Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-03-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after the 10th day of talks for a solution to the problems created by the Turkish invasion and occupation.

[02] The Spokesman of the Turkish government on Denktas´ show of intransigence in Ankara.

[03] Turkey intends to continue violating the international law if the Greek Cypriots say "no" to a referendum. Jack Straw´s statements assessed as very important for their strategy.

[04] Mr Alvaro de Soto held contacts in Ankara.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnist writes that the Turkish officials in the occupied areas of Cyprus work against the Annan Plan and the solution.

[06] Turkish Cypriot daily criticizes Britain's Cyprus policy.

[07] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that by crediting the Turkish side with goodwill Mr Weston is feeding the Turkish intransigence.

[08] Commentary in SABAH explains Jack Straw´s statements as serving Turkey´s and the occupation regime´s interests.

[09] Commentary in HURRIYET argues that the Jewish lobby supports the Annan Plan.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after the 10th day of talks for a solution to the problems created by the Turkish invasion and occupation

"The issue of the rehabilitation of the refugees took plenty of our time. We [the Turkish side] stressed the utmost importance of this matter, related the causes of our displacement as refugees since 1963, explained that solving the refugee problem by creating more refugees would be incompatible with human rights, and noted that we are not rejecting the Greek Cypriots' ownership and property rights, which should be solved through compensation.

They [the Greek Cypriot side], naturally, are rejecting these [Turkish arguments] and are interpreting differently the meaning and purpose of the population exchange agreement in 1975. They are also arguing that the bizonality that we want would be yet another ethnic cleansing. They consider our proposals incongruent with the European Convention and human rights.

We reiterated our thesis that in view of the validity of their land expropriations -- said to have been done out of necessity for the benefit of the people -- , the solution of the problem would not be helped by the total rejection, for one reason or other, of the measures we have taken for the ending of the conflict between the two peoples, for attaining peace, for rehabilitating the people, and for preserving their economic livelihood.

To protect ourselves and debar the dilution and elimination of our identity and personality -- that is, in short, to prevent the so-called Turkish constituent state from being turned into a mixed-population state and our annihilation from the island over time -- , we dwelled on the importance of including in the agreement those measures -- that is, the privileges called derogations -- that need to be incorporated into the EU's basic law or constitution with an additional protocol.

They argued that this is not possible, as the EU would not accept such a thing.

We reminded them that we are not demanding this measure from them but from the UN and the EU, that this is a fundamental issue, that we insist on it, that there is awareness on our part that if this does not materialize all our rights would simply remain on paper and might become legally invalid, and hence we would not fall for such a trick.

They are saying that by Wednesday [10 March] we should bring to conclusion the remaining issues, that is, the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot demands tabulated in a four-paragraph text by the UN Secretary-General's representative De Soto. At least we should do so by exchanging documents on those issues, so that a negotiation, a give-and-take, on them could commence as of Thursday [11 March]. We accepted that offer. So, if we can, we would enter into a give-and-take process after Thursday.

There is an important case. We examined the paper they had submitted to us on 4 March regarding the provisional measures for the transitional period. If this approach on their part continues, we would come to the conclusion that they have not given up the idea of capturing Cyprus. This is what they are saying: We might agree or disagree on issues, all that we are discussing might come to pass or not, but the fact is we, as Cyprus, have gained the right to join the EU, and since we would join the EU on 1 May, all the measures, even if in provisional form, needed for Cyprus' accession have to be adopted by that date.

They have already completed the work on bringing their laws to the European standards over all these years. Whereas, we have not completed these laws, they know that we are still working on them. So, what they want is for all the Greek Cypriot laws to gain validity throughout Cyprus as of 1 May. What is the meaning of this? The ports and similar institutions will pass into their control and everything will be regulated according to their laws. And then? Elections have to be held for the EU. They say these elections too should be held. But how are we going to hold the elections when we have not yet agreed on the election law? Who are eligible to vote? They say this right only belongs to those considered Cypriot citizen in 1963 and their descendents. We do not accept that. They are not our only citizens. In short, they want to settle all these problems with a push of a pen. They are saying that the rest are transient matters and we could go on discussing them.

We will, of course, give our written reply on these issues on Monday [8 March]. But the knowledge of their approach has had a sobering effect on us. I think that when the foreign diplomats hear of this approach they would realize that the Greek Cypriots' endeavor is similar to the endeavor during the unification of the uni-national Germany and that it would wipe out the rights and status of the Turkish people in the north. This issue is very important, as it has created a situation that requires close attention. We will give our reply on Monday.

