Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-01-09

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statement Issued after the Ankara Summit on the Cyprus Problem

[02] Turkey backs Cyprus negotiations based on the Annan plan but also acknowledgement of the realities of the invasion and occupation. Media reports on the summit

[03] Turkish Cypriot party leaders arrive in Ankara

[04] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister before leaving for Germany

[05] Efforts by the RTP and DP to form a so-called government

[06] Erel says that if Ankara seriously wants solution in Cyprus until May 2004 it must accept that this is not possible with Rauf Denktas

[07] "This Country is Ours" Platform: "The solution is being delayed

[08] Ecevit: "Denktas should have participated in the Cyprus summit"

[09] Mehmet Agar stated that the Summit was positive but not sufficient

[10] The New Turkey Party assesses the different views on Cyprus between the Turkish army and the Foreign Ministry

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist in Radikal supports that the differences between the army and the current Turkish government are deeper that on Cyprus

[12] Who will have the last say on Cyprus?

[13] Messages of the summit

[14] Mustafa Balbay: "Results of the Mansion Summit"

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statement Issued After the Cankaya Mansion Summit on the Cyprus Problem

"During the meeting convened at the Presidential Mansion today under the chairmanship of the Esteemed President, the latest developments in the Cyprus problem were evaluated. Esteemed Prime Minister, Esteemed Chief of Staff, Esteemed Foreign Minister and high level civilian and military bureaucrats took part in the meeting. At the meeting, it was once more noted with satisfaction that the parliamentary elections in the TRNC last month, were held in an atmosphere of freedom and democracy, in peace and in a transparent manner.

The democratic process and the work towards forming a government in the TRNC following the elections are going on. At the meeting, identity of views was reached that it would be beneficial if efforts are started for reviving the negotiation process following the establishment of the new government in the TRNC.

As it is known to the public opinion, finding a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem is the common wish and objective of Turkey and the TRNC. Turkey continues its support to the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General and reiterates its political determination in reaching a speedy solution through negotiations on the basis of the realities of the island.

The groundwork, which will assist in determining the Turkish side's position in the course of the negotiation process, has been brought to an advanced stage, with the due sensitivity of the issue and the close coordination of the related authorities. The above mentioned groundwork shall be evaluated during the forthcoming National Security Council meeting. Turkey, in the national cause, in close consultation and cooperation with the TRNC president Denktas and the new TRNC government that will be formed, will continue to extend its effective contribution to the UN negotiation process".

[02] Turkey backs Cyprus negotiations based on the Annan plan but also acknowledgement of the realities of the invasion and occupation. Media reports on the summit

"During the first part of the Cyprus summit held at the Cankaya Mansion today, the Foreign Ministry delivered a presentation on its Cyprus solution plan. In this context, certain assessments were made with regard to certain landmark events until the end of 2004. I am referring for example to the elections to be held in Greece in March and the elections for the European Parliament. These are important events that will affect the public opinion in the EU countries. Assessments were made on these events.

The Foreign Ministry ascertained that if a solution is reached by June 2004 or at least if serious steps are taken toward a solution and intentions are declared in this regard, the Turkish Cypriot side will have the opportunity to impose on the Greek Cypriot side the solution it wants, or more realistically, the solution closest to what it wants. The Foreign Ministry also stressed that if the Turkish Cypriot side makes serious overtures and a declaration of intentions by that date, the United States, the EU, and maybe even Greece would be able to apply more pressure on the Greek Cypriot side.

If a solution has not been reached by the second half of 2004, the Foreign Ministry believes that the formula of a solution in exchange for a date will gain weight. In other words, the Turkish side will pledge to solve the Cyprus problem in exchange for a date for starting accession negotiations with the EU. It is believed, however, that in such a case, matters will be a little more difficult, because the Greek Cypriot sector will then have become an EU member, creating problems such as the veto right and other difficulties.

Certain important summit meetings are slated to take place in the coming year, such as the extraordinary EU summit in March, the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting in April, and the EU Presidency and NATO summits in June. Consequently, if a solution is reached in the first half of 2004, Turkey will have conveyed a powerful message to all these events.

