Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media (Cyprus PIO Review) 96-07-01.

From: Panayiotis Zaphiris <pzaphiri@glue.umd.edu>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.116/96 29-30/6/1.7.96

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey reacts to UN Secretary General's report on Cyprus.

[02] Rasit claims UNSC resolution is `unacceptable'.

[03] RTP withdraws support for `coalition'.

[04] Denktash seeks decision on suspending negotiations.

[05] RP-DYP government named in Turkey.

[06] Denktash meets UN envoy.

[07] New aircraft for the "Cyprus Turkish Airlines.

[08] Turkish Military College students trained in the occupied area

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey reacts to UN Secretary General's report on Cyprus

Alleging that certain realities were not outlined clearly, Akbel expressed concern the "inherent in this situation is the danger that circles that are unable to follow the developments in detail will make inaccurate assessments."

Akbel claimed: "For example, we view as a significant shortcoming the failure of the UN Secretary General to clearly state that it is the Greek Cypriot Administration that has been shunning the negotiating table for the past year and a half, avoiding even any mention of the UN's set of ideas, and ignoring the existence of the package of confidence-building-measures."

Akbel also described as "intriguing" the Secretary-General's strong remarks that Cyprus' membership in the EU will facilitate the efforts for a solution. Akbel recalled that the pseudostate considers the Cyprus Government's application to the EU invalid and has declared that this initiative can only be negotiated if the equal sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot side is recognized.

Akbel said that Turkey resents the fact that the report fails to mention these aspects. The spokesman concluded by saying that, despite all this, Turkey believes that the goodwill mission of the UN Secretary General is the most suitable way to solve the Cyprus issue.

[02] Rasit claims UNSC resolution is `unacceptable'

Rasit also said that in paragraph 13, the Greek Cypriot side's appeal to the EU is supported while the Turkish Cypriot side's views are ignored. He alleged that this is an unacceptable and regrettable situation.

[03] RTP withdraws support for `coalition'

Mehmet Ali Talat, RTP leader, "State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister" at this stage has called on "Prime Minister" Hakki Atun to announce the resignation of the "government". Speaking at a news conference he held at the party headquarters, Talat said that at this current stage the resignation of the "government" would be the best path to take. He stressed that if a new "government" is not formed, then elections should be held on a date to be agreed upon by the parties. Talat said that if Atun does not announce the "government's" resignation then there are several formulas to overthrow the "government" and added: "We will find this formula. We might even submit an interpellation motion to the assembly in a bid to overthrow the government; this is another option."

Accusing his partner of not working seriously for the solution of the Cyprus problem (illegal Bayrak radio, 15:30 hours, 29.6.96), he added: "An almost conscious effort was conducted to isolate the Turkish Cypriots." Talat stressed that the remarks about integration were the primary mistake.

Referring to a possible DP-NUP "coalition", Talat charged that such a "coalition" will revive the dark days, about which people are too scared to talk.

[04] Denktash seeks decision on suspending negotiations

Denktash added: "As far as I am concerned, I would suspend the negotiations, because they are unnecessary. I would say let us expend our energy on the economy instead of wasting it on the negotiations. We must make this decision jointly, however. I will take it to our Assembly, and then we must discuss it with Turkey. I hope that something auspicious will come of it."

Denktash called on the Turkish businessmen to invest in the pseudostate. Veli Saritoprak, chairman of the executive council of the WAQF, said that Turkey will continue to support the "TRNC" in every field. He added that the political problem as well as the economic difficulties created by the EU embargo will be overcome jointly.

[05] RP-DYP government named in Turkey

Meeting with President Suleyman Demirel immediately after two-hours of final talks with DYP leader Tansu Ciller on the terms of the four-year partnership, Erbakan disclosed an evenly split cabinet.

He named Ciller as his deputy and foreign minister, thanking her for her "understanding and sacrifices she undertook". Dismissing the possibility of a no confidence vote by the Parliament, Erbakan said the partnership had solid support.

In the 37-person cabinet DYP held foreign affairs, defense, interior and education portfolios beside important economic posts, while finance, justice and culture ministries went to RP.

The distribution reflected DYP's anxiousness to soften the reaction to the unconventional partnership from the secular mainstream by holding vital posts to protect them from Islamist encroachment although Erbakan has taken care to moderate RP's radical image and its anti-West stance.

Although the partners postponed the disclosure of coalition terms to Saturday, sources close to two leaders said under the deal, Erbakan will head the government for the first two years and then hand it over to Ciller for the remaining two years.

[06] Denktash meets UN envoy

In a statement after the meeting, Denktash reiterated his call to President Clerides to come to the negotiating table and to discuss the future of Cyprus in light of the existing parameters. Denktash expressed the belief that the special envoy, following his contacts on the island, realizes how difficult the solution of the Cyprus problem is. Denktash added that the special envoy will try and find out why the problem has, so far, not been resolved.

[07] New aircraft for the "Cyprus Turkish Airlines"

Two of the 1996-model, brand new aeroplanes will join the so-called Cyprus Turkish Airlines in December 1996 and the third one in January 1997.

The total cost for the three aeroplanes is 120 million US Dollars. The money will be paid in 12 years. McDonell Douglas has agreed to build a hungar at the occupied Tymbou airport and supply spare parts worth half a million US Dollars, free of charge. The cost for the hungar is one million US Dollars.

With the new aeroplanes, the total seat capacity of the airlines will reach 700 passengers.

[08] Turkish Military College students trained in the occupied area

The students will receive practical training in the various units of the occupation army.