Question: In general, how do you assess the talks?

Answer: This is what De Soto said today about the talks: You informed each other of your views, you confirmed these views through documents, but really we have not reached the point of give-and-take; we must, however, start doing that expeditiously given dearth of time.

I think, this Greek Cypriot document [on laws] proves the fact that it is impossible to settle everything within the recognized time. As such, if certain measures are needed to solve this problem [of time], we would also think about them and submit our views on Monday.

Question: Are all the fundamental issues included in the text prepared by De Soto?

Answer: The main outlines of the fundamental issues. As I said many things could be inserted into these outlines. These are only main outlines.

Question: Is there a map in it?

Answer: No, there is no map in it.

Question: British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made a statement'..

Answer: It must have been a very good statement given that it really angered the Greek Cypriots. I have not studied it, though.

Question: Why did you go to Ankara?

Answer: Because I found that the Cyprus problem is a very sensitive national problem in Ankara, in Turkey, as I knew it was. But the outsiders believed that it wasn't so; believed that it was a very easy problem to be solved. Well, I think yesterday's demonstration and excitement has shown that, no, Turkey is very, very, much interested in the Cyprus problem and they will not allow the Turkish Cypriots to be left alone by themselves in this island. I think it was a good show.

Question: According to the Turkish press, the Turkish side is willing to take less than 23 percent [of territory] to allow Greek Cypriot repatriation.

Answer: I have seen those articles. The papers are free to write anything, it is a democratic country.

Question: Foreign Minister Gul said they will work so as to find a solution in Cyprus by 1 May. But you say a solution by 1 May is difficult.

Answer: You can rest assured that both Turkey and ourselves are doing everything possible to keep to the 1 May deadline. But we have also to see the obstacles and difficulties that keep cropping up before us. On this [paper] there is a list of things that should be accomplished. Only reading it, you will realize that it is impossible to accomplish this task [within the set deadline]. But, let us continue until 1 May, with the hope that we might resolve them with some substantial help from somewhere. But because the Greek Cypriots know that the things to be accomplished cannot be finished by 1 May they are telling us: Though we have not agreed on all the problems between us, let us pretend that we have agreed on them, let us give them a provisional status so that we could all join the EU on 1 May as a proper state. That is, they want us to deceive ourselves that there is no harm in their provisional form. For them the whole Cyprus would thus be considered as acceding to the EU. Whereas, for us that means accepting all the laws of the Greek Cypriots and submitting ourselves to the Greek Cypriots.

And most importantly, and I repeat, the EU elections are part of them [of the Cyprus laws]. They are telling us with a straight face that we should also hold those elections. But where is the election law? Who will vote at the elections? These are the major issues between us. It is unacceptable that the Greek Cypriots should resolve their own dilemma by arguing that under their election law the citizens of 1963 and their descendents have the right to vote and then turn around and tell us that everything is over, God help you.

Question: Are you planning to meet on weekends?

Answer: Our committees and colleagues are also working on weekends, as well as day and night. We really owe them all a great thanks.

Question: Do you have any information about the reports that de Soto will fly out from the Nicosia International Airport''

Answer: I do not know. I too heard that, but I do not know from which airport and how he will depart today [for Ankara].

[02] The Spokesman of the Turkish government on Denktas´ show of intransigence in Ankara

Cicek was asked: A magnificent welcoming ceremony was organized for Denktas in Ankara yesterday [4 March]. All parties with the exception of the JDP [Justice and Development Party] attended the meeting that was held. Does this have a special meaning? In reply, he said:

"I do not think so. We have entered a sensitive process regarding Cyprus. Let us all try our best to ensure that our kinsmen in Cyprus, the `TRNC´ and the state of the Turkish Republic emerge victorious from this negotiation process. Difficulties might be experienced from time to time. At such a period, let us not damage this process by placing nonexistent items on the agenda such as creating the impression that there is a dispute between the two sides or as through there is a problem between the JDP government and the honourable Denktas. Otherwise, we will all have to pay the price."

Mr Cicek added that the method of the ongoing negotiation process was decided in unison, and concluded:

"We will be standing by and supporting the honourable Denktas to the very end. This has been the case so far. It has always been this way. Let no one doubt this, because there are no two sides on this issue, there is a single team."

