Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-02-09

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The UN Secretary-Generalīs invitation letter for talks on Cyprus.

[02] Erdogan and Gul expressed reservations regarding the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus.

[03] The Turkish army expressed reservations over the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus.

[04] The TGNA to be briefed on Cyprus on 11 February.

[05] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after returning from Ankara.

[06] Ankara sets preconditions for the resumption of talks on Cyprus.

[07] Reactions by Turkish opposition parties to the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus.

[08] Statements by Gul after returning from Brussels.

[09] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before leaving for New York.

[10] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the developments on the Cyprus problem.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Denktas: "I will not be the undertaker of this funeral".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The UN Secretary-Generalīs invitation letter for talks on Cyprus Istanbul NTV television (08.02.04) broadcast the following:

The talks will start at the UN Headquarters on 10 February. Annan will first meet with Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos and then with Rauf Denktas on the same day. This will be followed by a tripartite meeting to determine the details of the negotiation process. After this meeting, together with the two leaders, Annan will make a statement to the press. If no problems are encountered during the talks on 10 February, a joint technical committee will convene on 16 February and start to work on the constitution of the federal state to be established on the island.

Another joint technical committee will convene on 28 February to work on the flag and national anthem of Cyprus. The flag and national anthem will be submitted to the two community leaders on 12 March at the latest. On the same date, the two founding states are expected to submit their respective constitutions to the UN Secretary-General.

In his letter of invitation, the UN Secretary-General stresses that the constitutions of the founding states should be in harmony with the Cyprus constitution in the Annan plan.

On 26 March, the talks between Denktas and Papadopoulos will end. The joint committee responsible for the constitution is expected to conclude its work on the same date.

If a consensus cannot be reached on the text of the agreement by 31 March, the possible blanks in the plan will be filled by the UN Secretary-General.

On 10 April, the three guarantor states, namely Turkey, Greece, and the United Kingdom, will send a written declaration to Annan saying that they agree that the founding constitution of the united Cyprus republic be submitted to a referendum. If all these stages are completed, the two sides will hold a referendum on 21 April.

The most critical date in Annan's schedule is 10 February. UN sources are saying that if he thinks it is necessary, the UN Secretary-General may extend the New York talks to 11 February.

If one of the sides refuses to accept the Secretary-General's conditions, Annan will not start the negotiations and he will announce that the United Nations is suspending its efforts for a settlement of the problem."

[02] Erdogan and Gul expressed reservations regarding the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus

The efforts being exerted by Washington to enable the sides in the Cyprus issue to sit at the negotiating table in New York on 10 February are being intensified. Upon the request made by the Turkish side to establish contact, Powell called Gul. The point reached in the aftermath of the invitation UN Secretary-General Annan extended to the sides was discussed during the phone conversation. It is reported that the Turkish side conveyed its reservations regarding the conditions put forth in Annan's invitation and sought Powell's support to change those conditions.

In the aftermath of the Powell-Gul phone conversation, another conversation was held between Erdogan and Bush. Erdogan conveyed the message that the Turkish side will be in New York on 10 February. He also asked that the factors he brought up at the meeting he held with Annan in Davos be taken into consideration.

Istanbul CNN TURK Television (07.02.04) broadcast that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Abdullah Gul revealed that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annanīs letter of invitation for the resumption of the Cyprus talks contains elements that do not please Turkey. Participating in "The Whole Truth" program moderated by Taha Akyol, Gul remarked that he spoke with US Secretary of State Colin Powell in order to overcome the impasse, and asked him to become involved. Gul stated that Rauf Denktas will comply with Annanīs call and go to New York.

