Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-09-10

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

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 167/97 -- 10.9.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel on "Regional Threat" allegedly to be posed by S-300 deployment.

[02] Batu notes full agreement with US on missiles for Cyprus.

[03] Sezgin comments on S-300 missiles' Greek-Turkish relations.

[04] US: More diplomatic dialogue is necessary on Cyprus question.

[05] Kinkel: No chance of Turkey getting on the EU train in the near future.

[06] Pseudostate "government" asked to repeal "decree" on illegal workers.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel on "Regional Threat" allegedly to be posed by S-300 deployment

In a statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Gurel said that all the countries that are involved in the region and that want to preserve regional stability should take an interest in the S-300 missiles issue, and the United States tops this list.

Also alleging that the deployment of the S-300 missiles purchased from Russia in Cyprus will upgrade the armament process in Cyprus, Gurel said that following the deployment of the missiles in Cyprus, a Russian military presence will be felt on the island, because "Russian soldiers and Russian experts will settle in south Cyprus in the wake of the missiles. In this way, Russia will achieve what even the Soviet Union was unable to attain during the Gold War days, and secure an important base in the eastern Mediterranean."

Gurel remarked that the states that are concerned with the region, especially the United States, should also take a close interest in this aspect of the matter, adding: "As far as I can discern, the United States is sensitive in this regard.

I wouldn't know, however, what results this sensitivity would yield or what initiatives the United States would attempt to undertake."

The state minister stressed that the Greek Cypriot side may attempt to utilize the missile issue as a bargaining chip against the "TRNC" and Turkey, adding that a proposal may be made to renounce the deployment of the missiles on the island in exchange for a reduction in the Turkish occupation forces in the "TRNC".

Gurel stated: "Everyone should be aware that the security and well being of the TRNC are guaranteed by Turkey.

Likewise, the existence of the TRNC is an element of security for Turkey. To protect the TRNC front, especially such a broad front, and especially against the Greek Cypriot Administration that is arming itself so extensively, we will maintain as many soldiers as needed on that island."

Pointing out that Turkey will not tolerate the deployment of these missiles in Cyprus, Gurel announced that Turkey will adopt all the necessary measures against these missiles.

Commenting on the possibility of the missiles being transported piece by piece via the Turkish straits, Minister Gurel noted: "The Montreux agreement regarding the straits does not grant Turkey authority with regard to the passage of weapons from the straits, because the passage of commercial ships is completely free during times of peace."

Gurel explained that the agreement grants Turkey certain rights not only in times of war or confrontation, but also when there is a threat of war. He added: "We are not experiencing such a situation at the moment. In other words, Turkey is not in a position to say: I feel I am under threat of war; therefore, I am implementing the pertinent provisions of the agreement." Gurel said, however, that Turkey has such a right.

Gurel recalled that it was announced that if the EU starts full membership negotiations with the Cyprus Government Turkey will take parallel steps.

Minister Gurel said that Turkey's integration efforts will not undermine the "TRNC's independence, sovereignty, and news status", adding: "I would like to remind those who seek to criticize Turkey pretending that they are concerned over this matter about the following point: Political integration between the EU and the Greek Cypriot Administration is not causing concern; but, integration, partial integration, or a special relationship between Turkey and the TRNC is the subject of reservation. It is difficult to understand the logic in this", he claimed.

[02] Batu notes full agreement with US on missiles for Cyprus

During the day, Miller met with General Cevik Bir, deputy chief of the General Staff, and Foreign Ministry officials. The first statement on the talks was issued by Inal Batu, deputy under secretary of the Foreign Ministry. Asked if the missile issue was discussed during the meeting, Batu said: Of course, it was.

"There is no difference between our views and those of the United States on this subject. The United States was also opposed to the purchase and possible deployment of the missiles on the island from the beginning. Our interests are similar in this regard, because both the United States and Turkey do not favour new tensions in the region or changes in the existing balances.