[03] Turkey intends to continue violating the international law if the Greek Cypriots say "no" to a referendum. Jack Straw´s statements assessed as very important for their strategy

"Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul spoke separately with Denktas at the Ankara Chamber of Trade panel. Both Erdogan and Gul called on Denktas, whom they were trying to reassure by saying that international public opinion was on the side of Turkey and the `TRNC´ to "Stay at the table until the end." Denktas turned down Erdogan' dinner invitation saying, "I have a plane to catch."

Denktas received Gul at the Ankara Sheraton Hotel and later met up with Erdogan at the Prime Ministry Residence. Erdogan and Gul gave Denktas the following messages:

1. We began the talks with you on board. We want to end them with you as well.

2. Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's message: "If the Greek Cypriots say "no" then they will only represent the south of the island in the EU" are the most significant words to come out of the EU in many years.

3. We must stay at the table and apply pressure to the very end in order to show the world that the Greek Cypriots do not want this.

4. If the Greek Cypriots say "no" in spite of everything then we shall ensure that the embargo being applied to the `TRNC´ is lifted.

5. If the changes we want in the plan are not made then we too will not favor accepting the plan. Do not worry."

[04] Mr Alvaro de Soto held contacts in Ankara

On his arrival at Esenboga Airport, De Soto was asked why he came to Turkey at this stage. In reply, he said that this was an appropriate time to exchange views with Turkish officials. Noting that during his contacts in Ankara the stage reached at the negotiations will be discussed, De Soto said that they will see what can be done. He further drew attention to the fact that it would be difficult for the sides to reach an agreement on all the issues within two weeks. De Soto said: "We hope that if the desired results are not attained in two weeks, then this will be achieved at the quadripartite meeting to be attended by Turkey and Greece." Noting that it is yet too early to discuss the level of representation at the quadripartite talks, De Soto said that he might go to Athens next week.

Reporting on Mr de Soto´s contacts in Ankara, TRT 2 Television (06.03.04) broadcast that Mr Alvaro de Soto, had a meeting that lasted approximately six and a half hours at the Foreign Ministry yesterday. The meeting with Ambassador Ugur Ziyal and officials of the Cyrus desk at the Foreign Ministry continued until 2230 [2030 GMT]. In the wake of the meeting, de Soto said: "The chance for a solution is naturally getting smaller as time passes by."

Mr de Soto also met with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. In connection with the give-and-take process slated to start on Thursday, de Soto said that he does not have a document in his hands and added: "At this stage, the Annan plan is on the table and the sides are discussing the changes in the plan." Noting that the chance for a solution is getting smaller as time passes, de Soto said: "We are happy with the will displayed by the Turkish government for a solution and believe that this will continue. At the same time, we hope that the support extended by Greece will continue."

The Turkish diplomatic sources, who stress that Turkey still has hopes for a solution, said: "De Soto also accepts that the give-and-take process should be launched as soon as possible."

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnist writes that the Turkish officials in the occupied areas of Cyprus work against the Annan Plan and the solution

"'Here are some clues to Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan, if they do not want to get angry. Denktas who made speeches in Ankara to a crowd shouting 'take the Annan plan to your mother', wanted to organize the same show when he returned to northern Cyprus, but without success, because the Turkish Cypriots showed no respect towards it.

Let Mr Gul and Mr Erdogan get into trouble and find out who met the expenses of this show in northern Cyprus. When they exert efforts for the EU in the name of Turkey, what are their state officials here doing? Let them ask and find out. Let them finally realize that their own state officials in northern Cyprus understand their speeches in Ankara supporting a solution in Cyprus and Turkey's accession to the EU, as if they say that "we are against the solution in Cyprus and the EU".

The picture shown to the world from Ankara is not the same with the one shown from northern Cyprus. Let Erdogan and Gul first try to show a clear picture to America and Europe. They are wrong if they think that America and Europe are blind and deaf, because the Turkish Cypriots are neither blind nor deaf".

[06] Turkish Cypriot daily criticizes Britain's Cyprus policy

"'It is realized that Britain, which considers Cyprus as its own property, is again undertaking a leading role at this stage. The British Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Jack Straw has spoken as if he is dividing the island. If there is no solution, only the southern Cyprus will join the EU, he said. However, it will join the EU as half Cyprus, not as a whole.

Britain has and other initiatives which make the division of the island permanent. It supports that in case Cyprus joins the EU without a solution to the Cyprus problem, then the green line border between the north and the south must be made permanent. It says that the border of the EU should be at Ledra Palace. Britain prevents the discussion of the Greek Cypriot objections against this possibility at the EU. It is as if Britain tries to realize the division via the EU. As a matter of fact, has this not been the dream of the British for half a century now?"