[03] The Turkish army expressed reservations over the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus

"Today, too, the activities on Cyprus are continuing in Ankara. Ankara, which is not pleased with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's letter of invitation, is formulating a strategy for the negotiations to begin in New York on 10 February. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with General Hilmi Ozkok, chief of the General Staff, at the Prime Minister's Office this morning. The meeting, which began at 1000, lasted approximately two hours. CNN TURK correspondent Esat Pala reports from the Prime Minister's Office:

"The Cyprus issue and the details of the letter sent by the UN Secretary-General were discussed during the meeting between Erdogan and Ozkok. The Chief of Staff expressed reservations especially on three important points, which were raised during the National Security Council meeting as well. The General Staff had serious reservations pertaining to the principle of bizonality in Cyprus, Turkey's guarantor status, and the military presence in Cyprus. These reservations were discussed and assessed during this two-hour meeting under three topics. The meeting was held tete-a-tete, with no one else participating.

Later, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul met with Foreign Ministry Under Secretary Ugur Ziyal and Cyprus desk officers at the Foreign Ministry. They also evaluated Annan's letters and the pertinent details. They discussed who to appoint as Turkey's representative to the talks in New York on 10 February. According to our information, which has not been confirmed yet, Ziyal will be Turkey's representative at the talks.

After this meeting, Erdogan and Gul met over a working luncheon to discuss the Cyprus issue as well as this morning's meeting between the prime minister and the Chief of Staff. It is reported that their meeting will continue after lunch as well. The assessment will continue on this morning's meeting and Annan's letter.

It is further reported that Gul will conduct another telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Colin Powell this afternoon."

[04] The TGNA to be briefed on Cyprus on 11 February

Recalling that the TGNA adopted numerous unanimous decisions on Cyprus in the past, Arinc added: In the wake of all these developments, there is a need to brief the TGNA. As the government and the Assembly speaker, we believe that the TGNA and the opposition parties should be briefed on the stage reached on the Cyprus issue. Noting that there is agreement with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on this issue, Arinc said that the government will brief the Assembly on the Cyprus issue on 11 February.

[05] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after returning from Ankara

"As you know, we went to Ankara to hold an evaluation meeting with the Turkish government. That meeting was held. Ankara is still holding some contacts. That is, they [the Turkish officials] are still continuing with their evaluation. Over here, we will complete our evaluations with our colleagues after also receiving Turkey's evaluation. We have learned that the New York meeting will last for a day. That is, no negotiation will be launched there, only a door will be opened for the commencement of the negotiations.

You know our problem. It is a known fact that the Annan plan does not meet all our demands. As such, we will give a written reply to the Secretary-General today or tomorrow. And if also the news from Turkey are positive, we will probably leave for New York on Sunday.

For the moment, we do not want to say anything on this issue other than that for now the evaluations are continuing. But for the world to hear it, the following needs to be repeated: It was not us who created the Cyprus problem. It was the Greek Cypriot side that created it. It was again the Greek Cypriot side that after usurping the title of the legitimate Cyprus government did everything not to resolve the problem. As such, we will continue holding these contacts by keeping our people's interests in mind, and we will all be pleased if we manage to open the path of peace that would protect all the rights of our people. And to open that path, the Greek Cypriot side, as the instigator of the problem, has to do some things out of awareness of that culpability. One thing that they should do is to realize what they have done to our people from 1963 to 1974. We can achieve nothing if they think they are right and we are wrong. If Cyprus has been divided into two, it was because of the existence of two peoples. It was because one of the peoples moved to exterminate the other. That is, the Turkish people managed to protect its existence and rights. These rights are still valid. And we are ready to enter into an exercise of forming a mutual roof within the framework of these reciprocal rights. That is, we are ready to establish a new partnership. We have always been ready for it. Again, it was not us who avoided it. They were the ones who avoided it. Their application to the EU had ulterior motives. But the EU factor is now seen as the essential element of the Cyprus problem. We can discuss that too, provided that our people's rights are protected. We will work on securing those rights. There is unanimity of feeling and thought among my colleagues on this issue. There is also unanimity of feeling and thought between us and Turkey. We are ready to continue these efforts with goodwill. But we are not ready to surrender.