As for the Foreign Ministry's thoughts concerning the Annan plan, we can summarize them under the following headlines: The Turkish side favors certain changes with regard to the issues of the borders, the return of properties, the guarantor rights, and the Turkish military presence on the island. Natural resources are also extremely important for Cyprus. The Foreign Ministry presentation accords prominence to Morphou in this regard. It states that the principle of fairness should be given priority on this subject. According to the information we have received, President Sezer underlined the historical importance of Morphou and implied that this matter must be given importance.

Later, the General Staff made a presentation. Certain reservations were also voiced in this context, according to our information.

As for the next stage, it may be said that the National Security Council meeting to be held on 23 January will constitute a turning point in the Cyprus issue, because by that date, the relevant institutions of the state--be it the President's Office, the government, the General Staff, or the Foreign Ministry--will formulate their views on these two presentations in writing. Ankara's final stand on Cyprus will emerge from the 23 January meeting unless other elements are introduced by the circumstances.

At present, political leaders of the TRNC are meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul. During these meetings, the Turkish Cypriot leaders will be informed about the importance of establishing a government as soon as possible. After that, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will be told -- in writing or orally -- of the importance of issuing a call for the resumption of the negotiations as soon as possible. Later on, the Turkish Cypriot leaders will be informed about Ankara's parameters regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem."

NTVM SNBC (08/01/04) reported that studies conducted by the Foreign Ministry and the General Staff on the Cyprus question are to be discussed at the forthcoming National Security Council meeting.

In a brief statement issued Thursday afternoon after a summit of senior government and military leaders, chaired by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, it was announced that Turkey backed the good offices mission of the UN and confirmed its political determination to reach a rapid result through negotiations.

However, the statement also said that these negotiations should acknowledge the realities on the island. Turkey's position, and that of "Northern Cyprus", has always been that there are two independent states on Cyprus, a fact not recognized by the rest of the world.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia (08/01/04) reported from Ankara that the Foreign Ministry and the General Staff reached agreement on many points in the summit.

Diplomatic sources said that studies were being continued on the Annan plan and stated that those studies were discussed in Thursday's summit. Sources added that the meeting was promising and positive.

The sources said that the Foreign Ministry and the General Staff gave separate briefings on the issue in the summit.

Stressing that Turkey took serious steps for a solution to the problem, the sources said that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan should call separately on the sides to start negotiations. Finally, the sources said that Mr Rauf Denktas was expected to come to Ankara on Sunday or Monday and added that the Foreign Ministry and the General Staff also shared the same view that Denktas should continue to serve as negotiator.

[03] Turkish Cypriot party leaders arrive in Ankara

Later on the Turkish Cypriot politicians held separate meetings with the Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Erdogan and the Foreign Minister Mr. Gul. After the meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office with the Turkish Cypriot political party leaders, RTP [Republican Turkish Party] Chairman Mehmet Ali Talat replied to journalists' questions. Talat said that Prime Minister Erdogan reiterated his wish for a broad-based "government" in Cyprus and added:

"The honorable prime minister envisages a very broad-based government, with the participation of four parties if possible, or a government representing the broadest base. He conveyed his commendation in this regard once more. As it happens, we have already gone through some of the stages until now in Cyprus. We informed him of the situation. In conclusion, our own procedures are functioning, and we are progressing toward a certain point in line with these procedures."

Question: In other words, is the inclination toward a RTP-DP coalition?

Talat: From our viewpoint, yes. The situation in Cyprus is pointing toward a coalition between the RTP, the DP, and the PDM [Peace and Democracy Movement]. The question of whether we will achieve this will be clarified at the end of the work to be conducted today and tomorrow.

[04] Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister before leaving for Germany

Erdogan said that the International Bertelsmann Forum was a platform where issues that were high on EU's agenda were taken up in a political level.

High-level politicians, economists and journalists would attend the forum, Erdogan noted.

Erdogan stated that besides him the German Chancellor, the Latvian President, Prime Ministers of Ireland, Romania and Croatia, foreign and defense ministers of some countries, European Union (EU) Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen, European Central Bank President, and former U.S. State Secretary Henry Kissinger would also attend the forum.

Replying to reporters' questions at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for Germany, on whether there are differences of views between the state institutions with regard to the Cyprus issue Erdogan stated: "All other reports are entirely concocted, consist of nonsense, and they are means resorted to by those who are engaged in efforts to bring about different methods of their own with the aim of creating sources of unrest in the country."