[07] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that by crediting the Turkish side with goodwill Mr Weston is feeding the Turkish intransigence

"It is clear. They will not leave the newspaper AFRIKA alone even if an agreement is reached by sheer luck. For them this is as sacred as a vendetta. You would immediately realize it if you look into their bloodshot eyes.

Just think of it. They go through the three-year-old archives of AFRIKA. They scrutinize them. They come up with groundless pretexts and make them fit into the shapeless mold of the British colonial laws. They file new court cases against AFRIKA and [General Publications Director] Sener Levent.

For God's sake, tell me. Is there the slightest intention in support of peace and solution in such moves? The state approaches with such a grudge and a never-ending desire for vengeance to a newspaper that is supportive of solution and peace. Is this approach compatible with any desire for a "just and lasting solution?"

Those who decide to send abroad on the pretext of so-called medical treatment [former banker] Salih Boyaci, who was sentenced to six years in prison, aspire to shackle AFRIKA and throw it into jail.

Having met with a Turkish Foreign Ministry official, Special Cyprus Coordinator of the State Department Thomas Weston is quoted as saying, "We are aware of the goodwill and the sufficient effort that the Turkish side displays."

In that case, tell us, Mr Thomas Weston: Would silencing the pro-solution and pro-peace press through court cases, which are based on vendetta and vengeance, amount to goodwill?

They have been talking since 19 February. They repeat after every meeting, "We have arrived nowhere." Had there been goodwill and sufficient effort, would the result have been like this? As a matter of fact, is wasting so extravagantly the very short time available the meaning of goodwill?

Rauf Denktas appears on the television every evening to engage in a "no" propaganda in a very rigid and firm language. Is this goodwill? He organizes, behind the scenes, anti-solution and anti-peace demonstrations, and keeps a blind eye to every move made in this direction. Is this goodwill?

The government of the Republic of Turkey talks big when it says it wants a solution, but still remains indifferent to all these. Does this imply goodwill and sufficient effort? Is assigning [Rauf Denktas' Constitutional Adviser] Mumtaz Soysal, a supporter of the occupation and a strong opponent of a solution, to again work with Denktas, a sign of goodwill?

Come on, Weston! Speak out. Is the great trouble that you caused to this island and its people in the last half a century not enough? You led to conflict, through ethnic provocation, the people of this island, and even used Turkey and Greece to this end. The blood that you shed in this island, as well as in many other countries in the world, has jumped all the way to the famous Statue of Liberty's skirt.

Come on, speak out Mr Weston! Explain to us the "goodwill and enough efforts" of the Turkish side, so that we might know about them. You assume that your remarks will encourage Turkey. Is it not so? It is not as you think. I wish you knew that such remarks could only encourage Turkey toward no solution. Moreover, you stand up to say, "The one that says no in the public referendum will pay the price." Would one be certain whether what your desire is yes?"

[08] Commentary in SABAH explains Jack Straw´s statements as serving Turkey´s and the occupation regime´s interests

"Let us say this without much elaboration. The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktas's Ankara landing has only one meaning: Cyprus is being used as material for domestic politics. Some parties want to put Cyprus on their local election platforms.

Who wants to do this?

The RPP [Republican People's Party], FP [Felicity Party], GUP [Grand Unity Party], NAP [Nationalist Action Party], LP [Labour Party], and DLP [Democratic Left Party]--parties that are inconsequential, with the exception of the RPP. Standing beside them is Ankara Chamber of Commerce [ATO] President Sinan Aygun.

These tiny parties have very different political views but there is one point on which they and Aygun agree: They are all opposed to the EU.

This collection of tiny parties has used the ATO to give Denktas a platform to put on a show. Taking this opportunity Denktas sent a string of messages.

To whom were these messages sent? Against whom did Denktas stage this show of force? Who was the address of the ultimatum?

The Greek Cypriots? Kofi Annan? The Turkish Cypriots? Or us, that is those of us who want a solution in Cyprus and who believe membership in the EU is very important for Turkey's future?

To whom was the message issued?

Is not Denktas already running the talks with the Greek Cypriots? Does he not already tell them everything he wants to say? He does. He tells them, to the Greek Cypriots as well as his own people. He has openly said that it is fantasy to expect that a solution can be found by May 1, that he will not sign the plan, and that he will oppose it if it is submitted to a referendum.