Question: Esteemed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan made a statement to the effect that he does not want any written reply and that going to New York would be the endorsement of his conditions.

Answer: Well, but what Mr Annan says is not God's command. We will both give him a written reply and go there as well. He would probably not chastise us for going there after giving a written reply.

Question: He says since they [the Cypriot leaders] are coming it means they are accepting his conditions.

Answer: The world has never seen such a negotiation. No such negotiation has ever been held or conducted anywhere in the world. As such, let us make our evaluation, write our reply, and go there as well.

Question: Sir, is the Turkish government positively disposed toward your views?

Answer: We made the assessments jointly and we are happy with those evaluations. The Turkish government has really made big openings with goodwill. But we see that it has not been reciprocated. They [the Turkish officials] too have realized that and perturbed by it. The Turkish government has made courageous initiatives but has not obtained the expected response, and is therefore assessing that fact too.

[06] Ankara sets preconditions for the resumption of talks on Cyprus

"While negotiations go on in Ankara in connection with the Cyprus issue, it is almost certain that Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal will represent Turkey in the talks. He will be going to New York on Sunday or Monday [8 or 9 February].

Not only Rauf Denktas, but Ankara too is displeased with the UN Secretary-General's preconditions. Certain sources told NTV that it is a sine qua non for Turkey that the sides agree on three issues: the protection of bizonality and of the guarantor system, and a border that is straight, not zigzagged. Once a consensus is reached on these three issues, Ankara will agree to have the UN Secretary-General fill in the possible blanks and to hold a referendum.

Ankara also expects UN Secretary-General Annan to lift the condition that Turkey, Greece, and the United Kingdom approve the agreement before a referendum is held in Cyprus. The sources point out that the referendum may reveal a rejection of the accord, and say that it is against Turkish law to seek parliamentary approval for an unfinished agreement. It is reported that positive signals have been received from the United States to the effect that the said condition may be lifted.

Meanwhile, sources close to `TRNC Presidentī Denktas are saying that he will definitely go to New York. He will reportedly display a constructive attitude and say: We want a settlement. We are ready to do a lot to achieve that. Nevertheless, do not push us so much.

Denktas wants Ankara to assure him that he will not be the only one to be blamed if negative developments take place in New York. If Annan does not lift the condition of the agreement's approval before the referendum, Denktas' priority goal in New York will be to have the said condition lifted."

[07] Reactions by Turkish opposition parties to the UN invitation for talks on Cyprus

Baykal left for Madrid to participate in the Chairmanship Council meeting of the Socialist International. In a special statement to the TRT at Istanbul Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, Baykal said that Turkey is moving away from the Cyprus policy it had been pursuing for years.

He said: "All the authorized organs, including the TGNA, are making separate decisions on the issue. The understanding of a fundamental policy has been cast aside and a decision has been made to submit the Annan plan, which has been on the agenda for the last two years, to a referendum without seriously obtaining the chance to change the issues we object to. In other words, in the beginning it was being said that there should first be an agreement then a referendum should be held. Now, the point reached is that the search for an agreement first has been eliminated and that a referendum will be held without an agreement. Naturally, this will lead to completely forgetting Turkey's demands regarding the changes in the plan. In other words, there is no longer any point in discussing this plan."

Ankara Anatolia (08.02.04) reported from Madrid that Mr Baykal told Turkish journalists in Madrid where he attended the Socialist International meetings that the government's having an attitude as if the EU would give a negotiation date to Turkey in case of sorting out the Cyprus issue, meant violation of basic principles of Turkey.

Noting that Turkey's desire to join the EU was a 40-year process, Baykal said: "Even EU countries officially voiced that Turkey's membership process was not related to the Cyprus issue." Baykal said that Turkey fulfilled the things that were necessary to get a negotiation date from EU, adding: "We must continue demanding EU membership in order to get our right. If you give Cyprus today, the problems in Aegean will be put in front of you tomorrow."

