Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media 96-07-22

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

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.131/96 20-21-22.7.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash delivers address to launch `celebrations'

In his speech, Denktash inter alia said: "The Cyprus problem has now become a diplomatic struggle. The key to winning this diplomatic struggle is economy. Through a speedy and effective economic program we should show the Greek Cypriot side the following: Even if the Turkish troops withdraw from the island after peace is reached, unlike the Greek Cypriot expectations, the Turkish Cypriots are not a community devoid of deep roots that can be eradicated so easily. This community has grown deep roots in partnership and through investments made with those who came from the motherland. Turkey is here through the Turkish Cypriots. Just as the Greek Cypriot claim that Greece has arrived in Cyprus, so has Turkey. We have to prove this in the economic field as well. Let us wage and win this struggle together. I am reiterating my call to investors especially in the field of tourism. Let us establish cooperation, partnership, and everything else that will strengthen the bridges between us. What I want the motherland to do is to consider the Turkish Cypriots as their own citizens in all aspects and fields. The artificial doors between us should be removed, and a situation should be created in which Turkey can tell the world that the Turkish Cypriots are its blood brothers and its citizens. We should advance in that direction."

[02] Erbakan on his visit to Cyprus

[03] Erbakan sends messages to Denktash, Atun

Erbakan stressed that the solution to the Cyprus problem must be based on the recognition of the sovereignty and political equality of the Turkish Cypriot people, and on the retention of Turkey's effective and active guarantee.

"While fulfilling its contractual and historical undertakings regarding our national Cyprus cause -- in line with international law -- Turkey will also continue to fulfill its economic responsibilities with a view to boosting the prosperity and happiness of its Turkish Cypriot brothers," Erbakan wrote in his message.

Prime Minister Erbakan also sent a message to "Prime Minister" Hakki Atun, saying that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are powerful enough to overcome all problems. He added that Turkey is determined to continue to extend support and to conduct cooperation in every field for the economic and social development of its Turkish Cypriot brothers.

[04] Turkish companies take control of tourist establishments in the occupied area

KIBRIS reports that the Dedeman Group has written to the Turkish Cypriot Wayf (Religious Foundation), which runs the Dome Hotel in occupied Kyrenia, and expressed readiness to rent the Greek Cypriot owned hotel. (MY)

[05] Denktash denies meeting set between military commanders

In a statement he issued Denktash pointed out that issues such as the withdrawal of certain soldiers from the Green Line or disarming the soldiers have been on everyone's mind lately and claimed: "We told the Americans during yesterday's meeting that we have always been ready to hold discussions on this issue. Greek Cypriot efforts to politicize the matter are the reason for the deadlock on this issue. The military officials will be given the necessary orders after the United Nations conveys to us its thoughts on the issue and presents its plans and programs."

Alleging that reports that a decision has been made on a meeting of the commanders of the Turkish occupation forces and the Greek Cypriot National Guard are false, Denktash added: "We must be contacted and briefed before such a meeting can take place. Only then can we assess the situation with the commanders of our armed corps and security forces." Stressing that there is an agreement in principle and that only the commanders of the occupation forces and the so-called security forces can discuss this issue with the Greek Cypriot side, Denktash claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side is not avoiding the issue.

Further stating that the necessary procedures must be set in motion and approved before the meeting in question can take place, Denktash added that the so-called security forces commander will also attend the meeting in question.

[06] Turkish Prime Minister arrives, for the 20th July "celebrations"

Erbakan arrived at occupied Tymbou airport last Saturday morning. He was accompanied by Justice Minister Sevket Kazan and State Ministers Abdullah Gul and Fehmi Adak.

Asked to comment on the Greek Cypriot reaction to his visit, Erbakan claimed that the Greek Cypriot attitude is wrong and that he came to Cyprus "to help ensure that both peoples on the island live in peace and tranquility."

Denktash, in turn, said: "The motherland is and will continue to be on our side. The Cyprus problem is a great matter of honour for the motherland. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Erbakan for bringing us this message."

Later, Rauf Denktash made a speech at the 20 July ceremonies in occupied Nicosia.

Pointing out that the presence of Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan at the ceremonies carried great significance and has a historical meaning, Denktash stated: "The Greek Cypriots should learn a lesson from this and realize that they cannot separate the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey."

Alleging that Erbakan arrived at the "TRNC" in a bid to strengthen peace, Denktash invited the Greek Cypriots to a meeting by saying: "Turkey is not your enemy. You and Greece have a lot to gain from securing friendly relations with Turkey."

Addressing the 20 July ceremonies after Denktash, Erbakan said that he made this visit primarily to show that motherland supported the Turkish Cypriots.

Noting that the new government set up in Turkey considers it its duty to bring prosperity to both the "TRNC" and the 65 million citizens in Turkey, Erbakan announced the good news that the economic projects to that effect will be activated. Erbakan continued: "The fact that I am standing in your presence as the Turkish prime minister is proof that the aid we are extending to you will increase. Turkey secured lasting peace on the island through the peace operation. The world should realize that there are two communities and states in Cyprus." Erbakan called on the Greek Cypriot side by saying: "Let us, who are neighbours, be friends and brothers. Turkey and the TRNC do not heave their eyes on anybody's territory."

According to illegal Bayrak radio (15:30 hours, 20.7.96) Erbakan left the island after concluding his contacts. Erbakan prayed at the occupied Nicosia Arabahmet Mosque, visited the Kyrenia military cemetery, and participated at the luncheon Atun hosted in his honour before leaving the island. Erbakan also held a news conference at the airport.

In the speech he gave at the luncheon Atun hosted in his honour, Erbakan said that he will always be proud of the fact that as the Turkish Prime Minister he conducted his first visit abroad to the "TRNC", and in the same way he felt proud that he was the deputy prime minister of the government that decided to launch the "peace operation". Noting that the motherland and the "TRNC" are two parts that can never be separated from each other, Erbakan said that the security of the "TRNC" and peace and tranquility on the island are the national causes of Turkey.

In the news conference prior to his departure Erbakan said: "We are already experiencing the excitement of the leap that the TRNC will undertake as an independent state in the coming period." Expressing his belief that the "TRNC" will take great steps forward in the areas of development, investment, livestock, industrialization, and exports, Erbakan added that "the people of the TRNC will become more prosperous in the future."

[07] Turkish delegation holds news conference prior to departure

In a statement at the news conference at occupied Tymbou airport, Atun stressed that "solving the TRNC's problems and raising its level of prosperity are the most important tasks of the two countries."

In his statement at the news conference, Gul pledged that Turkey's support for the "TRNC" will continue in every field. Stressing that Turkey views the Cyprus issue as a national cause that cannot be renounced, Gul said that this visit constitutes a meaningful message in this vein to the world. Gul declared that Cyprus cannot return to the sixties or seventies, adding: "The TRNC is our baby country. The motherland will fulfill its duty in this regard with determination."

[08] No agreement reached at "coalition" talks

DP leader Serdar Denktash, in a statement said that the DP proposals taken to the NUP were received negatively and that the DP did not even feel the need to respond to the NUP counterproposals.

In a statement on the meeting, Eroglu said that the DP came to the meeting with proposals that were even less attractive than those submitted to a previous meeting, adding that it is out of the question for the NUP to accept these proposals. Noting that there would no point in continuing the "coalition" talks if the DP insists on its proposals, Eroglu said that while trying to form a "coalition government" the NUP is not aiming for early elections but for a "government" that will function until 1998.

[09] Hunger-striking prisoner dies in Istanbul

[10] Ciller wins re-election as DYP leader

[11] Movement for Peace in the occupied area