Pointing out that he views these as "ways of accruing benefits in a different way," Erdogan remarked: "These reports should never constitute a cause of concern for our country, which is marching toward a bright future with confident steps in a sound manner. You should not take notice of these reports."

Erdogan said that until now, the President's Office, the Office of the Chief of the General Staff, and the government have been conducting discussions on this subject, adding that each authority will exercise its authority within the boundaries defined in the Constitution and in the area defined by the Constitution.

Asked "if we can say that a conclusion based on the Annan plan has been reached with regard to the Cyprus issue," Erdogan said that a statement was issued in connection with the summit meeting held at the Cankaya Mansion today, the work in this regard will be assessed during the National Security Council [NSC] meeting to be held on 23 January, and after that the government will announce the road map.

Erdogan added that he held meetings with the leaders of the four Turkish Cypriot political parties this evening and conducted talks with RTP [Republican Turkish Party] Chairman Mehmet Ali Talat, who was assigned with the task of establishing the "government". Noting that he had the opportunity to hear Talat's views on the Annan plan, Erdogan continued:

"We hope to see the political parties in north Cyprus establishing a 'government' as soon as possible. We would be proud of this. The longer it lasts, the more we would be quelling the enthusiasm of our northern Cypriot citizens. This would be a shame. What are Turkey's views on the Annan plan? What are the views of the political parties in north Cyprus in this regard? It is our common goal to discuss these matters together and reach the most suitable conclusion. In that respect, we conducted good and meaningful talks. I believe that we will hold occasional meetings in the future as well. Finally, we will conduct our assessments at the NSC meeting and reach a decision."

In reply to another question, Erdogan said that he will not meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Asked if he can make a guess regarding the solution date of the Cyprus problem, the prime minister said: "Naturally, we are trying to reach a solution. Our efforts are in this direction. We will exert utmost efforts to this end."

[05] Efforts by the RTP and DP to form a so-called government

Talat, who is designated to form the "government" in the pseudostate, today met with Serdar Denktas to whom he took a proposal for a coalition "government". In a statement after the meeting, Denktas said that he conveyed to Talat the comprehensive work his party conducted in the aftermath of this proposal. Noting that this work focused on the issues his party wants defended in the Annan plan and alternative government models, Denktas said that if the two parties reach a unity of views then a government can be formed by the end of the week and added:

"We seriously assessed this proposal that was brought to us to form a coalition government. We conveyed our views on this proposal to the honorable Talat today. Now the committees will be working on our views and proposals. If we can reach a result, then a government can be formed by this weekend.

The impressions we will be forming and the information we will be gathering during our Ankara visit are important. As a matter of fact, we wanted to contribute to the work being conducted in Ankara. From this point of view as well, this is a good opportunity. When in Ankara, we will convey our views to the Turkish government."

[06] Erel says that if Ankara seriously wants solution in Cyprus until May 2004 it must accept that this is not possible with Rauf Denktas conducting the negotiations

In a written statement issued yesterday Mr Erel noted that when someone looks at the past actions of the Democratic Party (DP) and its leader Serdar Denktas, he sees that the final say for their decisions on important issues belongs to Mr Rauf Denktas. This is a reality that could not be denied, added Mr Erel.

He also supported that in case a so-called coalition government is to be established with the DP or the National Unity Party (NUP), a precondition must be put to them regarding issuing a so-called "Referendum Law".

Mr Erel expressed the opinion that the important thing is reaching a solution in Cyprus until 1 May 2004 and not which party will be participating in the pseudogovernment.

Mr Erel pointed out that a negotiations procedure conducted by Mr Rauf Denktas on the basis of the Annan Plan could not end successfully, because Mr Denktas is against the philosophy of the plan.

Stressing that for the achievement of the solution and EU target Mr Rauf Denktas must definitely be removed from the duties of the negotiator, Mr Erel said, inter alia, the following: "At this stage the arithmetic created in the assembly of the TRNC does not make this possible. If the government of Turkey seriously wants an agreement until May 2004, it must accept that this is not possible with (Rauf) Denktas. The decision of Turkey's Council of Ministers regarding the continuation of the duties of Denktas as negotiator is sad and is not a decision that will lead the Cyprus problem to a solution until 1 May. The government of Turkey must be convinced that a solution on the basis of the Annan Plan is not possible with Denktas ".