Regarding the Cyprus talks that will start in New York, Baykal said: "We want peace and solution in Cyprus. The reality that the two separate peoples in Cyprus have legal equality should be accepted, the borders should be drawn fairly and the territorial integrity of Turkish people should not be disturbed. But the difficulty today stems from the fact that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called the sides not to negotiate, but to approve his plan...We also share the uneasiness of Denktas who fears of facing fait accompli. Denktas wants to negotiate. Turkey has defended so far that the Annan plan should be changed. How did we reach the point of giving up this cause that we defended? Acceptance of the current plan without any change is not true. We should not give up our right to compromise. Negotiations should be continued till a compromise is reached. Turkey's acceptance of the Annan plan with its current form is not negotiation and compromise," he said.

Criticizing the government due to its policy on Cyprus issue, Baykal said: "We are objecting to the plan of the United Nations, as it did not satisfy us. If the Annan plan is accepted with its current form, there will be a big breaking in foreign policy of Turkey."

Istanbul CNN TURK Television (07.02.04) broadcast the following:

"While efforts for a solution of the Cyprus issue continue, the opposition in Turkey is reacting against the government with regard to the recent developments. According to the opposition, it is actually the government that is making a fait accompli.

True Path Party Chairman Mehmet Agar, during a visit with shopkeepers in Eyup, likened the government to a wrestling champion who has been thrown down through his own move with regard to the Cyprus issue.

He said: "Before it sits at the negotiating table, Turkey has been forced to accept the UN Secretary-General's preconditions, rather than posit its own preconditions. Consequently, these conditions could result in Turkey's losing the 50-year-old Cyprus cause."

On his part New Turkey Party Chairman Ismail Cem also accused the government. In a written statement, Cem charged that the conditions posited by the UN Secretary-General, which the government appears to have accepted, are tantamount to capitulation, not negotiation. Cem stated: "The `TRNCī and Turkey are relinquishing their political will in advance to the UN Secretary-General. No government has the authority to renounce the right of sovereignty."

NAP [Nationalist Action Party] Chairman Devlet Bahceli, in turn, launched a tour of meetings with party leaders. Planning to call on the opposition to act jointly in this regard, Bahceli held his first meeting with DLP [Democratic Left Party] Chairman Bulent Ecevit.

Ankara TRT 2 Television (07.02.04) broadcast that Devlet Bahceli, chairman of the Nationalist Action Party, visited Felicity Party deputy leader Recai Kutan. The two leaders discussed the Cyprus developments for more than an hour.

After the meeting Mr Bahceli said: "This is a path of complete surrender. We understand that the government considers our national cause a burden, and it considers Cyprus to be a price to be paid for receiving a schedule for negotiations with the EU."

On his part Mr Kutan said: "This government has failed to grasp the importance of Cyprus. I regret to say that when they left the national view, our former friends began to pursue a policy of complete surrender in connection with Cyprus."

Finally, Democratic Left Party Chairman Bulent Ecevit said in Eskisehir: "If the two separate sectors on the island manage to set up a dialogue between themselves, the problem will be solved. The solution of the Cyprus problem is in the hands of the two peoples on the island. Others should not get involved."

[08] Statements by Gul after returning from Brussels

"We made a short visit to Brussels, but intense work was carried out. I might explain my contacts there in five sections. The first one is the contacts we held with Council of Europe officials. We discussed issues pertaining to foreign policy and security extensively with EU high representative Solana. We also held a meeting with Polfer, the foreign minister of Luxembourg. He came from Luxembourg especially to visit us, because that country will become the EU term president in 2005. Probably, Turkey's accession negotiations will begin during that term. From that point of view, they are getting prepared. We also held contacts with EU officials. We held long meetings with EU Commission President Prodi; Verheugen, the EU commissioner in charge of expansion; and the EU commissioner in charge of regional policies. Naturally, during these talks I explained the work being done in Turkey. I gave information on the implementation of that work. Certain joint projects were on the agenda, and we discussed the details of those projects.

