Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-10-26

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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. 198/98 -- 24-25-26.10.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey denies violating FIR Line in Cyprus.

[02] Cem, Denktash interviewed on Cyprus.

[03] Pseudostate without electricity as of end of the month.

[04] Turks claim violation of ``TRNC airspace''.

[05] Denktash urges President Clerides to sign accord based on ``two states''.

[06] Talat: Mideast accord should encourage Cyprus peace.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey denies violating FIR Line in Cyprus

Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, claimed that the mentioned ``allegations'' are not true.

[02] Cem, Denktash interviewed on Cyprus TRT

Asked what is the stage reached on the Cyprus problem and the S-300 missiles, Cem replied:

``Under the present conditions, we have reached the best stage we could have reached in terms of Cyprus. I had previously talked about determination. As Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) we have displayed determination. We clearly explained to the world that this issue will not be resolved unless it is accepted that the Turkish Cypriot side is a political sovereign entity. We also said that Turkey extends and will always extend full support for this understanding. The situation is as follows: Our determination is known to all. This determination, therefore, has an impact on the world´s approach to the Cyprus. The world is slowly embarking on a process of acceptance. The confederation model was at first rejected by Greece at the beginning. Other countries also displayed an unfavourable approach to this model. Now, however, the situation is different. Powerful and serious countries, along with the Untied Nations, are now taking Dentkash´s proposal seriously and are trying to figure out what to do. This is what happened in Cyprus at first.

Secondly, Turkey has pursued an extremely determined policy with regard to the S-300 missiles. This policy proved its worth. As you know, these missiles had to be deployed in September. There were efforts to engage us in a process of bargaining. They thought that they could make us and the TRNC do what they wanted by telling the Greek Cypriot side to give up the idea of deploying these missiles on Cyprus. We adopted a very determined stand on this issue. We rejected all efforts at mediation. We said that these missiles are the problem of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side. It is up to them to settle this problem. We only said that we will not do anything on the subject. We added, however, that we will do whatever is necessary in the event that the missiles are deployed in Cyprus, that we completed our preparations in this area, and that they are free to do as they please''.

Asked what is the stage of the political and economic integration of the ``TRNC'' and Turkey, Cem said: ``This process is under way within the framework of the Partnership Council, which is co-chaired by State Minister Gurel. The Foreign Ministry is part of this council and its greatest supporter. What we would like to say to the world is that the Cyprus issue is already settled in terms of peace. Mr. Denktash´s confederation model is a solution if a solution acceptable to both sides is sought for in Cyprus. This confederation model is being received with increasing interest. Turkey is now standing on surer ground on the Cyprus issue. The TRNC will be able to distribute the water it receives from Anatolia to certain Middle East countries if the water project is realized. I am very hopeful with regard to the future of Cyprus. I believe that the TRNC is on the right track thanks to the great political expertise of Mr. Denktash.''

On his part, in reply to a question on the Nikiforos -Toxotis exercise, Denktash claimed: ``This is a show of intention. They want us to know about their intentions. They are carrying out an exercise to save Kyrenia. They think that Cyprus is theirs and that it is a Greek island. This exercise is a display of this intention. We are taking our measures in face of such a bad neighbour.''

And he continued: ``We are determined to safeguard our state and do the necessary on the integration issue with the motherland.''

[03] Pseudostate without electricity as of end of the month

Denktash explained that the ``government'' has been exerting efforts to assist the corporation for the past two-three years, funds have been secured from various institutions, and fuel oil payments were made without fail until now. At this point, however, it seems that the ``Vakiflar Bank'' has decided not to provide the necessary credit for the purchase of fuel oil, Denktash said. He confirmed that hitches have recently been experienced in the payments, adding, however, the ``Council of Ministers'' was informed one year ago that these hitches would occur and a deficit of $5 million would be accrued by mid-1998 unless electricity prices are increased. Denktash said, however, that it was impossible to take measures in those days.

Serdar Denktash said that in accordance with an agreement reached with Turkey, $10 million was transferred to the ``Vakiflar'' Bank to meet past ``state'' debts, but the bank preferred to place this money in long-term deposits abroad for interest. Despite all his reminders and warnings, Denktash noted the ``Vakflar Bank'' decided not to extend credit for the purchase of fuel oil. Because of this, Denktash announced the ``Electricity Corporation'' will not be able to supply electricity as of 31 October. This will be a great loss for the economy, Denktash stressed, and added: ``In a way, this is being done deliberately. This obstruction is deliberate''. Denktash said that it is his duty to announce this to the public to generate a reaction.

[04] Turks claim violation of ``TRNC airspace''

Taner Etkin, ``minister of foreign affairs and defense'', said that ``the TRNC authorities protested the incident to the United Nations and asked that it be cited in UN reports''. He added that, in addition to the United Nations, circles concerned with Cyprus were also warned about the possible consequences of such ``provocations'', as he called them.

Taner Etkin said that the necessary initiatives and measures have been taken stressing that the pseudostate and ``motherland Turkey'' are following the issue closely and sensitively.

[05] Denktash urges President Clerides to sign accord based on `` two states''

He was speaking at a ceremony held on the opening of the occupied Limnitis water project.

[06] Talat: Mideast accord should encourage Cyprus peace

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

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