[07] "This Country is Ours" Platform: "The solution is being delayed and prevented"

The organizations yesterday assessed during a press conference the recent developments and noted that the solution in Cyprus is being delayed and prevented. They also declared their will to organize protest marches and rallies again if this is necessary.

In statements on behalf of the organizations, Mr Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers Trade Union (KTOS), noted that "the solution is being delayed and prevented" and added that the Turkish Cypriots wanted a solution before 1 May 2004 on the basis of the Annan Plan. The results of the "elections" show this, he argued.

Furthermore, Tahir Gokcebel, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers Trade Union (KTOEOS), said that the Turkish Cypriots are continuing their struggle for administrating themselves and to gain their political will. Within this framework, he said, they are determined to resist in every way they can including "filling up the squares and lighting peace fires".

[08] Ecevit: "Denktas should have participated in the Cyprus summit"

"Mr Denktas should have been present by all means at the high level works conducted regarding Cyprus. However, for some reason this has not been considered necessary", said the leader of DLP. Mr Ecevit stressed that Mr Denktas presence at the summit was essential "because we are going through some very important sensitive development".

[09] Mehmet Agar stated that the Cankaya Cyprus Summit was positive but not sufficient

Mr Agar stated that the Cyprus summit "had not a clear result". He also said that after the Cyprus problem will be taken up for discussion at the National Security Council, it must be discussed at the Turkish Grand National Assembly as well. Mr Agar said that contradictory reports appeared in the press, regarding the Cyprus problem, "which is a national issue", as he stressed and added that the Turkish government should have made a clear statement regarding the issue. Mr Agar also added that the Cyprus talks must be carried out by Mr Denktas, with all the support of Turkey and the pseudostate.

[10] The New Turkey Party assesses the different views on Cyprus between the Turkish army and the Foreign Ministry

Mr. Tuncer said that behind this disagreement lies the pressure exerted by the Justice and Development Party (JDP) government on the Foreign Ministry and its refusal to listen to the views of the diplomats.

The New Turkey Party official accused the JDP government of being inexperienced and ignorant of foreign policy issues and that it could make concessions in order to protect its power in internal politics.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist in Radikal supports that the differences between the army and the current Turkish government are deeper that on Cyprus

"I would like to state the following without beating around the bush: There is a deep difference of opinion within the Turkish Armed Forces [TAF] as to how to approach the Justice and Development Party [JDP] government.

As a matter of fact, some claim that this difference existed even before the JDP came to power (particularly when it was realized that it would come to power). They argue that the difference dates back to the time when the Supreme Military Council met in August 2002 and they refer to the way that "surprising" appointments were made in the order of command in the aftermath of the Council meeting.

It is possible to roughly condense the difference in approach within the TAF toward the JDP into two main categories. The first group is of the opinion that the actions of the JDP supporters should be seen within the framework of the democratic and constitutional provisions, but their past, should never be forgotten. The view that prevails among the second group finds the first approach "mild" and says that the "potential threat" of the JDP should be dealt with more actively.

All of us actually observe that the distinction I make in this very rough categorization reflects exactly the feeling of the masses in the community who did not vote for the JDP. In other words, a section in the community categorically has opposed the JDP right from the outset just because it was the JDP, while a wider section preferred to wait and see its actions. I may say that the TAF reflects the feelings of the people, and that whatever the people live through naturally reflects upon the TAF members almost in every way.

However, there is the following difference: There have all along been differences of opinion on various issues within the TAF. As a matter of fact, one cannot expect everyone within such a big organization to think likewise. The TAF is, at the same time, an organization of discipline, however, and is expected to express one single view in the talks that it has on the problems of the country with the elected government of the country.

It is regrettable that certain unprecedented events took place during the period that the JDP governments have been in office. The first one occurred when Abdullah Gul, the first prime minister of the JDP, visited the General Staff in December 2002 for a security briefing. The nature of the meeting was leaked to some television networks in a distorted way, upon which Prime Minister Gul called Chief of the General Staff Hilmi Ozkok.