In this context, we are in full agreement", Batu said.

Miller, in response to a question on the same subject, said that many subjects were discussed, but he will not focus on details in Ankara or in his other stops. Miller remarked that he is not deluding himself, adding that a good beginning was made in Ankara.

Foreign Ministry Under Secretary Onur Oymen, in turn, declared that the meeting with Miller was held in a constructive, comprehensive, and positive atmosphere. Miller will proceed to Istanbul, where he will meet with businessmen. He will also hold contacts in Athens and Cyprus.

[03] Sezgin comments on S-300 missiles, Greek-Turkish relations

In his statement, Sezgin reiterated that the S-300 missiles are too much for Cyprus and too little for Turkey and warned the Greek and the Cyprus Governments not to undertake any "Rhodes-like solutions." Sezgin said: "We will not allow the Turkish Cypriots to go back to the dark days before 1974".

Alleging that a de facto situation emerged with the establishment of the "TRNC", Sezgin stated that Turkey will not allow this situation to change. Claiming that Turkey always favoured settlement issues through dialogue, Sezgin added: "As the children of two countries on the shores of the Aegean, war is unnecessary."

In his statement on the S-300 missiles, Sezgin said that Russia should take into consideration its flourishing relations with Turkey and stay away from such initiatives. Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side seeks to deploy the S-300 missiles on the island so as to increase its bargaining position, Sezgin added:

"This is not such an important issue. Everything can be settled through reason."

In his concluding remarks, Sezgin delivered the following message to the Turkish Cypriots: "Cyprus is the pride of our state. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. We will do whatever is necessary along the lines of the London and Zurich agreements."

[04] US: More diplomatic dialogue is necessary on Cyprus question

Before his meeting with Ambassador Inal Batu, the deputy undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Miller spoke with Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Cevik Bir.

Following the discussions with the top military officials, Miller and the senior US diplomats accompanying him had a long meeting with Batu. Miller's visit was described as "a preparatory step for the mission of Special Presidential Emissary Richard Holbrooke."

Confidence building measures, including the ban on military flights over Cyprus and new measures concerning the UN-sponsored buffer zone, were reportedly discussed during the talks.

The US envoy repeated his country's well-known opposition to the militarization of the island, including the deployment of the S-300 missiles.

Miller said that a more open diplomatic dialogue was necessary between Athens and Ankara instead of the current public debates. Sources also quoted Miller as saying that the decision of the European Commission concerning the full membership of Cyprus to the EU had negatively affected the negotiations process..

Miller, who works closely with Special Presidential Envoy Richard Holbrooke and Assistant Secretary of State Marc Grossman, also met on Tuesday afternoon with Onur Oymen, Foreign Ministry undersecretary.

[05] Kinkel: No chance of Turkey getting on the EU train in the near future

Kinkel said Turkey has no chance of realizing its ambitions to join the European Union soon. "Turkey has had a place reserved for it on the European train since 1963 but there is no chance of it getting on the train in the near future", he told Turkey's daily newspaper YENI YUZYIL in an interview. Kinkel said Turkey lagged far behind in keeping its promises to improve its human rights record.

Cem who was in Antalya said he will fly to Germany on September 12 and talk to his counterpart "face-to-face".

"Kinkel has made similar remarks previously. He came to Turkey six months ago and said the same thing", Cem said.

Cem's planned visit to Germany was also announced by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. Ministry spokesperson Sermet Atacanli said Cem's working visit will last two days, and he will discuss bilateral relations with Germany, as well as with the EU.

[06] Pseudostate "government" asked to repeal "decree" on illegal workers

He warned that at a time when Turkish Cypriots regardless of whether they are RTP, NUP, CLP or DP supporters, are emigrating, making the illegal Turkish workers "citizens" will pave the way for great destruction.

He accused the "Eroglu government" of hiding the truth from the Turkish Cypriots as regards the "decree" and its contents.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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