regarding the Cyprus problem. She also said that Denktas must not withdraw from negotiator. Mrs Nas also said that whether the ^Óelection^Ô results in occupied Cyprus would be locked or not, depends on Ankara^Òs handling and added that the results strengthen Ankara^Òs position rather than weaken it.

In addition, according to Ankara Anatolia News Agency (13.12.03) Mrs Nesrin Nas, was elected as the new president of MP with 711 votes out of 1,054. Nesrin Nas, in her acceptance speech, stated that she felt great honor and pride from being given the President^Òs position.

Mrs Nas, who was born in 1958 in the Bunyan district of Kayseri, graduated from the Economics and Finance Section of the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences at Marmara University. She was later appointed to the position of Consultant to the Capital Market Board of the Office of the Prime Minister. She entered the Turkish Grand National Assembly as a parliamentary deputy from Istanbul in the elections of 1999. Mrs Nas, who currently chairs the Board of Directors of the journal "Financial-Political and Economic Comments", is married and has one child.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] ^ÓWas Callaghan right in 1974?^Ô

^ÓTurkey set a military intervention on Cyprus in 1974 and the 2nd Cyprus Conference was held on Aug. 14, 1974 in Geneva.

Cyprus' Turkish leader Denktas and Greek leader Clerides, Turkish Foreign Minister Turan Gunes, Greek Foreign Minister Mavros and British Foreign Minister Callaghan were in efforts to find a solution.

Turkey suggested a solution envisaging five cantons. Greeks and Cypriot Greeks requested time to consult on the issue with their administrations. The Turkish side wanted an immediate response.

The reason why Ankara was so insistent on having an immediate response was that it failed in the first intervention and wanted to start a second intervention immediately. The first intervention failed in reaching the goal and the Turkish military was stranded in a small area. Ankara thought that a second intervention should take place at once and the region under control of Turks should be expanded.

Everybody thought the first military intervention of the Turkish side was right and international public opinion harshly criticised the Greek junta for carrying out a coup against Makarios in Cyprus.

However, this attitude reversed. This time the world began criticising Turkey as the signals from Ankara for a second military intervention were increasing.

Prime Minister Ecevit sent a message to the conference in Geneva, saying, "Ayse goes on holiday." Ayse was the daughter of Turan Gunes. The message meant, "Finish the conference immediately, Turkish military forces are starting the second intervention."

The British Foreign Minister Callaghan was in efforts to prevent this. He said Turkey will face greater losses after a second intervention, calling on the Turkish side to give 24 hours to the Greeks.

As the Turkish delegation left the conference hall around 2 a.m., the Turkish military started the second intervention in Cyprus. Meanwhile, the British Foreign Minister held a press conference and said, "Turkey has made a huge mistake. It could have waited 24 hours and got a response from the Greeks. Turkey has dragged itself into serious difficulty." Then he finished the press conference with a statement which will be reiterated for years, "...Today, Cyprus is the slave of Turkey, tomorrow Turkey will be the slave of Cyprus..."

Has Turkey which did not display much efforts to turn a military intervention into a peace agreement and which failed in finding a solution within the past 30 years really become a slave of Cyprus? Was Callaghan right in 1974?

/SK

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