During the motion for the dispatch of troops to Iraq, which followed several other petty cases, a senior commander had told the Ankara representative of the newspaper Milliyet, Mr Fikret Bila: "There is no need to act in a hurry for the motion." Despite the fact that the General Staff denied this statement immediately on the same day, the notion that "the military opposes the motion" has remained.

This was followed by a report in Cumhuriyet newspaper that "Young officers feel uneasy." A categorical denial came from the General Staff again, but this report is still remembered.

The latest example relates to the difference of opinion that has reached the public within the context of the Cyprus solution plans. Certain texts of a solution plan prepared by the Foreign Ministry last week and this week, which was described as "the view of the military," were leaked to the press by some who considered the plan "submissive."

The denials were not of much use. Experienced eyes are able to realize that this conflict within the TAF reflects what is being experienced in the Turkish army during the process of forming a common view.

At the moment, the current debate is about Cyprus. It does not relate only to Cyprus, however, because the main divergence, in fact, is about how to approach the JDP government, as I have already stated.

Cyprus is undoubtedly a national issue. The JDP is not the first government that has made an effort to demonstrate its determination to solve the Cyprus problem. No problems similar to the ones today were experienced between the former governments that searched for a solution and the TAF. It may be that problems were experienced, but these did not reach the public as they did today. However, nowadays every kind of internal debate is continuously leaked to and reported in the news media. In other words, the issue, in one sense, proves to be one that may help or hinder the JDP government.

You may remember the rough categorization I initially made. Those that are close to the first view support Turkey's integration with the world, in other words, Turkey's membership in the EU. In contrast, those that are close to the second view support, knowingly or unwittingly, the isolationist "Third World" view (or if they primarily support isolationist views, they are in alliance with those who want to be tough toward the JDP government)."

[12] Who will have the last say on Cyprus?

"Turkey has at last formulated a policy on Cyprus and will begin implementing it soon. Contrary to perceptions and released statements, and barring any major late-breaking developments, the plan was finalized during yesterday's summit at the Cankaya Palace.

As I mentioned in my previous articles, there is a behind-the-scenes power struggle over Cyprus. The Turkish stance depends on who is taking the most important decisions concerning the issue.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP) wants to be seen as politically responsible and making decisions in consultation with all relevant state departments.

Cankaya and the Turkish Armed Forces want to send the message that these types of decisions cannot be made without their approval.

That's why I describe these clashes as a "power struggle." If this was not the case, the army would just air its opinion and would not be trying to influence the decision-making process by making statements to journalists or by leaking documents.

The fact is that some sections of the army see the Foreign Ministry stance concerning Cyprus as "treachery." Differences of opinions among state departments have turned into a battle for supremacy.

The Foreign Ministry accepts the foundations and the context of the Annan plan. It accepts the need to put the plan to a referendum. On the other hand, a section of the army thinks like 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) 'President' Rauf Denktas and wants alterations made in the foundations and the context of the Annan plan. For example, they want Turkish troops to stay permanently on the island (even if Turkey becomes an EU member) and demand a new guarantorship agreement. In other words, they want the continuation of the status quo.

People in Ankara are not too worried, because the last word in the army is made by Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok, and they understand that Ozkok knows how to keep the balance in check.

According to those who witnessed president Ahmet Necdet Sezer speaking during meetings, his stance has changed a lot over the past few months. At first he didn't like the Annan plan, but now he's trying to find a solution based on it. The president also thinks that the Cyprus issue is getting out of hand and that there is definitely a need for a different perspective.

Who will have the last word in this mess? Now, there is a question that needs to be answered. Who will have the last say?

Developments in Cyrus have come to such a point that, according to leaked reports, opinions are so conflicting that it seems almost impossible to reach a consensus. The government has to listen to all sides before making a decision whether to take the political risk and accept the Foreign Ministry's plan as it is, or to ask the Foreign Ministry to increase the number of articles needing amendment, or even to scrap the plan and draw up a new package.

I believe this process will end with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan meeting all four political leaders in the 'TRNC'. Next week Turkey's policy with respect to Cyprus will be clear."