Then what is the purpose of this show which was planned as a show of force? Why is there a desire to turn Cyprus into one of the sterile polemical elements of domestic politics? Why is there a desire to draw the Turkish people into the dispute? Why is there an attempt to create polarization?

What happened in Cyprus recently to warrant such a sally? Or did Denktas start off the joint election campaign of the FP, GUP, NAP, LP, and DLP?

The show staged by the ATO was meaningless. Denktas is at the helm, and negotiation procedure is well defined. Ultimately Ankara and Athens will intervene in the process. If an agreement cannot be reached even then, the Turkish and Greek Cypriots will make the final decision.

The `TRNC´ is not a big country. It has only 140,000 voters. Denktas can go and explain to his people why they should vote "no." He can even go door to door to do that. He has the time and means to do it.

If this is what we should expect in the coming days what is the purpose of waging propaganda vis a vis the Turkish people? If the parties from which Denktas hopes to derive strength had any popular support they would be campaigning in public squares. They would be organizing one rally after another.

Denktas hopes to benefit from these parties but the Turkish people do not even look at them because they have become just poster parties. The voters have erased them from their books.

Let us forget the heroic speeches we have heard for so many years. If we will talk, let us talk about concrete steps.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that "if the Greek Cypriots vote "no" on the referendum they would enter the EU representing only the south of the island."

Is not such a prospect in the interests of Turkey and the `TRNC´? What would happen then? Would the EU officially accept the division of the island? Would that mean a recognition of the `TRNC´? Instead of discussing this and similar prospects we continue to engage in "oratory" for ourselves."

[09] Commentary in HURRIYET argues that the Jewish lobby supports the Annan Plan

"Leaked news is pure misdirection. Yet, it looks like there is going to be a U-turn soon.

What is this published news? "The Greek Cypriots are going to say `no´ in the referendum!" Lie! This news is a total joint fabrication. The work of De Soto and Papadopoulos! Now, it emerges that UN representative De Soto is cooperating with the Greek Cypriots. Fake, possibly never even published, polls are concluding that the Greek Cypriots will say `no´. All this in order to ensure a `yes´ vote from the `TRNC¨ in the referendum.

Yet, there is a very high chance of the referendum in the `TRNC¨ producing a `no´ vote! Perhaps this is what is wanted the most!

Besides, there is a certain group in Turkey that is doing all it can for a `no´ vote in the `TRNC¨. The technical point they have embraced is the border line. When the new border is drawn what should go will stay and what should stay will go! As well as the new border other topics causing the talks to stall are property and relocation.

Denktas is already striking outwards from here.

Subtitle: Denktas´ threat

Denktas is going a little bit further. He frequently warns Ankara, "I will pull out of the talks." Now, that threat too is history. He is openly saying, "I will start a campaign for a `no´ vote in the referendum."

So, why is Denktas sitting down to talks? In order not to enable people to say, "He fled the talks." If he withdraws this will be a minus point not for the Justice and Development Party [JDP] but for his own record book!

Yet, the true target of the game is the JDP government! Consequently, rather than leave the talks, by getting a `no´ out of the referendum he is hoping to kill two birds with one stone. He will both save Cyprus and leave Turkey, thus the JDP, in an embarrassing position. Especially vis-à-vis the EU.

Clogging up the EU over the `TRNC¨! Clogging up the JDP over the `TRNC¨!

Failing that, who could stop a JDP that gets a settlement on Cyprus and a date from the EU at the next general election let alone the forthcoming local ones?

Who Benefits? In such a situation there is only one question: Who would be the happiest people in a Turkey that fails to secure a date from the EU? Who would benefit most from this? You know it. You know who this person or these people are.

However, how much would such a result, though working for some individuals, benefit the Turkish people? How would it affect the people's fate? Good God, is it not time to be thinking this now? Turkey is taking a dangerous bend!

Subtitle: Palestine-Cyprus

The Jewish lobby in America, which has been following developments on Cyprus from a distance until now, is stepping in. Behind Annan. It is backing the plan fully.

The Jewish lobby had maintained its silence from the outset but now wants to take the Annan Plan as an example. An example for the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. According to their calculations if Annan succeeds on Cyprus then why should not a similar plan be the guide for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian problem?

The Israelis equate the Palestinians with the Turkish side. Whatever the Turks get on Cyprus the Israelis can give similar rights to the Palestinians! Within the scope of a new Annan Plan. Work is now going on in Washington and New York."

/SK

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