Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media 96-07-17

From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.128/96 17.7.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eight deputies resign from True Path Party

Antalya Deputy Emre Gonensay, Aydin Deputy Ismet Sezgin, Bursa Deputy Cavit Caglar, Bartin Deputy Koksal Toptan, Gaziantep Deputy Mehmet Batalli, Izmir Deputy Mehmet Kostepen, Izmir Deputy Rifat Serdaroglu, and Ordu Deputy Refaiddin Sahin.

According to TRT (17:00 hours, 16.7.96) before they submitted their resignation from the True Path Party (DYP), the eight deputies held a meeting. In a statement on their behalf, Aydin Deputy Ismet Sezgin said that it is not because of fate or coincidence that they are being forced to resign from their political nest. He alleged that the stand and acts of the DYP leadership are totally incongruent with the values, rules, and principles that constitute the DYP's raison d'etre.

[02] Demirel favours integration of Turkish Cypriot economy

Demirel received the so-called TRNC Ambassador to Ankara Nazif Borman and a delegation accompanying him at the Cankaya Mansion on the occasion of the anniversary of the 20 July invasion. Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots mark the anniversary of the invasion as the peace and freedom day, Borman extended the gratitude of the Turkish Cypriots to motherland Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces one more time on this occasion.

Demirel, in his statement, claimed that there were attempts to eliminate the London and Zurich agreements. He also made the outrageous allegation that the Turkish Cypriots were subjected to genocide in the real sense of the word. "Turkey abided by agreements, exercised its right as guarantor, and launched the peace operation", Demirel claimed, stressing that it is unthinkable for Turkey to abandon its kinsmen living in Cyprus. Noting that Turkey is the only country that recognizes the "TRNC", Demirel said: "The Turks living on this eastern Mediterranean island have therefore been isolated from the world. They are in a very difficult position."

Demirel declared that it is essential that peace should guarantee the sovereignty, political equality, and security of the people living on the island. Any peace that does not fulfill these conditions cannot be lasting or feasible, Demirel added.

"Attempting to include south Cyprus into the EU, as though it constitutes the whole of Cyprus, violates agreements, because Cyprus cannot become an EU member before Turkey. We are currently facing certain ploys, but all these schemes will be surmounted, as they have been in the past. The international community is obliged to concede the justness of the Turkish Cypriot people. No matter what happens, while we seek a just, fair, and viable peace vis-a-vis the international community, we are in favour of eliminating certain existing difficulties by regulating the TRNC economic and integrating this economy into Turkey", he said.

[03] Turkish Defense Minister assures Turkish Cypriots of guarantorship

Tayan received "TRNC ambassador" Nazif Borman and an accompanying delegation.

Tayan said Turkey was always supporting the "TRNC people" and the guarantorship right is their assurance.

[04] New Turkish State Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs

Abdullah Gul is also responsible for relations with the Turkic states and communities all over the world. (MY) EF/SK