As you know, I also attended the EPP [European People's Party] congress and delivered a speech there. I also met with the EPP chairman. I held meetings with the leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament. We held separate meetings with the leaders of the socialist, conservative, and liberal groups and explained to them Turkey's preparations. During that time I also held a meeting with Karamanlis, the president of the Greek New Democracy Party, who was in Brussels. As you know, there are senators of Turkish ethnic roots in Belgium. I met with them as well. As I have already stated, during these meetings I found the opportunity to explain in detail the work being carried out in Turkey. An unbelievably positive atmosphere is prevalent in all the European platforms. There are those among the Christian Democrats who have a negative stand toward Turkey, but there is also a counter reaction to this stand within the Christian Democrats because great unease is being felt regarding this stand against Turkey. If we want to sum it up, it was a short, intense, and productive visit. No doubt, the Cyprus issue, whether we want it or not, was raised during these contacts. I briefed the pertinent parties on the developments. Question: While you were not here, intense contacts were held here. The honorable Denktas left for Cyprus a while ago. Prior to his departure, he said that he will make his final decision on the issue of going to New York in Nicosia. How do these developments seem when viewed from there?

Answer: There is no such thing as the issue being viewed in a different light from there as opposed to here. We were in constant contact, and we were aware of the developments. We were holding consultations. When I say consultations, I mean Turkey and the leadership of the `TRNCī are dealing with the issue through consultations. No doubt, it is not right to expect immediate reaction in such important events. We are acting with a cool head. Turkey will continue its positive stand just as it has initiated it. Let no one doubt that. No doubt, the honorable Rauf Denktas is the person who will make the greatest contribution to these issues, because he is the leader of the community. No doubt, many issues will be handled under his leadership. It is the right of everyone to assess these issues with a cool head.

I seem to notice the following error. It is constantly being said that Denktas is being pressured and questions are constantly being asked about Denktas. There is continuous pressure. This is not right. Individuals who have a historic responsibility should, no doubt, assess everything very carefully and make their decision. From that point of view, these issues will be well assessed and in the end the right decision will be made jointly. This is all I have to say on the issue.

Question: What will Turkey do if the honorable Denktas does not accept the conditions put forth by Annan for the resumption of the negotiations?

Answer: Mr Denktas is the leader of the community. The Annan plan addresses the leaders of the two communities. Therefore, since Mr Denktas is the elected leader of the `TRNCī as well as the historic leader at this moment, naturally, many things will take place under his leadership. If you consider the issue within the framework I mentioned earlier, then I am confident that you will see the positive developments."

[09] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before leaving for New York

Mr Rauf Dnektas made the following statement at occupied Lefkoniko Airport.

"We will go to New York in accordance with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's invitation to hold talks on the latest developments related to the Cyprus problem. As far as we know, we will hold talks for one day. However, we have been informed that the contacts might be extended. Naturally, we are in a period in which bargaining talks are held. So, we do not wish to comment any further. Our people are well-aware of our approach. The objective is to reach a sound, durable, and just agreement that will satisfy the two sides, if such an agreement can be reached. That will depend on the intention of the two sides and the steps they will take. We are going with goodwill. We hope that we will be able to return with good news".

Ankara TRT 2 Television (08.02.04) broadcast that Rauf Denktas replied to reporters' questions at Istanbul Ataturk Airport before he left for New York.

Denktas: We will try to achieve the best for our people. That is our duty.

Question: The UN Secretary-General will hold a briefing session on the Cyprus issue tomorrow [9 February]. Can this be considered a kind of pressure?

Answer: I am concerned too. We will see the resolution that will be adopted. We do not accept pressure. Pressure will not help. The two sides need to reach a consensus.

Ankara Anatolia (08.02.04) reported from Istanbul that Denktasīs delegation was joined by Professor Mumtaz Soysal, the adviser on constitutional affairs of Mr Rauf Denktas.

