Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-02-11

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 27/97 11/2/97

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] DENKTASH' S MESSAGE ON OCCASION OF RAMADAN HOLIDAY

``They told us that this state of affairs cannot continue in this way because of our uncertain future. Now, we can see clearly into the future. Our future is a strong Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC]. Our future is a TRNC that will prevail under Turkey' s ongoing guarantee. The acknowledgement of our sovereignty, in the event that peace is secured with the Greek Cypriots, constitutes our future. The acknowledgement of our sovereignty is tantamount to securing our legitimate rights.''

He further claimed that Turkey should first become a member of the EU so that peace will be secured in Cyprus. ``The whole of Cyprus cannot become a member of the EU without Turkey' s first assuming its place in the EU. Do not think the opposite and undertake actions by believing in the opposite. This is the message'', he alleged.

[02] CILLER MEETS UN ENVOY ON CYPRUS, HAN COMMENTS ON CONTACTS

Later, Han replied to questions by TRT correspondent Digdem Vardir on his recent visit to Cyprus. Recounting that he met with the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Han said that he relayed to them a message from the new UN secretary general. Han said that during his contacts, he established that both community leaders favour direct negotiations but more preparations are needed if successful negotiations are to be conducted.

Han added that he is trying to find the right time and climate for a direct meeting between the two leaders in Cyprus, but a preparatory period of one or two months is necessary in order to bring about such a meeting.

[03] TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY' S OYMEN DISCUSSES CYPRUS WITH UN' S HAN

In his statement, Oymen remarked that he held a considerably beneficial meeting with the UN envoy regarding the latest situation in Cyprus. Oymen said that during the meeting, he told Han that Turkey has always been exerting sincere efforts for the establishment of a biregional, bizonal, and bicommunal federal republic in Cyprus. Oymen concluded by saying that he also told the UN envoy that the Greek Cypriot side cannot become an EU member before the Cyprus issue is resolved or before Turkey and Cypurs simultaneously join the EU.

In his statement following the meeting with Oymen, Han declared that the sides on the island must show willingness for conciliation before direct talks can begin between them. Both sides must make concessions, Han remarked, adding that they should not expect all their demands to be satisfied. Han said he observed a certain degree of rapprochement between the sides, although this may not be sufficient to resume direct talks.

He pointed out that a meeting between the two leaders in Cyprus is not expected in the near future.

[04] DYP DEPUTY WARNS THAT HANDS RAISED AGAINST TURKISH FLAG WILL BE BROKEN

[05] AKBEL, OLGUN ON CYPRUS ISSUE

In reply to a relevant question, Akbel inter alia said: ``The parameters of any future Cyprus solution are evident. These parameters were determined both between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and in international circles, including the United Nations. They consist of bizonality, the political equality of the two peoples on the island, active and effective participation in the administration, biregionality, bicommunality etc. It is not possible to regress from these parameters''.

To a comment that the Aegean question and Athens is also part of the Cyprus issue and asked, in this context, what is the short- term goal behind the Greek Cypriots' armament efforts, Orgun claimed, inter alia:

``As a Turkish Cypriot and a person who has been following the subject for a long time, I can say that the possibility of this situation turning into a violent clash is slim. In other words the Greek Cypriots may act in a very emotional manner, but in the final analysis, the consequences will become evident. The side to lose from such a clash is definitely the Greek Cypriot side and Greece. The cost of such a clash is so high that even a mad person could not embark on it. The goals set by the Greek Cypriot -- for example membership in the EU-- cannot be realized as long as escalation continues. First of all, the economy of south Cyprus is not ready for EU membership. It has a structure that derives benefits entirely from being outside the EU. Its agricultural sector is not in a position to compete. Nor are its industrial or manufacturing sectors. Only the service sector is sound, and that, in turn, is dependent largely on offshore and tourism activities''.

Asked about what will happen in the near future, Akbel claimed: ``One must wait and see how conditions develop. One must recognise that it is impossible to say anything definite at the moment''.

Akbel added: `` Turkey will continue to implement its duty of ensuring the security of the Turkish Cypriot people without any hesitation. Let no one make any wrong calculations on the issue because, as I have said a while ago, those wrong calculations that were made in the past caused tears and grief. The two presidents announced most explicitly, in their joint declaration issued on 20 January, that an attack launched against the Turkish Cypriots will be viewed as an attack against the Turkish Republic, and it will meet with an appropriate response. Let no one, enemy or ally, have any doubt about it.''