[13] Messages of the summit

"There were "loser-victors" and "victor-losers" but only one "absolute winner" of the Cankaya presidential summit on Cyprus. He was not invited to the summit; naturally he did not attend it; he was not even in Ankara. But, the real victor of the Cyprus "harmony" summit at the Cankaya presidential palace was 'President' Rauf Denktas of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' if the statement released at the end of the meeting is to be considered.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP) government, and naturally Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and mentor of the Foreign Ministry study on changes to be demanded in the U.N. plan for Cyprus, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, were the "losing-victors" of the meeting.

The summit effectively left the decision on the so- called "Position of the Turkish side" paper prepared by the Foreign Ministry on changes Ankara wanted to see in the so- called Anna plan to the National Security Council, as was earlier reportedly asked by some "sectors" of the military, dashing government's hopes to get endorsement of its new Cyprus openings at the Cankaya summit. From this aspect, the government was the loser, and the military, or the hawks of the military and the Cyprus lobby within the corporate Turkey, were the winner.

However, by getting endorsement to its position that the Cyprus talks ought to be resumed on the basis of the "good offices mission" of the United Nations Secretary-General, the government emerged also as the winner of the summit; while the hawks were loser at this point. Though, the government could not get a clear endorsement of its position that the talks should start on the basis of the Annan plan, a reference to the good offices mission of the Secretary-General was obviously encompassing the U.N. document named after the Secretary-General also.

The Cyprus hawks and the military, on the other hand, were the winners as regards to the "committed to a rapid settlement on the basis of the island's realities" sentence of the statement. For an outsider that sentence might not mean much, but for people with insight of the Cyprus problem, the reference was clear: A Cyprus settlement must be based on the two-state de facto situation on the island and adhere to the principles of bi-zonality and bi-communality. They were "losers" at the same time, however, because contrary to their professed objection to "time clauses" and the pressures to get a Cyprus settlement by the May EU accession of the island, in the statement it was underlined that Turkey is "committed to a rapid settlement."

Though it could not dire to a head-on confrontation against the "negotiator" position of President Denktas, the JDP government would want to see a "settlement-oriented" new government in northern Cyprus have more say in the negotiations process. The summit statement, in that respect is a victory for the JDP government, as it underlined that in solidarity and cooperation with 'President' Denktas and the new government of northern Cyprus-which is expected to be formed by the weekend-Turkey would make "efficient contributions" to the U.N.-sponsored Cyprus talks. Yet, the JDP agreed to the "national struggle" rhetoric that it so much objected mentioned in the document also.

The absolute winner of the summit was Denktas because the veteran leader has been stressing that any Cyprus settlement must be based on the "realities" of Cyprus, he got it. He was scared of a fait accompli by the JDP government and a Cyprus decision adopted at a platform where the military had limited say (like the Cankaya summit), his worries were soothed and the final say on the new Cyprus policy is left to the National Security Council.

Though even Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat conceded that he cannot dispute the "negotiator" position of Denktas as the electorate did not give him the absolute parliamentary majority, a reference in the summit statement that Ankara would continue making efficient contributions to Cyprus peace efforts in "solidarity and cooperation" with ¡®President' Denktas and the new government in 'TRNC' was a most welcome endorsement for the standing of veteran leader.

The absolute loser of the summit, on the other hand, were those expecting a quick settlement on Cyprus because reading in between the lines of the document one could easily get the message that there can hardly be any change in the traditional Turkish position when the issue will be taken up at a NSC meeting on January 23.

[14] Mustafa Balbay: "Results of the Mansion Summit"

He takes the statement made after the Cankaya Summit and analyses it paragraph by paragraph. He says that one has to underline the fact that when the statement mentions resumption of talks it does not mention anything about the Annan plan. He goes on and notes that Annan`s name is not mentioned in the whole text of the statement.

Commenting on the expression "a speedy solution through negotiations on the basis of the realities of the island" in the statement, Balbay says that this means that Turkey will demand major changes in the Annan plan.

"Another important point in the statement" notes Balbay, "is that no mention is made to the EU, and this is due to the fact that President Sezer and the Army favor the EU membership, however, they are against establishing a link between Cyprus and the EU"

Commenting on the last paragraph of the statement where Turkey expresses "readiness in close consultation and cooperation with Denktas to extend its support to the UN negotiations", Balbay says that this means that Ankara as "a chorus" supports Denktas as negotiator.

/MD

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article