[10] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the developments on the Cyprus problem

Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (09.02.04), under the front-page banner title "The eyes are (turned to) New York", publishes statements by Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Gul to CNN-TURK television, in which Mr Gul noted that breaking off from Europe would not serve the interests of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (09.02.04), under the front-page banner title "The UN concerned about Soysal", notes that UN sources have expressed the opinion that problems could be created because of the participation of Mr Soysal in the Turkish Cypriot delegation. The sources pointed out that Mr Soysal is known for his "tough and intransigent" views. The same sources, writes AFRIKA, are anxious to know whether or not Memet Ali Talat and Serdar Denktas will be participating in the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (09.02.04) argues that the Turkish side is going to New York with "open cards" due to the open reaction by Denktas against the UN Secretary - General's letter. The paper expresses the opinion that the political gains from Erdogan's diplomatic attack have been eliminated because of Mr Denktas' statements and thus the Turkish diplomacy came to the point from which it had started.

Invoking "reliable sources", KIBRISLI writes that the USA administration is "ready to support Turkey's demands for changes to the Annan Plan, in case Mr Denktas creates no more problems". The most important of these changes, continues KIBRISLI, is excluding Turkey's guarantorship from the text that will be submitted to referendum.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (09.02.04), under the front-page banner title "Denktas is worried", publishes the statements of the Turkish Cypriot leader before departing for New York. Responding to a question regarding the briefing which Mr Annan is expected to give to the UN Security Council, Mr Denktas said: "I am worried. We shall see the decision taken. We do not accept pressures. This job could not be done with pressures".

Furthermore, under the front-page banner title "Cautiously Optimistic", Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (09.02.04) writes that the Turkish Cypriots are waiting for the result of the meetings in New York being cautiously optimistic about them, in spite of Foreign Minister Gul's statement that the Turkish side is ready for reconciliation.

Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (09.02.04) publishes on its headlines the statement by Mr Rauf Denktas and argues that Mr Denktas "has once more addressed to the world with great determination" and said that this job "could not be done with pressures".

Turkish Cypriot daily BIRLIK newspaper (09.02.04), writes that the administrative council of the National Unity Party (NUP) have evaluated Mr Annan's letter to the sides and the recent developments on the Cyprus problem and decided that "The NUP is against the fait accompli". In a written statement issued after the above-mentioned evaluation, the party pointed out that it is worried that the Turkish side would be "left face to face with fait accompli".

Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (09.02.04) writes that the Turkish army is worried about the developments. The paper notes that the Head of General Staff, general Ozkok has met with Prime Minister Erdogan and pointed out that "there is a difference between the policy decided at the National Security Council meeting and the point that we have come today".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Denktas: "I will not be the undertaker of this funeral"

MILLIYET columnist Fikret Bila in his regular column "Direction" writes that Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan called Denktas on his way to New York yesterday morning and wished him 'bon voyage' and expressed support. In his reply Denktas said that: "It was not that much a 'bon voyage' because Mr. Annan had tied his hands up and that he was not inviting them for negotiation but for faits accompli".

Mr Bila goes on and writes that upon arrival at New York, Denktas will submit an "objection letter" to the Secretary-General and if Mr Annan refuses to accept the letter, Bila quotes what Denktas told to circles close to him: "We are not going for negotiations. Esteemed Annan does not permit this. What he wants is not negotiation but approval of his dates and the establishment of institutions. Therefore, we are not invited there for negotiations. On the contrary he is inviting us to tell us; accept my timetable and my plan"

Bila then asks the following question: Could Denktas change Annanīs stance? And says that this does not seem probable. However, he adds, Denktas would submit an "objection letter" and in case Annan refuses to accept it, Denktas' answer is: "In that case there is nothing to do. There will be no negotiation, therefore we return. If Mr. Annan does not permit us to negotiate this means to tell us; The `TRNCī is dead, make the funeral. I shall not be the undertaker of this funeral".

/SK

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