Asked to assess the peace initiatives of third countries, Orgun claimed: ``Now, the peace initiatives of these countries are based on a very wrong foundation. Even disregarding their own interests and, of course, their efforts to find a solution that will protect their interests, the whole foundation is wrong. In other words, it is impossible to reach a solution in Cyprus through these efforts, the efforts of these third parties, this wrong foundation, and the Greek and Greek Cypriot mentality. I would like to first of all point this fact out. Then I would like to examine the reasons for it''. And he continued:

"When we examine the issue from the viewpoint of the United States we see that U.S. strategic interests are based on preventing a clash between Greece and Turkey and on strengthening and expanding NATO. The United States aims at preserving this balance and preventing a clash in a bid to protect its strategic interests. The Unites States is struggling to achieve this goal. This is not, however, Russia's goal. Russia's goal is to maintain the animosity between Turkey and Greece and to prevent the expansion of NATO''.

After refering to the economic basis the Russians secured in Cyprus, he added:

``A military dimension was added to this economic infrastructure as a result of the efforts exerted by the previous ambassador. Military experts will be stationed in south Cyprus and Russian weapons will be deployed. Enmity will be created between Turkey and Greece. The conflict will continue. The Russians will keep their troops and their missiles in south Cyprus without exerting much effort. Of course, the expansion of NATO will be prevented. All flights over the Metiterranean, for example Israeli flights, will be within the range of the S-300 missiles. All these flights will be monitored by their radar system.

So will the U.S. flights. All aircraft taking off from Turkey's southern coast will also be monitored. This is an ideal situtation for the Russians. Therefore, as you have mentioned, there is a basic conflict.

Let us view Britain. What will happen to the British bases in the event of a conciliation?" And he gives the answer:

"Of course, they want to keep the bases. The result is that there are conflicting interests and a wrong basis. The conclusion is that there are two states in Cyprus. We should not be losing time with other issues. Let all these dynamics continue".

Asked wether the economic war is more serious than the other aspect, Olgun said:

"My view is that our highest priority should be economic. Enough of the political struggle. Let the Greek Cypriots continue if they choose so".

In reply to another question, Olgun claimed:

"A solution to the Cyprus issue lies in securing cooperation between the two states. There is no other way to secure a solution in Cyprus since the dynamics are not moving along any other lines. It is impossible to secure a solution in any other way, however much we seek and desire it. For this reason, it is time the whole world accepted the reality that a solution can only be secured on the principle of two states and only if the de facto situation is legitimized. In this vein, the two states and its peoples should launch cooperation because they share the same island, fate, and region. Thw two sides should launch cooperation on issues such as environment, health, and water".

He went on and claimed: "Turkey is a strong country and Turkey is really the only guarantee of peace and stability in the region and in Cyprus. It is time we leave aside useless pursuits and mind our own business. Our business concerns bringing prosperity to our people and exalt the TRNC. This is the only stand that will lead us toward peace. We are obliged to have the world accept the reality that two states can find common grounds for cooperation only if they are acknowledged as such. Any other stand is a waste of time".

Concluding, Akbel said: "My wish and hope as a diplomat, however, is that common sense will win in the end because a solution to this issue will be beneficial for the two peoples in Cyprus. I think the Turkish and Greek nations and peoples will also benefit from settling their issues in an open-hearted manner. Therefore, we called the Greek Government to a comprehensive and sincere dialogue in a bid to resolve all the issues. My sincere hope is that common sense will gain the upper hand in terms of the Turkish-Greek relations and a solution to the Cyprus issue".

On his part, Olgun said: "I have absolutely no doubts regarding the future. I am at ease. There is no way the Greek Cypriots can win in Cyprus. They may have scored a political advantage; however, it is impossible for them to score on the illegal fight they are waging in the legal arena, in particular in the military arena. We, as Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, have no justifiable reasons to be concerned. We only have to pursue proactive policies, not reactive ones, by having more solidarity among ourselves and by trusting each other in a bid to prepare our futures. We will not cover much distance if we let ourselves be concerned in vain and waste time on Greek Cypriot behavior. For this reason, I am at ease".

[06] DENKTASH CRITICIZES UNFICYP REPORT

In a statement to illegal TAK [Turkish Cypriot News Agency], Denktas claimed that the UNFICYP report on the alleged incident is not based on any serious investigation. Also alleging that the UNFICYP approach encourages the Greek Cypriots, Denktas claimed that although the UN report said that there was wind that night, this was not the case.

Denktas claimed: "The tendency of the UN military authorities to overlook the facts and to avoid blaming the guilty side encourages the continuation of such incidents." EF/MaP